Otherwise Brewing

Address
1402 Grant Ave
San Francisco,CA94133United States Get Directions
Phone 415-300-3474
Website https://www.otherwisebrewing.com/

Vibe: Laid-Back & Inclusive | Thoughtful & Airy | Celiac-Safe Sanctuary

Otherwise Brewing is San Francisco’s first fully dedicated gluten‑free brewery and taproom, now housed in the former Church Key space on Grant Avenue in North Beach. The brewers lean on naturally gluten‑free grains like millet, buckwheat, and rice to create beers that stand on their own merits, not just as alternatives. The two‑story space feels bright and relaxed downstairs, with a cozy red‑velvet lounge upstairs that makes it easy to settle in for a full evening whether you’re strictly gluten‑free or just curious.
Live music & atmosphere  
Otherwise doubles as a low‑key neighborhood music hub, layering a thoughtful entertainment calendar onto its easygoing taproom energy. Beers with Soul, hosted by Booker D every 2nd and 4th Wednesday night, turns the room into a vinyl‑only funk, soul, and R&B clubhouse, with 45rpm records spinning while people work through tasting flights and gluten‑free hot dogs. On 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons, vocalist Marissa McLain brings in a rotating band for a mellow jazz set that feels tailor‑made for easing out of the weekend. First Fridays often add special performances or themed sets that tie into the North Beach art walk, pulling in a mix of regulars and new faces flowing down Grant.
Food
The food program is simple but smart, focused on options that play well with beer and respect the gluten‑free mission. Hot dogs and other easy bar bites make Beers with Soul nights feel like a full hang rather than just a quick stop. Everything is designed to keep the focus on the tap list while still giving you something satisfying to snack on between sets.
Drinks
The tap list is the heart of Otherwise, showcasing a wide range of gluten‑free beers brewed from ancient and drought‑resistant grains. Standouts like Calrose Crisp and Guava Fresca have picked up gold and platinum medals at the Brewski Awards, signaling that the quality matches or beats more traditional barley‑based breweries. Flights make it easy to explore different styles, and the staff is used to guiding both beer nerds and gluten‑free newcomers toward something that fits their taste.
Details that define the room
• 100% gluten‑free brewery and taproom, built from the ground up for celiac‑safe drinking.
• Two‑story layout with an airy main bar and intimate red‑velvet lounge upstairs.
• Signature recurring events: Beers with Soul (2nd/4th Wednesdays), Marissa McLain jazz Sundays, and special First Fridays sets.
• Award‑winning beers brewed from millet, buckwheat, rice, and other alternative grains, including Calrose Crisp and Guava Fresca.
• Mission‑driven focus on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable ingredients, attracting both gluten‑free locals and adventurous beer fans.
Categories: North Beach

Events at this venue

Today

  • The Arrows

    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Bay Area instrumental trio The Arrows performs at Otherwise Brewing for North Beach First Fridays art walk. Composed of guitarist Kelyn Crapp, bassist Bill MacBeath, and drummer Ricky Wayne Garrett,...

    Free

  • Marissa McLain Jazz

    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Marissa McLain brings classic jazz vocals to Otherwise Brewing, backed by a rotating group of local musicians. An emerging San Francisco vocalist and poet originally from Oregon, McLain is noted for a warm, rich voice and strong sense of swing; her regular North Beach appearances favor beloved standards and a relaxed Sunday-afternoon jazz atmosphere.

    Free

  • Alexandra Rieloff Jazz Trio

    Alexandra Rieloff Jazz Trio
    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Spend your Sunday afternoon immersed in the sultry, soulful sounds of the Alexandra Rieloff Trio at Otherwise Brewing. Known for her versatile background as a choreographer and filmmaker, Brooklyn-born Chilean vocalist Alexandra Rieloff brings a cinematic elegance to her jazz performances. This intimate set will feature a timeless repertoire of Jazz Standards, Bossa Nova, and...

    Free

  • Marissa McLain Jazz

    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Marissa McLain brings classic jazz vocals to Otherwise Brewing, backed by a rotating group of local musicians. An emerging San Francisco vocalist and poet originally from Oregon, McLain is noted for a warm, rich voice and strong sense of swing; her regular North Beach appearances favor beloved standards and a relaxed Sunday-afternoon jazz atmosphere.

    Free

  • Matt Bae Jazz Trio

    Matt Bae Jazz Duo
    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Otherwise Brewing welcomes the Matt Bae Jazz Trio — led by San Francisco‑based jazz pianist Matthew Bae, whose roots in classical piano and viola, chamber music, orchestra, and American Gamelan give his playing a rich, multidimensional depth. Performing in settings from intimate duos to larger ensembles, he brings a continuous study of the jazz language...

    Free

  • Marissa McLain Jazz

    Otherwise Brewing 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States

    Marissa McLain brings classic jazz vocals to Otherwise Brewing, backed by a rotating group of local musicians. An emerging San Francisco vocalist and poet originally from Oregon, McLain is noted for a warm, rich voice and strong sense of swing; her regular North Beach appearances favor beloved standards and a relaxed Sunday-afternoon jazz atmosphere.

    Free
Event details are subject to change. Please confirm dates, times and cover charges with the venue before attending.