DISGUSTING, ABUSIVE & UNPROFESSIONAL STAFF! I live down the street on Polk and decided to check this place out on a Friday night with some friends. When we got there there, was a small line but we got to the front in a minute or two, and were looking forward to a fun night at a local bar. That was until I was confronted by the most rude, unprofessional, and disgusting bouncer I've encountered in my life. The bouncer asked me for my ID, glanced at it for a second, and proceeded to tell me it was fake - mind you I'm 25. I legitimately thought he was joking with me so I said "you're joking right".. for some reason, that one really ticked him off. He came right up to my face (to the point where I could smell the alcohol on his breath, which is an entirely different problem), and told me to get the F*** out of his doorway. When I told him to take another look because I'm 25 and my ID is real, he grabbed me by the arm, threw me to the ground and told me he was going to step on me if I didn't leave the premises! I don't care if this guys job is to bounce the door - he has absolutely no right to physically throw a girl on the floor! Neither I nor my friends are EVER going back to McTeague's saloon... no one else should either until they: 1. Teach their bouncers how to do their job and properly read ID's 2. Understand that it's against the law to have their bouncers drinking on the job 3. Fire the disgusting bouncer who thinks it's ok to physically abuse a potential patron for no reason There are plenty of other great bars on polk with respectful staff, and really anything is better than McTeague's Saloon read more

I've had mellow happy hours here (my favorite), I've had not-so-mellow raging good times here with dozens of new best friends, multiple shots, cocktails and pitchers of high quality beer...it's a cavernous space, great for large groups with strong drinks for cheap (my go-to drinks are almost always lighter in color than most places and it's definitely not due to extra ice), and it's also just a nice spot to chill after work. It can get really crowded at times, but I've never felt claustrophobic when it is. Entertaining decor on the ceiling, great music selection (whoever played the bluegrass version of "Gin and Juice" during a commercial in Game 1 of the World Series here, I salute you) and they even have food now - everytime I go here, I find something new to rave about. read more

Hello bar! Yeah, alright. It's a saloon looking bar on Polk Street with average drinks at average prices. Sometimes there are sexy people here but not always. There are TVs for ports watching. There's a pool table in back for sporting. They serve food sometimes. There's a juke box You can have fun here! read more

Me: "do you have the big ten channel on satellite?" Them: " Yes dear and we have your vodka tonic and bathrobe waiting at the bar with your pipe" Me: "Are you showing the Purdue game?" Them: "Of course master and we have all of the Irish playmates that you pre selected in the ball cage lubed up with raspberry as per your instructions" Me: " I asked for Brazilians Them: "fixed, oh and the donkey did not agree with the price you quoted" Me: "Oh well, at least tell me that JuJaun is starting center" Them: "Leads the league in scoring he does sir" Not sure where we are going with this but I wasn't wrong about the Dutch in the world cup and I promise you will see the Boilers in the final 8 at least. I asked them if I could "Boiler up" and they conceded. Not many places that will do that for you. read more

Nice pub on Polk and Bush. It's called "Saloon" and that should give you a hint - Thursday's is Country Night! Love it or hate it - the rest of the week you'll find this bar to be a good mix of Irish pub, American sports bar, and your typical dive spot. For the Country Nights they offer line dancing lessons (it's tough to follow even if you haven't had a drink yet!). It's a fun and mixed crowd and the drinks are good. Check out the specials - $2 Longnecks on Thursdays. read more

McTeague's is a downright fun bar and I'm surprised I don't come here more. Planted on Polk, it rounds out the line of watering holes pretty well on this street. Casual, easy going and basic, but it still has it's own unique feel. It's a wide space, with a weathered floor and long wood bar that has seen its fair share of tipsy. Those who man the bar are on point as well. It was packed on Friday night as we came to celebrate a friend's Birthday, but we never waited more than a few minutes before we were attended to. The crowd really makes this place. Down to earth, beer drinking folk, all looking to find the laughs of the night, and find the route that will at some point lead them to a basket of fries at Grubstake. Drinks are cheap and you don't need to don the designer threads to mingle. Good times. Very Good Times. read more

