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The Irish Bank Bar & Restaurant

3.5 star rating
based on 423 reviews

Categories: Pubs, Irish  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Nob Hill, Union Square
10 Mark Ln
(between Bush St & Harlan Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-7152
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Good for Kids:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Dinner, Late Night
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Wed, Thu, Fri
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No

423 reviews for The Irish Bank Bar & Restaurant

Review Highlights   

user photo
"The food is awesome too so stop in for a pint and some fish and chips." (in 70 reviews)
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"I love that this place has its own little alley." (in 113 reviews)
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"If you like blue cheese, you must, MUST get their blue cheese fries." (in 10 reviews)
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Photo of Lauren M.

 

0

6

Lauren M.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/10/2009

Love this place.  Good food, GREAT beer selection, good vibe.  Its great to be able to sit outside in the alleyway under the heaters where you can eat, drink, and smoke (I don't smoke but have many friends that do).  Food is comforting and is the usual pub grub.

The only reason they don't get that 5th star is because their Shepherd's pie doesn't quite match up to some other Irish Pubs I've been to.  Still a great place though!

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Photo of Stephanie W.

Elite '09

204

393

Stephanie W.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
10/31/2009

.This is my absolute favorite bar to stop at after work with a group of people. It has outdoor seating during nice weather and it has a decent sized indoor seating area as well, especially if you're ordering food.

We go in around 6 and start our evening with a round of Irish car bombs,. The bartenders are friendly, the mixed drinks are strong, and they have a nice selection of beers on tap. We order some cheesy chips and chicken wings (not hot wings sadly, just normal chicken wings) but the savory food more than takes us through the evenings. A pint of Magners, a pint of Smithwicks, a pint of Leffe.... we alternate what we drink throughout the evening and occasionally will order another around of car bombs.

Their food is a bit pricey, but it's solid and goes well with my Smithwicks or Boddingtons. We can drink at a relaxed pace and get away from the madness of work by walking only 2 blocks.

Their bathrooms are quite small, but I won't begrudge them that. Overall, it's a fantastic place to spend the evening and a favorite place of mine for Friday nights. See you there.

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Photo of Kira K.

 

32

128

Kira K.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/5/2009

I did not have the luck o' the Irish with me when I visited The Irish Bank & Bar during Happy Hour a few months back.  Three Chimays and four Irish Car Bombs deep, I left this quaint little alleyway pub and stumbled home.  I proceeded to throw up for a solid 4 hours after that.  Those are not the fondest of memories I have of this place, nor the $500+ bar tab that we (my 10 or so co-workers and I) managed to rack up in a few hours.

But I can say that I had a good time, all told.  Next time I just have to remember my old friend Moderation.

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Photo of Eddy N.

 

24

122

Eddy N.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
11/3/2009

Great place for dinner and drinks. Good prices, cool atmosphere, and good for groups.

Outdoor seating great for nice nights.

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Photo of William W.

 

0

12

William W.

Midlothian, VA

4 star rating
11/2/2009

After a pretty rough (but fun) Halloween night, I was feeling pretty hung over and in desperate need of greasy bar food and a little hair of the dog. After wandering around Embarcadero for an hour trying to find a place that was open on Sunday for lunch. Luckily Yelp on my iPhone pointed me to The Irish Bank.

I'd heard about this place, and seen it packed with people for happy hour. I typically avoid places like this as they're usually overrated, boy was I wrong.

Sat down, and almost immediately a very cheerful server asked me what I wanted to drink. A  Langunitas IPA was delivered a few minutes later and definitely hit the spot. I placed my order of fish and chips hoping for the best, but expecting a soggy mess. Not too long afterwards I was totally shocked by what was delivered. A steaming plate piled high with 2 pieces of uber crispy fish, and a mound of perfectly cooked fries. With malt vinegar on the table, I was ready to dig in. The fish was fresh and thick...almost too thick for my taste...but it was delicious. I was a bit worried about my stomach handling all of the food, but I couldn't stop eating. By far the best fish and chips i've had outside of London (the Pheasant outside Heathrow is still my all time favorite).

The server was very attentive, and the atmosphere was great. I still think happy hour / dinner might be a bit overwhelming but I might have to brave it next time I have a craving for F&C.

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Photo of Caroline S.

 

7

55

Caroline S.

