Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Fireplace
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Johnny Foley’s – San Francisco
Johnny Foley's - San Francisco
Photo from Johnny Foley’s
Johnny Foley's at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 135 of the guests
#739 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#52 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
584
Reviews
79.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively atmosphere
- Quality food
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
The bar & pub, Johnny Foley’s, in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood, invites you to a memorable experience. You’ll find a lively atmosphere where live music often fills the air, making it a standout spot for entertainment.
This popular establishment offers a cozy yet casual setting, perfect for enjoying a great beer selection and delicious food at the bar.
Overview: Introducting Johnny Foley's
Johnny Foley’s offers a vibrant pub experience, often praised for its lively atmosphere and friendly service . Many patrons enjoy the delicious food and the authentic Irish pub feel, making it a popular spot for those seeking a good time with attentive staff.
However, some visits to Johnny Foley’s can be marred by long waiting times for food or drinks, and the environment can become quite loud . Additionally, the prices for certain items, like a pint of Guinness, are frequently noted as being on the higher side.
Good
7.9
out of 10
584
Reviews
79.5%
Satisfaction
79
negative
41
neutral
464
positive
This establishment maintains a solid overall 7.9 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 79.5%, indicating that the majority of guests leave content.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 584 customer comments, with a clear lean towards positive feedback, tallying 464 positive remarks against 79 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.2) and Service (8.1) both receive good marks, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment.
The Food (8) also garners strong approval, with many enjoying the traditional Irish offerings. However, Value (4.8) presents a notable contrast, falling into the average range and suggesting that pricing is a frequent point of contention for visitors.
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Quality Irish food
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Excessive noise
Johnny Foley’s is a compelling choice if you’re seeking a spirited Irish pub experience with good food and a welcoming vibe. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate live music and a bustling environment, and don’t mind a potentially energetic crowd.
With a strong recommendation score of 7.9, it suggests that most visitors find it a worthwhile stop. Just be prepared for a lively setting and consider that the cost might be a bit higher than some alternatives, especially if you’re sensitive to noise or budget.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Johnny Foley's
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 8 score and a solid 82.5% customer satisfaction. With 203 positive sentiments out of 246 total, many diners rave about the delicious Guinness Lamb Stew, amazing Irish soda bread, and flavorful seafood chowder. Guests frequently praise the fresh and authentic Irish dishes, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 30 negative comments pointing out some misses. Some found the fish and chips bland or not crispy, while others experienced a dry burger bun or an unauthentic Reuben sandwich. A few even described the general lamb stew as disappointing or inedible, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
246
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
30
negative
13
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Guinness Lamb Stew
- Amazing Irish Soda Bread
- Flavorful Seafood Chowder
What people don't like
- Bland Fish and Chips
- Dry Burger Bun
- Unauthentic Reuben Sandwich
Often praised
- foodThe staff seemed to have their act together, efficiently handling the pre-Christmas Saturday crowds downtown. The staff were friendly, and all of us loved the food we received.
- drinksOur waiter provided excellent service, being attentive throughout our visit. The drinks arrived promptly and were delightfully strong, especially the Irish car bombs and the strong whiskey and coke. The true stars of the evening were the bangers and mash, a highlight of the menu.
- GuinnessI've been a regular at Foley's for 20 years, and it has consistently been good throughout that time. They serve the best Guinness in San Francisco, although it comes with a pricey tag. The food is quality, featuring some proper Irish dishes.
- beerIt seems like there's a performance happening next door. I came alone, had a decent beer, and left. I think I was the only Asian person there.
- fish and chipsfish and chips large portion and delicious
- FoodThe service was excellent, and the atmosphere was great, though it was loud, you could still talk. The food was also very good.
- cottage pieI had the cottage pie, and it was perfect.
- seafood chowderThe seafood chowder and the Irish soda bread pudding.
- Cottage PieIt's now a mission to try the remaining two-thirds on our next visit in a few months. The Cottage Pie, Ribs, Clam Chowder, and Irish Coffee were all fantastic. And OMG, the Guinness from Tap is on a whole other level!
