Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » McCarthy’s – San Francisco
McCarthy's - San Francisco
Photo from McCarthy’s
McCarthy's at a glance
San Francisco West Portal
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 12 of the guests
#1507 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#107 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
103
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Pub atmosphere
- Quality drinks
Frequently criticized
- Safety concerns
- Limited drinks
- Indoor smoking
The bar McCarthy’s Irish Bar, located in San Francisco’s vibrant West Portal neighborhood, offers a classic Bar & Pub experience. You’ll find a truly impressive selection of beers here, making it a prime spot for enthusiasts.
It’s a casual setting where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, whether you’re catching up with friends or watching a game. This spot is known for its welcoming vibe and diverse drink options.
Overview: Introducting McCarthy's
McCarthy’s offers a genuine Irish pub experience, often described as having a cozy atmosphere where conversation flows easily. Many appreciate the friendly staff, particularly the welcoming bartenders, and the fair prices for drinks.
It’s a spot where you can enjoy a well-poured Guinness and soak in a lively, unpretentious vibe. However, some experiences at McCarthy’s have been less positive, with concerns raised about occasional rude staff interactions and a perceived lack of safety for women.
While the atmosphere is generally praised, the limited variety of craft beers and hard liquor might not suit all preferences.
Good
7.2
out of 10
103
Reviews
74.8%
Satisfaction
21
negative
5
neutral
77
positive
McCarthy’s generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.2. This indicates a good experience for many patrons, a sentiment echoed by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 74.8%.
These figures are based on 103 customer remarks, with 77 positive observations outweighing 21 negative ones, suggesting a largely favorable impression. Delving deeper, the Food (7.9) — primarily drinks like Guinness and Irish coffee — stands out as a strong point.
Service (7.3) also receives good marks, with many appreciating the attentive staff. While Value (7.2) is considered good, the Ambience (6.6) falls into the average range, though still contributing positively to the overall experience.
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Authentic pub atmosphere
- Quality Irish drinks
What people don't like
- Safety concerns
- Limited drink variety
- Smoking indoors
With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, McCarthy’s is a place worth considering if you’re seeking an authentic, lively Irish pub experience with good drinks and friendly service. It’s a solid choice for a casual pint and conversation in a cozy setting.
However, be mindful of the reported safety concerns and the limited variety of craft beers or hard liquor. If you prioritize a diverse drink menu or a smoke-free environment, you might find it less appealing.
It’s best suited for those who appreciate its traditional charm.
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Verdict: Our expert take on McCarthy's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to whats on offer, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 84.6% customer satisfaction. Out of 26 comments, 22 were positive, highlighting a great selection of drinks. Folks rave about the pint, Irish Whiskey, Irish coffee, and especially the cold beers and Guinness, often mentioning good brews and even free food during events.
However, there are a few areas for improvement, with 4 negative comments. Some patrons noted a limited hard liquor variety and wished for more craft beers. The general sentiment was that the drinks could be a bit basic, with only one Irish beer' on tap, which might disappoint those seeking a wider selection.
Food
26
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good pints
- Cold fresh beer
- Great Irish coffee
What people don't like
- Limited hard liquor
- No craft beers
- Basic drink selection
Often praised
- GuinnessWe had the opportunity to play the pipes for them on St. Patrick's Day, which was met with thunderous applause and we even received free Guinness. : -)
- foodThe food was great
- Irish coffeeIrish coffee and rugby union on a weekend morning warms the heart
- drinksDrinks are always cold and poured strong
- BeerBeer was cold and fresh
- Irish WhiskeyMy experience at this real Irish Bar was positive. If you're looking for a good pint and a shot of Irish Whiskey, this is the place to go. The vibe was relaxed, which was appreciated, especially given it was December 23rd and expectations weren't high.
- Irish fairspopular Irish fairs from Franco's Latin table
- beerthe beer was cold
- black stuffIf looking for a good of the black stuff, well this has to be on the list
- brew or cocktailhave a brew or cocktail
Frequently criticized
- Irish beerThey only have one Irish beer on tap
- craft beerspity they hadn't some craft beers
- drinksThe drinks were pretty basic
- hard liquor varietyThe vibe was relaxed, which was appreciated, especially given it was December 23rd and expectations weren't high. The only downside was that the hard liquor variety is limited. Despite this, I will go back.
If youre after a classic pint of Guinness, a strong Irish coffee, or just some cold beers and free food during a game, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if youre a connoisseur of craft beers or a wide hard liquor variety, you might find the selection a bit limited.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Overall, the service here earns a good score of 7.3, with customer satisfaction also looking strong at 73.3%. Many guests, accounting for 22 out of 30 comments, consistently praised the welcoming vibe. Individuals like Eileen and Dave (the bartender) were often singled out for their friendly banter and charming, down-to-earth personalities, making patrons feel right at home.
