Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » Maggie McGarry’s – San Francisco
Maggie McGarry's - San Francisco
Photo from Maggie McGarry’s
Maggie McGarry's at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#2206 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#144 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
202
Reviews
55.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Lively entertainment
- Quality drinks
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Drink safety
- Unwelcoming atmosphere
- Payment restrictions
The bar & pub Maggie McGarry’s in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood invites you to an unforgettable evening. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere where live music is a constant highlight.
This casual yet trendy spot is perfect for those seeking a lively experience, offering a great beer selection and plenty of opportunities for dancing.
Overview: Introducting Maggie McGarry's
Maggie McGarry’s offers a lively atmosphere, particularly for those seeking live music or a place to catch a Premier League game. Many appreciate the friendly bartenders and the overall energetic vibe.
It’s a spot where you can enjoy a well-poured Guinness and soak in the entertainment. However, some experiences with drinks have been less positive, with concerns about cocktail quality and even serious safety issues.
There are also notes about card payment minimums and occasional rudeness from staff, which can detract from the otherwise engaging environment.
Average
5.8
out of 10
202
Reviews
55.4%
Satisfaction
80
negative
10
neutral
112
positive
Maggie McGarry’s holds an overall Restaurant Score of 5.8, placing it in the average category. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 55.4%, suggesting a mixed experience for many patrons.
With 202 opinions, including 112 positive and 80 negative remarks, there’s a clear split in how guests perceive their visits. The venue truly shines in its Ambience (7.6), which is frequently praised for its lively atmosphere, live music, and sports viewing.
However, Service (4.4) and Food (5) are considered average, while Value (3.3) falls short, often cited for issues like card payment minimums. This suggests a place with strong entertainment but some practical drawbacks.
What people like
- Lively entertainment options
- Quality Guinness and beer
- Friendly and attentive staff
What people don't like
- Drink safety concerns
- Unwelcoming environment reports
- Card payment restrictions
Maggie McGarry’s is a venue that excels in providing a vibrant atmosphere, especially for those seeking live music, karaoke, or a place to watch sports. If you’re looking for a lively night out with a good pint of Guinness, it could be a fitting choice.
However, be mindful of potential issues with drink quality beyond beer, payment restrictions, and some serious concerns regarding safety and an unwelcoming environment. With a Recommendation Score of 5.9, it’s a place that might appeal to some, but it’s wise to manage expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Maggie McGarry's
Food (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink offerings, youll find a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some bright spots! With a score of 5 and customer satisfaction at 46.9%, its clear theres room for improvement, but also some things they do well. Many patrons rave about the excellent Guinness, the good beer selection, and the impressive range of taps.
Out of 32 total opinions, 15 were positive, highlighting a solid experience for those seeking a quality pint. However, its not all smooth sailing. The 15 negative opinions, also out of 32, point to some areas needing attention.
Some guests were disappointed with the cocktails, found issues with the wine selection, and had particularly bad experiences with the aperol spritz. There were also specific complaints about certain beers or the general quality of some drinks, suggesting inconsistency in their beverage program.
Food
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Guinness pours
- Good beer selection
- Fine range of taps
What people don't like
- Poor cocktail quality
- Bad aperol spritz
- Limited top-shelf options
Often praised
- drinkspaid for my drinks on time and i leave a god típ for my drinks
- Guinnessknow how to pour a great Guinness
- beerCame in for a quick beer and it was great
- FoodFood:5
- beersOrdering beers the second round was a much better choice
- black and tanBest place for a black and tan
- foodFood:4
- good beerI had a wonderful time at this nice local bar. I enjoyed watching the FA Cup final with strangers and appreciated the good beer. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a 4 out of 5.
- good drinksimply want a good drink
- pint of GuinnessWhile you might occasionally see a small group of Man City fans because one of the owners is a City fan, it's undeniably a Gooner bar. If you're looking for an excellent pint of Guinness while watching Arsenal in San Francisco, this is the place. Please note, it's 21+ only.
Frequently criticized
- foodNo food
- FoodFood:1
- IPAshe had 3 IPA and she didn’t remember which one she poured
- aperol spritzWorst aperol spritz I’ve ever had.
- beerI tried it and agreed. I approached the bartender and politely mentioned that the beer tasted different, asking which one it was. The bartender was incredibly rude, stating she had three IPAs and couldn't recall which she poured, suggesting I should have specified.
