The Black Horse London Pub
1514 Union St
(between Franklin St & United States Highway 101)
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 928-2414
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: Yes
238 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
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91 Reviews for The Black Horse London Pub
This is a real pub folks. Down to earth people and interesting (so far...so good). While it's an incredibly tight spot to get into space wise, it's well worth it . Great place to meet people and converse. There are some rules though, which are very reasonable and gentlemanly.
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Wow. Wow. Wow. James is one of the coolest bartenders/owners I've ever met.
You can have a beer anywhere, and rarely it's an experience. But when you go to the Black Horse London Deli (that's what the sign says), you're surrounded by the character and charm of a tiny, and I do mean tiny bar, a very likable crowd, and most importantly, a bartender who truly loves people.
I can spot a bull shitter before they even open their mouth. On the other end of the extreme, I know when someone loves what they do. James looks vibrant and alive talking to his customers and getting to know them, and that's hardly ever the case when you go to just any bar.
The Black Horse London Deli has a wonderful energy. I'd go there more often if I didn't have to schlep all the way over to the other side of town along the Van Ness corridor. I love this bar, but I'd have to drink myself silly just to endure the hike over there. I guess it's good that it's so far away. Going there will always seem like a special treat.
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Countless times I have walked past the Black Horse Pub, the smallest bar in San Francisco- sometimes during the day, and sometimes at night when I see just how crowded and intimate it can get. And countless times I've said to myself, I should really check it out- yet I never did....until tonight. And thank god I did otherwise I would be missing out on one of the city's best kept secrets- a gem of a bar with friendly staff and a jovial ambiance. People are friendly, and due to the close proximity of you and your beer drinking neighbors, you can be sure you'll strike up a conversation with a stranger at some point during the evening. I had the Belgian Chimay, served in a glass fit for an ice cream sundae. The bartender reached into a bathtub filled with beer bottles- note they don't serve from a tap- to fish out the desired brew. The beer was served cold, and although it was colder than possible outside (this is San Francisco summer for you) the nearly claustrophobic nature of this establishment kept me warm. And claustrophobic isn't necessarily a bad thing here either. It's just pleasantly packed (and with friendly people, no doubt). Yes pleasantly packed, not packed like you find on the 30 or 45 buses going past Chinatown, but I digress. I had the feeling I had entered someones home (completely with pizza and laundry service, no kidding!) as charming knick knacks lined the walls. Even the bathroom was kept incredibly orderly for such a bustling pub. All in all, this is a wonderful and warm environment in which to enjoy a variety of beers. I highly recommend it over the more traditional Marina establishments.
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This is a love story.
As big as a big closet and as cozy as Christmas morning. Chilled Chimay blue--along with a small list of other well-chosen beers--flows freely. Ripe cheeses are sliced and served up late into the night. The clientele seem to be undergoing an unusual, collective identity crisis, all wondering whether they belong in Berkeley or the Marina. Bartenders are friendly and so genuine. Though the Black Horse isn't quite in North Beach, drinking here made me feel like I'd stepped into old Beat San Francisco.
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Consistent with other reviews; the place is tiny but the bartenders are genuine and always welcome you in.
I wouldn't go there if you're claustrophobic or mind having to squeeze by people to move around.
That being said, other than being small, this place is perfect....the only truly "Cheers-like" place in the Marina (or the city) I can think of.
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Fantastic spot. Smaller than my old studio apartment, but HUGE in terms of good times, great bartenders and fun. Excellent beer list, but only beer available. Come by if you want to meet random people, chat with your bartender, and pretend you're at a small house party.
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Oh, I love it. I love interesting beer, and tiny crowded spaces, and unpretentious bars. I even love the fact the beer comes from a bathtub. (I didn't think I would love this, but I do!)
Next time, I will:
1. Not come with a guy friend I haven't seen in awhile, because (as others have pointed out), this is a prime place to chat with strangers and not so ideal for a one-on-one conversation
2. Not be such a girly-girl and order myself a cheese plate right from the start
3. Get a little wasted and join in the heated dice game going on in the "back" of the bar (maybe a scant five feet away from the front)
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"Small pub, big heart" perfectly embodies The Black Horse. Regarded by me and my friends as "the smallest pub on earth" (likely not, but I care not about any smaller).
James and crew clearly enjoy tending bar here and who can blame them? They make this place what it is, along with everyone else who appreciates it.
