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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 1:30 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Thao V. said: "I like this place! Lots of food items to choose from on the menu and different kinds of soju to try. The little soju teapot actually fits more soju in there than you think it would! It pours enough to fill 14-15 of the soju shot…" read more »
536 reviews for Johnny Foley's Irish House
Review Highlights
"MicX Dueling Pianos rock my world."
(in 44 reviews)
"They have live music which is a plus."
(in 47 reviews)
"Try the Cottage Pie absolutely scrumptious."
(in 20 reviews)
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536 reviews in English
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Review from Kristen K.
Santa Clara, CA
After spending mucho $$$$ celebrating New Years in SF, I was looking for a decent place to eat the following day that wouldn't break my bank. I was glad to find this restaurant. The portions were huge. The GF ordered the buffalo/chicken wings and a dozen came with the order. I ordered the bangers and mash and the plate was huge (as you can probably see in the pictures). The prices were very affordable and the taste was just as good.
The waitress was very nice, she seemed a little slow but made up for it with her pleasing attitude. My only complaint would be where we sat. We were seated in the bar area where there is a booth along the wall and chairs on the opposite side of the table. There is absolutely no cushioning so if I leaned against the booth wall it was solid wood and there were these wooden posts along the booth that jabbed at my shoulder when I leaned back. But shouldn't be a huge problem if you haven't been partying all night and are not too exhausted and don't need to lean back in your seat. -
Review from Edrian D.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
I've been to this location a handful of times and every time I find the service just about A-O.K. Nothing too extravagant but I do like the ambiance, it kind of reminds me of taverns in pirate movies, minus the pirates and people sloshed and causing a ruckus.
I read a couple reviews on this place and I found them a little interesting, a couple of friends and I sat at one of the tables and just ordered drinks and we weren't pressured into buying food.
If you want to get boozed, I mean, this is only a hop skip and jump away from getting beer on tap in down town. I like it, no complaints here. -
Review from Tyler H.
Bay Area
1/2/2012
I'm a big fan of Irish bars, but Foley's is just lackluster. Considering how close it is to Union Square, I expected everything to be a bit more expensive, but they're a bit over the top with their prices.
The overall layout of the restaurant is a nightmare, so if your not lucky enough to get a spot at the bar, you'll have to sit down and eat something (since they don't let you drink at tables without ordering food).
Finally, the service was terrible. The woman serving us acted like I just ran over her dog. Show some of that Irish charm, drink a Murphy's and loosen up. -
Review from V M.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
This is my third review of this eatery, as both my previous review have been flagged. I assume by the establishment. Anyway, I would not recommend this restaurant. I have eaten here many times (due to many visitors staying in hotels in the area), and while the food is OK, it is not worth the downtown prices. They seem to play up the Irish theme, but, having spent a a lot of time in Ireland, I can say from a well informed stand point, that the restaurant lacks authenticity. I would recommend eating at The Phoenix Bar & Irish Gathering House in the Mission district if you want something yummy and authentically Irish.
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Review from Jessica D.
Sacramento, CA
2/7/2012
This dueling piano bar has a good atmosphere, fun patrons, and good customer service. We have been down to the bar (near Union Square) a few times and have always had a good time. The dueling piano singers engage the crowd and it is easy to meet new people at the bar. Go early if you want a table, otherwise it is standing room only.
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Review from Jonah K.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was expecting better guiness and service. The guiness tasted old, and the service was not very good. That being said it was close and cheap which was a good fit.
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Review from Ryan L.
Palm Springs, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was Yelping for fish and chips in the Union Square area. This place came up. First off, it looks nice. But it smells of stale beer and was absolutely frigid in there. Alright, it's an Irish pub, but it doesn't need to have the same temperature as Dublin in January. Fish and chips was cod (meh!), 4 piece, very bland and soggy fries. Service was fine.
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Review from Anton S.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012
The barman was unable to read my age on the European driving license. In any other place that was not a problem at all.
