Woods Outbound — Restaurant in San Francisco

Some great beer to be had here! (5/5 green stars) Woods Outbound (to use the official name) is the fifth branch of Woods Beer and a perfect spot to relax after a hike through Golden Gate Park or a trip to the beach. It’s a tight space, but that’s sometimes a good thing in a bar and they do also have two fair-sized tables near the window. The young chap behind the bar was very friendly and a testament to what hospitality should be. Beer: we tried 4 of them ($6-$9) and found them all to be interesting and some exceptional – for me the standout was the Local Honey ($8). We also had two empanadas ($6 ea.) – the Acelga (Swiss chard, gruyere, pine nuts) and Fugazetta (cheese and onion) – and felt that the pastry was wonderful but the fillings were a little bit disappointing. The cheese empanada was a little empty – we may have received a lemon. It’s a pity, because I’ve had El Porteño’s alfajores before at the Ferry Building and they were amazing. The beer is perhaps a touch on the pricey side – for example, $9 for their Smooch. But considering the ingredients (they put something like 10 lbs of raspberries into each barrel for that beer) it I think it’s not crazy.

I’m giving them 5/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons:

• Woods are best known for incorporating yerba mate into some of their beer. They source their mate from EcoTeas, who grow it organically, use green energy and are the first “water-neutral” tea company. • Their Morpho beer ($9 for 22 oz. bottle) is an organic herbal ale (also incorporating mate). Organic beer is fairly uncommon – some larger breweries (like New Belgium) had trouble selling theirs at the higher price point. • Their empanadas are made by El Porteño, who tend to use pretty good ingredients (mine had locally-sourced organic chard, others have Prather Ranch grass-fed beef, etc.) • Empanadas are served in a simple brown paper bag. • Of course, the beer is locally-brewed, reducing transport emissions and carbon footprint. • Woods are exploring interesting alternative ingredients for their beer, such as yams.

Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me!...

Went here on a Wednesday afternoon. Place wasn't busy. Parking easy to find.

Stumbled upon this place before eating. Really chill vibe. The beertender was very cool. Ordered their coffee porter and their pilsner. Head retention was very small on the pour. Didn't get much coffee in the porter. The pilsner had a slight twang on the palate.

Overall, the beers were okay. Nothing great. The place was very cool. Indoor seating in a narrow building with an outside spot to drink in the back and extra seating in the front. Great service. Cool spot if you're in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't go outta...

Loved my matenegro, a black lager made with yerba mate that had head like a Guinness, but while full bodied it was smoother/silkier than Guinness. I don't drink often, and when I do it's a pleasant surprise when I really enjoy it. I have an overall 5 stars, and only took off one star in the "atmosphere" section because the music was too loud. But do take context that I think most bars and restaurants are too loud in general. I'd come back here regardless.

I lived in Santiago de Chile a little over a decade ago... And didn't try the empanadas today. Next time.

Bonus points for being dog...