Couldn't think of a place more worthy of my 100th review. I've shared 100s of beers and 100s of laughs with 100s of people and 100s of well spent dollars in my years visiting this fine pub. I've been here during an earthquake when people outside felt it and we didn't. I've seen a dog dressed as superman and a man dressed as super woman. I've cried...tears from laughing so hard. I've taken a glass home (on accident) and brought it back for a free refill (don't recommend this one). I've jumped into the back seat of a stranger's car at the gas station across the street and got taken home. And will continue to have many stories to share with time.
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5 Stars = NOT ENOUGH
This place is my favorite bar in San Francisco...HANDS DOWN!!
My friend Jamie and I came here on a whim...on a what the heck, there are two stools available in an 8 stool bar...on a HOLY CRAP is that CHEESE PLATE on the One Item menu...on a what?? Is that an ice filled bath tub holding your beer ... on a Credit Cards...we don't need credit cards where we're going cuz it's cash only ADVENTURE...
Are you in need of an adventure...a small adventure...???
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There are so many factors that collided to make this a 5-star review. Let's begin!
It was date no.2 with a semi-stranger. On the way to drop me off, we drive by, find parking, and next thing I know we're at the door. That's where I stopped. It was packed, elbow-to-elbow, and there were only 5 people inside. He assures me to just keep pushing, and sure enough, in the way back, there was room for us. I will say, whether planned or not, the confined space was an excellent excuse for body contact.
Once in back, we hear that someone has bought a round for the bar, so we score free drinks and someone offers me a stool to sit on. As we're drinking, a dice game is going on, and ends. We can play in the next game for only a $1 buy-in (conveniently I had two bucks in my wallet).
Here's where it gets even better (I know, unbelievable!). My pal takes the shaker, rolls, and loses. The shaker is passed to me, and after three rolls, I've WON the entire game (which might have been called One Four Twenty-Four??). How much did I win, you ask? A whole $14!!! So now I'm drinking free beer and up $12!!
Now for the best part! There is a nudie calendar of everyone who works there, complete with bios. It was only in draft stages during my January visit, but I'm pretty sure the final version can only be better.
Additional Pros: The beers are recycled into a claw-foot bathtub behind the bar; everyone in that place is talkative and friendly; prices are super cheap.
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As a small person, I appreciate little spaces more than average person, and I loved this place. I've walked by this bar more times than I can count and finally last Thursday I stopped in. Six types of beer, including white and blue Chimay, and everything was $5 or under. And they have cheese platters. The best part was that everyone in the bar was friendly- everyone chatted with each other, and had great conversations. I haven't experienced that in a bar in San Francisco the first time you walk in. It was simply wonderful. I look forward to being on a first-name basis with the regulars.
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It's the first bar I've been to with rules on the wall. My friend was playfully scolded by the bartender for taking a call on his cell phone, and I had to give up my seat for a young woman who asked. People bring their dogs. The bartenders initiate the conversations. A real jewel.
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I'm tempted to give is a low rating to keep the crowds away - because the place can't hold them. The only reason I don't give the Black Horse 5 stars is because it is not for everyone - as evidenced by the occasional bad rating (though I can't figure out how someone who has never been inside has the nerve to rate a place). Small, cozy, tiny, or any other similar adjective will barely fit in the door. When we lived in the area, this was a regular stop for us. Now that we live out in "San Ramote", we only get here about once a month. It is well worth the stop when we are in the City.
James (the owner) is great and the place is friendly. The beer selection is as small as the pub, but high quality. There is usually a Chimay or two on the list, another beer from Germany, Austria, or other beer making country. Sometimes he has another selection such as a hard cider on the list. There is also a cask ale on tap, something you should at least try (not carbonated, solid taste). And he has the proper glassware for each type of beer. Chimay should not be consumed out of your standard wedge shaped pint glass that most places use.
The cheese plates are top notch. Yes, they are served on paper plates - but you don't eat the plate. For your money you will get two high quality cheeses (love the English Cheddar), a tasty meat (usually salami), some great bread, a healthy serving of chutney, some onions, and a sliced apple. Order the large plate and share, you may meet a new acquaintance.
If you want wine, go to Amalie or The Wine Bar on Polk. If you want hard liquor, go back up Union street to any number of places. If you are looking for a place to be seen by the in crowd, go to Vessal. But if you want a friendly place where you can hang and have a conversation while sipping some quality beer, this is your place. Stop here on the way to the other places, you may never make it to where you were originally going.