El Cerrito, CA

4 star rating
11/14/2009

This is an awesome place to meet up with great company, enjoy delicious food and have drinks. Their Shepherd's Pie is quite tasty. It was my first experience with Shepherd's Pie(heavy) and it definitely will not be my last. Recently I've had tried their Bank Burger and was pleasantly surprised. That burger was outstanding! The burger was grilled just right and the bread they used is hard to describe but pretty much made the whole burger perfect.Their blue cheese fries are sinful good. This place has a real chill atmosphere, the crowd is diverse and everyone is out for a good time.

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Photo of Ben G.

 

3

71

Ben G.

Napa, CA

3 star rating
10/20/2009

It's a decent enough Irish pub.  If you're not sitting at the bar, the service is abysmal.  

The crowd, as far as bar crowds go, is pretty good...a tame group, no BS.  Heck, I even saw some folks bring their little kids in there, which may or may not indicate a particularly questionable parenting style but then hey, who am I to say?  At least they're not sending the little tykes up in homemade weather balloons, am I right?

At any rate, I didn't have any food, so I can't comment on that, but as far as a bar goes, it's a "standard Irish pub".  If you love the "standard Irish pub" then you will love the Irish Bank.

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Photo of Rev Michael H.

 

18

6

Rev Michael H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/1/2009

Probably my most frequented Pub in the city due to it's extremely welcoming and friendly staff, comfort food and arguably the best pint of Guinness in the city.

A medium sized bar with plenty of seating in the main room, a more quiet function room and alleyway seating with canopies and heaters for less welcoming weather.

The menu is traditional pub fare; Bangers and Mash, Fish & Chips, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Cheesy-Chips and Curry Sauce.. a veritable feast of heart warming - although probably not good for your heart food.  I do recommend the smoked salmon and trout platter for a lighter/healthier but none the less filling option.. the Wasabi creme fresh is yum and the Zucchini soup is a win.

The bar is chock full of great beer, (both bottles and draft) and a hefty supply of whisky. My birthday treat is a 30yr Laphroaig Single.. tho it's a very high priced scotch.

On Friday nights and weekends this is a very popular hang out with financial district workers.. so expect a crush.

Saturday mornings they serve a traditional breakfast.. which when I can drag myself out of bed for is well worth it.

The Bank is renown for big parties .. ask about St.Patrick's or Bastille day for example. They also sometime will show the Football, (Soccer for the Americans).

Have to end by saying everyone who works at the bank is fantastically welcoming and friendly even at the most hectic of times. I wish more places could have such level headed and good-natured service staff.

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Photo of Jason N.

 

28

42

Jason N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/20/2009

I'd like to say Irish Bank is a good place to go after work if you're around the Financial District.

Forgive me if I'm being bias, but I enjoy Irish bars for reason that they serve Guinness on tap. I love Guinness and if they serve this delicious beverage, it's an automatic 5 stars on my list. I usually order the Black and Tan. Oh and how can I forget the BBQ wings!
The service is good. There were a few times when a few friends and I arrived right when their kitchen was about to close. They were still happy to take our order. That's something to really appreciate! I've been in their shoes, and whenever customers walk right before you close shop...It's not cool. The way the server kept his composure was something I needed to take note of.

Did I already mention they have Guinness on tap?

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Photo of Linda C.

Elite '09

90

286

Linda C.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/26/2009

"Where are you taking us?" After you get past the smelly alley without throwing up from the stentch of urine, garbage, and who knows what else, you are rewarded with tables on the street and a fun, lively bar. Service was pretty good considering it was a packed Friday night. Lots of beer on tap to choose from and a full menu if you're hungry. Great for large groups. No happy hour specials, but their prices are decent.

- Mac & Cheese: okay
- Chicken Fingers: yummy, crispy, a bit salty
- Chicken Wings: crispy, seasoned and peppery
- Fries: nothing special

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Photo of Jo Anne G.

 

0

13

Jo Anne G.

Fremont, CA

3 star rating
11/8/2009

We were looking for a great place for fish and chips.  The fish was great, but the batter was a bit on the soggy side.  Be warned -- do not order a small ceasar salad.  It was $6 for about 4 leaves of lettuce on a bread dish.  Of course, the Guinness on tap was superb.  The service was lukewarm.  Portions were generous.  Nice atmosphere and decent enough.