The Tender-Nob..... a neighborhood torn between classy and trashy. McTeagues comfortably borders the two neighborhoods, bringing in a crowded collection of the best of both worlds. A salon with a strong personality, stiff drinks, and sweet deals. Here you'll find a dark, wide bar full of classic rock and colorful characters. With $2 beers and $4 well drinks - you can sip in the lively atmosphere without blowing your budget. The bar is well staffed - drink wait is short and service is attentive. Giving your more time for you to enjoy the many flat screen TVs, pool table, or jammin juke box. Next time your partying on Polk - make it over to McTeagues for a TenderNob treat! read more

What's a night of drinking on Polk St. without a stop at McTeague's for a pint of Guinness and a game of pool? If you're looking for a laid back pub with tons of room, pool, and great beers on tap , then this is your spot. The bar here is huge, which makes getting a drink quick and easy. When you need a change of pace from the hipster dive bars that line Polk head to McTeague's for a little Irish hospitality. read more

As a 28 year old grown woman, it depresses me slightly that the majority of my Saturday nights end at this bar. I have not moved on from getting blind drunk and getting incomparably excited by the sound of listening to the backstreet boys. This place is usually a good time, it depends on the crowd, how drunk you are, and if they oblige and play enough spice girls and backstreet boys. Sometimes you have to wait a while to get served, which is entirely for the best in the long run because they pour strong drinks here. I go from basic drunk bitch to cerebral palsy from roughly half of a gin and tonic here. Also, as this place gets packed toward end of night, you can assume everyone else here is also on their last, drunken leg as well. It's definitely a younger scene, which can make you feel as though you are: a) a cougar and/or b) an old desperate ho. There is also one more option: c) get so blind drunk that age becomes irrelevant. I often go for choice C before making out with a random 23 year old. It's pretty promising, good way to find future husbands, ladies. Overall, it's a good place to end the night on Polk, always funny, always full of characters... Just need to find some more men here who are a bit further away from completing puberty. Cheers mcteagues, see ya again this weekend. PS girls: 8/10 times, you can definitely find hot British and Australian tourists here who are down to make out with you in public. read more

Happy Hour from Noon - 7pm. Really, do you need anything else? Ok, here goes - McTeague's has a fantastic selection of beer that is priced at $3 a pint during happy hour or $11 for a pitcher. $11 for a pitcher of Shiner Black? Yes please! The spacious bar also features a bunch of flat screens (they had the Champions League on Wednesday afternoon when we walked in) in addition to a pool table and a dart board in the back. This is definitely a great space to start an evening of hard drinking. One star off because I had to teach the bartender how to make a martini. But really, McTeague's is all about beer. Wait, is it noon yet? read more

Someone stole my phone here :( And the bouncers were very nonchalant about it.

Some dead celebrities on the ceiling, some complimentary BBQ ribs on the collapsable table near the door, and Shiner Bock on special 24/7. That is what makes McTeague's a righteous saloon. While it's mostly a destination for catching a football game, I actually respect it as a bar beyond just sports. The booths in the back are cozy and the bartenders ain't nosy. Throw on some NFL action and everyone is high fiving and smiling away. I'd take an hour or so here any day. read more

Good ole' McTeague's. My bar-of-choice for the first stop (and sometimes last stop) of any Polk Street bar hop. I love the vibe this place has. Amidst a sea of flashier bars typically packed with the type of people that take themselves just a bit too seriously, McTeague's offers solace to thirsty twentysomethings who want nothing more than chill a atmosphere to kick back with friends and enjoy good beer at good prices. Plus, there is often plenty of seating, a lively, young crowd and cups and dice for your occasional drinking game. Overall, McTeague's is a great place to spend a Friday or Saturday night if you're looking for something fun and not too crazy. The only -1? McTeague's gets very crowded at around 11:30 on weekends, so either come early or come prepared to feel a tad claustrophobic. read more

I don't know what it is about this place, but every time I come here, I always have a great time! The crowd is great, the drinks are strong and the security guy out front is the sweetest! Only thing... Thursday is country night. What the F?! Are we in Texas? Are we in middle America?! Why is a fun SF bar having full on, line dancing, country night? My friend and I came in on this wonderful country night, had a drink, and came right out. Hopefully this only happened once... read more

If you want to get everything that matters stolen, come to this bar. My friends and I came here for a fun Saturday night - by the time I left, I had my phone and debit card stolen. When I asked to speak to the manager (AFTER I was escorted out because I was "too emotional") all the security outside could say was "he's inside and he can't help you." I actually had $500 worth of things taken at this bar, and I heard three other girls outside who had the same complaint. Management took no responsibility and said it was a common occurrence every weekend - personally, there are much better bars to go to where this sort of thing doesn't happen. read more