So Dee C., next time you walk by why don't you pop in. You might actually meet some real people and have fun talking to them. And given that you are female, you will always get a seat. But don't use your cell phone or you will be asked to leave.
XMAS 07 UPDATE:
Went there twice over the holidays. Good time had by all. On Christmas Day James served his special Glog - very yummy. We met 3 Kiwi's, a Texan cowboy, and several other new friends. Gave James a framed print of his place (uploaded here). It's now hanging on the wall behind the bar.
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In an area of the city maligned for it's superficial nightlife, the Black Horse stands apart. It's the type of place that reminds you of why you live in the city... a simple pub that does everything right.
And what other bar holds a Big Lebowski party?
What a shock this place is located where it is!
Everyone talks to everyone. It feels like the neighborhood-y place you'd hang out in if you worked in a textile mill and had to drink to cope every night... no, here, they drink to enjoy the company. Wholly different.
The guys who work the place are genuinely friendly. I will return with friends soon before we retreat to someone's place in order to beat ROCK BAND. Double true!
Chimay and Men, two wonderful things the Black Horse has everytime I visit.
I could try to be witty about how small it is (bring your own bar stool) or make some funny pun (hole in the wall)... but let's not dwell.
It's a fun, charming bar; complete with naughty, homemade calendars. And yes, the rumors about the cheese plate are true.
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Good things come in small sizes. Small place with lots of attitude coupled with nice beer. Definitely a place to check out once.
True love:
Me: "I'll have a Chimay, please."
Bartender: "White or Blue?"
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Wow. This place is fantastic. I had no idea it existed until my friend suggested it the other night. The Black Horse only holds around 15 people tops, and that's what makes it so amazing. The beers of the day are kept in a bucket and the cheese plate is delicious with fruit, salami, chutney and bread. We played a gambling dice game with the bartender and a few others while the guy sitting next to me swapped great stories then bought everyone in the bar a round.
This is the friendliest, most relaxed bar I've ever been to. I've never felt more at home and had one of the best nights ever with my friend. I can't wait to go back.
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A place this incredible should be enshrined! Black Horse one of the smallest bars I have ever laid eyes upon, is one great place. James, Chris, Kris and the rest of the staff make this one of the friendliest bars to visit. With a great selection of beer, you will pass away hours here making new friends or enjoying it with your old ones.
There are limited hours, 5 ish to 12, but make sure you come to this place in the Marina. It is NOT your typical Marina place, and it isn't even close to any of those places!
Make sure to get the cheese plate, purchase their cheese from a great local shop, dip it in Chutney or spicy mustard, dig into the salami and apples. And kick back way to many Chimays!
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Obviously opinions change continuously...
After visiting the smallest bar in the city for the second time, but this time actually being able to enter made all the difference.
The one bartender is personable and welcoming. How could you not be when you are 2 feet from each other at all times. Conversation was good and the idea of the place made me feel more comfortable.
I'd recommend coming here on week night. I wouldn't recommend ordering a cheese platter (the only dish they offer) I don't know how it could be sanitary to eat in the little joint, but a beer and laughs is just fine.
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my original 2 star review:
I'm stuck in a box and there's no way out........
I admit I haven't been inside. I have walked by it numerous times and I cant fit and if I could I'd be stuck between eeks a mouse and a dirty bar stool. Smallest Bar in SF, what is cool about that?
How can you run a business out of a closet. I wonder what rent is... One star for still being open after a billion years
One star for trapping customers (I don't know how you do it, but it's something to be proud of)
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Smallest Bar in SF. Very charming. Everyone has to stand up if 1 person needs to use the bathroom, it hilarious! The beer is good and the folks friendly. They even have a cheese hr, that is served to you right at the bar. I had the best night there with my girlfriends and laughed the whole time. Its a true Gem in the city that knows how to please them.
3.5 really
This little gem fits about 10 comfortably. The bartender was very nice, the beer even nicer but we may have had too much of a dirty gay aura about us, cuz nobdy tried to talk to us. This was after all, a night away from our beloved Dolores Park hood. I imagine that had we had a couple of seats, or a couple more rounds things would've gotten cozier. But we had cougars to hunt and fernet shots to do in search of the uber Marina bar.
I'll definitely come back here without a cultural agenda. Gotta love a tiny but well honed European beer offering that alone deserves 5 stars.
