Opened: 1990

Closed: 2000

Annual Production: 2,000 bbl

Run by the Martin brothers from Triple Rock in Berkeley CA. 20 Tank was a good place to stop if you were going to a show at Slim's or the Paradise Lounge. Directions: 20 Tank is "South of Market", on 11th Street between Folsom and Harrison.

Bad news: the local real estate was just too lucrative for San Francisco's techno-yuppies to pass up, the landlord tripled the brewery's rent, and this landmark pub closed in the summer of 2000. Here's the story, straight from the Tank's Don Tunis:

Thank you to all that have responded with comments, stories, and support from the closing of the brewery. It is hard to imagine that it has been 6 months. Wow!
The real estate conditions forced us to close the business, the value of the land had exceeded the value that people put on our existence-Damn it all! But, the vision lives on in the East Bay with Triple Rock Brewery, and Jupiter Berkeley, and at Jupiter in Walnut Creek. Stay tuned for more information as we look towards the future.
The last day of operation was one that I will remember the rest of my life. There were so many faces of the past that showed up to pay respects; I wish I had passed around the guest book for all to sign. Feel free to send me your stories, memories, or beer prose and praise of the place we called home for ten years.
June 2nd 2000. 11:30am, Randy opened the doors to a number of anxious people that intended to stay until the closing bell. One guy called in sick towork so he could spend the day reflecting out from inside his pint glasses. There were those who showed up at lunchtime for a plate full of stout, or agrowler full of Red Top Ale, a Moody’s High Top shirt. Some came to take pictures, others just to pray that it would not happen. And then there were those who came straight from work to pay their respects by trying every style available, and then repeating the loop. At days end, the room glowed with patrons, creating a vibrant social energy. By nightfall the band arrived and started playing a mix of Dixieland blues, and lively expressions comparable to a Mardi gras funeral, yet appropriate under the circumstances. As the night wore on I got titanic musical visions as they played on, and on, never wanting to call it a night. Thank you Lisa, Thank you Sally, and all of the DLD’s +3
As 2am rolled near, we hesitated...but then came the "LAST CALL!" Sad faces abounded as they finished their last Twenty Tank beverage...Ever. The fortunate ones stayed behind to carry on into the wee hours of the morning, and then the early afternoon. Breakfast was made, more beer was poured, and the dirty dozen that remained locked up at 11am Saturday, June 3rd, 2000. The end of an era.
The staff of the Tank has moved on, each continuing to follow their own paths. Randy is at Potrero Brewing and finishing school, Desalvo pursuing his artwork and schoolin’ others, Mark Gleason is a personal chef, Sean Carlson and Jay Meagher are still rock stars, Mike Pawlicki is the assistant brewer at Potrero Brewing, and Nora was last seen on the back of a Harley going fast down Market Street. As far as I know the others are all well, and have moved on with success. Myself, I mopped up the mess that was left, drank the rest of the beer, then worked through the summer with Jupiter, and Triple Rock Brewery.

Updated: January 21, 2008

• ESB
  English-Style (Extra Special) Strong Bitter
  • Date: June 13, 1993 (#75)
    Package: draught
    Place: St.Mary's College Beer Festival, Moraga CA
    Score: 17 points
    Overall Impression (3)
    Deep copper color and great head. Faint crystal malt aroma. The word "refreshing" comes to mind. Best 20 Tank I've had.