You came here with someone? What a shame. Everyone here seems to have their eyes on the crowd, or at least that is the case this Hallows eve. There is something about costumes that makes the male species bolder....but not brighter. I had a string of awesome conversations here. And by awesome I mean awkward, creepy, and a little perverted. One gentlemen told me and my cheerfully-buzzed gal pal that he's with child....going into a detailed account of how he was given a uterus and has been artificially inseminated. I vaguely recall this being the plot of a bad 90's comedy... The next gentlemen tried his hand with an insult, telling us over the loud music, "You girls look like perverts!!" Oh, really? His friend then told us that we should stroke his balls. No, thanks. Then there was a very sweet man with a Pirate costume on, oh no that's not a costume? My bad. He told my (now beyond buzzed) pal that he once dressed up as a woman in college and was appalled by the way that men treated him in bars, and that he now has an increased respect for women. To you pirate lady-man: try bein' a lady in this bar! Maybe its the throngs of has-been greeks who need to get their fix of the drunken antics among the 20 something crowd, or the girls who like to be fondled by strange men who gaze into your eyes as they walk through the crowd. To each his own! McTeague's gets 4 stars for entertainment on Halloween, but my college days were well lived, and I don't think this is the bar for me. read more

I saw a lot of McCrunk things happen in this place, but the Shiner Dark made it all ok. This little Nob Hill bar is sort of a cross between a dive and a sports bar. They have a bunch of Texas beers on tap, which made a few of the Texans in our group more than happy. The dark environs made our fairly intoxicated group feel quite comfortable, and the interwebs-juke offered a bumpin' selection of songs, keeping the music-minded at bay. Overall, it's a place I could definitely pop into again on a bar crawl. A McDrunken bar crawl. read more

They have no cover charge here which is great because many bars on Polk charge on Friday nights. Ambiance is nice and drinks are decently priced for San Francisco. P.S. for ladies, they have a secret restroom hidden on the left of the girls restroom with no sign on the door. If there's a long line and you need to go, look for this restroom! read more

They insulted my Mexican hombre at the bar for ten minutes, all he was trying to do was get a drink... they were yelling at him and telling him that we weren't welcome because of the language difference... All he did was stand at the bar for half an hour, patiently trying to get service.... Im not returning, ever. I appreciate diversity. read more

Made my first - and last - visit to Mcteague's last night. I agree w/ many of the other reviews. This place has a serious identity crisis going on. It's an Irish pub that thinks it's a night club of sorts. What sort, I don't know. 1990's rap and hip-hop music was blaring making it impossible to have a conversation, and the place was packed with wall-to-wall people, making it impossible to move. People were so intoxicated they were literally falling down, spilling their drinks, and subsequently the floor was covered in a mixture of various alcoholic liquids and broken glass. At one point I thought I was caught in the middle of a bar fight, but it turns out the wasted girl standing behind me in 5" heels couldn't hold her liquor anymore and fell ass-first onto the floor, knocking me from behind in her descent. Not safe. At all. They are definitely exceeding maximum capacity by a tremendous amount of people, violating fire and safety code(s) in the city. Trying to leave at 12:00A.M. was a nightmare. The crowd dynamics made it impossible to move, let alone leave the place. It was scary, and felt like I was about to be trampled. If anything were to happen, such as a fight, or misunderstanding between drunk people, the uncontrollable crowd dynamics would most definitely result in a serious crowd disaster. Over-crowded spaces like this can become dangerous places, if not well managed. Unfortunately, all of the 'security' was stationed at the entrance of the venue - not scattered throughout the bar, doing their jobs. They need to obey city code and stay within the limits of their capacity. It was a weird, low-brow, sketchy, bridge-and-tunnel kinda place, with dynamics that could escalate into a dangerous situation, quickly. Keep your wallets, pocket books and any valuables close to you. Or better yet, just go somewhere else, anywhere else... you're bound to have a better experience. read more

