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The Little Shamrock
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 3 pm - 2 am
Fri 2 pm - 2 am
Sat-Sun 1 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- 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 »
187 reviews for The Little Shamrock
Review Highlights
"It's comfy inside with couches and board games."
(in 43 reviews)
"There's free popcorn and table service--you gotta love that."
(in 18 reviews)
"The backgammon tables that have cupholders."
(in 9 reviews)
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187 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda C.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
YES. Totally worth the bike ride from the Mission.
I love Irish pubs; they're fun, thematic, and the bartenders and patrons somehow seem more down to earth and cooler.
That and there usually seems to be board games at such establishments!
The Little Shamrock does not disappoint at all. Darts in the backroom (completely full, of course), badgammon tables (i think...don't know how to play), and a healthy assortment of boardgames. We played Apples to Apples ;)
Not to mention, GREAT beer selection on tap. Any place that has Deshutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale, AND Deshutes Black Butte Porter on tap is like an instant win for me. The knocker would be if they also had Deshutes Obsidian Stout, oh well (side note: if you know of a bar/pub that does, let me know!)
Aside from that holy trinity of beer, they had other great choices. Pitchers run about $12, not too shabby considering the beer they serve.
So yes Yelp, I want to go back there, I will go back there.... -
Review from jared c.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
This is place is like an actual pub. Not an every-day-is-Saint-Patrick's-day-because-we-have-a n-Irish-theme pub (even though the name would make you think the opposite). But like, an actual, honest-to-goodness pub.
What makes this a pub and not a typical bar? There's lots of tables and seating. There is no loud music, making conversation possible. Not even at night. There is no dancing. There are no guys trying to hit on your girlfriend. It's just a really relaxed vibe, with friends sitting around, playing board games, watching sports, drinking beers, and enjoying themselves. That's what a pub should be, and that's what Little Shamrock is.
Bartenders were amazingly nice too. -
Review from Paul W.
San Francisco, CA
1/19/2012
This may be the most comfortable bar I've ever been to. So comfortable that I usually get a warm numb feeling, melt into my chair, and before I know it three hours have gone by. It feels both divey and classy at the same time. The lamps are awesome and so are are the bartenders. You can kind of get lost just staring at all the stuff on the walls.
They have these really old wooden backgammon tables against the back wall and I learned how to play here. Three are plenty of other board games to choose from and a back room for darts too.
So far this place is my favorite bar in the Inner sunset and the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because of the beer selection (it's not bad but just average) and that it lacks a pool table. -
Review from Max F.
Davis, CA
1/23/2012
I went to Little Shamrock with my brothers to watch the 49'ers play the Giants in the playoffs. Unfortunately the 49'ers lost but the day as a whole was great. All do to the Little Shamrock. The atmosphere was perfect. I'm not from the area but when you enter this bar you feel at home. Clean, with an old feel and no smells. The bar tender was accommodating and knowledgeable.
My favorite part of Little Shamrock's is the server Caitlin. She made my brothers and I feel at home, she is very pretty, and she was fast with the service. Did I already say that Caitlin was hot and nice. Anyways, thank you Little Shamrock for a great experience with the bro's. -
Review from Mike H.
Lakeside, San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
Comfy chairs, cheap beers, plenty of room and the music is never too loud to talk. Also near Gordos. Clutch.
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Review from Kevin M.
Hayward, CA
9/4/2011
The little Shamrock is wonderful. I came here with the friends I've made that aren't over a century old and mothers friends.
They have board games in the back, of which we played Jenga. When I say we played Jenga I mean we wrote nasty sayings on the blocks and texted the numbers we found. Pro tip, there's a 650 number on one of the blocks that if you text JENGA too, they WILL respond and give you pearls of wisdom. Mother says I'm not allowed to have a cell phone, the radiation will grow hair on my chest, but i digress... mother doesn't want me looking manly, but then again, mother hates men so what does she know? The feather-noddling puddleshlump!