However, its not entirely without its bumps, as 7 comments highlighted some concerning experiences. There were mentions of snotty wait staff and rude' behavior from a bartender. More seriously, a few accounts included allegations of harassment and a poor staff response, which definitely warrants attention despite the generally positive feedback.
Service
30
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly bartenders
- Welcoming staff
- Charming owner
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Harassment issues
- Poor response
Often praised
- serviceIt's not fancy, but it's real. My experience at this restaurant was great, with a real atmosphere and excellent service. The price was also very reasonable.
- bartenderThe bartender was very nice and friendly
- bartendersThe bartenders are very nice
- Dave (Bartender)especially Dave (Bartender)
- EileenEileen is very kind and attentive
- Eileen behind the barEileen behind the bar is absolutely lovely and welcoming
- IreneIrene behind the bar is great to chat with
- Irish accentHer Irish accent is fully preserved
- PatrickPatrick was a gentleman, full of welcome
- applauseWe had the opportunity to play the pipes for them on St. Patrick's Day, which was met with thunderous applause and we even received free Guinness. : -)
Frequently criticized
- Irish hospitalityI expect Irish hospitality when I go to an Irish bar
- bartenderwannabe Andy Warhol bartender with the red glasses is American and has American rudeness
- harassmentI was being harassed by a man in this bar
- physical assaultthe guy came out and punched me twice
- snotty wait staffThe bartender was very nice and friendly. I appreciated that there were no big tables and no snotty wait staff. I believe they source their food from the restaurant next door.
- staffMy experience at this so-called Irish bar was extremely disappointing. The staff were extremely rude and ignorant. If you're looking to watch football (soccer), I would advise against visiting this bar as they don't show it.
- staff responsethey told me to leave when I stuck up for myself
If youre seeking a spot with genuinely friendly and welcoming staff, youll likely have a great experience, especially with the charming bartenders. Just be aware that while most interactions are positive, a few serious incidents suggest service can occasionally be inconsistent, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot has a lot going for it! Based on 29 positive remarks out of 42 total, many customers rave about the friendly atmosphere and good vibe. Its often described as a relaxing, authentic Irish pub thats lively with conversation and music, making it a great place to catch a game or just enjoy a fun night out.
However, the ambience isnt without its drawbacks, contributing to a 6.6 score and 69% customer satisfaction, which is a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the 9 negative comments point out the lack of amenities like big tables, a dart board, or a pool table. Its also been called pretty tiny by some, and a serious concern was raised about it not being a safe place for women.
Ambience
42
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
9
negative
4
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly atmosphere
- Authentic Irish pub
- Good for sports
What people don't like
- Not safe for women
- Very tiny space
- Lacks pub games
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience was a good mood and cozy atmosphere, complemented by awesome beer and nice people. The owner mentioned their Guinness was the best in town, and I must agree, it was poured really well.
- vibeThe vibe is classic and unpretentious
- Irish publike stepping into a legit Irish pub
- Irish PubMy experience was at a nice, local Irish Pub located in the West Portal area of SF. We had the opportunity to play the pipes for them on St.
- Irish barsone of the best real Irish bars
- Irish regularsthis place has Irish regulars
- ballgame on the TVthey had a ballgame on the TV
- buzzing with laughterIt's not pretentious or fancy – don't bother asking for a cocktail menu. This place has Irish regulars and, even on a Monday night, it was buzzing with laughter and stories. They have good brews on tap, and the staff offered friendly banter and service.
- catch some sportsCan even catch some sports
- conversationThe drinks were always cold and poured strong, and the prices were fair. It's the kind of place where conversation just flows naturally. Whether you're catching a game, grabbing a pint with friends, or just stopping by after work, McCarthy's nails it.
Frequently criticized
- Philosophers clubits better too
- Tj'sI found it to be a small, typical dive bar. I felt that Tj's was better, and it could have been years since it was open down the block. It's not too many places like it in the West Portal hood, except for the Philosopher's Club, which is also better.
- big tablesNo big tables
- dart boardNo dart board
- footballThe staff were extremely rude and ignorant. If you're looking to watch football (soccer), I would advise against visiting this bar as they don't show it.
- placeIt's pretty tiny
- pool tableno pool table
- safetyThis is not a safe place for women.