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Review from Stephen D.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
Couldn't get in for New Year's Eve, so we went here New Year's Day.
Imagine my surprise to see an Irish pub staffed by REAL Irish people, and the people who work here are all pretty cool people.
and the food is great to boot. had the Shepard's (Cottage) Pie which was done just right, and three pints (Murphy's, Guinness, Harp--had to go for the Irish beers in an Irish pub). Crowd seemed lively, and the atmosphere, warm.
I'll definitely turn this into my regular hang out for a beer after school or work. -
Review from Chi N.
12/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
WE went here on a Saturday night and the place was packed! Waited in line for about 5 mins, but line could get longer a bit later. The piano players are amazing, how the heck do they know so many songs? To get your song played, you gotta go up and put some $$ in the jar, but the twist is if someone doens't like your song they can tip the other player to interrupt w/ their own choice of tunes. The battle can rage pretty hard if you get some tourists requesting country songs and yuppies throwing down their cash to get Journey going. I saw at least one $100 bill in the mix, but on average you probably need at least $20 to make a credible bid.
The bar gets packed and it's hard to move around, but it's a good place for groups to drop in for a couple of drinks. -
Review from Gina G.
Updated - 12/10/2011
Recently a certain celebrity....one who I have been in love with since the 21 Jump Street days (and NO not Richard frickin Grieco!) was hanging out here; which makes this THE ULTIMATE FOLEY'S CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But did I actually see said celeb??? Was I with my friends at the exact MOMENT he said HELLO to them? No and nope....
Why have I chosen to write about this? Because I am STILL crushed to have missed the love of my life by mere seconds! I was walking in the front door, as he was exciting out the back...literally. While my friends were glowing with starstruck awe, I was left dumbfounded and pissed. Like an angry child, I stormed off and went home to pout in peace. I couldn't handle hearing about how HOT he looked in person. Sourpuss? Indeed and rightfully so!!! :)
So there you have it, party people.....simply, Foley's!Listed in: Letting Loose in Union Square
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/11/2011
Foley's is our default......with so many limited places to grab a quick drink in Union Square, we… Read more »
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Review from Tommy E.
Studio City, CA
1/22/2012
Classy Irish pub with good beer and professional staff. Plenty of space with many booths so it seems more intimate
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Review from Vicki S.
Spokane, WA
1/19/2012
Best Fish & Chips I have ever had!
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Review from Kimya P.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
This place is great for groups - there's tons of space around the bar and plenty of space throughout the restaurant. I've heard good things about the dueling piano gig downstairs, but have never gone and I'm not sure what the space is like for it.
Reasons why they are amazing - they have Murphys on tap. I know of few places in the Bay that carry Murphys.
In terms of vibe, definitely crowded for middle of the week. It seemed like there were both post-work folks grabbing a drink mixed in with a good number of tourists (I imagine Foley's proximity to Union Square helps).
Finally, their fish chips were heavy but still good? Went well with my Harp. I'll probably make my way back here - not so much because anything stood out - more so for the Murphys, the convenience of the location, and probably to check out their Dueling Piano Bar. -
Review from Brian G.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/12/2011
Jonny Foley's is a great place to be when they've got the full piano deal going on. The guys get up there and basically try to make as much money as possible by pitting groups of people (and songs) against each other. This normally ensues into a great time for all. They are both great piano players and true entertainers. I have a feeling they make a good chunk of change doing this too.
Drinks and the bar here are great. Service is pretty standard for a busy SF bar. If you have people from out of town and want to give them a real SF experience definitely give this place a look. -
Review from Christopher R.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
Johnny Foleys a Good Order
Foley's by Union Square (http://www.johnnyfoley...) is a spot I like to visit and have some well-poured Guiness pints. They also have a good kitchen with some strong wings. They're not gonna blow you away or be anything particularly special, but they will satisfy and be worth your money. Good wing sauce and well cooked, but the crisp is light. A classy place like this will definitely provide the celery and carrots without charge and some good bleu cheese. Overall Grade: B -
Review from Lisa S.