You may be asking yourself so why oh why did they need to open up another bar on Polk Street? Well there are many reasons but I can give you 2 good ones--a) Polk has the highest concentration of bars on a city street in San Francisco and it has to maintain its title and b) as a general observation (myself living in this area on and off over the last few years) I've noticed that Polkers--regardless of age, lifestyle choices, gender, income racket, you name it--seem to take a liking both alcohol and gatherings.Over opening weekend I saw many Polk regulars from all walks of life come into get a feel of the "new family member". Judging from everyone's reactions I can assume that it will be a welcome addition to the already active nightlife. The bar's namesake and itself is a nod to a character from Frank Norris' McTeague and to an era of San Francisco history almost forgotten (thrillist.com has more on the history of its origins both the novel and the building itself). Thoughtful decorations like the lamps, a wagon wheel on the ceiling, the high dark wood booths with thick lacquered tables and a long bar with plenty of libations quickly add to the gathering spot aura this place has already acquired. This place makes the most of its length and can definitely accommodate more than a few healthy sized clans. There is a pool table in the back (with some plush seating there as well) and apparently they plan on hosting music there at some point. For now there is a jukebox with a picture of Marilyn Monroe resting upon it. Staff members I met seemed in the custom Polk fashion of being cordial if not down right friendly. The selection at the bar is a healthy one. I counted at least 20+ beer taps (with minimal repeats). Popular local favorites like Anchor Steam and Prohibition Ale were amongst those present and the LARGE display of liquor set along glass shelves, against stone brick work, led me to believe that they can cover more than just the basics. Someone mentioned something about a menu but I didn't see one. Regardless of that one quibble I can say that this place has a lot to offer. Go while it still has that new bar smell to it. 2 more quick things: they open at noon (earlier than most of the bars in the immediate area) and during the week Happy Hour is from 12-7. ($3 drafts,$3 wells seems to be special). Plus Friday afternoons around 4 or 5 have an extra bonus, free food. Last week's nibbles were smoked spicy chicken drumsticks and they were as big and good as you'd expect at a friend's BBQ. Yummy! read more

WHOAAAA! Everything was just fine here on a Saturday night here until I decided to head towards the back and crossed the invisible but VERY APPARENT line that lies smack-dab between the middle of the bar and the dance floor area right where the bathrooms are. I'm sorry McTeague's, ya'll get two stars for having good service and drinks at reasonable prices, but goooodlaawwwwd!!! I'll be damned if this place isn't the smelliest bar I've ever been in my entire life! I seriously felt like I got hit in the face by that locker-room-esque wall of odor that's trapped in the back. GET SOME FANS! or A/C in here NOW! I feel so bad for the people that have to work here. I had just gotten back from 8hrs at a festival on top of being 3 drinks deep and I couldn't even tolerate the pocket of stench for more than a few seconds. This is a decent sized venue and again the prices and service was good, but that lack of ventilation is inexcusable. read more

I love this bar. Seriously, love at first sight, or first drink maybe. This place is clean, there are two bathrooms for women, the juke box music is solid, AND the drinks are cheap. I still prefer Bigfoot Bar, but I'm sure you'll see me again at McTeagues, especially because drinks are only $4 post happy hour...and I am cheap... read more

It smells like poop by the doorway and I don't mean the outside. Sloppy people watching galore read more

MASS PICK-POCKETING OCCURRED HERE LAST NIGHT PROS - Minimal wait; can get in at midnight w/o question - No cover - Funny movies with subtitles playing - Well-drinks only $5 - Lots of young adults CONS - Drinks are weak - Not good for dancing (lack of space and dance music) - No maximum occupancy enforced - 6+ other women & myself (relatively sober) had their iPhones stolen from their purses - No lost and found - Lack of desire by security to look into the pick-pocketing issue when asked Note to security: - Enforce max. occupancy You described that theft happens "all of the time," at your establishment, and yet have not taken measures to help alleviate it on your end.- even an announcement to the bar warning others and letting the perps know they are not welcome would have been a start. read more