I've been meaning to have a drink here for years, but don't find myself in the neighborhhod much any more. We had a few minutes to kill while we waited for our reservation up the street, so we came here. It's a tiny place but we managed to get some of the last seats in the place. "King" James was made us welcome. I't's a freindly place with good music, not loud and easy to scialize. We only had time for one, but I'll be back. It's on of the better / places on that side of town.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wow. The Black Horse London Pub. I honestly had a hard time finding it the first time I went, since it's so tiny! But it's become one of my favourite bars in this city.
First of all, the place is itty bitty... we're talkin' 8 barstool, maybe? The best part is the chivalry of it all- men must vacate seats for the ladies, bar rules. Thus, I almost always have a seat!
Any evening, it could be totally packed or totally dead. James, the owner and bartender, keeps all the beer right behind the bar in a bathtub full of ice. He serves Chimay White and Blue (LOVE!), great cider for a little less alcohol content, and even nice cheese platters (we're talkin' fancy manchego and brie, oh man).
Every time you go, you probably meet someone new, since the place it so small, everyone gets involved in everyone else's conversations- and I don't mean that in a bad way! Edit: Last time I went, some guys were trying to teach my drunk ass how to play some card game... Hearts maybe? I vaguely remember, and I probably couldn't play Hearts to save my life, but it was fun!
Other bar rules: No drinking outside! No cell-phones! Be nice! Drink up (ok, I added those last two)!
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Hands down the best bar with a sardine can ambiance. The swiss cheese that they serve has more open space in it than you get after 6pm.....zing. It's the smallest bar in sf and it's novelty small. The best feature about the bar is that they don't serve appletini's but you do have your choice of hand-pulled Cask Ale or a rotating selection of bottled beers, hand-pulled....... from a metal tub behind the bar...heh. The 2nd best part is the crowd that it draws. However limited it is, you can't find more genuine and friendly bar patrons and staff in all of San Francisco. It's the polar opposite of the haight crowd who tend to be self-absorbed and egotistical, "like those hip musicians with their complicated shoes" -(George Costanza). And although they reach their maximum occupancy of about 15 people every night, their beer prices remain pretty Costco. If Pac-Bell owned the bar they would be selling half of a PBR can for a sawbuck, yet here the price for a Chimay Blue is cheaper than that of a liquor store on the same block, which, ironically if you've ever been to the black horse, is a breath of fresh air.
This place is tiny but always friendly. Don't go there if you want a private conversation with a date. Good selection of beers, and I remember having a cheese plate with several european style cheeses.
Awesome neighborhood bar.
I used to go to this bar daily on my way home when I lived in SF. My apartment was near Green and Laguna and I hated my neighborhood, except for this gem and a few other dingy treasures in the Marina. It has been a long time, but you used to be able to smoke inside because it was a sole proprietor, i.e. no employees. I haven't been back in years, but given the amazing comments, I don't think much has changed, which is a good thing. Any time you have a keg chilling in ice in a big, old clawfoot bathtub, you know you're in the right place.
At first I thought this bar must be cool because it is always packed with people flowing out of the doors. At the same time, I never wanted to go because it was always so packed. Yesterday, I went and it was heaven. Great beer selection, chill bartender, good patrons, and that old magical London feel that I so miss. I think that fact that it's maybe 8 feet by 12 feet may now be one of the best parts- only cool kids will keep coming.
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If you have a moderately sized walk in closet, multiply it by 3 and that's about the size of this joint. This place is literally a hole in the wall. The alcohol selection consists of like 5 different kinds of beer. The bathroom? You don't wanna know. It's basically a broom closet with a toilet and sink. Barely enough room to turn around in. On the plus side,the staff was pretty friendly. Go there for the novelty maybe but that's about it.
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Its so small that they can completely control not only the atmosphere but the interaction between people. They do a great job at making sure the personality of the place transcends one on one conversations. It a really unique cool place. We walked in not knowing anything about the place, met a bunch of east coast people and felt like we had been coming there for years. Highly recommended!!!
See, bigger isn't always better.
The coziest, most chill, funnest, and friendliest bar in Northern California. Make that the US. The hell with it, the universe! James should be given a medal from the city and one of those large ceremonious keys for establishing a fun and friendly bar. Socializing is mandatory and welcome, and there's none of that lame "Standing around looking bored while trying to find cute guys" Marina bs.
This is my favorite bar in the city by far!