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Photo of Justin A.

 

20

2

Justin A.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/7/2009

This is one of my favorite bars in the city.  The people are nice, the environment is very laid back, and the location is great.  It really feels like you're in Ireland (well ive never been, but i can pretend).  

I always have a good experience here...

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Photo of Jeff B.

 

55

65

Jeff B.

Union City, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 9/21/2009

Went back to the Bank last night with the same friend and two others.  The bartender remembered us, which was kinda impressive, and it seemed we were better taken care of this time than last time.

That being said, it seems multi-liquor drinks are the better ones to order here - the singles seem to be "straight and standard" pours, so they're not very strong.  The food is great, and the music selection is virtually perfect.  I'm still trying to find my feel for the place, though, so I'll most likely drop by a third time to see if I can figure it out.  Until then, a 1 star upgrade seems pretty fair.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    9/14/2009

    Random visit to the Bank tonight with a friend.  We came in and were looking around, trying to… Read more »

Photo of Bill H.

Elite '09

34

244

Bill H.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
9/1/2009

Irish Bank has a lot going for it, but doesn't really deliver a great experience.

It's got a decent location, with a ton of outdoor seating.  On the other hand, all the tables are on cobblestone, and wobble every which way.  The tap's great, but the prices are a buck too high.  The dishes are reasonably priced, but are hit-and-miss (my friend ordered a very carelessly-made Caesar Salad, but my bratwurst and kraut was delicious).

Given the food, I'd definitely go back if I was hanging out in the neighborhood and hankering for a filling meal.

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Photo of Cara Y.

Elite '09

177

244

Cara Y.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
7/16/2009

Ah, the Irish Bank.

Solid pub food.
Solid libations.
Solid Irish bar overall.

A note to my fellow misanthropes:
This place is a complete and total clusterfuck during peak hours.  This includes happy hour, weekend nights, and St. Patrick's Day.  You've been warned.

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Photo of Jeff P.

Elite '09

11

199

Jeff P.

Dublin, CA

4 star rating
7/12/2009

I have been here a few times with my coworkers and I have enjoyed myself every time.  

Pros:
They know how to pour a Guinness
Fun outdoor seating
Decent prices

Cons:
Outside is really windy
Food kind of sucks

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Photo of Dave C.

 

3

9

Dave C.

Playa del Rey, CA

5 star rating
10/25/2009

This place is kick butt. My girlfriend and I ended up here every night we were in SF. We were staying at the Triton Hotel and this place was directly behind the hotel in the alley. It was a perfect 25 stumbling paces to get back to our room from here. I want to go back just to hang out here again.

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Photo of Tracy L.

 

11

33

Tracy L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/13/2009

Let's be clear here. I hate all things Irish (St. Patrick's Day, South Boston, my high school history teacher, leprechauns, Notre Dame... although I do like the color green...) but I LOVE IRISH BANK.

It was here that I was introduced to Boddington's, my (second) favorite beer, behind Blue Moon. The bartenders were really nice/friendly and the patio outside is a huge plus! I just wish the patio stayed open longer in the evenings.

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Photo of Lacey C.

Elite '09

42

96

Lacey C.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/10/2009

I love that this place has its own little alley. And I like the fact that its patron are actually irish. I'm not a huge drinker but I like the atmosphere. It's got a decent selection of brews for decent enough prices considering its very close to union square. But it's so tucked away mostly locals will find it!
I'd go here again!

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Photo of Tracey V.

 

8

28

Tracey V.

Austin, TX

5 star rating
8/31/2009

"Is that a leprechaun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" ;-)

This is my most favoritest bar in SF. It was a regular stop when I lived in SF, and I make a pilgrimmage whenever life takes me back to Northern CA. I actually like this Irish bar every bit as much as I like many of my fave Irish bars in Ireland. Without exception, something good happens every time I visit.

Things that make the Irish Bank cool IMO:
1. Barman Dave: quick, witty, adorable, from West Cork
2. The Confessional: if , like me, you were raised Catholic, drinking Magner's (aka Bulmer's) in a confessional feels a little naughty. Drinking Bulmer's in a confessional and making out with your date feels a lot naughty.
3. Clientele: Collars both white and blue, drinking together in perfect harmony. Consistently good looking and overwhelmingly straight. Note that I heart my gay men. But sometimes a girl likes the attention of straight boys, too.
4. A-OK on the jukebox.
5. Perfectly pulled pints. (See #1.)
6. Burgers.
7. Based upon past experience, friendly members of the SFFD will take you back to your hotel in a fire engine if you don't feel like grabbing a cab.  OK, maybe not you. Maybe just a couple of my friends and me. But then, how you get home isn't my problem.

