The Tipsy Pig in San Francisco has it all – worldly pints, local bites, classy cocktails, and a smart space complete with library, bar, and garden patio.
I spent last weekend eating & drinking my way around San Francisco with friends. On Sunday, when my friend Michael's favorite lookout spot in Marin was closed for construction, he suggested the Tipsy Pig in Marina instead. This self-proclaimed gastrotavern (a.k.a. America's version of a British gastropub) was the perfect Plan B & definitely my Plan A next time I'm in town.
The Washdown:
- citrusy, hoppy, rye flavor Lagunitas American IPA (Petaluma, California) 5.7% ABV
- off the menu, so refreshing it'll replace your vodka lemonade summer drink Dark & Stormy
To drink, I had to go with the state of California's #1 IPA, Lagunitas, and Michael's suggestion of The Pig's popular, off-the-menu Dark & Stormy.
The Lagunitas IPA ($4 for 10oz, $5 for 15oz, $7 for 20oz) has a grapefruit citrusy, hoppy, rye bread malt flavor, an orange honey color, and is a bit on the bitter side. An interesting factoid from the Lagunitas Brewery website says it's made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts.
The Tipsy Pig has 8 Pints on tap including Chimay White Ale, Leffe Blonde, Guinness, and Paulaner Hefeweizen. They have 24 Worldly Bottles of Beer including Samuel Smith's Organic Ale (England, 5% ABV), Delirium Tremens (Belgium, 9% ABV), Weinstephaner Hefeweizen (Germany, 5.4% ABV), Hitachino White Ale (Japan, 5% ABV), and Abita Raspberry Wheat (North America, 4.2% ABV).
The Dark & Stormy cocktail is very refreshing. Made with Rum, Ginger Beer, and a Squeeze of Lime, it's not too citrusy or sugary, but just right, and sure to replace your Vodka Lemonade on a hot summer day. The Tipsy Pig has 12 other cocktails ($9-10) all with creative ingredients like Organic "That's My Jamm" Orange Marmalade in the English Fashion Bourbon ($9).
The Grubdown:- refreshingly unique Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe with Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw, Sprouts & Herbed Aioli on a Pain De Mie Bun
- fight-worthy, herbed & salted just right Sweet Potato Fries with Herbed Aioli Dipping Sauce
- impressively fresh Mixed Greens & Rocket Side Salad with Raspberries, Blackberries, Pecans & Goat Cheese Crostini
- could have been better, spongey fake egg-like Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with White Cheddar, Herb Frittata & Roasted Ham
- "amazeballs" golden, chunky, not too greasy Hash Brown
If you're going to order one thing at The Tipsy Pig make sure it's the Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe sandwich ($11) with a side of Sweet Potato Fries. The Pork is high quality, not fatty, and very tender. The Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw pumps up the vinegar in the pork. The Sprouts really add an earthy, unique, unexpectedly fresh flavor. And the soft, buttery bun melts in your mouth.
We were all fighting over the Sweet Potato Fries (free with Sandwiches, Side is $6) with thick salt crystals and fresh chopped herbs. The creamy Aioli dipping sauce it comes with – same sauce as on the Pulled Pork Sandwich – is extremely light and thin almost like a dressing, and not too garlicky.
The Mixed Greens & Rocket Salad ($9) is really beautiful to look at and taste. It comes with farmers market fresh Raspberries and Blackberries, Toasted Pecans, Creamy Herbed Goat Cheese Toasted Crostinis, and a Pomegranate Vinaigrette.
We were really looking forward to the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich ($10), but were more impressed by the Hash Brown it comes with – "amazeballs" golden, not too greasy, with large chunky shreds of potato. While the Black Forest Ham on the sandwich is smokey & sweet, the texture of the Herb Frittata Egg tastes more like spongey fake egg – at least the White Cheddar made it better. Perhaps we should've gone for the Chive-Goat Cheese Scramble ($11) with Asparagus & Proscuitto, or the Skirt Steak & Eggs ($13) with Tomato Confit & Rosemary Aioli.
The Tipsy Pig is a popular spot for Sunday Brunch (10:30am-2:30pm) outside on the lovely Garden Patio, which can also be rented for private parties, complete with bar & screening area. But anywhere at The Pig will make you squeal with glee, whether it's the Bustling Bar (open til 2am), cute Library Dining Room (til 11pm), or even the Nook overlooking Chestnut Street.
Follow @tipsypig for Memorial Day specials.