Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Chief Sullivan’s – San Francisco
Chief Sullivan's - San Francisco
Photo from Chief Sullivan’s
Chief Sullivan's at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#908 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#113 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
203
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fun atmosphere
- Attentive staff
- Delicious drinks
Frequently criticized
- Abusive management
- Slow service
- Bland food
The restaurant Chief Sullivan’s, located in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, offers a welcoming atmosphere for you to enjoy. You’ll find a fantastic selection of beers here, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the city.
This casual spot is ideal for any meal, from a quick bite to a leisurely dinner, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Overview: Introducting Chief Sullivan's
Chief Sullivan’s offers a lively spot where the fun atmosphere truly stands out, especially for sports fans. Many appreciate the attentive staff and the selection of delicious drinks, which often contribute to a positive experience.
Guests frequently enjoy the overall vibe and the engaging environment. However, some visits to Chief Sullivan’s have been marred by concerns regarding slow service and occasional issues.
There have also been serious complaints about an abusive owner/manager, which is a significant concern for potential patrons.
Good
7.7
out of 10
203
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
30
negative
8
neutral
165
positive
Chief’s generally performs well, achieving a solid restaurant score of 7.7 out of 10, indicating a good overall experience. This is supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 81.3%, suggesting that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 203 customer observations, with 165 positive remarks outweighing 30 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.4) is a particular highlight, creating a welcoming and engaging environment.
Food (7.6) also rates well, with many enjoying the offerings. Service (7.1) is generally good, though some experiences vary.
Value (6.3) sits in the average range, indicating that while prices are reasonable, it’s not a standout feature.
What people like
- Fun sports atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Delicious drinks
What people don't like
- Abusive owner/manager
- Slow, inattentive service
- Bland food quality
Chief’s presents itself as a solid choice for those seeking a vibrant pub atmosphere, especially for sports viewing. With a recommendation score of 7.9, it generally delivers a positive experience.
If you prioritize a lively setting and good drinks, it’s certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the serious concerns raised about management.
While many enjoy their visit, these issues could detract from the experience. Weigh these factors when deciding if Chief’s aligns with your expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Chief Sullivan's
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.3%. With 47 positive remarks out of 60 total, many rave about the custom Bloody Mary bar, the best Irish coffee, and delicious options like the prime rib sandwich and bottomless mimosas. It sounds like a solid choice for a tasty meal!
However, not every dish is a winner, with 10 negative comments pointing out some misses. A few found the fries cold and soggy, while the stew was criticized for being flavorless and watery. The mincemeat pie also didn't impress, suggesting some items might be best avoided.
Food
60
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Irish coffee
- Bloody Mary bar
- Delicious sandwiches
What people don't like
- Soggy cold fries
- Flavorless stew
- Poor mincemeat pie
Often praised
- foodI hosted a party at Chief's in the side room and had a fantastic experience. The food was great, the staff were attentive, and the service was excellent. We also had the convenience of using the TVs and AV system.
- drinksThe fan atmosphere was lively and full of comradery. Excellent service, delicious drinks. Our bartender made me a custom drink to order ("something like a mojito, minty and cucumber-y") that was superb.
- beersbeers and mixed drinks were both great
- Irish coffeeThe atmosphere is electrifying, especially on game days. You also can’t go wrong with their amazing Irish coffee!
- brunchThey also offer brunch
- good foodoffering good food
- Bloody MaryI loved creating my own drink
- Bloody Mary barI loved the Bloody Mary bar!!!
- Fish and ChipsRecommended dishes:Fish and Chips
- GuinnessWe also had the convenience of using the TVs and AV system. They also pour a mighty fine Guinness. I highly recommend Chief's!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is nachos and fish and chips etc, bring a defibrillator
- banger and chipsThe banger and chips had little to no sauce
- drinkmy wife didn’t, so no drink
- flavorNo flavor and thin as water
- friesfries were cold and soggy
- mincemeat pieThe mincemeat pie wasn't good either
- orange juiceorange juice for the little one 100% forgotten but still showing up on the bill
- saucehad little to no sauce
- stewHowever, I would skip the food. We tried the stew and it was like eating a can of beef soup, with no flavor and thin as water. The mincemeat pie wasn't good either.
Overall, if youre looking for a place with generally good food and drinks, especially their Irish coffee and custom cocktails, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of certain menu items that might not live up to expectations, like the stew or fries.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, with a 7.1 score indicating a good experience and 71.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the friendly staff and excellent bartenders, often highlighting their professional and kind attitude. With 41 positive remarks out of 57 total, it's clear that attentive servers and a personal touch make a big difference.
