Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Chieftain – San Francisco
The Chieftain - San Francisco
Photo from The Chieftain
The Chieftain at a glance
San Francisco West SoMa
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 105 of the guests
#377 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#28 Bar & Pub out of 151 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
442
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Irish Cuisine
- Pub Atmosphere
- Good Bartenders
Frequently criticized
- Street Safety
- Service Issues
- Price Concerns
The restaurant The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant is a vibrant Bar & Pub located in the heart of San Francisco’s West SoMa neighborhood. You’ll find yourself immersed in a lively atmosphere, often enhanced by fantastic live music performances.
It’s a go-to spot where you can catch a game, enjoy a great beer selection, and experience the true spirit of a welcoming Irish pub.
Overview: Introducting The Chieftain
The Chieftain offers a genuine pub experience, often praised for its hearty food and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the generous portions and the overall cozy, welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home.
However, some experiences suggest potential issues with service consistency and concerns about price for certain items. While the positive aspects shine through, it’s worth noting these points for a complete picture.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
442
Reviews
84.2%
Satisfaction
56
negative
14
neutral
372
positive
The Chieftain earns a solid overall score of 8.3 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands strong at 84.2%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are based on a substantial 442 customer remarks, with 372 positive observations outweighing 56 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.5) truly stand out as strong suits, consistently receiving high marks.
Service (7.9) also performs well, though Value (6.1) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting some guests find certain offerings less compelling for the cost.
What people like
- Hearty Irish Food
- Welcoming Irish Vibe
- Attentive Bar Staff
What people don't like
- Unsafe Street Environment
- Inconsistent Table Service
- Questionable Value
With a strong recommendation score of 8.4, The Chieftain appears to be a worthwhile spot, especially if you’re seeking a lively Irish pub atmosphere and comforting, well-regarded food. It seems to deliver a generally positive experience for many.
If you prioritize a vibrant setting and classic pub fare, it’s certainly worth a visit. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in table service and consider the overall value proposition before settling in for a long evening.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Chieftain
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.5 and customer satisfaction soaring at 88.7%, its clear most diners are leaving happy. Out of 204 comments, a whopping 181 rave about the delicious offerings, especially the "Fish n chips, " "Shepherds Pie, and Bangers and Mash, praising the authentic Irish fare and generous portions.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 20 comments point to some areas for improvement, with a few finding the Shepard's Pie plain, the chowder disappointing, or some dishes like bangers overcooked and greasy food" in general. It seems consistency can be a slight issue for certain items.
Food
204
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Irish fare
- Generous portions
- Crispy Fish & Chips
What people don't like
- Poor chowder
- Greasy food
- Overcooked bangers
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It’s a vibe here, with great customer service and the food is honestly good. I had the Irish beef stew, which was the bomb, followed by the popcorn chicken.
- drinksI tried the burger and fish and chips, and they were really awesome! The bartender was the best I’ve ever seen, with an absolutely amazing smile and fab service and drinks! I will definitely be back there soon!
- fish and chipsOrdered fish and chips and the Irish chicken burger. Very good comfort food
- FoodFood:5
- friesfluffy, flavorful fries that will leave you weak in the knees
- bangers and mashI had the bangers and mash, and after eating it I knew there was no way I'd leave hungry.
- beersbeers that we didn’t see outside of Ireland
- burgerburger and fish and chips and they were really awesome
- Guinnessthey know how to pour their Guinness
- Shepherd's PieThe Shepherd's Pie was delicious with a creamy consistency
Frequently criticized
- foodWe went on a Wednesday night and it was crowded with people waiting for drinks. There was only one server, and no one had any food. All we wanted was some fish and chips, but we had no luck.
- gravygravy was lumpy.
- Magners or Cidersdisappointed that they did have any Magners or Ciders
- Shepard's PieShepard's Pie was $22 and was 80% potatoes and the filling had little flavor
- Shepherd's piemy shepherd pie was pretty plain
- bangersbangers over cooked.
- bangers, beans and mashBangers, beans and mash was not good.
- beansbeans under cooked (unbelievable)
- beerBeer was $9 and mostly head
- cheeseburgerone of the worst cheeseburgers I’ve ever had
If youre craving hearty, authentic Irish comfort food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the overall consensus points to a satisfying meal experience that wont disappoint most palates.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score, indicating a good experience for most. Customer satisfaction is also strong at 77.3%, reflecting many happy diners. Out of 119 pieces of feedback, 92 highlighted positive interactions, praising the friendly and attentive staff, fast service, and knowledgeable bartenders who make you feel truly welcomed.
