Rocco
It’s no wonder San Francisco is a popular tourist destination with its diverse and vibrant neighborhoods and exciting food scene.
One of the things I enjoy most when visiting SF is bar hopping. I love how each bar or pub has its own atmosphere and personality.
During my last trip, I dedicated a couple of nights to trying Irish establishments and decided to put together a list of the best Irish pubs in San Francisco.
Durty Nelly’s
2328 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 664-2555
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Durty Nelly’s is one of the best Irish pubs in San Francisco for watching sports in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
The bar also has live music, trivia, and karaoke. The drink selection includes Irish whiskeys, wine, and beer.
I highly recommend this spot for mingling with friendly patrons and enjoying the excellent fish and chips with a cold brew.
Look for the yellow and blue building on Irving Street, between 24th and 25th Street. Golden Gate Park is nearby.
The Irish Bank
10 Mark Ln, San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 788-7152
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink in Downtown SF, I recommend the Irish Bank.
With Guinness and Smithwicks on tap, it’s a great spot for enjoying some Irish beer, but you’ll also find local brews along with Irish and American whiskeys.
The Irish breakfast was memorable, and I enjoyed the cozy and laid-back atmosphere.
You’ll find this small bar on Bush and Kearny Street, not far from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
198 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 615-0916
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With its upscale burgers, shepherd’s pie, and exceptional fish and chips, the Chieftain is the place to go if you’re in the mood for some satisfying pub grub.
The beer of the month is a great way to discover new breweries, and the Chieftain also serves a mix of local and Irish ales and lagers.
If you want more options, there are bottled beers as well.
The Chieftain is on the corner of Howard and 5th Street in Union Square.
I recommend taking a stroll through the Yerba Buena Gardens while you’re in the area.
Johnny Foley’s Irish House
243 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 954-0777
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Johnny Foley’s Irish House is one of my favorite places to go out in Union Square with its rustic decor and live music events.
The dueling piano show was a highlight of my trip to SF.
The impressive selection of California and Oregon brews on tap is a nice touch, and you’ll also find European beers, wines, spirits, and more.
This Irish pub is on O’Farrell and Cyril Magnin Street, a block away from the Union Square landmark.
Irish Times
500 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 9411
Phone: (415) 217-5060
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If you’re looking for fun places to go out with a group of friends who love sports, the Irish Times is the place to be.
This sports bar has the authentic feel of an Irish neighborhood pub with its casual atmosphere and hearty plates.
I recommend ordering the Irish breakfast with a pint of Guinness.
You’ll find Irish Times between Chinatown and the Financial District, on Sacramento and Sansome Street.
You should be able to see the Transamerica Pyramid from the bar.
Little Shamrock
807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: (415) 661-0060
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Having a pint at Little Shamrock was one of the top items on my San Francisco trip bucket list.
This neighborhood bar has been around for over 120 years and even kept operating as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
The selection of tap and bottled beer is exactly what you would expect from a historical bar, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.
Little Shamrock is near Lincoln Way and 9th Avenue, across the street from the Botanical Garden.
The Plough and the Stars
116 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 751-1122
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The Plough and the Stars deserves a spot on the list of my favorite fun places to get drinks in the City thanks to its live bluegrass and traditional Irish music live events.
The atmosphere can feel electrifying once the patrons start dancing, and the Guinness on tap is of course a highlight.
Head to the Jordan Park area and you’ll find this bar on Clement Street and 2nd Avenue, not far from the Presidio Golf Course.
The Buena Vista
2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 474-5044
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For an authentic SF experience, I recommend riding the Powell-Hyde cable car to the end of the line.
You’ll find yourself in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, a few feet away from Hyde and Beach Street where you’ll find the Buena Vista.
The Buena Vista is a traditional Irish cafe credited for popularizing Irish coffee in America in the 50s.
The cafe serves a wonderful selection of food to accompany these drinks, including fresh seafood, corned beef, and Irish bread pudding.
The Napper Tandy
3200 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 550-7510
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The Napper Tandy is a sports bar where you’ll find vibrant watch parties, fun trivia nights, some delicious comfort food, and a classic beer selection.
The bar also serves spirits and cocktails.
I recommend trying the Irish soda bread if you’re in the mood for a quick snack and let the bartender surprise you with the rotating beer selection.
The Napper Tandy is in Dolores Heights, at the intersection of 24th Street and S Van Ness Avenue.
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