Great place to visit while in SF as the interior immediately stands out with its classic Irish pub atmosphere, historic charm, and elegant old-world details. The high decorative ceilings, stained glass accents, dark wood finishes, vintage-style lighting, and unique artwork throughout the restaurant give the place a warm and authentic feel. It feels like stepping into a historic Irish gathering spot right in the middle of San Francisco. The inside has plenty of character, with cozy booths, classic pub seating, and a spacious layout that somehow still feels intimate and welcoming. The décor and atmosphere alone make this place worth visiting, whether you're there for drinks, dinner, or simply to take in the ambiance. The food definitely lived up to the setting. I ordered the beer-battered fish and chips, and they were excellent. The fish was flaky and fresh with a crispy, golden batter that had great flavor without feeling too greasy or heavy. The fries paired well with the dish, and the tartar sauce added a nice finishing touch. I also tried the loaded potato skins, which were packed with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions--flavorful and a great appetizer to share. Service was friendly and attentive, and everything came out hot and fresh. Between the quality food, generous portions, and one of the most unique interiors I've seen in San Francisco, Johnny Foley's Irish House is absolutely worth stopping by. A great combination of atmosphere, comfort food, and classic Irish pub charm. read more

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This review is based on 1 pint of beer! It was a good pint of beer. Went in around 4 o'clock in the afternoon and was served promptly. Good Irish music on in the bar to listen to. $10 for a pint of beer...I get it...it's downtown San Francisco. But does not look like I'm gonna have many pints there in the future. read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We went here on 4th of July to watch World Cup game and enjoy a drink. First round of drinks were peach smash and highball. Highball was diluted but peach smash was good. We had to ask server twice for water and she hardly checked on us. Overall would not recommend read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came in for lunch for a quick bite. The waitress was super nice and attentive. Our food was super fresh and it all tasted great. Lively Irish bar with great service, beer selection & food. read more

Johnny Foley's - Cheeseburger - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My family and I looked around the area and then went in for some meal at this great place we found. The fish and chips were really good. The chips were cut straight and were really crunchy like the fish, Except the fish got soggy after a while. The fries were fresh and the tartar sauce looked good and was the right consistency. The waitress was good. I didn't need to ask for a refill, the waitress was great and did it before I had to. Also, the place was busy, but everything was done swiftly. I would come here again and try the other pub dishes. read more

Loved the place. Eclectic decor and fast service. We didn't eat anything but the drinks were great. Great stop with friends read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The staff is incredible, friendly fast and efficient and the vibe is great! For those things and the bar I can't recommend this enough. The smoked salmon on boxty pancakes were incredible! The almond black pepper salmon was a great concept and had healthy portions but mine was initially very undercooked and had to be sent back, which they did easily and brought a fully cooked one back quickly which speaks to the quality of the staff very well. The oyster shooters were great, but I think the price for three oysters might be a bit much. This place would be perfect if they lowered the price just a bit to be in line with their competition or elevated their dishes just a bit more with something more unique like the salmon boxty pancakes were! I very much recommend this place and I may give it 5 stars on return very easily depending on my next experience read more

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Great looking and sounding Irish pub. The server was a little bit overwhelmed handling over a dozen tables. In retrospect - i should have sat at the bar. They had a nice long wrapping bar. The kitchen served the food which was helpful because it was much quicker than my server in taking my drink / food order. The cottage pie was piping hot - but incredibly flavorful. The potatoes were creamy, the ground beef was great. The New England Clam chowder was great. It came with a slice of Irish soda bread that was delicious. It was explicitly stated on the menu but the server let me know when i went to order an Irish soda bread side. Loved the menu as a whole and had a challenge picking my meal. Would definitely visit again for a beer and dinner. read more

Johnny Foley's - Cottage Pie, Ground Beef Cooked In Savory Gravy With Vegetables - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great place to eat/dink in Union Square. I've been there several times when I visit San Francisco. The bartenders are super friendly and very attentive. I visited on June 28th and they had live music which was awesome. Great place! read more

Classy Irish bar and restaurant with delicious dishes served with potatoes multiple ways. We called a few minutes ahead for a walk-in with a party of 9 (make sure your whole party is there in order to be seated). The decor and ambiance were perfect for a group holiday celebration and our waitress was so helpful and a great sport. Dishes were a little pricey but nothing too crazy for restaurants in the union square area. Standouts were definitely the truffle fries and the lamb shank which was served with both mashed and boiled potatoes. The holiday Mrs. Clause-tini was unfortunately very untasty (like an alcoholic blended sickly sweet sugar cookie) but we washed the rest of the meal down with the house red. Very festive experience overall!! read more