Anyway, the beer.. was beer, no surprise there, but it was the ambiance that made this place great, that and the fact that the company I kept didn't look like another episode of the golden girls.
Mmm mmm for Jenga and fun times! -
Review from Kim T.
9/24/2011
We were out house hunting in the area and happened upon this little charmer. It definitely brings a local feel, with loads of character. They have a wide array of games to choose from and interesting seating.
An eclectic crowd of folks, with crude conversation on the lips (really, what more could you want?!!). Decent beer selection as well.The only drawback we found was that they didn't take cards. This will easily be our haunt if we move to the area.
Uptight people, keep passing by. I have a feeling you wouldn't like it here anyways. -
Review from Lesliegh H.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great dive, cheap pitchers, good selection of beer on tap and boardgames!!!
Fact or Crap and Cranium. My friends and I will battle it out when it comes to cranium, sorry if we're too loud. Very laid back. CASH ONLY. Bartenders are very friendly. -
Review from Nathan O.
Columbus, OH
10/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Local flavor is fun and comfortable, and you are bound to always hear a fun conversation from other visitors. Cash-only isn't a surprise in the Sunset area, but the selection of games in the seating area makes up for it. One trip to the ATM beforehand provides 3-4 hours of entertainment, fun, and delicious drinks. Mixed drinks always came in strong, and the service was friendly, but not overly kind. Start talking brews, and their eyes light up with joy
Despite being one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, it certainly remains a dive bar. -
Review from Enoch K.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
A local favorite, charming, comfortable, and fantastic. A neighborhood bar for over a century. Not many neighborhood bars have this kind of charm, dumpiness, and characters.
2nd oldest bar in San Francisco!
Stop in for a pint, some fucked up converstion, scrabble, chess, checkers, hell they got Candyland for @#$& sakes.
Keep in mind, this is a local spot, and Inner Sunset folks roll baby. We roll. -
Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
My friend asked the bartender for a drink recommendation, as she was apparently stuffed to the gills and couldn't put down another beer. He asked if she had ever had fernet. I didn't know they served it, and I've always been curious, so I rescinded my Black Butte Porter order and got one as well. "Don't fight the flavor - because there's a lot of it," he warned. Wow, it is no joke. It's like the effect of wasabi mixed with the taste of Chinese medicine. He definitely recommended the right thing, as it held us over the rest of the night in order to finish via tiny sips.
It was nice and lively for a Friday night, yet wasn't crowded or too loud just to hang out (we had also stopped by Fireside Bar earlier). I'm also glad and pleasantly surprised that the bartender was not snooty. I'd say the friendliness and neighborhood-bar-feel is right up there with Minibar SF, which is fantastic.
And omg did Keane L. say Taboo?! I fucking LOVE that game. Where was I in 2007?! -
Review from Josh L.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2011 16 Check-ins Here
I really enjoy going to the Little Shamrock. It's always a very warm and cozy place to go and just kick back with friends. The fireplace is in a section with a few couches and chairs, and tables with board games all over.
It's a tradition to come here and play Jenga because people have added their own phrases to the Jenga blocks, which makes for quite a unique Jenga experience.
Also, all the bar tenders here a really chill, and I'm stoked because I just got a phone call saying my quote got picked for the quote of the week, so now I can come and get a free drink! -
Review from Michael L.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
Awesome neighborhood bar. Perfect to just hang and have a drink, play some cards and other board games available. Good service through the bartender and a waitress does come around to take orders. It would be nice if they took card but it makes up with it's all around atmosphere.
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Review from Lynn N.
Santa Clara, CA
10/11/2011
Bf and I came here for a beer one afternoon and the bar itself is nice and cozy. Bartender gal was nice. She told us it was one of the oldest bars in SF and it even was up and running during prohibition because it was so far out from everything at the time that they simply didn't care to shut it down. Anyway, cool bar, would come back!
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Review from Bite M.