However, not every interaction was perfect, with 24 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned rude bartenders or waitstaff with a bad attitude, and instances where drink orders were ignored or service felt weird. While these are fewer, they suggest occasional inconsistencies in staff demeanor.
Service
119
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
24
negative
3
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Bad attitude
- Ignored orders
Often praised
- serviceThe Pear Cider was refreshing, and the Ginger Agave Cider offered a slightly stronger ginger note profile. Service was quick and courteous, and the meal was enjoyed nicely. It's worth noting that the kitchen closes at 10 PM, so arriving at an appropriate time is advised.
- staffI tried the Guinness + Stella and loved the lager finish – it was exactly to my taste. The atmosphere is good and the staff are friendly. The Jalapeño Cheese Croquettes were delicious!
- bartenderMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional service provided by CJ. He was one of the best bartenders I've ever interacted with – incredibly friendly and professional. He also made excellent drinks.
- ServiceService:5
- bartendersThe bartenders know what they're doing
- employeeOne of the employees noticed and says "You know that's on the TV, right?"
- orderThe bartenders know what they're doing, and the drinks were made perfectly. My waitress was nice and got my order right. The atmosphere is delightful, and I had a great time.
- KellyReally appreciated Kelly for turning us a table and providing incredible service.
- LaurieLaurie awesome waitress
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- waitressThe waitress though was astoundingly rude!!
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was great for watching a game, especially if you sit at the bar. However, the server on the table was very weird.
- bartenderThe bartender was VERY rude and misogynistic
- Google MapsGoogle map was saying- it’s open until 2am
- Uber backHad to Uber back to hotel for safety
- attitudeAbsolutely terrible attitude
- bartendersworst bartenders I've seen in this city
- credit cardHowever, our experience soured when a new bartender, a baldish man in his 40s, took over as the sole bartender. He seemed to completely ignore my drink orders and requests for my credit card back. This was particularly frustrating because he started a tab despite my explicit request to simply order a round and pay immediately.
- drink ordersHowever, our experience soured when a new bartender, a baldish man in his 40s, took over as the sole bartender. He seemed to completely ignore my drink orders and requests for my credit card back. This was particularly frustrating because he started a tab despite my explicit request to simply order a round and pay immediately.
- false advertisingThis led me to walk to The Lark, which was genuinely open until 2 am. There was no false advertising there. I support hard-working businesses!
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, with many praising the friendly and efficient staff. While there are occasional reports of rudeness or inconsistency, the majority of visits are met with attentive and welcoming service. It's definitely worth trying if you value good customer interaction.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.5 and delighting 87.9% of customers. With 94 positive sentiments out of 107, guests consistently praise the authentic pub experience, cozy pub, and great vibes, often highlighting the live music that creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere. However, a few of the 8 negative sentiments point to potential drawbacks.
Some found the place crowded at times, and parking can be a challenge. Concerns about unsafe streets in the surrounding area were also mentioned, which could impact the overall experience for some visitors.
Ambience
107
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic pub experience
- Lively atmosphere
- Live music
What people don't like
- Crowded at times
- Parking challenges
- Unsafe surrounding streets
Often praised
- atmosphereBe warned, though: the portions are generous, and you'll want to order one of everything! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a warm staff that made me feel like part of the clan. I came for the food and stayed for the craic (Irish for 'good times'!).
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeLove the vibe in this place
- barMy experience at the restaurant was great for watching a game, especially if you sit at the bar. However, the server on the table was very weird.
- musiccrank up the music. Fun!!
- Irish Musicwith Irish Music too boot
- Irish PubMy experience at Chieftain’s was fantastic! It's hands down the best Irish Pub in San Francisco and the top bar in Soma. We always have so much fun here.
- Irish atmospherein an Irish atmosphere
- Irish bar vibetotal Irish bar vibe was fantastic
- Irish barsI love Irish bars for decades
Frequently criticized
- Nighttime streetsNighttime? Forget it, streets are like a warzone!!
- crowdedMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. We went on a Wednesday night and it was crowded with people waiting for drinks. There was only one server, and no one had any food.
- homeless peopleWe never made it to our intended destination because as we pulled into San Francisco, we felt bombarded by homeless people watching us. The hotel next door couldn't accommodate our vehicle with a U-Haul trailer, forcing us to move to a different location.
- parkingParking is wonky
- relevanceI've visited this restaurant a few times during my travels to San Francisco, and unfortunately, my experience gets sadder with each visit. In my opinion, this establishment is an old Irish pub that is holding itself back from staying relevant. I likely won't be returning.