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Johnny Foley's is the kind of place you come to for the drinks, the people, and the good energy. Right in the heart of Union Square, it's a beautiful and spacious Irish pub that immediately makes you feel like you've stepped into another world. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and full of character. Inside, the space is huge with tall ceilings, polished wood accents, and plenty of seating options. There are standing tables near the bar, traditional dining tables, private rooms, and even a second bar area that opens when the crowd picks up. It's well designed to handle everything from casual hangouts to busy nights out. From the moment we walked in, the staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. Our group felt comfortable right away, which really set the tone for a fun night. We ordered some drinks, and I went with a Guinness. It came out looking great with a smooth, creamy head. The pour was done well, although I do wish it had been served in a chilled glass to really complete the experience. Still, it tasted great and felt right at home in a place like this. For food, we went straight for the pub classics. The fish and chips were easily the highlight of the night. The cod was fresh and flaky, served in large pieces with a light, crispy batter that was cooked perfectly. It came out piping hot and was paired with fries and mashed peas on the side, which made it feel even more traditional. This is definitely the dish to order if you're eating here. We also tried the cottage pie and the bangers and mash. The cottage pie was very heavy on tomato sauce and mashed potatoes, with very little meat. If you enjoy that kind of dish, it might work for you, but it wasn't our favorite. The bangers and mash had a flavorful gravy, but the sausages were too fatty and lacked the texture we were hoping for. Even though not every dish wowed us, the overall experience was still really enjoyable. The space itself, the friendly staff, the live music, and the energy of the crowd made it a memorable night. Whether you are stopping in for a pint, watching a game on one of the big screens, or just looking to enjoy some great company, Johnny Foley's is a fun and reliable spot. I would absolutely come back, especially for the atmosphere and that fantastic fish and chips. read more

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This classic spot offers a cool vibe and serves delicious fish and chips. The portion includes three pieces of fish, fries, and peas. However, I started eating and forgot to take a picture. Unfortunately, I bit into a couple of soft, uncooked batter pieces, which was quite unpleasant. Despite this minor hiccup, I still had a great time. Full bar with great choices on tap and wine list. The place has a lively atmosphere, with a mix of locals and tourists. Our server was attentive and friendly, which made the dining experience even better. I also appreciated the cleanliness of the bathroom, which is always a plus. read more

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I've been to Johnny Foley's a couple of times for a quick bite and beers but this was first time for dinner. My first thought was it was going to be "pub food", like Fish n Chips or Banger and Mash. Of course they do have the traditional pub food but I was impressed with the variety of menu choice it had. They even offer gluten free and vegetarian options. We started with a Gorgonzola Cheese & Apple Salad with Endive, Arugula, & Spiced Walnuts, Gorgonzola Dressing. Fresh, tangy and delicious . I had the Lamb Stew, braised with carrots and garlic, served with boiled potatoes and of a bed of mashed potatoes. My boyfriend had the Thai style Yellow Curry Chicken with potatoes, red bell peppers and onions served with "half n half" rice and fries. The restaurant was busy with the Friday night crowd, watching sports on tv but it felt more like date night in our little quieter section. Service was good and our waiter was friendly. Overall a good vibe, great menu selection and nice place to enjoy a good meal. read more

Johnny Foley's - Lamb Stew - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dark & wood, loud music, crowded, it's a vibe but not for a first date Professional great staff Average prices My shepherds pie-ish dish was tasty but ended up being like one big soup My friends corn beef dish was heaven. I had wished that I had ordered that instead. he ordered an old-fashioned type drink. I ordered a cocktail off the menu with mezcal. Will definitely recommend and may return on a non-Friday night ! read more

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A nice Irish Pub, located in downtown Lake Worth this was a nice pub to find since I was looking for Smithwicks. Happy hour specials, sports on the TV's. Service was fast n friendly. I'll beeee back :) read more

Johnny Foley's - A nice little pub - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

The dinner table service was excellent. Prompt, helpful, and accommodating. 5 stars because of the large portions, fun atmosphere, and general pub vibe. It's dark. It's large so you can find a relatively private space. The dining areas aren't too loud. There are several tvs showing sports. Expect to spend at least $30 for dinner and a drink, and likely closer to $50 if you want a signature entree and not just a sandwich or pie. I am Anxious to revisit. read more

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Slightly more expensive than some Irish pubs that I've enjoyed, but the quality of the food was perfection. The decor, music, and overall aesthetic was choice. My server, Kendall, was an angel and prompt with anything and everything I needed - couldn't have asked for a better person to enjoy this experience with. Would absolutely visit again, and two-plate it every time! read more

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Amazing fish & chips and potato skins!!!! Service was Awesome and the ambience was great too!!! read more

Very good pint - nice pour, proper glass and a really great atmosphere. The bartenders were great and fun to chat with.

