Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Irish Bank – San Francisco
Irish Bank - San Francisco
Photo from Irish Bank
Irish Bank at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#1181 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#85 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
462
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic atmosphere
- Solid food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Expensive drinks
- Service issues
- Parking difficulty
The bar & pub Irish Bank in San Francisco’s Union Square welcomes you with a great beer selection. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for catching sports or enjoying a quick bite.
This lively establishment offers a full bar with hard liquor, wine, and cocktails, alongside coffee for those who prefer it. Whether you’re looking for happy hour deals or late-night food, you’re covered.
Overview: Introducting Irish Bank
Irish Bank offers a distinct pub experience, often praised for its authentic Irish pub atmosphere and generally well-regarded food, particularly dishes like fish and chips. Many appreciate its tucked-away location, providing a unique escape.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, with certain food items falling short and occasional issues with service. The overall value can also be a point of contention for some patrons.
Good
7.5
out of 10
462
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
85
negative
25
neutral
352
positive
Overall, Irish Bank holds a respectable 7.5 score, indicating a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 76.2%, suggesting that a good majority of visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 462 customer remarks, with 352 positive observations outweighing 85 negative ones, painting a picture of a place that largely hits the mark. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.1) clearly stands out as a strong suit, creating a welcoming environment.
Food (7.7) also performs well, suggesting a reliable culinary offering. While Service (6.7) is decent, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the atmosphere or food.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.9), which customers found less compelling.
What people like
- Authentic pub atmosphere
- Solid pub fare
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Service inconsistencies
- Parking difficulties
With a 7.7 recommendation score, Irish Bank generally earns a nod for its distinct character. If you’re seeking a genuine pub atmosphere and reliable, comforting food, it’s certainly worth considering for a visit.
However, be mindful of potential service variations and drink pricing, which can impact the overall experience. It’s a solid choice for its core offerings, but managing expectations on value and service might enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Irish Bank
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it seems most diners leave with a smile! With a good score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 79.6%, the general consensus is quite positive. Many rave about the El Accidente fries, delicious chicken wings, and classic Fish and Chips, often praising the great quality and very tasty food across 152 positive remarks.
However, its not always a perfect plate, as indicated by 29 negative comments. Some found specific items like the BLT or certain fish tacos to be disappointing, while a few mentioned “under seasoned” Shepherds Pie or concerns about portions and overall food quality in certain dishes.
Food
191
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
29
negative
10
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pub fare
- Great quality food
- Excellent Irish dishes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Small portion sizes
- Bland seasoning sometimes
Often praised
- foodIf you're looking for a hole in the wall restaurant in a dingy alleyway that offers good food and good service, and has been around forever, then this is your place. It's mostly a local spot, perhaps because it's located off in a dirty alley.
- GuinnessMy experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. The bar had a real Irish look, and the Guinness was good. It's a nice place to sit and have a quiet beer during the day.
- drinksThis bar was perfect! We experienced great service, yummy drinks that were served fast, and delicious food. The atmosphere truly felt like a hole in the wall Irish pub, which is exactly what we were hoping for.
- fish and chipsIt's a fun place tucked away in an alley, offering both indoor bar and outside seating. I thoroughly enjoyed their good fish and chips, and it was great to catch some sports on TV. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5, making it a highly recommended spot.
- Fish and Chipsgreatly impressed with the quality of the food and would easily recommend this dish
- FoodSo good that we went a second time
- beerThe place was very nice and inviting, with a good music selection. The beer and food were good. There was no table service inside; it was self-service.
- onion ringsWe were seated in an old confessional, which was a unique touch. The food was great; we enjoyed the bangers and mash, fish and chips, and onion rings. We also had a shot of Jameson.
- ReubenFish & Chips w HP sauce and Reuben were delicious.
- Shepard's PieThe atmosphere is a traditional pub setting, and the food was very good. I particularly enjoyed the Shepard's Pie. The atmosphere and service were rated 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5.
Frequently criticized
- foodTo the obvious air of indifference. It may be the case that their usual clientele is more conspicuously "Irish", can't say, but the experience was uncomfortable and the food marginal. No, it wasn't busy, maybe 7-10 other guests.
- BLTMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I ordered the BLT, which turned out to be the worst BLT of my life. It was overpriced and stale.
- Boddington'snone of that either
- Kilkennyno Kilkenny!
- Moscow MuleMoscow Mule is the worst I ever had
- Shepards PieShepards Pie which was under seasoned and a bit bland
- bag saladBag salad.