Roseville, CA
11/14/2011
J. Foley's. An irish pub set in the middle of a touristy street.
A group of us, five girls, went in at 12:30 on Saturday night. Tons of guys in business suits. A few other crazy drunks. Turns out there was an Irish school reunion, hence the suits and mass amounts of Guinness.
There is a back area where we heard a band playing, although many of us thought it was karaoke...Sorry lead singer, you weren't all that great! The drinks were decent, bartenders friendly, lots of pub tables to throw your belongings on. I didn't buy any of our drinks, so I don't know how they compare to other places. Lucky for us the Irish in suits were excited to see a bunch of nice looking girls stroll through.
Tons of shenanigans going on and it was quite the scene. What else do you expect late night in the city?!
I'd come here again for a drink. -
Review from Joel M.
Vallejo, CA
1/11/2012
My friend and family went here on New Years Eve, when all the other places wanted a high cover charge or private ticketed only events, we found this place by our hotel and it was perfect. They are family friendly and accommodated us quickly for a party of ten. The food was great and not too expensive. I will visit this place again when in the area!
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Review from Mel P.
12/12/2011
My friend and I wanted to try something new and the wait time in some of the restaurants this past weekend was ridiculous. I suspect it had to do with Santa Con and the holiday season...but still! Anyway, we came in and were seated right away. It was nice to just sit and relax. I ended up having the Foley Cesar salad and spicy fries. The salad was great because it had the anchovies in it (I love anchovies). The spicy fries were flavorful but not spicy (at least not to me). We had a great time--good food and conversation. Affordable and great staff! Will definitely come back! LOVE.
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Review from J B.
Virginia Beach, VA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tourist trap with decent food, service and decor. It was conveniently located to my hotel and was a great place to watch the LSU, Alabama game.
It's a great place to stop for a beer some garlic fries, but not much more. -
Review from Luis C.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2011
Been there over 10 times in the past months that place grew on me and it became the place I'd bring my friends out of town.
Yesterday evening I tried to have my girlfriend's music played, a frustrated attempt in the previous times; not sure it was because my girlfriend is a model but I got a rude and disrespectful comment from one of the piano players. I would ignore it if it came from one of the audience, but through loudspeakers to the full crowded bar was an awful experience. I was called 'sugardaddy'! I will never return nor my friends. Shame on them
Luis and Aglaya -
Review from Kapena C.
Kaneohe, HI
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
A little pricey and it was just alright.
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Review from Alex G.
11/28/2011
I've always passed this place but never went inside. Went here last week and I was surprised to see the place so crowded. Plenty of tourists and I seemed to be the only asian in the place, but whatever. The place is located by union square so your pockets will be pretty empty by the end of the night, but it's a fun atmosphere and good food. As for the dueling pianos....what a cool shindig. Never heard of dueling pianos before my friend took me here. It's a nice spot downstairs with an intimate feeling and another bar. There were 3 piano players rotating throughout the night. 2 of them were flamboyantly gay, but could sing really well. Request music and make sure to tip or else they'll call you out in front of everyone. They're very sassy, a little rude, but really funny. This makes for a great spot to take visiting friends to.
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Review from Roy N.
8/3/2011
Had the prime rib dinner here recently. Meh...dry and over-cooked, but decent portion with mediocre accompaniments. Maybe I came on a bad night, but I was sorely disappointed. Service at the bar was okay. One guy was great, the other two were in outer space.
Sorry, but I've relegated this place and the bar upstairs as a drinking destination. As for the dueling piano bar downstairs, ugh...please...never again! -
Review from Queenie C.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2011
Solid.
I've come to Foley's for many beers, dinners, cocktails, shots, etc. and I've always had a good time. Bartenders and servers are nice and patrons are courteous and polite. Food is tasty and menu is actually really big, so many options for all. The dueling piano bar is a lot of fun and it does get sardine can packed down there but there's fun energy all around! -
Review from Tim Y.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tourist trap or not, the food is pretty decent. I had curry fries that were pretty okay; not as good as I've had elsewhere, but not particularly bad. I think they pass for Irish fare as a result -- bland, not particularly noteworthy, edible not memorable.