Great decor and ambiance. Authentic feel (for a historic pub built in 1998). Great craic (food). Pork chop was served with greens, mashers and grilled apples - so good. Guinness pint - of course. Live music was on point - lively but not overly loud. Friendly staff that steered me away from the fried chicken (meh, they said) and towards a wonderful meal. If you are wondering if you should go, go. It's a wonderful friendly place where you are sure to find a chair, a smile, and a positive experience. Slainte! read more

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A fantastic place for a late (or early haha) drink or grub. It's huge, relative to what you might think of when you picture an Irish pub, but that makes it a lot easier to find a place to sit and it makes it very lively. One of my favorite stops in FiDi and it should be one of yours too! read more

John Foley's is everything you want in a classic Irish pub. It's big, lively, and welcoming, with plenty of space to spread out but still full of character. The bartenders are excellent -- quick with a pour, friendly, and they make you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It's the kind of place that works equally well for watching a match, grabbing a pint after work, or settling in for a long night with friends. A true Irish pub done right. read more

Johnny Foley's - Best Guinness in California - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food is very tasty and well-prepared and presented! I had the fish and chips and mushy peas. It's hard to find places that actually serve mushy peas, so I was impressed by the fact they were available, and they were very tasty! The fish was cooked just the way I like...not greasy but light and flaky batter. Service was friendly and efficient. Atmosphere is cozy and comfortable. And the prickly pear margarita was the perfect complement to my yummy dinner. I will definitely be back! read more

Johnny Foley's - Yummy fish and chips and mushy peas! - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came here to meet a friend on a Friday night. This spot was absolutely packed. There was no space at the bar and getting a table to sit at had a long wait. Eventually some people left from a spot on the opposite side of the bar and we were able to hang out there for a bit. We put our name down for a table so that we would be able to eat but our name was never called. Eventually we decided on just drinking and eating at the bar. At first, service was good but after a few drinks getting the attention from anyone behind the bar was difficult. Decided to call for the check and call it a night. read more

We have been to Johnny Foley's numerous times and have always had an amazing experience. I want to start by saying we fully understand tonight was an odd exception with the power outage and lots of people looking for a place. The food was fantastic as always. The zucchini soup was especially good! Our server Jordan R was attentive, friendly, and a pure joy. His attitude was superb. The reason I can't give 5 stars was for an interaction between, what I believe was a manager or lead of some sort and our server. We were sitting and enjoying our meal when we heard her screaming at him behind the bar. I don't know what went wrong, but her professionalism was terrible to say the least. It all but ruined what should have been a very nice meal. Hopefully someone addresses her to let her know that many patrons witnessed that and several around us commented. read more

O got their version of shepherds pie called something else. Tasty, not overly salty. Friendly attentive waitress. Good beer! Pricey though. So plan on spending here. Their salmon pizza was delish. Not a real pizza. Lox (Salmon), sauce on a thin crust. read more

GOOD VIBES, AMAZING SERVICE, GREAT FOOD Usually, an Irish pub is not my top choice when looking for a dinner place but this place changed my mind. A friend I was with recommend this place as she had been here before. I had their water melon salad and chicken pie. They were both delicious! I especially liked the chicken pie. Both of my friends said they should have ordered that one it was that good! Our server was absolutely amazing! (Kendall I believe is her name) . The place was busy on a Friday night but she was very attentive and made sure we were having a good time. I loved watching her serve other customers as it really showed how much she enjoys working (or at least make it seem that way). It makes a huge difference in dining experience! This is when I wish I was a millionaire so I can drop $5000 tip as she really deserves it. There was also a live band on Friday night, who were really good! This place is whole vibe! read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's been years since I last stepped in for lunch and a pint of Guinness and as luck would have it, we were in the downtown area for the Free Tulip Festival in Union Square but upon arriving and seeing the lines which wrapped around 2 city blocks before actually setting foot in Union Square we opted to go to Foley's for a pint or two. Catching a seat at the bar at 1:30 pm, we were greeted by Devon and soon learned he knew another bartender that we knew from OJW. Great vibe while watching March Madness on the screen. Highly recommend if you are in the area. Foley's is located a block and 1/2 from Union Square and across from the Nikko Hotel. read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's super cute inside! We went for drinks and appetizers and left very satisfied. I had a very good espresso martini, my boyfriend had an Irish coffee and a Guinness! Service was efficient read more

