Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Harrington’s – San Francisco
Harrington's - San Francisco
Photo from Harrington’s
Harrington's at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 22 of the guests
#1837 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#127 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
241
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Guinness
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Inconsistent service
- Loud environment
The restaurant Harrington’s Bar and Grill – Irish Pub, a welcoming Bar & Pub in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. You will find it’s a perfect spot for a casual meal or a relaxed drink.
This establishment offers a comfortable setting where you can unwind and enjoy good company.
Overview: Introducting Harrington's
Harrington’s offers a mixed experience, balancing a generally positive vibe with some notable drawbacks. Many appreciate its wonderful atmosphere and the friendly, hustling staff who contribute to a welcoming environment.
It’s often seen as a classic, Irish-dive-y spot with a convenient location. However, some visits are marred by concerns about poor service and an often noisy setting.
While the food can be satisfying, there are also mentions of dishes tasting like microwaved fare, and the value proposition is frequently questioned due to various fees.
Good
6.7
out of 10
241
Reviews
65.1%
Satisfaction
65
negative
19
neutral
157
positive
Harrington’s holds an overall score of 6.7, placing it in the good category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 65.1%. This suggests that while many find it a solid choice, a significant portion of patrons have reservations.
With 241 opinions, including 157 positive and 65 negative, there’s a clear picture emerging. The Food (7.3) is a strong point, often praised for its quality, and the Ambience (7.2) also contributes positively to the experience.
However, Service (6.2) is more average, indicating inconsistency, and Value (3.5) is a clear area for improvement, frequently cited as a concern by visitors.
What people like
- Quality Guinness pours
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Hidden fees/surcharges
- Inconsistent service
- Loud, noisy environment
With a recommendation score of 6.7, Harrington’s presents itself as a decent option, particularly if you’re seeking a classic pub experience with a well-poured pint. It can be a solid choice for casual drinks and some satisfying pub fare in a lively setting.
However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the added fees that can impact your overall value perception. If you prioritize a quiet meal or strict budget, you might find it less appealing, but for a bustling pub atmosphere, it’s worth considering.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
317
93.7%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
105
99%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
217
94.5%
- $$
- Dogpatch
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
9
out of 10
out of 10
101
98%
- $$
- West Portal
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
277
95.7%
- $$
- North Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Bar & Pub
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
187
93%
- $$
- Hayes Valley
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Harrington's
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 72.4%, many guests rave about the delicious offerings. We saw 63 positive remarks praising standout items like the Irish coffee, Shepherds pie, and the excellent Fish and Chips.
The new menu items, including Popcorn Chicken and a fantastic Burger, also get high marks, alongside a great beer and cocktail selection. However, not every bite is perfect. Based on 14 negative comments, some found certain appetizers, like the nachos and cheese sticks, to be bland or odd.
There were also a few mentions of inconsistent food quality, with some describing it as microwaved or horrible, and a few complaints about drinks being served in surprisingly small portions.
Food
87
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
14
negative
10
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent pub food
- Great drink selection
- New menu exciting
What people don't like
- Some appetizers bland
- Drinks served small
- Food quality inconsistent
Often praised
- foodI brought in 35 people from work for happy hour, and the staff was hustling. The food and drinks were amazing. It was great to see the ownership and management all there, working hard.
- drinksI brought in 35 people from work for happy hour, and the staff was hustling. The food and drinks were amazing. It was great to see the ownership and management all there, working hard.
- GuinnessOne of the highlights of my visits has to be their Guinness. It is, without a doubt, the best-tasting Guinness I’ve had in the FiDi! Perfectly poured and always fresh, it’s smooth and rich, making it the ideal choice to enjoy while catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day.
- beer selectionthey had a nice beer selection
- Fish and ChipsRecommended dishes:Fish and Chips
- FoodFood:5
- beerBeer was cold
- new menutrying out their new menu
- BurgerI’m picky about a Burger and it was excellent 👌
- Guinness poursProper Guinness pours
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food tasted like Gordon food service stuff
- Guinnessfor any Guinness lovers I can not recommend this place
- Microwaved foodMicrowaved food
- appetizersAppetizers could be better
- beerscriticized us for not drinking our beers fast enough
- cheese sticksthe cheese sticks tasted very odd
- cocktailscocktails and they were not what one would expect
- drinksthe drink was literally 1/5 size of a small plastic cup
- manhattanmanhattan; served less than half a cup
- margaritaOrder a margarita... served less than half a cup
Overall, the food here leans heavily towards the good, especially for classic pub fare and their exciting new menu additions. While some appetizers and drink portions might miss the mark, its definitely worth a visit if youre looking for a satisfying meal and a great drink selection.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a lot to smile about here! Many guests consistently praise the friendly staff and attentive bartenders, with specific shout-outs to individuals like Bianca and Quique for their excellent customer service skills. People love how professional and welcoming the team is, often remembering drink orders and making events special.
