The Crafty Fox Ale House
Barry Smyth and Micheal McCloskey opened the Crafty Fox on Mission Street in July 2015, with Jason Perkins and Michael O'Connor of the Brick & Mortar Music Hall next door. Thirty-six handles go up and every one of them rotates, most pouring Northern California beer. In 2017 a CraftBeer.com readers' poll voted it the best beer bar in California.
Why go
That poll drew over 7,000 votes and named one bar per state. In this city it beat Toronado, Monk's Kettle and City Beer Store. San Diego's Toronado, Hamilton's Tavern and Barrel Republic went down with them, and so did the Trappist in Oakland.1 Voters were asked about atmosphere, staff, beer selection and events.
The kitchen sends out a maple pork sandwich and beef cheek poutine. A beer garden at the back opens to the outside.3 Brick & Mortar is through the wall, so time a visit around whoever is playing.
I have not found anything published about this room since 2017.
Order this / avoid
- Order: off the local end of the board.
- Order: the beef cheek poutine, with a seat in the back garden.
- Avoid: assuming a beer you liked here last time is still on.
What locals & experts say
- Scott Mansfield, 7x7, two months after it opened:
This pub may look and feel like a comfy, low-key Irish alehouse, thanks to Irish owner-cousins Barry Smyth and Micheal McCloskey, but it eats and drinks like San Francisco.
3 - The bar's own account of how it buys:
We strive to offer the best of both locally and nationally sourced brews in a comfortable environment.
2
Good to know
- Where: 1700 Mission Street, near the SoMa line.
- Hours: the bar publishes none of its own and points at its Google listing, so check before you set out.
Verdict
could-visit — Walk in; there is nothing to book. Take the back garden if it is open.