Hell, MI
10/23/2011
I liked that they had plenty of tables and a couch. We were there around 1am and there was still a good crowd. We ordered a Manhattan and a Tom Collins and they were REALLY strong. My cousin couldn't drink her Manhattan because it was too strong for her. That was ok with me because I dont mind helping someone with their drink ;)
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Review from Rylan C.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a lot closer to what pubs actually are back in the UK.
I personally liked the ambiance of this place because of the seats and couches. However, what I don't like is that it can get quite crowded at this bar and therefore loses its quiet coziness. Instead, it becomes a busy hangout spot that is filled with med students with large backpacks, knocking people upside the head when they make a quick turn or a bunch of sweaty, embarrassingly-dressed Ultimate Frisbee teams having a beer over their "win" (though, in regards to playing ultimate frisbee....is anyone really a "winner"?)
I think I would've liked this place a lot more had it had a pool table. That is all. -
Review from Christopher L.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2011
Found this place in random way; happy I did.
GREAT neighborhood spot that serves Guinness in a slightly less frosty manner than you can usually find in SF...not sure if this is intentional but it is good. -
Review from Andy r.
Pleasanton, CA
9/20/2011
Where else in the world would you get a Long Island Ice Tea with fruit juice in it?
This place sucks! It has been one of the worst pubs i have ever visited. My friend ordered a rum and coke- it was all rum and no coke.
The long island ice tea was sent back and i was told that this is how it is made there- weird!
My beer was not cold and had no froth. They dont serve any food/snacks and dont accept cards.
I wouldn't go back even if they offered a free drink -
Review from Christina C.
Berkeley, CA
1/12/2011
I, am, a HUNTER.
I, am, the King of the Forest! Yes. I know how to hunt and gather, search and destroy on the interwebs. With my keen insight and finely tuned intellectual prowess, I was able to latch onto the charm of this place. Using cunning attributable to the witches of Macbeth, I persuaded the BF to come here on a Tuesday night.
And. He. Loved. It.
He, who is a curmudgeon, loved something that I hunted. I feel so rewarded for my effort! I am like a kitty that brought home it's first bird or mouse, offering up the bounty proudly as a testament of my evolutionary superiority.
It was a freezing cold Tuesday night. I was and still am, a bit sick with the cold. Maybe slight fever, maybe slight body ache? Maybe lots tired. Inside, the bar was well lit in soft lights that were enrobed in stain glass lampshades that hark of days old. There were many many lamps. Many.
The tables and chairs are mismatched the way only time can bring together pieces of discarded furniture. The ceilings are higher than average, about 14 feet, yet the lowered wooden beams that crossed with the support post gave it a cozy pub-like feel. The groupings were natural and the clustering was inviting.
We settled down at the back of the pub where a lively fire was burning. There was a living room like cluster of couches and armchairs in front of the fire, and board games off to the side. On the walls were an esoteric history lesson in Irish Crests and beer. The clock perpetually said 5:00. It was charming.
The Guiness took forever to "draw." The BF said proper Guiness takes years to pour, and it tastes creamy. This place gets the stamp of approval. The beer is fresh, creamy, slow, but still only 16 oz (vs. 20 oz). Despite this drawback, the BF kept thinking that it felt like being at a pub back home. Back home, having a pint over a board game costs less than turning on the heating. I think we'll be going back. -
Review from Phuong M.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2011
I had reviewed this place before, but i had mixed up this joint with Yancy's.
LITTLE SHAMROCK bills itself as the oldest Irish bar in town, and who am i to doubt that? The beer is beer, the Irish coffees are phenomenal, and boardgames in the back are oh so delightful, and the backgammon...well, i don't play backgammon. But if i did, i'm sure i'd appreciate it.
I have spent many an afternoon/evening/night here, and i'm sure that if they opened mornings, i'd spend a few of those here too.