Johnny Foley's - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The place has a great vibe. It was very loud. I often wonder how or why people go to bars to meet or visit. We were greeted at the door and our server was very friendly and did a good job of waiting on our table. The menu was interesting with a lot of offerings. My wife chose the fish and chips which were quite good. I chose the lamb shank which was good. The only negative was the mashed potatoes with the lamb shank were filled with an excessive amount of chives. The only heads-up I would offer is that the portions are huge. The fish and chips had three good sized chunks of fish. My lamb shank was huge. We would definitely share a meal next time we visit. I would like to explore their menu. read more

Johnny Foley's - Lamb Shank. Note the portion size. - Irish Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great food and great service. It's a little cramped in some places but we had a great time.

Johnny Foley's was one of those places I walked into expecting a fun Irish bar and ended up being completely floored by the whole experience. The vibe is exactly what you want, lively, welcoming, and the kind of spot where you immediately know you're going to have a good time. But the food is what shocked me. The fish and chips were genuinely out of this world, perfectly crispy and not greasy, and the potato skins were dangerously good. We also had the Irish burger and the Reuben, and both were way better than they had any right to be for a bar. Then, just when you think it can't get better, the live music kicks in, and their cover band was one of the best I've ever heard. If you're in San Francisco and want a great night out where the food actually delivers, this place is a no-brainer. read more

We were starving after a flight from SoCal to SF. I got a burger with fries and it truly hit the spot!!! It was so good! They've been around for awhile! Service was great. SF has a mandated 6% service charge on top of tips , so be mindful out of towners :) We had not idea. Great place to eat and drink! There were tons of people have a blast! Old school kind of vibe. read more

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I came to watch a Thursday Night Football game and I was very impressed with the amount of TV's and especially the food. I've head about their chicken pie in the past and it lived up to the hype. The wings were super meaty and tasty as well. The server checked on us multiple times and made sure we had everything we needed for a fun night. read more

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Service is quick and our server was very attentive Seafood chowder 3 Irish soda bread 2 Really pretty inside... pub vibe for sure But I didn't care for where the hostess sat us us at ...this area where couples are sitting really close One side was bench seating... Was way too close... no privacy and could be apart of the next tables conversation if we wished read more

Service was great! Food was so-so, maybe due to the choices we made? Fish and chips were soggy. Not much for the gluten free eaters.

Food & Drinks are great! Come with an appetite. I recommend the Rueben sandwich and cottage pie. Bartender Daithi was what every bartender should be. Ambiance for neighborhood was welcoming. read more

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We're been coming here for years for a Christmas Eve lunch. This visit the food was very dissappointing. Burnt fries, deep fried veggie burger. The veggie burger used to be so good. This seemed to be left out all day and re-heated. Yuck. read more

Was in the area and wanted to see the Niners play in an authentic Irish Pub. They did not disappoint. It was a Game Day so a bit if a wait but when I was seated I was served promptly and the food was much better than one generally assumes for a pub. I had the corned beef and cabbage because its an Irish Pub and you have to. Just great. One nit - no bread. I had to pay $10 for a loaf of sourdough which was very good but obviously a bit much to accompany a meal. I saw several eal pass by and they all looked great. Have to go back soon. read more

I cannot stress enough how rude the bouncer was to us. We paid 20$ a person to go to the dueling pianos-80$. And the bouncer made fun of my friend who is under five feet--for being small. She was mortified. When I asked him to say sorry he said he was "kidding and would when he had a minute" - ruined our night and was a waste of 80. When I tried to explain to him how mean it was, he got mean and aggressive with me. Like, aggressive. I only hope that bouncer knows what it's like to get made fun of for a disability. Because it's not fun, and it's not nice. It ruined our entire night. The bartender inside was the only saving grace-he was very nice but that man should be fired read more