Slainte'.

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Photo of Jon-o G.

 

4

39

Jon-o G.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/19/2009

Found cozily in an allyway in the financial district, this Irish restaurant provides indoor and outdoor seating.
The problem I had with this place was the waiter kept forgetting some of our orders and messed up on a few. The prices are overcharged for a 'pub' and they add a 15% you for service charges for 5 people even if the waiter was really bad.
If you like spending a lot of money for medicore food, go here!

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Photo of Sam H.

Elite '09

29

110

Sam H.

Washington, OR

3 star rating
6/22/2009

Seriously? Is there a requirement in San Francisco for there to be one half ass/rude/lazy bartender/waiter at every bar?

After the wedding we went here to have some food (as most of the people had hit their weekly quota in the drink fest the night before) and everything was going well. The food was pretty good, with special props to the chicken nachos and the blue cheese fries, and everything was going OK. about a half hour later they informed us the outside was closing. It was almost 11 and we understood. The inside was packed to the gills and we were all pooped, having just done all the wedding stuff, so we decided it was time to go to our respective sleeping rooms.

So we asked for our check, and she tells us there are too many people to split the check. WHAT!? We've been here how long and you're deciding to tell us this now? Where was this information when we started ordering? Then you had the testicles to charge automatic gratuity. Personally I wouldn't have tipped. I'd had enough of piss poor service. Luckily some people were willing to pick up the slack due to the single check and horrible breakdown.

It wasn't too bad of an offense, but I probably still wouldn't go back.

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Photo of Jane S.

 

2

14

Jane S.

Foster City, CA

4 star rating
8/24/2009

I've got a biased opinion of this place because I came on such an interesting night.  There was a group of French Basque musician/dancers entertaining the place.  They were here on tour and just happened to be here partying all night.  One of them grabbed me to dance the second my friends and I came in (what a better way to start off the night?)  

We ate in the back and the food was sooo good (especially the fries), but the sever suuuucckked!  I forget her name but she was this really pretty chick with brown hair and some black and green tattoo going down one arm.  I don't know if they have the same servers helping outside as they do inside, if that is the case then I blame the manager for setting up the floor that way.  Otherwise this chick was just extreeeeeemely slow or forgot about us every time she left.  

Anyway, we left after eating to go check out some other places and wound up at Vessel for a bit (which was rather lame) so we came back to the Irish Bank and parties with the French Basque dudes until they closed.  It was by far one of the best nights I had going out in the city.

I love the set up of this place though and the fact that it is in an alley way is very cool.

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Photo of Aaron A.

Elite '09

7

105

Aaron A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/24/2009

Here is the deal.

As my buddy says- this bank may need to diversify it's bonds.

Atmosphere:
It's an Irish pub straight out of Ireland.  Except for the boys in suits who like to go out play after work and the tenders behind the counter that really don't know how to pour a Guinness.  This place gets very packed very quickly.

Price:
It's well over priced with a pint costing you about $6.

Food:
Skip it.

However, like any Irish pub, or pub for that matter- it's really about the quality of time you will have there. I go here about every Thursday with my mates, not because we like the food (we don't) or enjoy buying rounds that break the bank (no pun intended). It's because the place -with it's alley and bar that has oak barrels to rest your pint on- is conducive to good conversation and good laughs.

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Photo of David R.

Elite '09

57

894

David R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 7/4/2009

Still an excellent pub!  I was feeling predisposed to warm feelings because this is where yesterday's drunk set in.  It was one of those good, long, soaking, all-day sort of drunks that started in the first-class cabin of American Airlines flight 451 at 11am central time, continued through early happy hour at Harry's Bar, and peaked here at the Irish Bank before cruising through AT&T Park and finding its denouement at 21st Amendment.  Good day.

Friendly folks here, with some attitude to make it interesting.  Not "attitude" like your principal always chastised you for, but more like "personality."  Like the waitress who gave me a sad, exasperated look and head-shake because I haven't seen Gone With the Wind, or the bartendress who gave us a good-natured hard time for ordering our second round from someone else.  She switched the TV to Wimbledon for us though.