- Irish soda bread puddingIrish soda bread pudding with caramel and Baileys custard, and it did not disappoint!
Frequently criticized
- fooddidn't eat anything, hence 0 stars on food
- fishThe city also adds a 5% fee, which is not the restaurant's fault, and I wish I knew where that fee went. The fish and chips weren't fantastic; the fries (chips) were good, but the fish itself was not crispy at all. The coating wasn't right, though it wasn't soggy.
- fish and chipsWhile some mention a good atmosphere, I found it to be a generic pub with a non-existent atmosphere, regardless of when I visited. The food was awful; the fish and chips were nasty, with the fish tasting bitter and the chips (which were real) being dry, even after being soaked in vinegar. My partner had the lamb shank, which she found okay, but I tasted it and it was bland.
- lamb stewAbsolutely inedible lamb stew
- $18 drinkdrink was lacking in the ingredients
- Irish gamesneed to get a GAA go account to show Irish games
- Pub dog bunthe Pub dog bun was so dry I could not eat it
- Reubenthe rueben we "missing" something
- Reuben sandwichthe Reuben sandwich was not that great
- authenticityit was not authentic
If youre looking for a hearty Irish meal, many specific dishes like the Guinness Lamb Stew and seafood chowder are highly recommended. However, be mindful that some classic pub fare, like the fish and chips or Reuben, might be inconsistent. Its worth a visit for the highlights, but perhaps stick to the well-praised specialties.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 8.1 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.1%. Out of 136 comments, a remarkable 113 praise the friendly service and attentive staff like Monica and Kendall. Guests frequently highlight the great service and welcoming energy from the whole team, making for a delightful experience.
However, 21 comments point to areas for improvement. Some guests experienced slow service and rude staff, with issues like long wait time and a bad attitude from some servers or bartenders. These instances suggest that while generally excellent, consistency can sometimes be an issue, impacting the overall experience for a few.
Service
136
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
113
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, great service
- Fast drink service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceDespite being very busy, the service was fast. The staff seemed to have their act together, efficiently handling the pre-Christmas Saturday crowds downtown.
- staffIf you're just drinking, you can sit at the bar. All the staff members are very friendly. It seems like there's a performance happening next door.
- ServiceWhere can you go wrong with an Irish bar, especially when there's an Irishman behind the bar? My experience was fantastic, with great service and a lively atmosphere. The price was also very reasonable.
- bartendersI particularly enjoyed their chicken pot pie. The service was also excellent, with professional bartenders. I highly recommend this place.
- wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
- bartenderbartender's name was Sebrina.. she was great, friendly and attentive!!
- friendly serviceMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its Irish pub ambience and friendly service. They offer live music on Fridays by a band called The Back Pages.
- hostessThe hostess who seated us was all smiles and carried a really cool vibe
- serverOur server, as it turns out, had been there over a decade
- serversIt's my favorite Irish pub in San Francisco, and I make sure to visit every time I'm in town. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is authentic and historic, and the servers are kind. Plus, they have Kilkenny on tap!
Frequently criticized
- serviceI ordered fish & chips, and the fish felt watery and bland, and the fries were the same as I would eat at a McDonald's. The service also left much to be desired; we had to keep chasing the bartender. (It might be a cultural thing, but he had a very bad attitude and didn't make much effort to explain the beers he had, limiting himself to giving me the menu).
- waiting timeHowever, the service was not so good. I waited an hour and a half for my food, and even after asking the waitress about it twice, I still waited another 40 minutes. She seemed a little annoyed the second time I inquired.
- EnglishI think I was the only Asian person there. If I spoke better English, I could have greeted the people next to me and enjoyed it more! I recommend it.
- ServiceService Friday night, AWFUL!
- WaitressOur waitress, Mindee clearly was having a bad day and chose to be rude, snarky and very condescending that night.
- bartenderThe service also left much to be desired; we had to keep chasing the bartender. (It might be a cultural thing, but he had a very bad attitude and didn't make much effort to explain the beers he had, limiting himself to giving me the menu). Honestly, for what I paid, I could have gone to a much better place.
