Ever wonder how the chocolate you're eating came to be? Or what exactly is in the beer you're drinking? Some Bay Area favorites can give you that answer at their free factory tours.
740 Valencia, 349-0942
The petite space that produces all the factory's chocolate (they're expanding to a bigger space next year!)* hosts half-hour tours that goes over where their beans come from, the growing and roasting processes and the actual chocolate making. Hopefully they won't move out of the city like other chocolate makers (R.I.P. Embarcadero Tcho). Reserve your spot through their website.
1328 Stockton, 362-3204
Ever wonder how the little slips of paper are inserted in fortune cookies? Get the answer in Chinatown at Mee Mee and learn about their other products including their Cow Ear Snackers and sesame and almond cookies in their short, but sweet tour. Reservations can be made by phone.
1705 Mariposa, 863-8350
As one of San Francisco's oldest breweries, open since 1896, Anchor not only offers a free tour and tasting, but pieces of SF history as well. Tours can last up to an hour of beer and history goodness. Reservations are a must and can be made up to six months in advance by phone.
1 Jelly Belly Ln., Fairfield, 707-428-2800
Sweet, savory, sour, or spicy, learn how these candy beans get from Fairfield to your local grocery store. You can also get bean-shaped pizzas and burgers before the tour at their Jelly Cafe. Machines only operate during the week so head over then for some real action. No reservations are needed.
7510 Pt. Reyes Petaluma Rd., Petaluma, 707-762-6001
Head north to see how cheese is done up there.Two daily tours take you through their production process. Sample some in their retail store too while you're out of the city. Visit their website for schedules.
*A previous version of this article stated that Dandelion had moved from their Valencia location. They are expanding to a larger location in 2015 and will not move from the Mission. SF Weekly regrets the error.
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