Best Places to Get Irish Food in San Francisco

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.

Irish Restaurants in San Francisco

San Francisco may be known for its diverse food scene, but it also has some amazing options for Irish food. 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. Here are some of the most popular places to get Irish food in San Francisco.

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

198 5th St.

San Francisco, CA 94103

https://www.thechieftain.com/

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. 

Durty Nelly’s

2328 Irving St.

San Francisco, CA 94122 

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.

The Kezar Pub

770 Stanyan St.

San Francisco, CA 94117

https://www.kezarsf.com/

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 Irish Bank

10 Mark Ln.

San Francisco, CA 94108

http://www.theirishbank.com/

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.

Johnny Foley’s Irish House

243 O’Farrell St.

San Francisco, CA 94102

https://www.johnnyfoleys.com/

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.

The Napper Tandy

3200 24th St.

San Francisco, CA 94110

https://www.thenappertandysf.com/

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.