By Eric Tanaka

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In a significant boost to Downtown San Francisco’s social scene, the Metreon, currently boasting an impressive 90% occupancy rate, is set to welcome East Brother Beer Co., a Richmond-based brewery with a penchant for classic beer styles. The soon-to-open Rec Room will feature an indoor-outdoor taproom, adding to Metreon’s existing allure. Unlike the less fortunate San Francisco Centre, the Rec Room will offer patrons not just a wide selection of 15 or so beers on tap but also a variety of board games, darts, and pool, all set within more than 3,000 square feet of space overlooking the verdant Yerba Buena Gardens, as per The SF Standard.

East Brother Beer Co. isn’t just stopping at creating a convivial atmosphere; they aim to offer “beautiful examples of existing styles,” focusing on Pilsners and lagers. The co-founder, Rob Lightner, also suggested adding seasonal varieties like Festbier and Munich dunkel to their roster. “We’re kind of like a session musician,” Lightner told The SF Standard, emphasizing their commitment to brewing quality examples of classic beer styles.

Lightner isn’t just relying on the usual brewery offerings to draw in the crowds. According to a San Francisco Chronicle interview, the taproom will also boast a variety of amenities, ranging from foosball and billiards tables to an outdoor patio where customers can enjoy their beer steps away from Yerba Buena Gardens. This move comes in response to a maturing industry where “people want a little bit more,” Lightner said.

The Rec Room’s appeal is banking on the growing craft beer aficionado crowd and the uptick in downtown’s work and tourism resurgence. East Brother believes they could fully seize the momentum in this area, and to further cultivate their presence within the city, they supply to wholesalers. “It’s that old business theory,” Lightner told the San Francisco Chronicle, “Go where you can sell to your existing customers.”