Mike's Beverages and Liquors at 5084 Mission St has been San Francisco's keg headquarters since 1959. Here's the practical guide to getting a keg for a party, wedding, or backyard in the city — sizes, how much beer each pours, what you need to tap it, deposits, and how same-day SF delivery works.
Where can you buy or rent a keg in San Francisco?
You can buy or special-order a keg in San Francisco at Mike's Beverages and Liquors, 5084 Mission St — a family-run shop and the Bay Area's keg headquarters since 1959. Mike's stocks more than 100 kegs across beer, wine, cold brew, and kombucha, rents the tap equipment to pour them, and delivers same-day in SF.
Browse the full keg catalog or the beer kegs specifically. Local favorites like Fort Point, Almanac, Anchor, and Drake's sit alongside national brands, and anything not on the shelf can usually be special-ordered with a little lead time.
What keg sizes can you get, and how much beer does each pour?
The three common keg sizes are the 1/2 barrel, 1/4 barrel, and 1/6 barrel. A 1/2 barrel holds 15.5 gallons and pours about 165 twelve-ounce beers; a 1/4 barrel holds 7.75 gallons (about 82 beers); a 1/6 barrel holds roughly 5.16 gallons (about 55 beers). Pick by headcount and fridge space.
| Keg size | Gallons | ~12 oz pours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Barrel (full) | 15.5 | ~165 | Big parties, 75+ people |
| 1/4 Barrel (pony) | 7.75 | ~82 | Mid-size gatherings |
| 1/6 Barrel (sixtel) | 5.16 | ~55 | Small parties, craft & specialty |
Wine, cold brew, and kombucha typically come in 5-gallon kegs (about 53 twelve-ounce pours). When in doubt, size up — leftover beer keeps for weeks under CO2, and a half barrel often costs less per ounce than buying the same beer in cans.
Do you need a kegerator, or can you rent a tap?
You need some way to tap and pour the keg, and you have three options: a kegerator (a refrigerator built to hold and chill a keg), a hand party pump (cheapest, but the beer goes flat within a day), or a jockey box (a cooler with chilled lines for outdoor events). Mike's sells kegerators and rents event tap gear.
For a one-day party, a tub of ice plus a rented tap or jockey box is usually enough. If you'll pour kegs regularly — an office, a garage bar, a back patio — a kegerator with a CO2 setup is worth it. Mike's staff can match the right gear to your keg and coupler.
How do keg deposits and returns work?
Kegs carry a refundable deposit because the empty shell and tap hardware come back to the store. At Mike's, the keg deposit is refunded when you return the empty keg (and any rented pump or jockey box) within the return window. Gas tanks — CO2 or nitrogen — carry their own refundable deposit per tank.
Bring the empty keg and equipment back on time and the deposit comes straight back to you. Keep them out too long and the deposit covers the store's replacement cost — so plan the return when you plan the party.
What about CO2, couplers, and tapping the keg?
To pour a keg properly you need the right coupler (the valve that connects to the keg) and a gas source. Most American beers use a D-system "Sankey" coupler, while many imports use A, S, U, or G couplers. CO2 — or nitrogen for stouts and cold brew — pushes the beer and keeps it fresh.
Mike's stocks CO2 and nitrogen refills and the parts to tap any keg. Not sure which coupler your beer needs? See our guide to keg coupler types A, D, S & U, or just tell the staff what you're pouring.
Can you get a keg delivered in San Francisco?
Yes — Mike's delivers kegs throughout San Francisco, with same-day delivery on SF orders placed by 9 AM. East Bay deliveries run on Tuesdays and South Bay on Wednesdays, and in-store pickup at 5084 Mission St is always free. Keg delivery is limited to one flight of stairs (up to 12 steps).
Delivery cost and order minimums vary by zone, and SF delivery is free over $600 — check the cart for your address's rate. For heavy keg orders, tell us where it's going so we can plan the drop and the stairs.
Beyond beer: wine, cold brew, and kombucha on tap
Kegs aren't just for beer. Mike's also stocks wine kegs, cold brew coffee and tea kegs, and kombucha kegs — popular for weddings, offices, and anyone who wants a non-beer tap. Running an office program? See our corporate keg delivery guide for SF.
How much beer is in a keg?
A 1/2 barrel keg holds 15.5 gallons and pours about 165 twelve-ounce beers. A 1/4 barrel pours about 82, and a 1/6 barrel (sixtel) about 55.
How far ahead should I order a keg in San Francisco?
For in-stock kegs, a day or two is usually enough, and SF orders placed by 9 AM can deliver same day. Special-order or popular kegs need a few days of lead time, so order earlier for weddings and big events.
Do I need a deposit to rent a keg?
Yes. Kegs carry a refundable deposit that comes back when you return the empty keg and any rented tap on time. CO2 and nitrogen tanks have their own refundable per-tank deposit.
What do I need to tap a keg?
You need a tap setup — a kegerator, a party pump, or a jockey box — plus the correct coupler for your beer and a CO2 (or nitrogen) source for proper, fresh pours. Mike's can supply all three.
Can I get a keg delivered same day in San Francisco?
Yes, SF orders placed by 9 AM qualify for same-day keg delivery. East Bay is Tuesdays and South Bay is Wednesdays. Delivery is limited to one flight of stairs (up to 12 steps), and in-store pickup is always free.
Ready to pour? Browse all kegs, grab a kegerator or event tap rental, and Mike's will help you size it right. SF's keg headquarters since 1959.