- robbedYou will be robbed
- streetsstreets are crawling with homeless
- unsafeI don't understand why people recommend visiting San Francisco; it's filled with homeless people. I felt completely unsafe and couldn't relax until I was an hour away. I strongly advise against staying in San Francisco; it is extremely unsafe and you will likely be robbed.
If youre seeking an authentic, lively Irish pub experience with great music and a cozy feel, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potential crowds and plan your parking and travel carefully, especially if youre concerned about the surrounding area.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests have found some pleasant surprises, often highlighting the excellent quantity/quality of the food in relation to the price. With 5 positive remarks, terms like reasonable prices and a great price performance ratio pop up, suggesting that for some, the meals are well priced with generous portions. The overall score for value is an average 6.1.
On the flip side, value can be a bit of a mixed bag, as customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 41.7%. With 4 negative comments out of 12 total, some diners felt the experience was overpriced, and there were even issues like being charged twice. The mention of a forced 20% tip without warning also left a few feeling less than thrilled, indicating some clear areas for improvement despite the average score.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good price-performance
- Great portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Double charging
- Forced tip
Often praised
- pricequantity/quality of the food in relation to the price
- price performance ratioThe price performance ratio is absolutel reasonable
- reasonable pricesVery reasonable prices
- well pricedMy experience at the restaurant was that it's a hidden gem for fish and chips. The meal was well priced with great portions, making for a solid meal.
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced and mediocre
- 20% tipforced to pay 20% tip without knowing in advance
- charging twicecharging both of my parties twice!
If youre looking for a place where you might snag a great deal on food portions, it could be worth a try. However, be mindful of potential pricing surprises or unexpected charges, as not everyone leaves feeling they got their moneys worth.
How are the prices at The Chieftain?
On average, you’ll spend around 30 per person – from 105 guests. That puts this spot in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a little on the higher side.
Looking at what everyone else spends, most guests tend to cluster around this $21–$30 range, showing a clear sweet spot for pricing here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 105 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Bar & Pub against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub in San Francisco. Its a solid mid-range option if youre looking for a good time without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Chieftain
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Amazing Irish Pub in SF!
My experience at this Irish Pub in San Francisco was fantastic. I visited almost every day during my stay. The pub offers a good selection of beers, with many local options, and the food was also great.
The atmosphere is very chilly, and the staff is absolutely amazing 🤩. I highly recommend this place if you are nearby.
- beers9
- food8
- atmosphere8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Great Bar with Amazing Atmosphere!
For anyone looking for a good bar in San Francisco, this is the place to be! They serve great drinks, delicious food, and have an amazing atmosphere! Highly recommended!
- drinks9
- food9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Chowder Experience
My friend and I both ordered the chowder, and it basically had no liquid in it at all and was very fishy. Neither of us ate the little portion that we were served. I was very disappointed because a local had recommended The Chieftain.
- chowder2
- portion2
- food2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Perfect Burger and Fries!
My experience at the restaurant was great. The food came out fast, and I had the cheese burger made medium, which was perfect. The fries were also great.
- food10
- cheese burger10
- fries9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Insane Food, Highly Recommend!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely insane. I highly recommend the avocado tacos and the pizookie.
In fact, all the food we had was terrific. The atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, and while the noise level was loud, it was still possible to have a conversation. The service received a solid 3/5.
- avocado tacos9
- pizookie9
- all the food10
What The Chieftain 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
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- 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
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of entertainment and atmosphere can you expect at The Chieftain?
At The Chieftain, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for unwinding. The pub regularly features live music and other live performances, making it a lively spot. You can also catch your favorite sports games here, all while enjoying a great beer selection.
Does The Chieftain offer diverse food and drink options, including for specific dietary needs?
Yes, The Chieftain provides a wide array of offerings. You’ll find food available at the bar, late-night food, and even vegan options. For drinks, there’s a great selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor, alongside coffee. Don’t miss out on their happy hour drinks and food specials.
How does The Chieftain generally perform?
The Chieftain holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with high marks for Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.5). Service (7.9) is also good, though Value (6.1) is more average.
What are the main draws of The Chieftain?
Guests frequently praise the hearty Irish food, including dishes like Irish beef stew and fish and chips. The cozy, welcoming Irish pub atmosphere with good music is also a significant highlight.
Are there any common concerns at The Chieftain?
Some patrons have noted issues with inconsistent table service, including rude staff or ignored orders. There are also mentions of value concerns, with some finding certain items overpriced or experiencing forced tipping.