Best Places to Get Irish Food in San Francisco
Irish Restaurants in San Francisco
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, so why not get into the spirit with a tasty Irish meal. Whether you’re craving classic dishes like bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie, or you’re looking to try something new, the city has something for everyone. Check out some of the most popular places to get Irish food in San Francisco.
Trinity Irish Bar & Restaurant
Located on Union Street in San Francisco’s Marina district, Trinity Irish Bar & Restaurant stands as one of the city’s newest Irish pubs It is perfect for anyone looking for an authentic Irish experience with a modern twist. Under the expert guidance of owner Johnny Love, a San Francisco hospitality legend with a long history of running some of the city’s best bars, Trinity has quickly become a popular spot in the neighborhood. Johnny’s decades of experience shine through in every detail, from the thoughtfully curated menu to the warm, inviting design and the exceptional staff who make every visit feel like a homecoming.
Stepping into Trinity, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that effortlessly blends Irish charm with contemporary flair. The space isn’t massive, but it’s cleverly laid out with an open-concept design that feels both cozy and spacious—perfect for large groups gathering to watch a football match or enjoy a lively night out. Lush green plants add a touch of freshness, while the outdoor corridor lined with seats offers a delightful spot to sip a pint in the open air. Dog lovers rejoice: Trinity is proudly super dog-friendly, so you’re likely to see a few furry friends lounging alongside their owners. Multiple TVs are placed throughout, so sports fans never miss a moment of the action, whether it’s a Premier League showdown or an NFL game.
The menu is where Trinity truly shines, with every dish feeling like a genuine homage to Irish flavors while showcasing Johnny Love’s knack for elevating pub fare. The Fish & Chips are a standout with local cod covered in a crispy, golden batter that gives way to tender, steaming fish, served with perfectly crisp fries. The Corned Beef and Cabbage is ridiculously good, a hearty plate of slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with buttery cabbage that warms the soul. For brunch lovers (but really, who doesn’t love brunch?), the Corned Beef Hash is a must-try, packed with rich, savory goodness, while the Shrimp Croque Madame adds a tasty twist to the classic dish. The Eggs Benedict is nothing short of incredible, with perfectly poached eggs and a velvety hollandaise that ties it all together. And don’t skip the Smash Burger. It is juicy, flavorful & stacked with Irish cheddar.
Drinks are a big part of the Trinity experience, and the bar doesn’t disappoint. Tuesdays bring a fantastic $5 Guinness special, drawing in regulars for a perfectly poured pint of the iconic stout. The Shamrock Coffee, spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with a dollop of cream, is a highly recommended treat. Attentive bartenders, always quick with a smile and a recommendation, elevate the evening, ensuring your glass is never empty and your night is always fun. The cocktail list is inventive, and the beer selection leans heavily on Irish favorites alongside local craft options, catering to every palate.
Trinity’s charm extends beyond its food and drink. The pub buzzes with energy during Bingo and Trivia Nights, where groups bond over friendly competition. The design strikes a balance between rustic Irish pub vibes and modern San Francisco sophistication, with wooden accents, comfortable seating & lots of greenery.
Trinity Irish Bar & Restaurant
1851 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant is an amazing spot in the heart of San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. They have been serving up authentic Irish food and drink for over two decades, so it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the best Irish restaurants in the city.
The Chieftain has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with wood-paneled walls, cozy booths, and friendly staff, so it really feels like a true neighborhood pub. But don’t let the casual vibe fool you – the food at the Chieftain is top-notch. From classic pub fare like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie to the classic Irish breakfast, which includes a generous helping of fried eggs, sausage, black and white pudding, grilled tomato, baked beans, chips, and soda bread. If you do head to The Chieftain, make sure to save room for the (not very irish) Pizookie with Ice Cream.
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
198 5th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Durty Nelly’s
Durty Nelly’s is a lively Irish pub and restaurant located in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood. What really sets Durty Nelly’s apart is its community-focused atmosphere. The pub is a popular gathering spot for locals, with events like trivia nights, live music, and Irish dancing drawing crowds throughout the week. And with its cozy booths, wood-paneled walls, and friendly bartenders, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a pint of Guinness and some hearty Irish fare.