I had the decidedly authentic old-world granddad's recipe BBQ pork panini (yes.) and enjoyed it. The barbecue sauce used was tangy and sweet with a hint of something that I just couldn't put my finger on. We'll call it Irish charm for now. I'm not sure that toasted bread is the best conveyance vehicle for pulled pork, though.
As others have commented, the pickled onions are really good. I'd ask for more of those if I were you. They're good for ya.
The server was very attentive and happily kept drinks full. Facilities were clean, football was on the TV (not American football) and the prices weren't too outrageous. A good lunch spot in the area for sure. -
Review from Michael C.
Sherman Oaks, CA
12/16/2011
Nice staff and good food. On a recent visit San Fran, we stopped into Johnny's because, well... we were cold. I usually avoid restaurants in tourist-heavy areas, but after striking out at a nearby sushi restaurant, and Italian restaurant, our thoughts were heat-food-heat-food, and Johnny's green sign beckoned. It was a great find.
Our waitress was very pleasant and attentive, which is what we really needed after a busy day. The smell of garlic fries got us in the mood for comfort food, of which Johnny's has plenty. We gulped down some oyster shooters, which were the perfect blend of buttery and spicy, as we waited for our entree. We shared an order of fish n' chips (garlic, of course) which were yummy, including the mushy peas. They have a nice selection of beers and whiskeys, which would keep me there all night, but we had to go. As we were leaving, I spoke to the manager (who was supervising a musician setting up his stage for the evening's entertainment) who was happy to pass along our compliments to our waitress. Then it was back into the chilly night to find a nearby BART station, which can be an adventure with a nice whiskey and beer buzz. Woo hoo! -
Review from Rebecca D.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I think I like this place a lot. I have come here a few times to meet up with my "boys" who are visiting from southbay. It is definitely filled witha lot of men in suits and not too many girls, but hey for me I always enjoy the visuals. The service is always pretty good and my drinks are generally strong enough, so no complaints there. I just recenly got the gorgonzolla, walnuts and apple salad and was glad I got it small because it was plenty big enough once I added chicken to it and I was very very very pleased. It was exactly what I was craving at the moment.
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Review from Sarah C.
6/26/2011
I am not really a fan (4 stars) but I did have a good time. The place is really spacious and clean. We sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and would check up on us occasionally while my friend and I was just chit chatting while slowly drinking our beers.
Reason I am not a fan is because I decided I don't like beer. That's it. Otherwise is a great place if you are looking to drink some beer and watch sports on all the flat screens. -
Review from Bella B.
7/7/2011 1 photo
Foley's is a fav. of mine. Its loud...low lit and well, I think this place is just damn awesome! They have my fav. scotch, make a burger w/ salad *not on menu* just right...their mac n cheese is killer and they have great beers. Prices are a tad high, but you get what you pay for. And I get FULL off Foley's in a very good way...
I have never had a bad meal here. -
Review from Trishie L.
Pacifica, CA
10/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came on a thursday night and it was a good time, there was a live band and some reallyy sexy bartenders.. it was my birthday so i got alot of free drinks but no free numbers =\ who cares anyways alcohol will always love me unconditionally
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Review from Josh B.
Newark, CA
8/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Although this place is a complete tourist trap, it's fun nonetheless. If you're going at any time during the evening, expect it to be really loud to really really loud.
The food is pretty decent. I'm a vegetarian and can even enjoy the menu. My favorite item? Spicy fries, for sure. -
Review from Leza B.
Campbell, CA
8/10/2011
The only reason it's not getting a 4 is because I can't vouch for the food. When I go back...I'm going to have to eat there too so I can update this review.
