When St. Patrick's Day arrives in San Francisco, you can guarantee the city's all ready to properly celebrate! There definitely won't be any shortage of where to go and party with some Irish coffee and Guinness, and the best places to have them at within a lively and fun crowd is at one of our several authentic and friendly Irish bars and pubs.
Here is a list of the best and lively ones to go to for a riveting time that will also make you feel like you've been instantly transported to Ireland.
See also: How SF Brewed Irish Coffee's Popularity And The Best Places To Get Them
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930 Geary Blvd / (415) 529-1527 / Website
While this casual beer watering hole is authentically Amsterdam, they are still definitely going all out to celebratethe Irish festivity! On Saturday, March 18 from 4pm to midnight, check in at this local favorite to partake in their 6th Annual Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Crawl featuring drink vouchers, several participating bars, and even an afterparty at Arena SF! You'll visit Emperor Norton's Boozeland, the Golden Gate Tap Room, and more, all with their own unique specials like $12 Irish Car Bombs. See more information here.
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2765 Hyde St / (415) 474-5044 / Website
You can't do St. Paddy's without some Irish coffee, and the best place to have them at is the classic Buena Vista! Step into a cornerstone of storied history and sit on the bar with a glass of this San Francisco creation while also enjoying the serene waterfront views and charming interior. This landmark is classy, casual, and a timeless staple of the city's nationwide identity.
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2351 Mission St / (415) 658-7320 / Website
Casements in the Mission boasts an expansive back patio replete with comfy seating, live music, colorful murals, and expertly kind service ready to serve you their finest Irish whiskeys and gins. This is an impressively hip and modern gem that also features a sultry lounge, inventive cocktails, and delicious cuisine to enjoy out on their breezy backyard.
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622 Green St / (415) 940-9223 / Website
Chief Sullivan's nestled among all the other premier bar choices in North Beach is cozy, tucked away, and stunning warm wood for a sleek and snug ambience. Named after San Francisco fire chief Dennis Sullivan for his aid during the 1906 earthquake, allow this bar to also help you in getting a fantastic drink with their many taps and large bar.
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198 5th St / (415) 615-0916 / Website
The Chieftain is a popular choice for those in SoMa who want a downtown reprieve from the bustle and a refreshment after touring all of our comprehensive museums. The highlight aside from their enticingly affordable happy hour is their Irish Breakfast, complete with baked beans, black and white pudding, and soda bread. Start your morning here, and feel welcomed to just stay the whole day!
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3838 24th St / (415) 826-2279 / Website
This Noe Valley favorite is a trusted choice for all of the local residents, having been a community hangout for well over two decades. This is a tight interior with many screens and plenty of weekly events, such as engaging trivia. Squeeze in and immediately feel like one of the surrounding friendly crowd.
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2328 Irving St / (415) 664-2555 / Website
Our choice right by Golden Gate park is to rehydrate by the hearth at Durty Nelly's, as their central fireplace will draw you in on all of the foggy days in the Sunset! This is a truly unbeatable beacon of warmth and conviviality, offering karaoke, the relaxed ability to hangout and watch sports, and irresistibly hearty Irish fare.
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119 Utah St / (415) 626-7001 / Website
If you're looking for a different way to celebrate the colorful day, then put on your most shimmery green outfit and head to the Great Northern for their The Ultimate ABBA Glitter Disco! This renowned creative musical venue is always impressively hosting inventive dance nights, and on Friday, March 17 at 9pm, their electrifying dance floor gets transformed into Studio 54 to commemorate the 70's power band. Disco attire is encouraged, aas their will be ABBA-themed photo opportunities, body painting, glamorous emerald decor, and all of their best classic hits. More information here.
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10 Mark Ln / (415) 788-7152 / Website
The Irish Bank is perhaps one the most iconic locations for St. Patrick's Day, renowned for their yearly tradition of hosting an extravagant block party that invites all of the locals to eat, drink, and party together at their cobblestone alleyway cove. With a genuinely immersive interior of charming Irish decor, you will definitely feel like you've fully escaped to Dublin, especially with just one bite of their shepherd's pie or bangers and mash!
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243 O'Farrell St / (415) 954-0777 / Website
Get a taste of Ireland in the heart of downtown at Johnny Foley's, a piano bar that is a symphony of talented performances, comforting cuisine, and plenty of thirst-quenching beer. Spacious, clean, and elegantly classic, this sunny indoors truly has it all, also being a prime spot to gather and watch games on with their large screen.
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807 Lincoln Way / Website
The Little Shamrock is so beloved and classic that they've been operating since 1893! It doesn't get anymore down-to-earth and heartwarming than this brilliant hangout, located in effortless proximity to both Golden Gate Park and Haight Ashbury. You'll not only be captivated by the thoughtfully affordable libation prices, but also by all of the chic Victorian aesthetics, eclectic decor of collected keepsakes, and their shelves full of interactive mystery novels from John Lescroart who features the historic location in every story.
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1233 Polk St / (415) 885-1233 / Website
Mayes Oyster House is always a favorite whenever there's a city-wide holiday, and St. Patrick's is one of their biggest yearly events. Check in here to participate in The LepraCon Pub Crawl, a massive community drinking activity that involves over 20 of the city's best bars around the Marina. There will be two crawls, one on Friday, March 17 from 6 to11pm, and one on Saturday, March 18 from 2 to 10pm, though both will have extravagant visits to Del Mar, Jaxson, Blue Light, Silver Cloud, Comet Club, and more! Expect party bus transportation, live DJ's, and a fortune of drink specials. More information here.
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3200 24th St / (415) 550-7510 / Website
Just from the unmissable sign boldy displayed on their exterior, you know you're in for a true Irish treat. Their inside features rustic red brick, plenty of comfy seating, and a plethora of weekly events to interact with their devoted community, such as game and trivia nights. Come alone or with a group, just be sure to come hungry as their late-night kitchen will undoubtedly have you craving their corned beef hash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips.
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240 Front St / (415) 421-4778 / Website
Schroeder’s is a Bavaria beer hall that is making history in the city with its 130th anniversary occuring later in 2023. The whole year is set with celebrations though, and on Friday, March 17 at 3pm is their can't-miss Front Street block party with their friends from Royal Exchange. Expect green beer, jello shots, a talented DJ, and all of the same Bavarian bites but with additional Irish-inspired offerings like a Corned Beef & Cabbage pretzel bun sandwich, all for thoughtfully affordable prices. More information can be found here.
Your St. Patrick's Day will definitely be a merry time with these these lucky choices!
See also: Hang Out & Cool Off Here At San Francisco's Best Beer Gardens
Photography by: Courtesy of Lordn/Getty Images
