Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
oChef » Irish Times – San Francisco
Irish Times - San Francisco
Photo from Irish Times
Irish Times at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#761 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#44 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
440
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Good food/drinks
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent service
- Unpleasant atmosphere
The bar & pub Irish Times in San Francisco’s Financial District offers a lively escape where you can catch live music. Imagine stepping into a cozy, casual spot after a long day, ready to unwind.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or settling in for an evening of entertainment. This spot is known for its vibrant live performances, making it a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
Overview: Introducting Irish Times
Irish Times offers a lively atmosphere, often praised for its authentic feel and enjoyable music. Many appreciate the welcoming vibe and dog-friendly policy, making it a comfortable spot for a casual visit.
However, some guests have noted the space can get quite loud or even have an “overbearing aroma of disinfectant. ” The staff generally provides attentive service, with many positive remarks about their friendliness and helpfulness.
Yet, there have been occasional reports of inconsistent bartender attention or less-than-ideal interactions, suggesting service can sometimes be a mixed bag.
Good
7.9
out of 10
440
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
68
negative
20
neutral
352
positive
The overall experience at Irish Times garners a solid 7.9, with customer satisfaction at a good 80%. This positive sentiment is built on 440 customer remarks, including 352 positive and 68 negative observations.
The Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.1) are particularly strong points, contributing significantly to the positive feedback. Service also stands out with a good score of 7.7, reflecting many positive interactions with staff and bartenders.
However, Value (3.9) remains a clear area for improvement, with several comments pointing to concerns about pricing, additional fees, and perceived high costs for certain items.
What people like
- Authentic Irish atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Quality food and drinks
What people don't like
- Poor value perception
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Unpleasant bar atmosphere
If you’re seeking a genuine Irish pub experience with a strong focus on good food and a lively atmosphere, Irish Times is certainly worth considering. The positive feedback on its offerings and staff makes it a reliable choice for a casual outing.
However, be mindful of potential value concerns, as some find aspects of the pricing less appealing. With a recommendation score of 8, it generally delivers a satisfying experience, but it’s wise to manage expectations regarding cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Irish Times
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a strong 85.8%, its clear that most folks are leaving happy. Out of 155 total opinions, a whopping 133 were positive, praising everything from the classic "pub grub" and "Guinness" to delicious "fish and chips" and a "solid whiskey selection.
" Many found the food delicious and the drinks amazing, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal. However, its not entirely without its hiccups, with 11 negative opinions noted. A few diners encountered issues like a cold and pink burger, disappointing buffalo wings with a strange sauce, or nachos made with liquid cheese that didn't quite hit the spot.
While these instances are few, they suggest that some specific items might be a bit inconsistent, so choose wisely.
Food
155
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
11
negative
11
neutral
133
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pub grub
- Great Guinness
- Solid whiskey selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent wings
- Cold burger
- Liquid cheese nachos
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Irish Times was that of a classic after-work spot. They offer food all day and have plenty of seating. In a city full of tiny venues with expensive drinks, Irish Times stands out as a timeless watering hole with no frills and great service.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The bartender was friendly and made accurately made drinks. However, the service could be improved as they seemed to be short-staffed with waitresses.
- GuinnessMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I enjoyed the best Guinness in California, served by an Irishman, which truly enhanced the authentic feel. The overall experience was top-notch.
- FoodFood:4
- Shepherd's PieIt was the best Pie I've ever had
- beerThe beer was amazing!!
- beer selectionthey have a great beer selection
- cocktailssurprised by the variety of cocktails with an Irish twist
- beershad some beers. ...drinking beers
- drinkIt was busy but not crowded. I would definitely stop here for a drink again if I was in town!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was a significant letdown
- NachosNachos did not sit well with me and were not tasty at all
- Ruben sandwichno longer have a Ruben sandwich
- buffalo wingsworst buffalo wings in my entire life
- chicken tendersHoly disgusting trash! This is worse than school lunches. Tastes like McDonald’s chicken nuggets.
- chicken wingsthe chicken wings on the other hand were not good
- cold and pink burgercold and pink burger
- liquid cheeseHowever, the Nachos did not sit well with me and were not tasty at all. I was under the assumption that it would be shredded cheese and not a can of liquid cheese for the price of 13. 95 for a medium-sized plate.
- margaritaSpent $14 on a baby sized margarita
- sauceHowever, the chicken wings were not good in my opinion. They seemed to burn a hole in my stomach, and the sauce was a disaster, with a really strong vinegar smell. This might depend on personal preference, though.
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally delicious pub fare and great drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few specific dishes might be a bit hit-or-miss, but the positives far outweigh the negatives for most visitors.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid customer satisfaction of 75.5%. Out of 155 remarks, 117 praise the team for their friendly staff, attentive service, and warm hospitality. Many guests felt truly welcomed, with some even noting staff going above and beyond to ensure a great experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 35 negative comments. Some patrons encountered rude staff or a bad attitude, and a few felt harassed for tips. There were also isolated instances of unprofessional behavior, like a bartender being on their phone, leading to feelings of being ignored or even being asked to leave.
