SF’s Beloved Craft Beer Bar Toronado Up for Sale After 37 Years
San Francisco is saying goodbye to another legendary institution as Toronado, the iconic Lower Haight beer bar, is officially up for sale. After 37 years of serving some of the best craft beer in the country, owner and founder Dave Keene has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for the beloved establishment.
Listed for $1.75 million, the sale includes Toronado’s Type 42 liquor license and the building at 543-547 Haight Street, which also housed Berliner Berliner and Rosamunde. The bar, known for its no-nonsense attitude and unparalleled beer selection, has been a cornerstone of the city’s craft beer scene since opening in 1987.
Keene built Toronado into a must-visit spot for beer lovers, curating a tap list that earned respect from brewers nationwide. The bar became famous for offering “extreme beers” and launched the now-iconic Barleywine Festival, which has been running strong for over 30 years. Its 50 rotating taps have featured everything from newcomers to cult classics like Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Younger.
While the future of Toronado remains uncertain, fans will have one last chance to celebrate its legacy during Toronado Beer Week, running from February 7 to 16. The bar plans to honor Keene’s contributions to the craft beer world with ten days of special events, rare beers, and a community sendoff fitting for such a storied establishment.
For those who have spent late nights at Toronado or made it a ritual to grab a pint of something rare and exceptional, this is the last call to soak in the atmosphere of one of San Francisco’s most legendary beer bars.
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Hat Tip: Eater SF