Finding myself in San Francisco on a chilly April Sunday, I went in search of lunch and a good beer. Tucked away into a quiet corner of the Mission District, on Treat Ave, Southern Pacific Brewing was a welcome and pleasant discovery.
The brewery and bar and grill all occupy a large warehouse space whose large windows, lots of skylights and high ceiling provide lots of light and give a sense openness. There is enough light in fact to support a couple of trees growing in the restaurant area. Despite the name, the decor and ambience is not particularly train-oriented –which could be a relief to some, and a disappointment to others.
I found the beer I had to be quite good. Of the two I specially enjoyed the Belgian Blonde. It had a nice Belgian character without being overly fruity or spicy. I also tried the Barrel Aged Blend. It was not particularly oaky or sour, which is kind of what I had been expecting, but I did enjoy it as well. I think they told me it was aged in a Chardonnay barrel, but I may be wrong about that.
I wish I had tried some of the other beers to get a fuller picture of their brews –as it turned out the Belgian Blonde was a major part of what went into the barrel, so the flavor profile of both beers I tried was pretty similar– but being alone and facing a long drive home I had to limit myself.
In any case, it would certainly be worth a return trip when in the neighborhood.
Southern Pacific Brewing Co.
620 Treat Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94110