- beerswe didn’t drink the beers
- cocktailscocktails first and they weren’t great
- double vodka Red Bullsit was all Red Bull, no liquor
- drinksdrinks spiked with roofies here
- drinks roofieddrinks roofied
If youre heading out for a reliable pint of Guinness or a good beer from their taps, youll likely be pleased. However, if you're looking for well-crafted cocktails, a decent wine list, or specific mixed drinks, you might want to set your expectations accordingly or consider other options.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a 4.4 score and 38.6% customer satisfaction indicating room for improvement. Still, 27 positive comments out of 70 highlighted some real gems! Guests often praised the friendly staff and welcoming vibe, noting how bartenders were great at looking after us and making them feel at home.
On the flip side, 43 negative remarks pointed to significant concerns. Many experienced rude service and unwelcoming interactions, with specific issues raised about the bouncer and general staff attitudes. Some even felt that management didnt care, leading to disappointing encounters.
Service
70
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
43
negative
0
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Unwelcoming bouncers
- Poor communication
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the karaoke and the crowd, which were always a blast. I didn't try the food, but the atmosphere and service were top-notch, both rated a 5. Eileen is the best KJ in town, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
- staffstaff was nice and patient
- bartendersMaggie's bartenders take good care of you
- peopleoutstanding people.
- EileenI didn't try the food, but the atmosphere and service were top-notch, both rated a 5. Eileen is the best KJ in town, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
- EricaErica is awesome
- Irish landlordThe Irish landlord is great craic
- KJI didn't try the food, but the atmosphere and service were top-notch, both rated a 5. Eileen is the best KJ in town, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
- ServiceService:5
- basketball ticketssorted the basketball tickets for us
Frequently criticized
- staffMy group was treated pretty poorly here by staff. There are way better Irish bars in SF and bars in North Beach to patron that don’t treat you and your group rudely.
- bartenderThe bartender tells my friends they have to go
- servicethey just target me and start pushing me to leave
- phoneThe phone was put on a drain behind the counter
- waitresswaitress became even rudder with me
- FOUR women to get roofiedallowed FOUR women to get roofied
- IDsaying my ID/license was fake.
- MariaMaria was the bartender
- Patrick the bartenderWe miss Patrick the bartender very much. But the spirit remains the same.
- Romanian id cardsecurity guy could not read the birth date on my Romanian id card
If you're looking for consistently great service, this might be a gamble, as the overall customer satisfaction is poor. While some staff are genuinely friendly, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially with a significant number of negative experiences reported.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The atmosphere here truly shines, especially if youre looking for a lively spot! Many guests rave about the live music, from energetic cover bands to karaoke nights, creating a fantastic great vibe. Its also a top-notch sports bar with plenty of screens for football matches, and the outdoor seating is a big plus.
With 69 positive remarks out of 89 total, its clear why customer satisfaction for ambience sits at a strong 77.5%. However, not all experiences are glowing. Some found the atmosphere unwelcoming or even "soulless, " with concerns about cleanliness and the place getting crowded.
There were also serious mentions regarding safety and an unwelcoming environment for certain groups. While the overall score for ambience is a respectable 7.6, these points suggest theres room for improvement in ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Ambience
89
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
14
negative
6
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live music events
- Vibrant sports bar
- Great overall vibe
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming environment
- Cleanliness concerns
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the karaoke and the crowd, which were always a blast. I didn't try the food, but the atmosphere and service were top-notch, both rated a 5. Eileen is the best KJ in town, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere.
- live musicMy experience at this venue was fantastic! It's an awesome venue for live music located right in the heart of North Beach. It's always crackin' on the weekends, and they feature stellar cover bands.
- musicHowever, opting for beers for the second round proved to be a much better choice. The venue is worth visiting if you enjoy eclectic cover bands, as the band played music from just about every genre.
- karaokethe karaoke and the crowd are always a blast
- 90's musicthe next was a group covering 90's music
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- EPL matchesshow EPL matches
- Euro gamecaught some of the Euro game
- Premier League gamesHighly recommend for prem games!
- TVThey had the TV turned towards the sidewalk for convenience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was negative due to their unwelcoming atmosphere. They are homophobic and not friendly towards anyone who isn't a cis white straight male.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- art workthe “art” work. Just odd
- baryour bar is so dead
- cleanlinessNot the cleanest pub you’ll ever set foot in
- crazyit gets a bit crazy
- crowdedgets crowded
- environmentunwelcoming environment
- establishmentMy experience at this establishment was disgusting. The fact that this sorry excuse for an establishment allowed FOUR women to get roofied is appalling. This place should be shut down and the staff and owners should be ashamed of themselves.
- parkingparking is?!!!!