Service
155
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
35
negative
3
neutral
117
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Harassed for tips
- Feeling ignored
Often praised
- serviceWe initially ordered one to try, but it was sooooo good that we immediately ordered a second one! The food was a perfect 5/5, and the service was equally impressive at 5/5. The atmosphere was rated 4, and while it was loud, we could still hold a conversation.
- staffSeveral groups were present, moving at different speeds, but nobody was bothered or interrupted. The two gals working the room did a great job being kind and offering up suggestions for both the menu and places to check out in San Francisco before we skedaddled. We were excited to hear they had ginger beer and other NA options, with Becks light beer also being an option.
- bartenderThe new owner, Jack, is a great guy who clearly cares about the quality of ingredients/drinks as well as the customer experience. Special shout out to Mel for being the sweetest bartender ever, and to John and Lorraine for having great energy. The whole crew seem to be on the same page about making sure that everything is the best it can be, even when the place is packed.
- ServiceMy experience at this establishment was truly brilliant. Jack took care of us like a gentleman, providing exceptional service. The Irish curry was a standout, rated 10/10, and the Guinness was even better than some I've had in Ireland.
- bartendersThe two bartenders, who were authentically Irish, went above and beyond
- GerGer was an amazing person to chat with
- LorraineLorraine is the literal best! The most kind, the most dedicated, the absolute most fun!
- crewSpecial shout out to Mel for being the sweetest bartender ever, and to John and Lorraine for having great energy. The whole crew seem to be on the same page about making sure that everything is the best it can be, even when the place is packed. Can't recommend this place enough, especially for the industry crowd.
- friendly serviceand friendly service
- ownerThe owner, Jack, was extremely kind, communicative and accommodating.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a rude barman and poor service. After ordering drinks for a party of six, the barman refused to serve us, claiming we hadn't tipped, which was untrue and not mandatory.
- bartenderThe bartender with short red hair in an insolent and disrespectful tone said
- serverI visited on a busy night, and the bar staff seemed overwhelmed, which was understandable. I didn't order any food, primarily because the server avoided eye contact with me.
- UFC eventcharging guests a fee for watching a UFC event is ridiculous
- attitudebad and rough attitude for some reason
- bad serviceMy experience was terrible. The server was really not kind, providing bad service. The food was cold, and they even kicked us out because we weren't buying enough.
- barmanMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a rude barman and poor service. After ordering drinks for a party of six, the barman refused to serve us, claiming we hadn't tipped, which was untrue and not mandatory.
- bartender attentionI walked into the restaurant and it wasn't busy at all. I was seated at a high-top table, but then was ignored by the bartender for 20 minutes. I ended up leaving without getting a drink.
- bartender ladypretty rude of the bartender lady
- bartender on phoneThe bartender was on her phone
Overall, the service at this spot is generally good, making it a welcoming place for most. While a few isolated incidents of rudeness or unprofessionalism have occurred, the majority of guests enjoy friendly, attentive staff and warm hospitality. If youre looking for a place with a great vibe and dedicated team, its definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The ambience here truly hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.1 and leaving a good 85.3% of customers satisfied! With 99 positive comments out of 116, guests frequently rave about the fantastic atmosphere, vibrant vibe, and enjoyable live music. Many also appreciate that its a "dog friendly" spot, adding to its welcoming charm.
However, its not without its quirks, as 13 negative comments point out it can get quite loud and some found the space a bit cramped. A few also noted an overbearing aroma of disinfectant or dirty table concerns, suggesting there's a little room for refinement in maintaining consistent comfort.
Ambience
116
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively, welcoming atmosphere
- Dog friendly spot
- Live music and sports
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Cramped space
- Occasional cleanliness issues
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's my go-to spot because of the great staff and great atmosphere. The kitchen is truly underrated, and the wings were absolutely delish.
- barMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best bar in the city, with nothing else comparing in San Francisco. I am eagerly anticipating my next visit.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Irish barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the perfect Irish bar and the most authentic Irish bar in California. I would recommend it to anyone, especially any Irish person looking for a great bar.
- musicI love the music here. It is music that takes me back.
- vibeI had a very good vibe experience at this restaurant. The food was great, and the staff, despite sometimes being short-staffed, were very nice and helpful.
- dog friendlythis place is dog friendly 🙂
- live musicThey had live music one night
- spaceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a nice bar with tons of chairs and space. The music was good, and the service was incredibly fast.
- vibesvibes were all grand
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe overbearing aroma of disinfectant
- loudMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive. It's a very friendly place, though it can get very loud at times. We even had the company of our waitress's pet dog at our table.
- placeNot a happy place !