The place itself is huge! You walk in and you think it's a small little bar. But it keeps going, and going....and going! The appetizers n food looked pretty tasty. We just stopped in for 2 drinks and they were pretty good! The service and atmosphere was pretty good! My boyfriend's Bloody Mary was pretty tasty and they put all the fixens in which is nice =) My Vodka soda's were tasty too but its pretty hard to mess one of those up.
Fun place, check it out =) Lots of TV's so its a great place to watch sports! -
Review from Keilin H.
7/17/2011 1 photo
If I had actually stuck with piano when I was younger, I would aspire to be one of the pianists at Johnny Foley's! "Why?" you may ask. Because it looks like they have a ton of fun, they get to embarrass people, and the tips ain't bad either!
My first time here was a ton of fun! We arrived a little after 9 pm and the place was already hopping! Everyone is just having a good time singing along and dancing, but sometimes drunk people will go in front and dance around, blocking your view and occasionally stepping on your feet.
The pianists are entertaining and it blows my mind how talented they are! Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and Journey on one end of the spectrum, while Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars on the other. It's easy to write down requests, just be sure to include some money with it! ;) Be warned though! If someone doesn't like the song you've requested, they can give more money to stop your song.
The place is small, it gets warm quickly, and there are a limited amount of seats and tables, but otherwise, a good way to spend a Wednesday-Saturday night!
DESSERTS ARE DELICIOUS!! :D -
Review from Nathalie N.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
The bartenders are freakin' hot. That's enough for me to keep coming back okkkayy... and they are super nice too. Definitely a fun bunch. They hold nice conversations and definitely joke around you. Super accommodating too.
I can do without the piano music, but when your drunk I think it sounds awesome! :) At that point...I didnt even care if there was music of not. Parking sucks for sure. -
Review from Justin W.
Santa Monica, CA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love an Irish pub. How can you go wrong with beer and foods from the emerald isle?
Live music, fairly large restaurant, authentic feel and friendly staff. -
Review from Jonathan F.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2011
Johnny Foley's has a great steak although I don't do red meat anymore! But the food is great whether it is steak/french fries, watching a game with a ton of sportsfans and fun people in one of SF's most desirable locations for fun, close proximity to shopping and SF cool styles. Crowded brew pub, easy hangout coupled with a very diverse menus and people and that's the bay area!
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Review from Tim W.
Concord, CA
8/14/2011
Last night a handful of friends and I were searching for a joint that wasn't 125db techno music. We stumbled into Johnny Foley's completely at random. Had a decent covers band in the corner (no dueling pianos tonight, I guess) and a bunch of folks getting their groove on. Pleasantly surprised to find the venue kept the volume at an appropriate level - not so low as to sap the music of the groove, yet still able to find a table and have a conversation. Good on them.
Bar was busy but service was fast and professional. Those guys know their stuff. My scotch of choice (Lagavulin...is there a better single malt? I don't think so) was reasonably priced, we all got our drink on, and two of the most gorgeous girls I've met joined us (okay, that's cheating - they're in my cohort).
We didn't order any food and thus I can't throw up five stars. But if I'm back roming Union Square looking for a joint to pour me a Lagavulin, I'll look up Foley's again. -
Review from Susan L.
San Francisco, CA
5/31/2011
I find myself in this place way too often and every time it's the same. No seats at the bar, no place to stand without being in someones way, no place to get comfortable and stay awhile. I got a seat once, it was strategically placed in the mini hall leading to the door so every person entering or leaving got to rub on me. FUN! I'm not sure why there are walls up everywhere separating the bar into different sections but it adds to the overcrowded feeling I get in this place. Even writing this review is making me claustrophobic.
I hate this place. -
Review from i-hsin h.
San Jose, CA
8/23/2011
Brought my family to the place for a dinner and some live music. Food is decent.. I love the cottage pie and the lamb slider~~ waitress was friendly but a little bit slow.. the place was pretty busy so it was pretty loud if you are going to enjoy the music, make sure you sit close to the performer.. otherwise, you will have a hard time understanding what he/she is saying ...
overall, a nice experience for a Monday night out .. next time when i was in town, i know where to stop for dinner~