The food at Durty Nelly’s is delicious and traditional, but they go the extra mile to add some other unique foods with an Irish twist that make a visit well worth it. Along with traditional Irish favorites, their menu boasts homemade sausage rolls and delectable deep-fried mashed potato balls, (aka Durty Balls), which are stuffed with cheddar and bacon. To add to the diverse selection, they also offer curry fries, a Dublin specialty resembling poutine but with savory curry sauce, and impeccably fried fish and chips.
Durty Nelly’s
2328 Irving St.
San Francisco, CA 94122
The Kezar Pub
The Kezar Pub is a classic Irish pub located in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food and drink, it’s a great spot to grab a delicious meal. It is also a popular gathering spot for sports fans, with multiple big-screen TVs showing everything from soccer and rugby to American football and baseball.
Kezar Pub offers some quintessential Irish Pub fare like Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips, however they have a full menu of the most amazing bar food imaginable like Chicken Cordon Bleu Balls, Fried Pickles and Loaded Potato Skins. However our favorite thing to eat at Kezar Pub will always be their crispy-fried, perfectly-sauced Buffalo Wings.
The Kezar Pub
770 Stanyan St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
The Irish Bank
Originally opened in 1976, The Irish Bank is a cozy and authentic Irish pub located in San Francisco’s Financial District. With its warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food and drink, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the best Irish restaurants in the city. With a rotating selection of craft beers and an impressive whiskey list, its a great place to grab a drink, but the food is the real reason to go there.
Not only does The Irish Bank offer classic dishes like the banger, Irish beef stew and wonderful fish and chips, but they also provide beef and vegetarian versions of shepherd’s pie, as well as fish tacos, burgers and homemade macaroni and cheese. This charming establishment, nestled in a historic alleyway, is the ultimate destination for St. Patrick’s Day and the Saturday of the parade, where patrons can revel in the raucous block party, complete with live Irish music throughout the day.
The Irish Bank
10 Mark Ln.
San Francisco, CA 94108
Johnny Foley’s Irish House
Johnny Foley’s Irish House: Located in Union Square, this Irish pub has a lively atmosphere and a great selection of food and drinks.The pub has been a fixture in the Union Square neighborhood since the 1990s, and it has a rich legacy in the San Francisco Irish community. Over the years, it has hosted performances by Irish musicians and it has become a beloved destination for anyone looking to connect with their Irish heritage.
Another hot spot for St. Patrick’s Day Parade day, Johnny Foley’s is located conveniently near Market and Powell and draws a big crowd almost every night of the week. The menu boasts classic Irish dishes such as banger & mash, complete with stewed onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as fish and chips, Cottage Pie and traditional style corned beef & cabbage. Other non-Irish options that are worth a try include the watermelon salad with cucumber, avocado, red onion, feta cheese & mint, the almond-black pepper crusted salmon filet and freshly shucked oysters on the half shell.
Johnny Foley’s Irish House
243 O’Farrell St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
The Napper Tandy
The Napper Tandy is a warm and welcoming Irish pub located in San Francisco’s Mission District. A popular gathering spot for locals, with events like trivia nights, live music, and sports games drawing crowds throughout the week it offers a comfortable atmosphere with cozy booths, wood-paneled walls, and friendly bartenders, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a pint of Guinness and some hearty Irish fare.
The Mission-based eatery boasts a number of standout menu items, including their crowd-pleasing Guinness beef stew, savory fish and chips and delicious corned beef & cabbage. Their exceptional beer-battered cod is put to further use in the form of delectable fish tacos, and a diverse range of fries including garlic parmesan, tater tots and hand-cut options are available. For a unique twist on classic fried potatoes, try the bacon-cheddar fries, garlic parmesan fries or Disco Fries, which are loaded with gravy and melted cheese.
The Napper Tandy
3200 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