- establishmentthe place did nothing
- opening hoursclosed Monday and Tuesday
- ownerthe owner was rude
- paying with Apple Pay3 times asked to pay with Apple Pay and were ignored
Overall, the service at this spot is a strong point, with many guests praising the friendly and attentive team. While a few experiences mention slow or rude service, the vast majority indicate youll likely enjoy excellent hospitality. If you value a welcoming atmosphere and efficient staff, its definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic 8.2 score and a solid 82% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks adore the vibe. Out of 172 comments, a whopping 141 rave about the lively live music, inviting decor, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere, making it a truly welcoming experience.
However, its not always perfect for everyone. A smaller number of 16 comments point out issues like the place being quite loud or feeling crowded, with some finding the noise level overwhelming. A few even mentioned being seated in a less-than-ideal dark corner, which wasn't ideal for their experience.
Ambience
172
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
16
negative
15
neutral
141
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music
- Great vibe
- Irish pub atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can get loud
- Often crowded
- Unfavorable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereInstead, we went into the main bar area where a live band was playing cover songs, mostly from the 80s and 90s rock era. They were really good, and the atmosphere was lively with people singing along and dancing. It was a good time.
- AtmosphereWhere can you go wrong with an Irish bar, especially when there's an Irishman behind the bar? My experience was fantastic, with great service and a lively atmosphere. The price was also very reasonable.
- ambiancecozy ambiance added to the overall charm
- decorMy favorite restaurant in The Bay offers a wonderful experience with beautiful paintings of Irish celebrities and traditional decor. The food is delicious, and the service is great.
- live musicMy experience at this restaurant was defined by its Irish pub ambience and friendly service. They offer live music on Fridays by a band called The Back Pages. I recommend the Fries.
- Irish pubThis is truly an Irish pub
- musicPatrick's Day was fantastic! The atmosphere was amazing, with great music and delicious drinks 🍹. The bartenders were incredibly attentive, especially considering how busy they were for the holiday.
- placeWe had a very nice place for our last evening in San Francisco with family. The waiter was welcoming and friendly, contributing to a great experience.
- Irish pub atmosphereGreat Irish pub atmosphere
- experiencecouldn't ask for a better experience
Frequently criticized
- atmospherecan't think why the atmosphere is just non existent
- bandthe band was outrageously loud
- barMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. A man sexually assaulted me at the bar, and the establishment did nothing to address the situation. If you are a woman, please be aware because they do not care about your safety.
- conversationa conversation would be difficult
- crowdeddoes get crowded
- dark cornerplaced in a dark corner towards the back
- disco musicdisco music playing, loudly, the entire time
- level of noisethis level of noise
- live musicadvertised live music, but there is none
- loudITS LOUD
If you're seeking a lively spot with great live music and a genuine Irish pub atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a potentially loud and crowded environment, especially if you prefer a quieter setting.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found things quite reasonable, especially considering the prime location. Out of 30 comments, 7 were positive, with many appreciating the reasonable price and cost for the food, even noting it was okay for San Francisco. While customer satisfaction for value is a poor 23.3%, the overall score is an average 4.8, suggesting a mixed experience.
However, the majority of feedback, with 12 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many found things quite expensive, with complaints about the bill being too high, especially for items like Guinness. Additional charges like a government mandate fee or an entrance fee also left a sour taste, making the overall prices feel unjustified.
Value
30
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
12
negative
11
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good location value
- Reasonable food price
What people don't like
- High overall cost
- Unexpected extra fees
- Expensive drinks
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great food and drinks at a reasonable price. The service was great, and the atmosphere was wonderfully warming.
- PriceMy experience was fantastic, with great service and a lively atmosphere. The price was also very reasonable.
- costKost wel wat maar de moeite waard
- locationpaying for a location convenient to Union Square
- pricesprices ok for San Francisco
Frequently criticized
- price(It might be a cultural thing, but he had a very bad attitude and didn't make much effort to explain the beers he had, limiting himself to giving me the menu). Honestly, for what I paid, I could have gone to a much better place.