Out of 67 opinions, 39 were positive, highlighting great interactions. However, the experience isnt always perfect, as reflected by a score of 6.2 and customer satisfaction at 58.2%. Some visitors have encountered slow service, inattentive staff, and even a rude attitude from certain waitresses or bartenders.
Concerns about long waiting times and a perceived I don’t care approach have unfortunately left 27 customers feeling quite disappointed.
Service
67
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
27
negative
1
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive bartenders
- Professional service
What people don't like
- Rude attitude
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the beer was cold and the service was fine, I was dismayed by a deceptive 5% "SF Employer Mandate" fee. This fee is not a real tax and is not legally required to be itemized.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was legendary! I brought in 35 people from work for happy hour, and the staff was hustling. The food and drinks were amazing.
- ServiceService:5
- bartenderThe bartender knew how to pour it!
- bartendersBianca and Quique were amazing bartenders
- BiancaBianca IS THE BEST BARTENDER!
- QuiqueThe bartender, Quique is incredibly attentive
- bar tenderEvan is my favorite bar tender but they all are phenomenal
- customer servicecustomer service was awesome
- customer service skillshas excellent customer service skills.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI ended up leaving without a pint and went to Irish Times for a better time. The slogan at Harrington's, “You’re a stranger here once, ” felt fitting due to this poor service.
- bartenderthe bartender had an Irish accent. But for any Guinness lovers
- waitressThe waitress criticized us for not drinking our beers fast enough
- I don’t care attitudeI don’t care attitude
- attentionthey paid no attention to us
- buck passingLots of buck passing between the staff
- customer serviceNo customer service
- orderOn Thursday, October 9, 2025, my experience at Harrington's was disappointing. The woman bartender was inattentive and displeasing, acting as if she couldn’t be bothered with my order for two Guinness. This was particularly frustrating given my last name is Harrington.
- ordering foodthe bartender pretty much told us to F off cause she’s “busy”
- ownerowner, bartender, and friend bizarrely complained
If youre looking for a place with potentially great, friendly service and attentive bartenders, its worth a shot. Just be prepared that there's a chance you might encounter slower service or less enthusiastic staff on occasion.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youll generally find a warm and inviting atmosphere that many describe as having great pub vibes and a true local feel. With a good score of 7.2 and a solid 71.4% customer satisfaction, its clear why 50 positive opinions highlight its cozy and inviting nature, making it a favorite for a casual drink or hang out. On the flip side, 12 opinions point out that the ambience isnt always perfect.
Some find it can get quite noisy, making conversation a challenge, while others note the place feels a bit worn down. There are also mentions of bad music or music being too loud, and the outside' appearing a little rough.
Ambience
70
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
12
negative
8
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm inviting atmosphere
- Great pub vibes
- Cozy local spot
What people don't like
- Can be noisy
- Feels worn down
- Music can be bad
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Harrington's was a vibrant return for this San Francisco Financial District establishment. The staff were incredibly welcoming, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere. I enjoyed a substantial chicken club sandwich and perfectly crispy tots, complemented by an expertly poured Guinness.
- barappreciate a bar with Kilkenny
- vibethe vibe is great for a casual drink
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- establishmentTo make matters worse, they also wanted to tax me on the corkage fee, which I found unusual. This is a bad look for what is otherwise a great establishment.
- Irish owned and operated pubNo frills Irish owned and operated pub
- Irish-dive-y sort of feelhas a real Irish-dive-y sort of feel
- appealstill has the same appeal
- classic decorClassic decor, this place has a nice, slightly divey vibe
- convenient locationConvenient location for FiDi
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereVery unprofessional and rude atmosphere
- bad musicThe food appeared to be microwaved, and the food prices were high. To add to the frustration, we were even charged for ranch, all while enduring bad music.
- conversationhard to hold a conversation
- huge golden barsdidn't like the huge golden bars at the edges of the tables
- musicIt was too loud of music
- noisyVery noisy when it is crowded
- outsideOutside was alittle rough
- permanently closedit just looked to be permanently closed
- roomJust old looking room
- tapsAll of this taps were down on the day I went
If youre seeking a lively, unpretentious local pub with a generally cozy and inviting atmosphere, this place is a solid bet. However, be aware that it can get noisy, and the divey' charm might mean it feels a bit worn, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, the overall perception is quite poor, with a score of just 3.5 and customer satisfaction sitting at a low 29.4%. However, its not entirely without its bright spots. Some guests, in 5 positive remarks, did find the price and pricing to be decent, especially highlighting affordable places and praising the lunch specials for offering good value.
On the flip side, a significant 12 negative comments point to serious concerns. Many felt stung by illegal surcharges and junk fees, including a SF Employer Mandate fee, which were seen as deceptive. There were also complaints about high food prices and unexpected corkage fees, ' making the final bill a surprise.
