Most San Franciscans are proud of their hometown. We're thankfully bereft of any apologetic nature regarding the city when visitors come through, unlike the inhabitants of cities like Tuscon and Tulsa. We've got bay views, more arts and cultural offerings than you can shake a fist at (feel free to shake two if you're at a metal concert) and great weather, if you consider the fog aesthetically pleasing. It's no wonder that we like to take pride in our beers as well. California is home to some great brews, and San Francisco and the surrounding areas excel at propelling the state's brewing reputation to the top of the ranks. So the next time a person begins droning on and on about the benefits of their macrobiotic diet, kindly inform them that you are a firm believer in only consuming locally produced beers. At least you'll probably avoid having to engage in that conversation again. Our list starts off smooth with some of the best breweries in the area, and finishes with a kick of a few city bars where you can expect some local pours, leaving you thirsting for more.

Anchor Brewing Company
You can't talk about local San Franciscan breweries without giving proper recognition to Anchor. Largely considered America's first microbrewery, their eight unique beers, including the much revered Anchor Steam, are a heavily embedded part of the city's beer culture. Featured in the book "Small Giants," the brewery has chosen to remain small and privately owned, choosing to not sell out to "the man," "become corporate" or some equally undesirable outcome. Anchor's beers are handmade using handcrafted equipment...are you getting the idea that they're a hands-on kind of brewery? Bad puns aside, if you ever get the chance to tour the brewery, jump on it. They offer one public tour each weekday by phone reservation only, and are booked clear until September. If you do manage to snag a spot on the tour, you'll be treated to a tasting at the end, for free, which may be well worth the wait.

1705 Mariposa St. San Francisco 94107

Speakeasy Ales and Lagers
Getting to the Speakeasy Brewery may feel a little like sneaking to an actual speakeasy back in the day, as you drive through the increasingly shady Hunter's Point area. But don't worry, just like the journey to a speakeasy during Prohibition era, this trip is well worth it. Every Friday at the brewery is an event they've nicknamed "Firkin' Friday." From 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. you enjoy happy hour pint specials (usually $3 a beer), free popcorn, and the company of the other drunks and markedly more coherent tour guides as you romp through the warehouse. This is also one of the only times you can try out their Hunter's Point Porter, which is a special release and rarely found outside the brewery. Another favorite is their ass kicker of an Imperial India Pale Ale, the "Double Daddy." The a.b.v. is above 9%, and if you drink enough of it the beer will be yelling "who's your daddy" as your hangover pounds into your skull the next morning.

1195 Evans Ave. San Francisco 94124

Shmaltz Brewing Company
With clever names, colorful labels, and cheeky packaging, Shmaltz's He'Brew line of "chosen" beers Isn't lacking a distinct flavor, inside or outside the bottle. The brewery caters to imbibers who take the beer, and not themselves, too seriously. In addition to their "He'Brew" beers, they've tried their hand at Coney Island inspired lagers, like the "Albino Python," "Human Blockhead" and other so-called "Freak Beers." Also, you have to admire their ability to play with the beer names, from the new "Rejewvenator" to their "R.I.P.A." Out of the breweries featured on the list, this one may be the hardest to find on tap locally. The He'Brew is on rotation at Monk's Kettle in the Mission and Church Key in North Beach. If you're not feelin' the trek to the Mission or North Beach, you'll probably be best served picking up a six-pack at a nearby Whole Foods or Bev'Mo and serving yourself at home. Or you can buy a variety of their beers, and continue to drink until you consider yourself one of "the chosen" ones.

912 Cole St. #338 San Francisco 94117

21st Amendment Brewery
21st Amendment is more bar and restaurant, less brewery in look. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of stopping by 21st Amendment at a time other than before or after a Giant's game. It's usually crowded due to it's proximity to AT&T park, and the legions of fans slowing the service and adding to the increasingly loud din may leave a sour taste in your mouth. Any other time, you'll have a second to relax, gather your bearings, and enjoy a good beer at your own pace. Immensely popular at the moment is their "Hell or High Watermelon Wheat." Served with a slice of watermelon dunked right into the glass, it's a beer with no middle ground, meaning you'll either love it or hate it. Also popular is the "Double Trouble Imperial I.P.A.," if drinking watermelon beer doesn't leave you feeling your manliest. You can order food as well, meaning you won't have to rely on snatching watermelon slices off of other customers' beers for sustenance. An additional plus is the fact that they sell their watermelon beer and an I.P.A in six-pack cans, so you take some for the road. Just don't be tempted to crack any open on the drive home.

563 2nd St. San Francisco 94107

Lagunitas
Alright, so we couldn't help ourselves and had to include Petaluma's Lagunitas Brewing Company. I mean, hey, it's still local even though it's not within city limits, right? They're all about changing it up for the seasons at Lagunitas, and even give you a preview of what's to come on their website (expect an insanely dark Cappuccino Stout come fall). The I.P.A., which is available year-round in unlimited release, has die hard followers who savor every hoppy drop. If you're willing to venture up the 101 a little, you can take trip out to the brewery for a tour, which they hold every weekday at 3:00 p.m.

North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma 94954

Now the Important Information: Where to Find the Beer

Mouth watering for some tasty brews? Ready to ditch out on work early and celebrate your right as a San Franciscan to drink great local beers? Looking for an excuse to get drunk during your lunch break? Here's a few of the bars that are known for their local pours:

Toronado - If you're one to meekly wait behind your more vocal co-patrons, you'll be waiting a while. Pipe up, order a beer, and fight your way to one of the few seating options available. If you come at less busy times, you can sample the beers beforehand, and you'll have plenty of time to figure out your local favorite.

547 Haight St. San Francisco 94117

Gestalt Haus - Like Toronado, this bar is strictly beer. Unlike Toronado, the vibe is more laid back and unhurried. They serve beers in three sizes: pints, 1/2 liter, and a liter that may suffice as your bicep exercise for the day. An added plus is the in-house sausages, with includes a veggie option for all you meat-abstainers out there.

3159 16th St. San Francisco 94110

Lucky 13 - While the distinct punk rock vibe may be off-putting at times, sometimes there's nothing like downing beer to the Misfits in a darkly lit bar. They'll usually be carrying the Lagunitas seasonal offering, as well as a random selection of other locals.

2140 Market St. San Francisco 94114

Zeitgeist - Nothing draws the droves like a sunny day and Zeitgeist's back patio. On those warm weather days, there's no better place to enjoy a selection of local beers, but that's if you can find a seat. Zeitgeist's "beer garden" is far from a secret, and you may have to fight with other fans for a place to park your rear to avoid being stuck next to the bathrooms.

199 Valencia St. San Francisco 94103