However, not all experiences are perfect. Some patrons encountered slow service, attributing it to the place being understaffed. There are also mentions of a less-than-ideal bartender attitude and specific issues with the owner/manager Freddie, alongside concerns about their ID policy.
These 16 negative comments point to areas needing attention.
Service
57
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive service
- Great bartenders
What people don't like
- Slow, understaffed service
- Poor owner attitude
- Strict ID policy
Often praised
- serviceI hosted a party at Chief's in the side room and had a fantastic experience. The food was great, the staff were attentive, and the service was excellent. We also had the convenience of using the TVs and AV system.
- staffThe staff give this classic pub a personal touch
- bartendersThe GM and the bartenders, Jess and Valentina were super nice
- bartenderfun bartender who was super friendly
- FreddyI've been coming here forever and it's so good! Freddy behind the bar is awesome. This is the singularly BEST place to watch the game and grab a bite in North Beach.
- GMThe GM and the bartenders, Jess and Valentina were super nice
- attentive serverOur server was always attentive
- availabilityreadily available to accept orders
- bar tendersonly two bar tenders they were so diligent
- bartender and drinksBartender and drinks were great!!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terribly slow service. Two dishes arrived over 20 minutes after the first two, which I attribute to the place being super understaffed.
- ID policythe young lady bartender first asked if we wanted to eat , we just wanted a drink , so she said she needed ID
- bartender attitudethe bartender (owner?) just had terrible energy and attitude
- checkThe fries were better than the burger. We also had to get up to go to the bar to get the check. It seemed like there was only one server/bartender for two separate rooms, which put the responsibility on the customers to get served.
- contactless paymentsprefer an option for contactless payments
- customersHe was physically and verbally abusive. His language was disgusting to customers. He ran outside and tried to attack the male and female customer.
- homophobiaSense a little bit of homophobia
- owner/manager FreddieBe so careful coming to this place. The owner/manager Freddie is quite vicious, he tried to hit 2 customers. 1 being male and female when they asked for the checked.
- physical abuse1 being male and female when they asked for the checked. He was physically and verbally abusive. His language was disgusting to customers.
- reserving seatsreserving seats for a match feels wrong
If youre looking for a spot with generally friendly and attentive staff, especially great bartenders, youll likely have a good time. Just be aware that service can sometimes be slow due to understaffing, and there have been some notable issues regarding management attitude and ID checks.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good 8.4 score and an excellent 94.7% customer satisfaction! With 71 positive comments, guests consistently praise the cozy atmosphere, often highlighting it as the best place to watch a game with live music or enjoying the outdoor seating. It’s celebrated for its pub feel and lively fan atmosphere.
However, with only 2 negative comments out of 75, a few guests did mention feeling uncomfortable due to being ignored, and one noted the TV was extra loud even when the bar was practically empty. These isolated instances suggest minor issues with attentiveness or sound management.
Ambience
75
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best game-watching spot
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Expansive outdoor area
What people don't like
- Loud TV volume
Often praised
- atmosphereThe staff were incredibly friendly, and I really enjoyed my time there. The pub has a wonderfully relaxing fun atmosphere, making it a place where you can truly unwind.
- barThe bar was full of servicemen and women
- locationlocation is pretty fabulous
- live musicgreat live music by the Irish Newsboys
- placeWhat a fantastic place
- 3 TVs outside3 TVs set up outside showing sport games
- Futbol gameGet there to to watch a Futbol game
- Libertadores matcheswatched the Libertadores matches there
- Premier League Liverpool fansHome to local Premier League Liverpool fans
- South American Futebolgreat spot to watch South American Futebol
Frequently criticized
- TVWe arrived at an odd time, 5: 30 PM, but were essentially ignored for a good twenty minutes until we walked to the bar to place an order. The TV was extra loud, though the bar was practically empty. We ordered the basic burger, which was fine but nothing to brag about for $19.
- atmospheremade us feel very uncomfortable
If you're looking for a vibrant, cozy spot to catch a game, enjoy live music, or just hang out with friends, this place is a fantastic choice. Its lively atmosphere and great outdoor space make it a top contender, though be mindful of potential noise levels if you prefer quiet.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
For value, this place definitely has its bright spots! Many guests, in 6 positive remarks out of 11 total, frequently praise the reasonably priced drinks and overall fair prices, often shouting out the fantastic happy hour. While the customer satisfaction sits at a rather mixed 54.5%, the score for value is an average 6.3, certainly leaning towards good.