- barNot a great way to describe to out of town people that this is a great bar
- bathroombathroom is very old and needs to be updated
- cramped spacethe space was a bit cramped
- customersserver/bartender and some customers yelling at some people
- dirty tableWe witnessed them being impolite to different customers. For instance, when a customer asked the male bartender to wipe down a dirty table, he laughed in their face and dismissively stated, 'This place isn't a hotel, ' before walking away. The female bartender was equally unpleasant.
- disinfectant aromaoverbearing aroma of disinfectant
- smokyToo smoky
If youre seeking a lively, authentic Irish pub with a great vibe, live music, and dont mind a bit of noise, this spot is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prefer a quiet, spacious, and pristine environment, you might find it a tad overwhelming.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, there's a glimmer of hope, particularly around the happy hour where prices are often favorable. Based on 3 positive opinions out of 14 total, some guests appreciate the price per person options. However, the overall score for value sits at a rather low 3.9, with customer satisfaction at a concerning 21.4%, indicating significant room for improvement.
On the flip side, 9 negative opinions highlight some serious concerns. Many feel items like overpriced beer and even chicken tenders are too costly. There are also complaints about charging guests a fee for events, unexpected additional tips being added, and even a minimum spend requirement, suggesting that the overall pricing structure needs a closer look.
Value
14
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Unauthorized tip additions
- Overpriced food/drinks
- Event fees charged
Often praised
- happy hourfavorável pro happy hour com preços promocionais
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
Frequently criticized
- pricefor the price of 13.95 for a medium sized plate
- additional tipsstole our money by adding additional tips to our credit card
- charging guests a feecharging guests a fee for watching a UFC event is ridiculous
- cheaploudly called me cheap in front of several customers.
- minimumthere was a $20 minimum each and I had to order a drink
- moneyMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. They stole our money by adding additional tips to our credit card. This same issue happened to all 5 of us in our group.
- overpriced beerordered an overpriced beer
- price for chicken tendersAnd for $13 Jesus. What’s the mark up 500%?
If youre looking for a good deal, this spot might be a mixed bag. While the happy hour seems to offer some relief, be wary of other prices and potential hidden charges. Its probably best to stick to happy hour specials if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Irish Times?
You’re looking at roughly 32 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 32, it’s interesting to see that most folks actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk of prices falling in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 ranges. This suggests a nice mix, from more budget-friendly options to some higher-end experiences pulling up the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 87 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. Theres a good range of options, so you can likely find something that fits your budget, whether youre looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Irish Times
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Ignored and Left Without a Drink
I walked into the restaurant and it wasn't busy at all. I was seated at a high-top table, but then was ignored by the bartender for 20 minutes. I ended up leaving without getting a drink.
I will not be returning. At least the dog was cute.
- bartender attention1
- waiting time1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Downtown Spot for Food and Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was excellent. It's a great place to meet up with anyone when you are downtown. The food is tasty, the drinks are stiff, and the vibes are solid.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- food9
- drinks9
- vibes9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Lorraine is the best bartender!
My experience was exceptional thanks to Lorraine, the best bartender in town. She was attentive, funny, and engaging. It was a blessing to have her serve us tonight.
A perfect experience!
- bartender10
- attentive10
- funny10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Cottage Pie vs. Shepherd's Pie Confusion
My only complaint is the naming of the dishes. They list cottage pie, which is beef, as Shepherd's pie, which is lamb. While most people might not know the difference, it's noticeable, especially for an Irish establishment.
Otherwise, the experience was positive, with good food and excellent service.
- cottage pie5
- Shepherd's pie5
- food7
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Drinks and Birthday Celebration!
I went to watch the game and had an amazing experience. The drinks were incredible, and I met some great people who bought me shots for my birthday! It was a fantastic celebration.
- drinks10
- great ppl9
What Irish Times offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of entertainment can you enjoy at Irish Times?
At Irish Times, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere featuring regular live music and engaging live performances. It’s also a fantastic spot to catch up on your favorite sports, making it a dynamic destination for entertainment in the Financial District.
What food and drink options are available at Irish Times?
Irish Times offers a diverse menu including quick bites, small plates, and late-night food, with thoughtful vegan options. You can enjoy a full bar with hard liquor, cocktails, wine, and beer, plus happy hour drinks and food. Coffee is also available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Irish Times?
Irish Times has an overall score of 7.9 and a customer satisfaction rate of 80%, indicating a generally good experience. Topics like Food (8.3), Ambience (8.1), and Service (7.7) are highly rated, though Value (3.9) is an area for improvement.
Is Irish Times known for its atmosphere?
Yes, the atmosphere at Irish Times is frequently praised, with many enjoying its authentic Irish bar feel, good music, and dog-friendly environment. However, some find it can get loud or have an “overbearing aroma of disinfectant.”
How is the service at Irish Times?
Service at Irish Times is generally well-regarded, with a score of 7.7. Many customers highlight the friendly and attentive staff, including specific bartenders, though there are occasional reports of rude staff or slow attention.