Mike's Beverages and Liquors at 5084 Mission Street, San Francisco carries CO2 and nitrogen (N₂) refills for kegerators, draft beer systems, nitro cold brew taps, and wine dispensers. If you need a gas tank refilled in the city, Mike's is the neighborhood source — no industrial gas supplier required.
Where can you get a CO2 or nitrogen tank refill in San Francisco?
Mike's Beverages and Liquors (5084 Mission St, San Francisco) carries both CO2 and nitrogen tanks you can buy or exchange in store. The store has been serving SF since 1959 and stocks gas refills alongside its full keg, kegerator, and draft equipment line.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM (closed Sundays). Gas refills are available for in-store pickup any open day, or for delivery across San Francisco — see the delivery section below.
You can browse available sizes and place an order online at the Gas Refills collection.
What CO2 and nitrogen tank sizes does Mike's carry?
For CO2, Mike's stocks three sizes: 5 lb, 10 lb, and 20 lb. These cover the most common home and commercial applications, from a compact single-tap kegerator (where a 5 lb tank is typically sufficient) to multi-tap systems or high-volume event setups.
For nitrogen, Mike's carries a 10 lb pure N₂ tank — the standard size for nitro cold brew systems, wine-by-the-tap preservation dispensers, and similar applications where you need an inert gas that adds no carbonation.
| Tank size | Typical use case |
|---|---|
| 5 lb | Home kegerator, 1–2 taps, low-to-moderate volume |
| 10 lb | Home kegerator, 2–4 taps, or moderate commercial use |
| 20 lb | Multi-tap system, event setup, office kegerator program |
A 5 lb CO2 tank will typically push 5–7 standard half-barrel kegs before it runs dry. Actual mileage varies by system pressure and line length.
Do I need CO2 or nitrogen for my draft system?
CO2 is the right choice for nearly all draft beer: lagers, ales, IPAs, ciders, stouts, and most craft beers are both pushed and carbonated with CO2. It is also the standard gas for soda guns and sparkling water dispensers.
Pure nitrogen (N₂) is used where you want to push a liquid without adding carbonation. Common applications include:
- Nitro cold brew coffee — nitrogen pushes the brew and creates the cascade effect without further carbonating it
- Wine-on-tap preservation — nitrogen blankets the wine to prevent oxidation while dispensing
- Kombucha taps where the beverage is pre-carbonated and the operator wants a neutral push gas
If you run a Guinness or other nitro stout on draft, check your system's spec sheet before purchasing. Many nitro-stout taps use a blended beer gas (typically a CO2/N₂ mix) rather than pure N₂ — the two are not interchangeable. Mike's carries pure CO2 and pure N₂; for blended beer gas, ask at the counter.
How does the tank deposit and return system work?
Mike's uses a deposit model: a $100 deposit per tank is charged when you take a filled tank. When you return the empty tank in acceptable condition, the $100 deposit is refunded in full.
If you already own a compatible tank and bring it in empty for an exchange, no deposit is charged — you're paying for the gas only, and you get your own tank back filled (or an equivalent tank from stock, depending on availability).
This model is standard across the beverage industry. Your cost is the gas, and your $100 comes back when you return the tank.
Can Mike's deliver CO2 or nitrogen tanks in San Francisco?
Yes — gas tank refills are available for same-day delivery within San Francisco on orders placed by 9 AM, Tuesday through Saturday. Mike's delivers to all 30 San Francisco ZIP codes it serves through its local delivery program.
For East Bay and South Bay customers, Mike's also delivers on a fixed weekly schedule: East Bay on Tuesdays, Peninsula-Close and South Bay-Far areas on Wednesdays. See the delivery info page for zone details, minimums, and fees.
Free in-store pickup is always available at 5084 Mission Street — no minimum order required.
If your business runs an office kegerator program or needs gas on a recurring schedule, Mike's corporate keg delivery program covers gas alongside kegs and equipment.
What size CO2 tank do I need for a home kegerator?
A 5 lb CO2 tank is sufficient for most single-tap home kegerators at moderate use. If you tap kegs frequently or run two taps, a 10 lb tank reduces how often you need a refill. The 20 lb size is better suited to office programs, commercial taps, or event setups where you go through volume quickly.
Does Mike's Liquors refill CO2 tanks in San Francisco?
Yes. Mike's Beverages and Liquors at 5084 Mission Street, San Francisco carries CO2 refills in 5 lb, 10 lb, and 20 lb sizes. You can pick up in store (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–6 PM) or order for same-day SF delivery on orders placed by 9 AM. View available sizes at the Gas Refills collection.
What is the difference between CO2 and nitrogen for draft beer?
CO2 pushes and carbonates nearly all styles of draft beer — ales, lagers, IPAs, ciders. Nitrogen (N₂) is used for systems that need an inert push gas without adding carbonation, such as nitro cold brew coffee, wine-on-tap, and certain nitro stout systems. Most home kegerators and bar taps use CO2. If you're unsure, check your system's gas spec or ask at the counter.
Can I get a CO2 tank delivered in San Francisco today?
If your order is placed by 9 AM on a Tuesday through Saturday, Mike's can deliver the same day within San Francisco. Order online or by phone — see delivery details.
Does Mike's carry nitrogen for nitro cold brew or kombucha taps?
Yes. Mike's carries pure nitrogen (N₂) in a 10 lb tank, which is the standard size for nitro cold brew coffee systems and other beverage-on-tap applications that call for a non-carbonating push gas. See the Gas Refills collection or our guide to cold brew kegs for SF offices for more on cold brew tap systems.