April 12, 2017

San Francisco: Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery; restaurant review

1398 Haight St., (415) 864.7468.  L-D daily, Sat-SunBr. 

Named with nods to both the Grateful Dead song “Sugar Magnolia” and to the 24-hour erotic bakery called Magnolia Thunderpussy (after the burlesque queen owner of the same name) that was in this space in the 1960s, the Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery brewpub produces good vibes and an ever-changing line-up of artisan ales (the brewing takes place in the basement).  More Magnolia pub history.

exterior of Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
exterior of Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California


One is a big, bold ale that is gloriously tagged Old Thunderpussy Barleywine, but the tasty customer favorite is the pub’s flagship Blue Bell Bitter--a well-balanced classic English-style delight and the first beer they ever brewed when they opened in 1997.  In fact, you’ll notice that most beers are named for Grateful Dead songs.  Several images of the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia are displayed in the pub.

beer board at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
beer board at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California


beer taps at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
beer taps at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California


Seating is available indoors at a bar, at a high shared table, and in comfy leather booths, plus sidewalk-side outdoors.

interior at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
interior at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California


street view from Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
street view from Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California


The brunch menu offers both grapefruit and orange mimosas that are perfect with “Devils on Horseback” appetizer dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon.

"Devils on Horseback" at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
"Devils on Horseback" at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery
in San Francisco, California


I was delighted with my German cheese-filled kasekrainer sausage served atop some sweet roasted baby carrots sprinkled with pickled mustard seed, and I used my side of lavain toast to sop up the juices.

kasekrainer sausage plate at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
kasekrainer sausage plate at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery
in San Francisco, California


My dining partner had the full English breakfast with a banger and bacon plus two eggs, butter beans, and grilled tomatoes.

full English breakfast at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery in San Francisco, California
full English breakfast at Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery
in San Francisco, California


A breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, pork sausage patty, and brioche bun burger are also on the menu.  While we were here, we went back in time to the ‘60s via memory-inducing rock in the background--“Turn, Turn, Turn,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Shelter from the Storm,” and our exit song--“White Rabbit.”  Also see, Smokestack at Magnolia Brewing Co. in Dogpatch



More things to do in San Francisco.

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More things to do in Haight-Ashbury.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

7 comments:

  1. Hi Carole,
    First time to the Haight: 1968. Was a life-changing time back then. Second visit was 2014. I wanted to walk those streets again, trying to conjure up anything familiar from 46 years earlier. Well, that didn't happen, but what Conrad and I found was a place with some charming places -- like the Magnolia -- and a vibe of reliving that infamous history. I enjoyed my revisit there, but you can never go home, as they say. Thanks for a walk down memory lane.
    Josie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is certainly different now than it was then. Be sure to look at my link More things to do in Haight-Ashbury above, under the article.

      Delete
  2. We use to make devils on horseback with blue cheese, so delicious. The Magnolia looks like a great way to spend some time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The food looks so delicious!!! Fun spot, that's for sure!

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  4. Magnolia Gastropub looks like a fun place to visit. I like English-style beer so i'd definitely try the Blue Bell Bitter. And the food looks pretty tasty too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I lived in the Haight in the mid-90's and led walking tours there. Such a fascinating history that neighborhood has, and not just the hippie period either. This pub wasn't there when I lived there, but it looks like it would fit in well.

    ReplyDelete

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