- breadshould've had twice as thick of slices on the bread
- cheese friescheese fries were limited in cheese
- chicken stripsChicken strips were mostly bread
Overall, the food here generally hits the mark for satisfying pub fare, with many dishes receiving high praise. If youre looking for reliable, tasty Irish classics and popular pub snacks, its definitely worth a try, but be mindful that a few specific items might not always live up to expectations.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 6.7. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, excellent service, and attentive bartenders, making for a welcoming experience. With 71 positive remarks out of 110 total, there's a lot to appreciate.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.5%, indicating some room for improvement. About 35 negative comments point to issues like unprofessional bartenders, obnoxious waiting staff, and a questionable credit card policy that left some feeling mistrusted or ignored.
Service
110
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
35
negative
4
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Great bartenders
What people don't like
- Inattentive, rude staff
- Questionable credit card policy
- Understaffed bar
Often praised
- serviceIf you're looking for a hole in the wall restaurant in a dingy alleyway that offers good food and good service, and has been around forever, then this is your place. It's mostly a local spot, perhaps because it's located off in a dirty alley.
- staffAs Bretons visiting San Francisco for a week, we had a pleasant experience at this restaurant. The ambiance was agreeable, and the staff were attentive and friendly. We were particularly pleased that one of the waitresses spoke French quite well.
- ServiceThe pub has two indoor rooms and a large outdoor seating area in the alley. Service was good, and the noise level was moderate.
- bartenderthe bartender did his thing with other guests
- bar staffAfter a 21-hour day, I was hoping for sustenance and was pleasantly surprised by the Curry Chicken over Fries. It turned out to be one of the best meals I've had recently, served by very pleasant bar staff. The atmosphere was also excellent.
- Anthonymet Anthony who was working behind the bar, nice fella
- French speaking waitressThe ambiance was agreeable, and the staff were attentive and friendly. We were particularly pleased that one of the waitresses spoke French quite well. We are delighted with our visit.
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- StaffStaff were super friendly and great
- barkeepThe pint o' black was perfectly poured in a proper pint glass. The barkeep was nice, and the lights were dim. I can't ask for more.
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt was overpriced and stale. Furthermore, there was no service at all. The restaurant also didn’t care that customers were being harassed outside.
- bartenderOnly one bartender in a crowded place
- accentIf you have a disability or accent then this place will be very unwelcoming to you.
- air of indifferenceobvious air of indifference
- another item orderednoticed another item ordered was not there
- attentionTried for ten minutes to get his attention to order some food
- bar staffHowever, I was a little underwhelmed by the crowd, as it was very slow during my visit. A minor issue with the service was that the bar staff gave me tonic water instead of the soda I ordered. Overall, it was a cool place to visit!
- bar tenderthe bar tender wouldn’t act so rude
- barmanhe reply angry : This is a Moscow Mule!
- bartender responsehe said "Did you know that when you go to a bar you're expected to pay for things?" which was unnecessary
Overall, you'll likely find the service here to be quite pleasant, especially if you catch the friendly staff on a good day. Just be aware that some experiences have been less stellar, particularly regarding staff attention or specific policies, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a strong 8.1 and boasting a fantastic 87.2% customer satisfaction! Many of the 123 positive remarks celebrate the Irish pub feel, cozy spaces, friendly vibe, and outdoor seating area, making it a perfect spot for group gatherings or a relaxed pint. It truly offers a great atmosphere for most visitors.
However, a few of the 12 negative observations mention some minor issues. These include pop music that didnt quite fit the mood, a dirty alley outside, and even a puke smell on occasion. Parking' can also be a bit of a challenge, so keep these points in mind when planning your visit.
Ambience
141
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Irish pub
- Cozy, friendly vibe
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Lingering puke smell
- Difficult parking
- Unwanted pop music
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this pub was fantastic. It's a great pub with a great atmosphere, tucked away down an alleyway. It's well worth a visit.
- AtmosphereThe atmosphere truly feels like Cheers!
- barreal Irish look to the bar
- placeWhat a cute, quaint little place. It was a short walking distance from our hotel and was open later than most restaurants in the neighborhood.
- locationGreat location in the heart of the Financial District
- pubThe Irish bank is a wonderful pub
- Irish puban off the grid, back alley Irish pub this place is exactly what you need
- outside seatingMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun place tucked away in an alley, offering both indoor bar and outside seating. I thoroughly enjoyed their good fish and chips, and it was great to catch some sports on TV.
- spotA definite spot to go back to
- Bar areaSeating type:Bar area
Frequently criticized
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereAtmosphere:1
- crowdNot a very good crowd
- dirty alleyoff in a dirty alley
- outdoor seatingOutdoor seating is convenient but get very cold
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- pop musicCould have done without the pop music
- puke smella vague puke smell lingered in the air
- room by the barNot much room by the bar
- seatingseating is near impossible
If you're looking for an authentic, lively Irish pub with a cozy, friendly atmosphere and great outdoor options, this place is a solid choice. Just be prepared for potential parking difficulties and the occasional unexpected scent or music selection.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
While customer satisfaction for value sits at a poor 30%, the overall score of 4.9 suggests a more average experience. Out of 20 total opinions, 6 positive ones highlight that many guests found the reasonable prices for food to be quite affordable, offering good value for their money. They enjoyed quality pub fare that didn't break the bank.
