Battle of the Beer Sausage: Gestalt Haus vs. Toronado & Rosamund

By Majnoonita | updated about 1 month ago

It's Friday. There are two things that you want the most in life right now: beer and sausage. Where's a hungry, thirsty germanophile to go?? If you're in SF you've got two superb options to serve your germanophiliac needs.

Hate Free in Lower Haight

Technically Rosamunde Sausage Grill and Toronado are two separate establishments but they operate almost symbiotically, with patrons of Toronado ordering sausages at Rosamunde’s and bringing them over to enjoy with their beer.

Ok, I’m not gonna hate on Gestalt or anything, but I must confess: Rosamunde sausages are far superior. The rolls are pretty much the same, but Rosamunde has greater sausage variety, but more importantly, a wild and rambunctious condiment selection. Choose from sausages like: Wild boar, duck with figs, spicy lamb and beef, beer, chicken habenero (watch out! that shit is hot), italian, and yes or course a vegan option. Aside from the gourmand array, the condiments sort of steal the show. Each sausage comes with your choice of two toppings (saurkraut, hot peppers, sweet peppers, grilled onions or chili) and any number of condiments: yellow mustard, ketchup, brown mustard, mango chutney, and my personal favorite, wasabi mustard. One thing is for sure, sausages are messy. Embrace it. Lick those fingers, wipe your face on your sleeve. It tastes so good you wont care how you look afterwards.

On timing: during peak times (which are often, as this place is popular) it can take about 10 minutes for your sausage to be ready, which is kind of amazing given that this is generally a one-person show. The dudes and dudettes who man the counter are exceptional multi-taskers, so show them props and leave a tip in the jar!

Once you’ve obtained the sausage of your dreams, head next door to Toronado to pair your creation with a delicious brew. Torondao is one of the best beer bars in the city (also beer-only), boasting an insane variety with almost 50 beers on tap and a ton of bottles to choose from. The only downside is that the insane beer options tend to foster an insane crowd. This place is not for claustrophobes. And watch out while trying to get from point A to point B with a full beer intact: someone is bound to elbow you or your beer and set off a domino effect of precious beer, drunk morons and flying sausages. My best advice: chug some of your beer at the bar before you try to go back to your table, or standing nook, or whatever miniscule space you and your party are occupying.

Vive la Missionista

A little over a year ago Gestalt Haus opened up in what used to be one of the coziest coffee shops in the Mission (Cafe La Onda, remember??). At first I was skeptical of the new establishment, but I was quickly wooed not only by the smell of grilled meat, but by the sexy, two-tiered bike rack located inside the bar for my bike storage convenience. My first experience at Gestalt was quite pleasant. I went on my initial exploretory research mission with a good friend and we were pleasantly surprised by two things: the exceptionally friendly bartender and the relatively unpretentiousness of the crowd. One of the reasons I wasn’t so thrilled with my experiences at Zeitgeist (a similar, bike-oriented bar in the Mission) was because of the massive chip-on-the-shoulder patronage. None of that exists at Gestalt, at least not when I hang out there.

Moving on: Let’s talk consumption. If you’re a commuter cyclist like me, you know that you often arrive to your destinations with an appetite. Gestalt only serves beer, so those of you with gluten allergens wont have such a great time here. That said, in addition to your basic mainstream beers (Stella, Anchor Steam, Blue Moon), they have a giant selection of local and international craft-brews on tap which seem to rotate quite frequently. They always carry a few dark and complex Belgians, and of course some craft lagers and more hoptastical creations. Not sure what you like? Ask one of the bartenders. In my experience they are very friendly, knowledgeable and genuine.

Ok, ok, let’s talk sausage. But before we get to the meat of the matter (come on, laugh, you love puns), let’s take a look at the bread situation. These puppies aren’t served on vapid wonder bread-esque buns. No, no. They come nestled inside an organic (!) soft rustic roll that has been slightly toasted to a warm perfection. Your choice of toppings is limited to ketchup, yellow mustard and saurkraut, but after a liter of Belgian beer you wont really give damn as long as it’s hot and meaty and in your mouth.

The sausage selection is pretty good, depending on what’s in stock. They typically have anywhere from 5-8 sausage varieties which include: your basic brat, chicken jalepeno, a veal and pork combo, a vegan option and more. Whatever you choose, I recommend smothering it in kraut and mustard.

Sides: german potato salad with bacon!