Hayes Valley, San Francisco · shop
America's first dedicated sake store, open in Hayes Valley since 2002 and built before most of the West Coast knew the difference between a Ginjo and a Junmai Daiginjo (a distinction the staff here will happily walk you through.) The shop carries 300-plus labels organized by style and character, from light and floral to dry and complex. Free tastings run every Saturday from 2 to 4.
Top-selling Daiginjo with stone fruit aromas, single-pasteurized
Gateway Daiginjo with aromas of grape, cotton candy, and lemonade
Rich, food-friendly Junmai perfect for chilled or warm service