The thing that separates this bar from many many others is how not packed it is, how comfortable and cozy it is, how delicious the Irish coffees are, and how personable the staff is. Definitely a neighborhood bar, and proud to be part of that neighborhood.Listed in: My Little Corner of the World, Beer
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Review from Sin F.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2011 1 photo
I love places with heritage and this place is just full of that. SF's second oldest bar and going strong. I love the homely interior and the very reasonably priced drinks. Great beer selection plus killer white russians and car bombs. Spent so many nights here getting that warm feeling. Cool seating with a nice look over toward the park. No jukebox but the bartenders do a pretty good job managing the tunes. It's cash only, probably cuz they couldn't hook up a credit card slider to that 1800s cash register. It's my favorite bar in the area and there's a lot of 'em around. This one keeps me coming back.
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Review from Payal B.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2011
This bar has a charming ambience - cozy, rustic with a mix of different sofas n chairs, games, fireplace and good drinks! Great place to be with friends - play board games n dart at the back of the room. Definitely has become my favourite Friday night hangout bar in my Inner sunset neighborhood!
Cons: Only cash, n a $7 down the drain shot (don't remember the name, but it was more of diluted cranberry juice)!
Will be back next time to try out the Irish coffee. -
Review from T.C. J.
12/6/2010
Coming from Pittsburgh I have a real affinity for dive bars. When I moved into the sunset this was the first bar I entered and am I ever so glad I did. There is a great mix of regulars and new people alike and everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming. The bartenders are funny, quick to serve a drink, and enjoy getting to know the patrons. And the prices; pretty much as cheap as they get in expensive ass San Francisco.
Sure the place is a little dingy, and there is dust on the lights, and grime in the bathroom. But its a dive bar for God's sake; just the way a dive bar is supposed to be!! -
Review from Karen T.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know why I've never been to this bar, I love it! Casual atmosphere and $8 for a vodka gimlet is pricey BUT it's actually not because they give you the shaker and it fills the small martini glass at least 2 times! I love it got nice and buzzed
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Review from Ryan B.
1/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a quirky little place that delighted me. First thing I noticed when walking is that none of the furniture matched. Second was the two or three group of folks playing backgammon while enjoying a few pints of their favorite beers.
The group I was with settled down and found a great spot to enjoy ourself. We were coming from dinner and just wanted a little night cap. So we ordered 4 Irish Coffees. The bartender banged out 4 tasty Irish Coffees and we proceeded to enjoy the end to our evening.
At one point I noticed 4 spunky girls with darts in their hand making their way to the back section of the bar. My assumption was there was a dart board. Hmmmmmmm Love places with dart boards. Going to have to check out more of the Shamrock has to offer! -
Review from Sarah T.
Pleasanton, CA
7/4/2011
This place is amazing! awesome seating, couches and tables everywhere, drinks were served fast
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Review from Kristin M.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The tables are sticky, the service is inattentive, the cider is flat and warm, the place looks like it could fall apart at any moment... but... it's a good time. The beer prices are very reasonable (cocktails are a little pricey), and It not just a bar, you could come here and hang out with a pint and a board game or a round of darts anytime! All walks of life having a chat here.
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Review from Angie G.
1/10/2011
I really have no words other than "WHOA!" for this bar. The moment I walked in the bar smelled like an antique shop and there were all kinds of little tables and chairs. Towards the back there was a great little nook with sofas and a huge round table. It was amazing in there!
I was told this was one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, and I couldn't help but be proud to live in the same neighborhood as this establishment.
Check it out for history's sake anyways. I wasn't disappointed one bit! -
Review from Jennifer T.
San Jose, CA
11/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
We were trying to kill time before it was time to head to the de Young museum, and Yelped just happened to suggest this bar to us.
$4 beer, darts, comfy couches. I like!
There is a DART ROOM...how exciting and FUN!
The environment may seem a little eerie (dark dusty corners and green bathrooms) but have no fear, The Little Shamrock is as harmless as it is fun. Didn't I mention a dart room???
I love their furniture. -
Review from Lea may K.
Suisun City, CA
Oh wow, there's a Shamrock in my Guinness.