However, a couple of concerns did surface in 2 negative comments. Guests reported frustrating experiences with the credit card policy, specifically being charged on their card even after attempting to pay cash, with the charge still appearing on the bill. This points to a potential snag in their payment process that could use some attention.
Value
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced drinks
- Fair food prices
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Credit card overcharges
- Bill discrepancies
Often praised
- pricesPrices are reasonable for both food and cocktails
- happy hourMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the tasty libations and an on-point happy hour. The bartender was also super friendly and added to the fun atmosphere.
- pricefood that’s well priced
- reasonably pricedDrinks are reasonably priced
- reasonably priced drinkshas reasonably priced drinks
Frequently criticized
- billstill showing up on the bill
- credit card policynever ever give your credit card if your intention is to pay cash. You will be charged on the creditcard, while you already paid cash
Overall, if you're seeking reasonable prices and a lively happy hour, this spot is worth checking out. Just be cautious with their payment process, particularly if you intend to pay cash, to avoid any unexpected credit card charges.
How are the prices at Chief Sullivan's?
You’re looking at roughly 35 $ per person – reported by 26 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While 35 $ is the average, prices here are quite varied. We see a good mix of more budget-friendly options, but also some higher-end experiences pushing well above 80 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the variety of price points and the mid-range average for a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It seems like there’s something for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Chief Sullivan's
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Party Venue with Excellent Food and Service
I hosted a party at Chief's in the side room and had a fantastic experience. The food was great, the staff were attentive, and the service was excellent. We also had the convenience of using the TVs and AV system.
They also pour a mighty fine Guinness. I highly recommend Chief's!
- food10
- staff9
- service9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Place for Barça Fans!
What a fantastic place. We came in here in search of a place to watch the FC Barcelona/ Copa del Rey finals and were so happy to see the game broadcasting on multiple screens, with a handful of other Barça fans also watching. The fan atmosphere was lively and full of comradery.
Excellent service, delicious drinks. Our bartender made me a custom drink to order ("something like a mojito, minty and cucumber-y") that was superb. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
- place9
- fan atmosphere9
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Food, Attentive Service at a Local Dive
My experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a step above a dive bar, offering good food and attracting nice, well-to-do locals. Our server was always attentive to our group's needs, making it a safe place to drink.
They sometimes have live music. For parking, there's a north beach public parking lot about two blocks away, across from the cop shop. It's an enjoyable place to meet friends for a drink.
- good food8
- nice locals7
- attentive server9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Happy Hour and Friendly Bartender!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the tasty libations and an on-point happy hour. The bartender was also super friendly and added to the fun atmosphere.
- tasty libations9
- happy hour9
- bartender10
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Unique Ambient Noise Experience
My experience at this place was centered around the unique ambient noise that emanates from it. This noise, described as being in C minor, served as a soothing soundtrack for my reading at a nearby cafe, and it was a free amenity. The reviewer even suggested that one day they should charge for this beautiful commotion and perhaps have a conductor orchestrate the sounds of screeches and shrieks.
- ambient noise9
- soothing soundtrack9
- beautiful commotion8
What Chief Sullivan's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Chief Sullivan's in North Beach?
At Chief Sullivan’s, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They offer table service and seating, making it a comfortable spot for any meal. You can also opt for outdoor seating or even delivery if you prefer.
What are some of the key offerings and amenities available at Chief Sullivan's?
Chief Sullivan’s boasts a great beer selection, alongside wine, coffee, and cocktails. You can grab a quick bite or enjoy small plates. For your convenience, Wi-Fi is available, and they are good for kids and even allow dogs, making it a versatile choice for many.
How does Chief Sullivan's rate overall?
Chief Sullivan’s holds a good overall score of 7.7 out of 10. Its Ambience (8.4) is a strong point, followed by Food (7.6) and Service (7.1), while Value (6.3) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about Chief Sullivan's?
Customers frequently praise the fun atmosphere, especially for sports viewing, and the attentive staff. Many also highlight the delicious drinks and the reasonable prices.
Are there any significant concerns about Chief Sullivan's?
Yes, some patrons have reported slow service and issues with bartender attitude. More seriously, there are complaints about an abusive owner/manager and occasional bland food quality.