Pints are $6, but they have Leffe Blonde and pour a pretty fair Guinness, so it's okay.    There is outdoor seating too for nice weather like yesterday, but there's more fun to be had inside.  Light crowd for a Friday after-work period, but it was a holiday weekend after all.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    8/8/2008

    I try not to overuse the word "authentic," but when I walk into an Irish pub in the United States,… Read more »

Photo of Amelia C.

 

7

58

Amelia C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/9/2009

Spent many a happy hour here....and lunch hour too! Ignore the dumpsters and enjoy the awesome food.  Irish Bank hooked me on Shepherd's Pie.

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Photo of Kev M.

 

2

121

Kev M.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
7/29/2009

Oh, the Irish Bank.  That's how many of these reviews go for this place.
I've had really good times here.  
And saw some really truly dangerously drunk people here.  Well, dangerous to themselves.
A girl who fell off her chair.  Her friends just laughed.
Hmmm.  Nice friends.

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Photo of Louis B.

 

0

7

Louis B.

Merced, CA

5 star rating
10/9/2009

Great place.  Went there for lunch and dinner.  Fish and chips were excellent during lunch but the stew I had for dinner was outstanding.  Pint of Guinness was so good I had another.  Definitely will go back any time I'm in SF.

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Photo of Robert A.

 

1

32

Robert A.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
8/7/2009

OK, although I have given the Irish Bank 5 stars, I must be honest, I have not tried everything the restaurant has to offer. Their hamburger is ok, typical pub fair...HOWEVER, their fish & chips, LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! They set the bar with their fish & chips and now everywhere I go, I judge the fish & chips based upon the Irish Bank's.

Their bartenders rock! The best Bloody Mary I ever had, was at the Irish Bank. They do vary pending upon whom is bartending, but they do not get it wrong. If ever you are craving Liquid Lunch, I recommend trying their bloody mary. The Irish Bank also sets the bar with this one.

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Photo of Samantha M.

 

8

107

Samantha M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/24/2009

Love this place!! Love coming here with my friends for a wild evening of good food, great drinks, witty banter, and just to get loud and rowdy! On St. Patrick's day this place is a must visit, but it does get PACKED, even on normal weeknights! Friendly bartenders and waitstaff that yes, DO remember your face if you come in a lot, (which is quite impressive considering all of the patrons they have!) and the fries and other food they have is inexpensive and yet delicious comfort food. Love their fries so much... they're addictive!  Can't go wrong with the Irish Bank, I always have a wonderful experience every time I go there.

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Photo of Joanna B.

 

5

165

Joanna B.

Austin, TX

1 star rating
5/26/2009

I wanted to find a place worthy of a five star review (and since this one has many already, I thought it was a good bet) but here's how it went instead:

The cute alley everyone refers to is really an "L" shaped alley. One half is tables for the restaurant, the other half is filled with dumpsters, homeless people and the stench of urine. I have it say, I certainly didn't find that appetizing. Minus 1 star (down to 4)

They do not make it clear if you are supposed to seat yourself or wait to be seated and there was no one around to tell you; the wait and bar staff were scarce and when you could find one they scurried past without making eye contact. Minus 1 star (down to 3)

I ordered the turkey club and my date ordered the Irish beef stew. The club looked ok but as soon as I took a bite, I discovered a weird white gelatin oozing out of my sandwich, which neither the waitress nor chef could identify. Yuck (minus 2 stars. Are you kidding?! mystery food the chef can't identify!)

The only reason I gave one star is because Yelp forces you to give at least one and because, prior to eating my food and being completely disgusted, I tried my date's stew and it was awesome.

Too bad I'll never return to try it again.

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219

251

Brandon M.

San Carlos, CA

4 star rating
4/29/2009

A Yelper took me here after our shoot. To be honest, I really can't eat before, during and after a shoot. Too wired and my mine is usually still in a trance.

But it was cold outside and the place felt like it had a nice fireplace going type feel to it.

I got the reuban and should have gotten the Irish Beef Stew or Shepherd's Pie. Next time.

The beer was good, but beer is always good before, during and after a shoot and helps the trance. ;)

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Photo of Amy S.