If you're seeking a vibrant spot with live music or a dedicated sports bar atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Be prepared for a lively crowd, especially on game nights or weekends. However, if cleanliness and a consistently welcoming, safe environment are your top priorities, you might want to consider other options.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a bit of a mixed bag here. While the overall score for value sits at a rather 3.3, indicating its poor, customer satisfaction surprisingly soars to an 9.1, which is excellent! Based on just 1 positive opinion out of 11 total, some folks see it as a decent choice if you're looking for a mid-range bar experience.
However, the majority of the 8 negative opinions out of 11 total paint a different picture. Many feel the prices are not cheap, with concerns about being overcharged for drinks and issues like card payment minimums or even cash-only policies. This suggests that while some are satisfied, many find the value proposition lacking due to these pricing and payment hurdles.
Value
11
Reviews
9%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good mid-range bar
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Card payment minimums
- Cash-only issues
Often praised
- mid-range barthose wanting a mid range bar it's a good choice
Frequently criticized
- ATM feecharging you with $2,5 for the bar
- card paymentCan't pay by card under $20
- cash onlyCash only
- minimum on card purchasesminimum on card purchases so I had to buy more
- overcharge for a drinkShe will overcharge you for a drink
- price minimumthere is a price minimum to using a card
- pricesNot cheap
- two Red BullsI ordered two double vodka Red Bulls, but they were all Red Bull with no liquor. If you're looking to pay $20 for two Red Bulls, this is the spot!
If youre seeking a straightforward mid-range bar and dont mind potential payment restrictions or higher-than-expected drink costs, you might find it acceptable. However, if value for money and transparent pricing are your top priorities, you might want to look elsewhere to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Maggie McGarry's?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 41 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.
Interestingly, while the average is 21, a good number of folks actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range. But don’t be surprised if some guests go for a bit more, with a few even hitting the $41–$50 mark or beyond!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How this spot’s value stacks up against similar places in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. There’s flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Maggie McGarry's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Drinks, Friendly Service, No Food
My experience was centered around the drinks and service. The drinks were good, and the service was friendly. The neighborhood is great, but I'd recommend taking the muni as parking is questionable.
It's important to note that this establishment serves only libations, with no food available.
- drinks8
- service8
- neighborhood7
- parking3
- food2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Authentic Irish Bar in San Francisco
My experience at this restaurant was that it was everything an authentic neighborhood Irish bar should be. It's located in a fun part of San Francisco, and I couldn't ask for more!
- neighborhood Irish bar9
- fun part of San Francisco9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Awesome Band, Crowded and No Top Shelf Booze
I visited on a Saturday night and was impressed by the live band, which was awesome. There's also a small dance floor available. However, the restaurant does not offer top shelf booze and it tends to get crowded.
- live band10
- dance floor7
- top shelf booze3
- crowded4
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Proper Football Vibes, Great Guinness
My experience at this pub was defined by its proper football vibes. While it's not the cleanest establishment, it compensates with a cracking atmosphere, especially for City matches. The Guinness was great, and there were loads of screens.
I didn't try the food, so it's advisable to eat beforehand. The Irish landlord was a pleasure, and the regulars were lovely.
- football vibes8
- Guinness8
- screens8
- cleanliness3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Aperol Spritz Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the aperol spritz. I watched the bartender fill 75% of my glass with soda water and ice, with only a splash of aperol and Prosecco. Unfortunately, I was too polite to decline the watery drink.
The atmosphere, service, and food were all rated a 1.
- aperol spritz1
- soda water and ice2
- splash of aperol and Prosecco2
What Maggie McGarry's offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Offerings
- Dancing
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and drinks can you find at Maggie McGarry's?
At Maggie McGarry’s, you’ll discover a lively scene with live music and captivating live performances. You can also enjoy dancing the night away. For drinks, you have a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, alongside coffee and other alcoholic beverages.
What is the atmosphere like at Maggie McGarry's and how can you pay?
You’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere at Maggie McGarry’s, making it a comfortable yet exciting place to spend your time. When it’s time to settle up, you can conveniently use credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Maggie McGarry's?
Maggie McGarry’s has a mixed customer sentiment, with a Restaurant Score of 5.8 and Customer Satisfaction at 55.4%. While its Ambience (7.6) is highly rated, Service (4.4), Food (5), and especially Value (3.3) receive lower marks.
Is Maggie McGarry's a good spot for entertainment?
Yes, customers frequently praise Maggie McGarry’s for its lively entertainment, including live music, karaoke, and showing Premier League games. The atmosphere is often highlighted as a major draw.
Are there any common concerns or issues at Maggie McGarry's?
Some patrons have raised concerns about drink quality, card payment minimums, and occasional staff rudeness. More seriously, there have been mentions of an unwelcoming environment and safety issues related to drinks.