However, 9 negative opinions reveal some clear pain points. Many felt certain items were expensive or pricey, leading to a surprising bill. Common complaints included being charged for water, beers being quite costly, and some food items like a BLT being considered overpriced for their quality or portion size.
Value
20
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
9
negative
5
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable food prices
- Good value
What people don't like
- Expensive drinks
- Charged for water
- Overpriced portions
Often praised
- Price per personThe food quality was top-notch, earning a 5/5. For the price, it's quite reasonable, falling between $10–$20 per person.
- affordablegĂĽnstig
- good valueGood value for your money
- priceI was searching for a local pub to enjoy a pint with dinner after moving to San Francisco, and The Irish Bank was the perfect answer. The service was terrific, and the food and drinks were of high quality and reasonably priced. I highly recommend stopping by The Irish Bank if you’re downtown.
- pricingpricing. An oasis
- reasonable pricespub fare reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered the BLT, which turned out to be the worst BLT of my life. It was overpriced and stale. Furthermore, there was no service at all.
- Guinnesshated that a Guinness costs $10
- Parking optionsParking is unavailable
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- billprocure the bill from the bartender
- expensiveWe absolutely loved the “El Accidente” fries, chilli, and chicken wings. We also ordered a bunch of beers, which were good, but I found them to be kind of expensive, averaging around 13 dollars each.
- soda watercharging $3 for soda water
- tap watercharged me $3 for a tap water which is crazy
If youre looking for reasonably priced food, especially pub fare, you might find some good deals here. However, be prepared for potentially high drink prices and unexpected charges for water, which could quickly inflate your bill and leave you feeling its not worth the cost.
How are the prices at Irish Bank?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 101 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.
Looking at what everyone spends, most guests are right in that $21–$30 sweet spot, though a good chunk also enjoy options in the $11–$20 range. It’s clear most folks are finding good value in the middle, rather than consistently splurging or going super cheap.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair and reasonable. It offers a good mid-range option, which feels appropriate for this type of establishment.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Irish Bank
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Chinatown Pit Stop
My experience at this dimly lit bar in Chinatown was great. They serve up a good margarita and decent food. It's a great place for a pit stop or to hang out on a rainy day.
- margarita8
- food7
- bar8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Food and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! It's a cool location with both alleyway outdoor seating and indoor options. The atmosphere was great, and the staff was friendly.
The food was fantastic, and they offered a wide selection of drinks.
- location9
- atmosphere10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Patty Melt and Garlic Fries!
My experience at this cool bar was great. The patty melt with garlic fries were excellent. The patrons were friendly, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- patty melt9
- garlic fries9
- friendly patrons8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Curry and Friendly Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The bartender was great, and everyone was incredibly friendly. I absolutely loved the Chicken Curry; it was so good that I ordered a second serving.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service also received a perfect 5. While parking was somewhat difficult to find, the overall experience was highly positive.
- bartender9
- everyone9
- Chicken Curry10
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
8
Good Food, Large Group Friendly
We visited this restaurant because we were with a very large group, and they accommodated us well with large tables outside. Inside, there were options for table tops and bar seating. The atmosphere was enjoyable with 2 different sports channels playing.
I tried their Jameson deal and had it on the rocks. For food, the fish and chips were fried well but retained a bit too much oil for my preference. The Shepherd's pie was good and served in a decent portion.
- large tables outside8
- sports channels7
- Jameson deal7
What Irish Bank offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you find at The Irish Bank?
At Irish Bank, you’ll experience a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy various dining options throughout the day, including brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating and table service available. Don’t forget to check out their dessert menu too.
Does The Irish Bank offer happy hour and late-night food in San Francisco?
Yes, Irish Bank in San Francisco caters to your cravings with both happy hour drinks and happy hour food. If you’re out late, you’ll be pleased to know they also offer late-night food options, perfect for a quick bite at the bar.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Irish Bank?
Irish Bank holds an overall score of 7.5 with a 76.2% customer satisfaction rate. Its Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.7) are well-regarded, while Service (6.7) is fair, and Value (4.9) is an area for improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Irish Bank?
Customers frequently praise the authentic Irish pub atmosphere, often described as quaint and tucked away in an alley, offering both indoor and outside seating.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Irish Bank?
Some patrons have noted concerns regarding high drink prices, occasional inconsistencies in service, and difficulties with parking in the vicinity.