- GuinnessGuinness expensive at $10 pint
- billthe bill came to $170. Over $200 with tip
- entrance feeit's a $20 entrance fee, (insane)
- expensiveEverything is quite expensive
- government mandate feethey add a “government mandate” fee to the bill
- pricesPretty high prices comparing with other restaurants
- taxadd a tax on the bill that covers the employees insurance
If you're prioritizing a great location and are prepared for potentially higher prices, this spot might be worth considering. However, be mindful of the bill and extra fees, as many guests found the overall value quite expensive.
How are the prices at Johnny Foley's?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 135 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 sits here, we see a pretty wide range of spending. Many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 or $11–$20 brackets, suggesting some budget-friendly options. But a good number also opt for more premium experiences, spending $41–$50 or even over 101 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 135 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Bar & Pub in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers options for various budgets, from a quick drink to a more substantial meal, making it quite versatile.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Johnny Foley's
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Bomb Chicago Hot Dog & Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The Chicago hot dog was absolutely bomb! I believe the bartender's name was Sebrina, and she was great, friendly, and attentive.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, service a 5, and food a 5. The noise level was loud, but it was still possible to hold a conversation. The price per person was between $30–50, and there was no wait time.
- Chicago hot dog10
- bartender10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Irish Dessert and Cozy Atmosphere
I popped into Johnny Foley’s for a nightcap and dessert and had such a great time! We tried the Irish Soda Bread & Butter Pudding with Caramel & Bailey’s Custard Sauce—it was absolutely delicious. It was rich, comforting, and just the right amount of sweetness.
The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a relaxed night out. I definitely want to come back to try more of their Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie and the classic fish and chips with mushy peas. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great spot for traditional Irish food and drinks.
- Irish Soda Bread & Butter Pudding with Caramel & Bailey’s Custard Sauce10
- atmosphere9
- sweetness8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Amazing Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious. I also want to highlight the exceptional service, especially from our server, Kendall.
She was amazing and took great care of our family. The atmosphere was also rated highly.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Fish & Chips Experience
After reading many positive comments about this place, I decided to go, and the truth is that it disappointed me quite a bit. I ordered fish & chips, and the fish felt watery and bland, and the fries were the same as I would eat at a McDonald's. The service also left much to be desired; we had to keep chasing the bartender.
(It might be a cultural thing, but he had a very bad attitude and didn't make much effort to explain the beers he had, limiting himself to giving me the menu). Honestly, for what I paid, I could have gone to a much better place.
- fish & chips2
- fries2
- service2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Slow and Unfriendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was marked by slow and unfriendly service. The drinks were just okay. We experienced a significant wait, with a 22-minute delay for just one martini and a beer, even on a weekday.
The service from the hostess, waitress, and bar staff was notably unfriendly.
- drinks5
- service2
- waiting time2
What Johnny Foley's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of experience can you expect at Johnny Foley's Irish House in Union Square?
At Johnny Foley’s Irish House, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. You’ll often find live music and live performances, making it a lively spot. It’s also a great place to catch sports, all while enjoying a great beer selection by the fireplace.
What food and drink options are available at Johnny Foley's Irish House?
Johnny Foley’s Irish House offers a wide array of food and drink. You can enjoy food at the bar, quick bites, and small plates, including late-night food options. For beverages, there’s a great selection of beer, wine, cocktails, hard liquor, and coffee. Dining options span brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
How does this restaurant rate overall?
This establishment holds a **7.9** score with **79.5%** customer satisfaction. Its **Ambience** (8.2), **Service** (8.1), and **Food** (8) are well-regarded, though **Value** (4.8) is a notable concern for some patrons.
What makes this a popular spot?
Many appreciate its lively atmosphere with live music, friendly service , and quality Irish food like cottage pie and bangers and mash, making it a good choice for an authentic pub experience.
Are there any common concerns about this establishment?
Some patrons find the establishment loud and crowded , and the prices are often mentioned as being on the higher side, particularly for drinks like Guinness.