- smoke in the roomlots of smoke in the room
If you're looking for a cozy, lively Irish pub to catch a game or enjoy a casual chat, this place could be a good fit. However, if you prefer more spacious settings, specific pub games, or are concerned about safety, you might want to consider other options.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Looking at the value, its clear most diners are pleased! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction hitting 80%, it seems like most folks are pretty happy. Based on 4 positive comments out of 5 total, many found the overall price and drink prices to be very reasonable and fair, especially for the quality of the drinks.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. One comment did point out that the beers might be a bit on the pricey side, suggesting there could be a slight inconsistency in value, particularly concerning beer options.
Value
5
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair overall pricing
- Good value drinks
What people don't like
- Expensive beers
Often praised
- drink pricesGreat happy-hour drink prices
- drinksThe atmosphere was very clean and relaxed. The drinks were pretty good and not overpriced. The only thing missing was some single Irish guys, but that's not the fault of the bar.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was great, with a real atmosphere and excellent service. The price was also very reasonable.
- pricesprices are fair
Frequently criticized
- beers$6 beers
If youre looking for a spot where the overall price and drinks offer good value, youll likely be pleased. Just be mindful that beer prices might be a bit higher than expected, so plan your sips accordingly.
How are the prices at McCarthy's?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 12 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, prices for similar spots are quite spread out, with a mix of budget-friendly bites and some pricier pours.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 12 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. It’s a solid mid-range option that offers good value.
Customer Reviews: what people think about McCarthy's
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
A Welcoming Neighborhood Gem
My experience at McCarthy's was fantastic! It's truly everything you'd want in a neighborhood spot – welcoming, laid-back, and just plain fun. The vibe is classic and unpretentious, and the friendly staff made me feel like a regular the moment I walked in.
The drinks were always cold and poured strong, and the prices were fair. It's the kind of place where conversation just flows naturally. Whether you're catching a game, grabbing a pint with friends, or just stopping by after work, McCarthy's nails it.
West Portal is lucky to have this gem!
- staff10
- drinks9
- prices8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Five Stars for Irish Coffee and Rugby!
My experience at this restaurant was surprisingly wonderful. I had only just learned that they served food, and I was delighted to discover that the Irish coffee and the availability of rugby union on a weekend morning were absolutely perfect. It truly warmed my heart and soul.
- Irish coffee9
- rugby union9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Lovely Bar Staff, Will Miss Visiting
My experience at this restaurant was positive, particularly due to the lovely and welcoming service provided by Eileen behind the bar. I visited a few times while in San Francisco and will miss going in.
- Eileen behind the bar10
- service10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
All Hype, No Irish Hospitality
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. To be honest, this place is all hype and no delivery. The drinks were pretty basic, and they didn't even have Rose.
They only had one Irish beer on tap. The place is pretty tiny, and the bartender, who seemed to want to be an Andy Warhol figure with red glasses, was American and exhibited American rudeness. I expect Irish hospitality when I go to an Irish bar.
There are too many great Irish bars in the city that you would not make an effort to go to this place. Sorry, won't be coming back.
- drinks2
- Irish beer2
- Irish hospitality2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Unsafe and Hostile Environment
My experience at this bar was extremely negative. I was being harassed by a man, and when I defended myself, the staff told me to leave. After I exited the bar, the same man followed me out and punched me twice.
This is definitively not a safe place for women. I strongly advise against coming here!
- safety1
- harassment1
- staff response1
What McCarthy's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Food
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is McCarthy's Irish Bar accessible for everyone?
Yes, McCarthy’s Irish Bar is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests in San Francisco’s West Portal.
What can you expect to find on the menu and for entertainment at McCarthy's Irish Bar?
At McCarthy’s Irish Bar, you can enjoy a great beer selection, hard liquor, wine, coffee, and cocktails. They also serve food and small plates. For entertainment, you can catch various sports events in a casual atmosphere.
How does McCarthy's generally rate with customers?
McCarthy’s holds a good overall **Restaurant Score** of **7.2**, with **Customer Satisfaction** at **74.8%**. Customers particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.9), which includes their drinks, and **Service** (7.3). **Value** (7.2) is also rated well, while **Ambience** (6.6) is considered average.
What do customers enjoy most about McCarthy's?
Patrons frequently praise the **friendly staff** and the **authentic Irish pub atmosphere**, often describing it as cozy and unpretentious. The **quality of their Irish drinks**, especially Guinness, is also a consistent highlight.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at McCarthy's?
Some customers have raised **safety concerns**, particularly for women, and noted instances of **rude staff**. Additionally, the **drink variety** can be limited, and some have mentioned the presence of **smoke indoors**.