Elite '09

81

273

Amy S.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 5/11/2009

Came here on a Saturday Night with a group to enjoy some guiness.

The crowd, the booze was good. But the place was not.

There is a steaming water pipe right next to one of the tables that burned my hand. Its like totally out in the public and next to the chair that I was sitting at. At first I thought I was sitting next to a heater and I didnt think much of it. Turns out it was HEAT emitting from the freakin pipe. Freaking A.

I told the bouncer Zack as we walked out what happened since I knew him from high school.  He said he would tell someone but I think I will stay away until they mortar it--I felt like I was in the 1800's, in a building with no safety code or something. terrible.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    1/9/2009

    Great pub!!

    Loud, Lively, def. not for the lighthearted. A gem in the financial district- you'll find… Read more »

Photo of Nicole P.

 

0

3

Nicole P.

Washington, DC

5 star rating
9/29/2009

Every time I come to the city, this is the meeting place for me and my friends.    I've been here both during the day and night time and overall, it's a consistently all around awesome place.  The alley with the trash is pretty rank but you can access the bar from the other side.  Service is great-even when the servers are slammed-which seems to be often.  Gotta give props to anyone who carry like 20 drinks on a tray.   Food is good too-especially the fish and chips.  The only bummer can be how crowded it gets.  When it's full there, it's FULL.  If you are looking for somewhere quiet and cozy-this CAN be the place-but not on a friday night!

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461

168

alina n.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
3/31/2009

I went here for Saint Patrick's day a couple of years back and I was not prepared! It was packed full of crazy, fun, festive people!

When you get there, you go though the cute little alley. It's great there's an outdoor patio to chill at. When I went inside, the entire bar was backed up with people all the way back to the wall. I was on a mission to get my beer so I had my girlfriend hold onto my purse and coat and I ducked underneath everyone and made my way through the crowd and ended up right at the bar! Ordered 2 beers for myself and 2 beer for my friend, ducked back down, and got out of there before anyone realized I cut in front of the entire bar. Mission accomplished!

Spent the rest of the day chillen in the alley and starting random convos with hot young professional guys. That's what I like about the bars around the financial district area, there's never a shortage of cute white guy eye candy. Don't get me wrong, I don't discriminate against certain kinds of guys but I like finding a whole pack of them in one spot *wink*

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Photo of Jennifer E.

 

19

174

Jennifer E.

Tucson, AZ

4 star rating
5/4/2009 1 photo

Went to the Irish Bank on my trip to the lovely city of San Francisco. Loved it. They had Red Hook on tap and no one in Tucson has Red Hook on tap!

I loved the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle. It was a great place to hang out and have a good time!

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9

7

Jo C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
7/19/2009

Been there a few times, but never when its packed. Good beers, GREAT food from what I've seen. Shepherd's Pie usually comes quickly - its always piping hot and filled with savory, meaty, potatoey goodness that I shovel in my mouth as quickly as I can.

My friend has had the Irish breakfast and it seems like a lot of good food, perfect for a cold afternoon. The only thing I don't recommend is the Ploughman's platter or something like that - its some random salad, slices of cheese, and bread.

People working there seem friendly, service speed is normal. Food comes pretty quickly in general, which makes this a great spot for a quick lunch and beer.

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Elite '09

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173

Lauren C.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
3/19/2009

Little known fact- It wasn't the potato famine that killed all those people in Ireland. They actually starved to death while waiting for their dinner at The Irish Bank.

If you've had a few drinks, you might believe that history. If you've managed to have a few drinks at the Irish Bank, please tell me your secret! Our waitress was as elusive as a leprechaun. Everything took painfully long to arrive. And it wasn't one of those deals where they were intentionally slowing the food service so you'd order more drinks. Or if they were, they were failing to cash in on the set-up. We'd have gone for it. The flesh was willing but the spirits were unavailable.

I came for the BLT I read about on Yelp. The quality of the ingredients was good. But, while I thought that I'd like having the mayo automatically on the side, the end result was a dry sandwich. Applying mayonnaise at the table wasn't the same because it didn't give the ingredients a chance to mesh.

Boyfriend had the turkey melt. He also felt that while the individual components were good, the end result was only so-so. He suffered serious diner's remorse when he saw the great looking fish and chips ordered by the next table. I initially promised him we'd return to have it, but by the end of the meal we both knew that was unlikely to happen.