Do you live in a teeny tiny studio? I'm not talking the sort where there is room for a bed and a couch, plus a hallway, bathroom and full kitchen. I am talking you walk in the front door and have to step over your twin sized bed to get to the bathroom and mini fridge/ hotplate combo that the landlord qualifies as a "kitchen".
When you start feeling claustrophobic and need to be cheered up over your cramped living quarters just pop over to the Black Horse and grab a brew. It is cozy, and by cozy I mean, you just made a new friend of everyone in the place without even trying, cozy. This little pub will make your place look like the Taj Mahal.
On the upside it is owner operated and will allow you, legally, to smoke inside. Cute LITTLE place.
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WOW, size really does matter! The smaller the bar, the better the wait.
So I walk in here and the first thing I get is, "Dude? did you read the rules?" I'm like WTF? "Dude, the rules, on the wall...read them".
So I read them. Hell yeah. I agree with them 100%. Order a Chimey and get to know your neighbour.
P.S. - Give up your seat to a lady,.....you smug S.O.B........then try to get her to come home with you.
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I love this bar. It is probably one of the best places to grab a beer after work. You know a bar is great when Bloomberg posts a story on it. This story was the seventh most read story on the Bloomberg professional service. I work at Bloomberg and can tell you that we NEVER write stories on bars.
Here is the story.
http://www.bloomberg.c...
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The Black Horse London Pub tested my will power. My favorite Comedian, Mitch Hedberg, once said, "Alcoholism is the only disease that you can get yelled at for having. Damn it Otto, you're an alcoholic! Damn it Otto, you have Lupus! One of those just doesn't sound right."
Well, luckily I do not have Lupus, but on Sunday night I thought that someone was going to yell at me for becoming an alcoholic. If you love beer in good company, The Black Horse London Pub is a dangerous place! Like most people, I love the occasional beer. And like most, every now and then I like to test my level of consumption. Sunday night drinking has never been this much fun!
This place is so small it's like someone threw all of their wife's shoes and jackets out of her walk-in closet. They then decided to line the walls with random artifacts, put in an actual bathtub, fill it with hard to find bottles of European beer and throw down one hella of a time! They slept on the couch for a week afterward, but damn was it worth it!
Because of their extremely small square footage, I can't say for sure that this place is taken from the pubs of London. I have witnessed many people getting yelled at in London for alcoholism and the yelling starts at 9am, so therefore their pubs have to be larger.
Everything about this place fits! I have never seen so much great beer being consumed with absolute glee. I have never seen so many people smiling in unison. In fact, I'm still smiling. I spoke with people that I have never seen in my life and we talked as though we were in the "shit" together, (I believe that's a war term). Be careful, the bartenders are instigators. They stand behind the bar sparking conversations with a bottle opener in hand waiting to unlock all that you are trying so hard to fight against... that one more. At this place, from this day forward, the "one more" will now be called the "3 more" (minimum). Pass it on.
Try this place right now! They're open at 4pm for those of you that may be reading this before hand. But at 4pm... Go There!
Cheers!
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When they say this bar is small, they are not kidding. Do not come here if you have "personal space issues." However, J R. is correct when she says that James is a god amongst bartenders. Truly, he is the best bartender I've ever encountered. And not just because he has a sexy accent.
My favorite thing about this bar is the fact that it is nearly impossible not to make friends. You are literally FORCED to interact with people as they climb over you (and vice versa) on their way to the bathroom. Luckily, most of the people who were here when I was were very nice... and they didn't smell bad.
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Really chill teeny tiny bar. The boys had fun here while the girls got Mani Pedi's next door. Plus, plus for being super dog friendly.
Later on we joined them for some Chimay, "white grape juice" and dice. Black Horse is full of character and great people.
FUN FUN FUN! I earned my nickname BLACK MAMBA from James the second weekend we went here. It's like a great huge party in a box (LITERALLY, with it's size) everytime!
My sister learned the how serious indeed they are about NO CELL PHONES when she was expecting a call from her husband who is in the Navy and has been away in Iraq. The did offer to let her use the office when he called but she just booked it out of the place (and this is no easy feet with people jam packed into every crevice including the front door). She left so fast that she didn't grab her jacket and I had to squeese out the front door with it in hand because I was worried she would freeze. It was still "California winter" time after all.
I love love love going to this bar. It truly gives you the authentic pub feel, while squeesing you in like a sausage!
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