Value
17
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch specials
- Decent drink prices
What people don't like
- Illegal surcharges
- Deceptive junk fees
- High food prices
Often praised
- pricesAnd let's not forget their lunch specials! They offer an awesome selection that caters to all tastes at incredibly reasonable prices. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich or something lighter, there’s always something delicious to choose from.
- affordable placesmore affordable places in the financial district
- priceNot overpriced
- pricingPricing was pretty good
Frequently criticized
- SF Employer Mandate feecharges a deceptive 5% “SF Employer Mandate” fee
- charges for even ranchcharges for even ranch
- corkage feedid not like the expensive corkage fee
- happy hour specialsthe happy hour specials were not so great
- high food priceshigh food prices
- illegal surchargessome other illegal surcharges
- junk feesThese junk fees are deceptive and malicious
- prices shown onlineThe place felt worn down, and the service was poor. I encountered issues with pricing, as the prices shown online and at the door differed from what they billed us. The staff seemed to have an 'I don't care' attitude.
- taxThis bill included $9. 6 in tips, illegal surcharges, and tax. When I tried to dispute the tips and surcharges, the music was too loud and the place was too busy for anyone to respond or provide details.
- tax on corkage feewanted to tax me on the corkage fee
If youre looking for great value, this spot might be a gamble. While some find the lunch specials affordable, the overall experience is marred by concerns over hidden fees and high prices. Proceed with caution, especially if youre sensitive to unexpected charges on your bill.
How are the prices at Harrington's?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 22 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the $11–$20 or $21–$30 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are a few options for those looking to spend a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 22 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers a good balance, leaning towards a comfortable mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Harrington's
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Fraudulent Charges and Tiny Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was one of being overcharged and served minuscule portions. I ordered a margarita, a sparkling wine, and a Manhattan. These drinks were served in small plastic cups, less than half full, and I was charged a total of $63.
This bill included $9. 6 in tips, illegal surcharges, and tax. When I tried to dispute the tips and surcharges, the music was too loud and the place was too busy for anyone to respond or provide details.
The drink portions were incredibly small, literally 1/5 the size of the cup. I believe they are pure frauds and malicious. I intend to file a consumer complaint and strongly suggest avoiding this establishment.
- drinks1
- margarita1
- sparkling wine1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service at Harrington's
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, my experience at Harrington's was disappointing. The woman bartender was inattentive and displeasing, acting as if she couldn’t be bothered with my order for two Guinness. This was particularly frustrating given my last name is Harrington.
I ended up leaving without a pint and went to Irish Times for a better time. The slogan at Harrington's, “You’re a stranger here once, ” felt fitting due to this poor service.
- woman bartender2
- order2
- service2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Bianca is the Best!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I would come back just for Bianca, who is the best bartender. She remembered my drink order, which was a great touch.
The time I had was the best! I could not recommend this place more!
- Bianca10
- drink order9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Quique's Excellent Service Made My Birthday Special
My experience at this bar was wonderful, largely thanks to the music and the exceptional service from the bartender, Quique. He was incredibly attentive and demonstrated excellent customer service skills. Walking in, I felt like a local, which made my birthday feel very special.
- music9
- Quique10
- customer service skills10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Favorite FiDi Spot for Guinness & Lunch Specials
Harrington's has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the Financial District! From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it feel like a home away from home. One of the highlights of my visits has to be their Guinness.
It is, without a doubt, the best-tasting Guinness I’ve had in the FiDi! Perfectly poured and always fresh, it’s smooth and rich, making it the ideal choice to enjoy while catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day. And let's not forget their lunch specials!
They offer an awesome selection that caters to all tastes at incredibly reasonable prices. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich or something lighter, there’s always something delicious to choose from. The specials change often, which keeps things exciting and gives you a reason to keep coming back!
- atmosphere10
- Guinness10
- lunch specials9
What Harrington's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Coffee
- Happy hour food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you find at Harrington's Bar and Grill?
At Harrington’s Bar and Grill, you can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for relaxing. The establishment provides essential amenities including a restroom, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient bar onsite for your enjoyment.
Does Harrington's Bar and Grill offer special dining options or services?
Yes, Harrington’s Bar and Grill offers several appealing options. You can enjoy happy hour drinks and food, outdoor seating, and the convenience of accepting reservations. It’s also good for kids and provides catering services.
How does Harrington's generally perform?
Harrington’s holds an overall score of 6.7, indicating a good experience for many. Its Food (7.3) and Ambience (7.2) are well-regarded, while Service (6.2) is average, and Value (3.5) is a notable concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy at Harrington's?
Many patrons appreciate the wonderful atmosphere and the expertly poured Guinness. The staff are often described as incredibly welcoming and attentive, contributing positively to the overall experience.
Are there any common complaints about Harrington's?
Yes, customers frequently mention concerns about poor service and a noisy environment. The most significant drawback appears to be the deceptive 5% “SF Employer Mandate” fee and other unexpected charges impacting value.