The nail in the coffin was the dessert- the caramel apple torte. The cake-like shell that held the apples and caramel sauce had fridge funk. You know how you can smell it in your mouth just as you take a bite of something? It's disgusting. But while I pretend to be discriminating, I'm actually indiscriminate and I ate almost the whole thing.

Shout out to the busboys! Busboys always show me love, God bless them. The busboys at Irish Bank were attentive, efficient, and NUMEROUS. Maybe if some of them were switched to waiting tables or cooking... just a thought.

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Elite '09

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321

Kitty M.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
3/23/2009

I seem to be handing out 4 stars like a mad woman as of late.....Irish Bank deserved it yesterday - after reading many a review I think we were lucky by coming here on a lazy Sunday afternoon, thus not having the nightmare of the after work crowd....

First off, I loved the outdoor area in the alley - I told my husband this place was darling and he looked at me with the strange look. He pretty much asked if I had bumped my head because I had been here before. I had to remind him that it must have been one of his other wives he has scattered around the Bay, because I had never been here. He quickly realized he used to come here and meet his mom when she worked in the city - um thanks.....

I love that this place feels like a real Irish dive - dark and dingy and full of great beer and spirits. Of course my pregnant ass was stuck drinking non-alcoholic crap while my husband enjoyed his Guiness, bastard.

Anyhow, we ordered up the fish and chips - I was honestly expecting a plate of crap. What I got was a plate of decent food. The fish was fresh and had a light batter that was not greasy. The chips were tasty and not greasy either.....good tarter to top it off with my vinegar - at least I get to enjoy food!

I can't wait to come back in a few months and devour a Leffe on tap and a good whiskey......Im so sad Im going to cry just thinking about it.

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Elite '09

344

207

Gill C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
3/17/2009

Oh Danny Boy!
Irish eyes are definitely smiling, especially on St. Patrick's Day, and all roads lead to the Irish Bank!

IB is one of my favorite Irish bars in SF. It's an annual tradition (3 of the past 4 years) for me to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the IB! They always decorate so festively with the massive green, orange, and white balloon arch at the alley entrance, and streamers and shamrocks galore. Also, all day entertainment is provided with live music and traditional dancers.
Of course, the crowd is jovial and energy is awesome, especially if you've had a few cocktails. (For me, it'd be an Irish coffee to start and then the rounds of Guinness, the bombs, etc.,)

Last year, my friend, Amy G and I woke up at the crack of dawn to head over to the Irish Bank to catch part of the Alice 97.3 live morning broadcast of the then 'Sarah and No Name' show. It was a wild and crazy morning of complete drunken chaos, but so much fun. Here is how crowded the alley gets http://static.px.yelp....
and here's a pic of No Name with his samurai and ginormous stein of beer http://static.px.yelp....

Aside from hitting up the IB for St. Patrick's Day, I've also attended many Happy Hours and birthday celebrations (including my own). Of course, the best place to be seated is outside, especially if the weather is lovely. Even if it's a bit nippy outside, well, all you need is one drink (Irish coffee, Guinness) to warm you up! If you choose to sit inbe indoors, I recommend sitting in the confessional with a few of your closest friends. This is the only bar I know of with a confessional. Once you confess your sins, they'll be absolved with a shot of Fernet or Jameson :)

BTW, the IB food is actually quite good and reasonably priced. There's a wide selection of sammies, hamburgers, salads, and other entrees like steak and  corned beef and cabbage. A few of my favorites are the cheddar cheese fries and the mac and cheese (Yes, I'm a cheesy type of gal)! I swear this mac and cheese is one of the best I've ever had! No joke! As for the fries, halfway through this year's Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt http://www.yelp.com/bi... my team and I decided to make a pit stop at the IB for those tasty fries and beer. They were thick and crisp with the perfect amount of cheesy melty goodness on top (as we ordered the cheddar fries and the blue cheese fries). The plates were practically licked clean.

Service is decent here, and never had any bad experiences. Can get slow when it's super crowded. Ladies, the bathroom only has two small stalls, and allows for maybe 2 people tops to wait inside if stalls are occupied. Otherwise, you'll be waiting outside the bathroom doors, just across from the Men's room.

Of course, I'll be back at the IB! The Irish Coffee and Guinness are calling my name in the morning..."McGilly"...

Sláinte!

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