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Review from Jennifer R.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2011
Ya! I'm a fan
One star less cuz no credit cards but hey I must admit, this is a nice friendly cozy bar, darts in back, been here a few times & never knew that room existed, sign I must have been having a good time.
Bar staff very friendly & I never got that new to a bar glare from anyone there.
Very nice local feel & decor was pleasing to the eye, allot of character which cannot be done over night.
I'll be back.. -
Review from Cristopher B.
Troy, MI
9/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's a pretty decent pub. There's not a whole lot that's noteworthy about it, as far as I can tell. The floor is uneven in the back. Basically you can order drinks here.
The bathroom graffiti isn't even that interesting.
It's cash only, so be aware of that. -
Review from Chris D.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Built in backgammon tables and great beers on tap this is your spot and they also got plenty of tv's with all kinds of sports on them.
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Review from Alex W.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like the Little Shamrock a lot and I wish it was 5 blocks from house instead of 15! Its just a laid back place with well poured Guinness and dart boards. I wish they didn't have televisions but these days there isn't much you can do about that...
Oh yeah and:
$5 for a pint of Guinness! -
Review from Denise C.
San Francisco, CA
7/22/2011
A quaint spot. I played board games there and didn't get a drink. I had never been, but I'll go back and get a drink. A great San Francisco Irish-themed bar.
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Review from Maria B.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
what's not to love? drinks - nice and stiff. entertainment - a plenty. fancy furniture - if quaint's your word, then yes.
i'm definitely planning on hanging with my Mr. Cooper (if you don't know who he is, you owe me a shot) next time around. -
Review from Virginia V.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2011
The little shamrock is a lot of fun the drinks our very strong and the people our friendly, my girlfriend and I went there last week and we had a good time.
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Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2009
This place has been around since 1893 - That's What's Up.
It survived the 1906 earthquake - That's What's Up.
It has free popcorn - That's What's Up.
The lighting is perfect for those "just got of the shower, have no time to get ready," nights - cause - That's What's Up.
They have an adorable fireplace to warm up from windy foggy inner sunset nights - cause - That's What's Up.
They have a decent selection of board games as well as a sit down backgammon set - cause - That's What's Up.
They got darts - and as college proved many a time - darts and 2 Irish Car Bombs drastically ups one's game - cause That's What's Up.
They have unique old furniture. Furniture which makes you remember that you're in a special and historical place - cause That's What's Up.
They have fascinating vintage photos from back in the day - lining the walls - cause That's What's Up.
Friendly staff - cause That''s What's Up.
Regulars - cause That's What's Up.
A solid jukebox - that knows What's Up.
And well this place is just too darling and too much a part of San Francisco history to not check it out.
Trust. -
Review from Keane L.
2/22/2007
I hate Taboo. I hate it.
My ancestors didn't immigrate here on old Chinese junks so that I could be told what I could or could not say. This is America, dammit. No plastic card is going to stop me from describing "baseball" with the word, "pitcher." Burn in hell, Hasbro. (I'll still love you for G.I. Joes and Transformers.)
The Little Shamrock was a cool place for Yelp gamenight. They took drink orders from our tables, and had free (though limited) popcorn for consumption. They don't take credit, but there's an ATM outside. The bartender made sure we were cool to drive before we left.
I'm constantly dumbfounded (pause for humour) by the large number of Irish pubs in the Richmond/Sunset. -
Review from .elin f.
Emeryville, CA
2/11/2007
What I learned at Yelp Game Night:
Unbogged is not in the Scrabble dictionary
Masturbation is a bad habit while masturbating is a leisure activity
Drunken guys do not think that Denzel Washington is the epitome of cool
The tastiness of stale popcorn is highly correlated to ones' level of drunkenness
Oh, also that the Little Shamrock is a pretty cool bar with a very chill vibe. Lots of gamers, both casual and hardcore, enjoying board games over a glass of beer. And sports enthusiastics checking out the multiple TVs at the bar. And hungry folks waiting for the kernels to pop.
Psst... remember it's at 9th & Irving and not 20 & Taravel.