I feel robbed. Very expensive for straight up crushed ice

I'm sorry McTeague's. I know people LOVE you- but I just can't get myself to do so- at least not yet. Came here after dinner with some friends as soon as the 49ers had clinched the playoffs. I really, really wanted to like McTeague's but the crowd totally turned me off. Here's what McTeague's has going for it: 1) The price is right! For $16 we got two vodka soda's and a beer (maybe 2 beers- I didn't pay, so I'm not totally sure.) 2) I LOVE the layout! This place looks like it should be a ton of fun! The funky colored floor in the back is straight out of a Michael Jackson music video (though on a much, much smaller scale.) 3) Your bouncers are awesome. (Not as awesome as the bouncer at the Latin America Club- he's still my favorite) Totally friendly dudes. Here's what scares me about McTeague's: Now that I'm in the Tender-Nob, Lower-Nob, Whatever, the crowd is looking seedy. Fights are breaking out and I feel like a minnow surrounded by sharks. My friend and I started feeling a bit unsafe and left. read more

My favorite bar on Polk street. My girls and I love coming here After we get tired of the club. Expect it to be packed the later you come, It gets pretty lit here Friday and Saturday nights. There's always a line to get in where they check ID. Most of the tome it's No fee to get in and sometimes they'll decide to charge $5 read more

If you're at least heavily buzzed and ready to dance like an inflatable air man, then there's a small chance you will have fun. Anymore sober and reality will hit you hard (trust me, I was DD, more sober than the Pope). Grimy, hot and stuffy, chaotic, sticky floor, puking smell blends with sweat, loud sucky music with old weird decor. They stuffed people in as if they were making bratwurst. Drinks are too expensive for a dive bar (~12 bucks for a mai tai & other cocktails). While waiting for your drunken friends to come to their senses (will not happen), I challenge you to a game of no-contact: you weave around without touching anyone(Hint: you will lose every time, your crotch (boobs for girls) is the weak point, it will make contact). read more

If I could leave zero stars I would; I actually created my yelp account solely for this review. I really love this place, but it unfortunately has a problem with attracting thieves. In 2015, two of my close friends had their iPhones stolen out of their back pockets. As I completely felt for them, I did not want to discredit the bar because I loved it and bad crowds can be found anywhere; especially in a city. I came back to the bar this last Saturday, the 9th and was there for about 30 minutes. I had one drink within this time span and went back to the bar to get another. I ordered my drink and opened my purse to pay and my iPhone, debit/credit cards, and license were gone. I am not one to lose things, nor have I ever had anything stolen from me. A reminder that my purse was ZIPPED, so the people that are doing this obviously know exactly what they are doing. Furthermore, once I figured out my cards were missing, my boyfriend asked the bar tenders if there were any tabs open under my name because my things had been stolen. They said that there were not, and with this being said they should have been on alert looking for my name. I was not able to cancel my cards until I got home, and the next day there were three large charges on my account from McTeague's. Fortunately, I can have the charges reversed and purchase a new iPhone, but the fact that the bar tenders were alerted and still did not catch this is a bit concerning. Over all, I am sad to have to leave this review, but within the last year multiple items have been stolen from my friends and I here. Security told me that this kind of thing happens all of the time here. If this is the case, WHY isn't there security inside keeping an eye out? It is one thing to set your things down and have them stolen, but it is another to have them stolen from you while you diligently have them in your possession. My point in writing this is so that this does not happen to anyone else. It's a terrible feeling and I would not want anyone to have to deal with this. Hopefully McTeagues can solve this problem. read more

I don't frequent many bars but Mcteague's may change this fact. It's hard in a city like San Francisco who prides itself on having many fine establishments to find one bar that you want to go more than any others. Bars are like shoes for me. I have a lot of shoes for a guy, but I like to wear them all depending on how I feel. Mctegaues just might be my new favorite pair of shoes. The bar is long but wide. It never feels too crowded but you can pack a ton of people in there. I went here twice two weekends ago, which never happens. I had a great time both nights. It's on Polk and Sutter so if you need a change of scene shoot over to R Bar and do some people watching. If you feel like dancing hit up Vertigo. read more

Super nice bar tenders at night and during the day. They're a soccer bar so they'll turn up the volume on important US games and I think they play EPL games even early in the morning. TVs line the wall behind the bar and there's TONS of seating. This is also a great place to go at night if you're on Polk street. It does get really crowded but it's definitely worth it since there isn't any cover and the drinks are cheap/strong! Bloody Mary's are hot, hot , hot! And they give you pickled green beans. Yes, please and thank you! I love coming to McTeague's and I'm hoping the American Outlaws will make it their new chapter bar. read more

Plus another star for happy hour being from 12-7pm... $3 mimosas and $3 Guiness? What????? Amazing. -1 star for not having a back patio. It does get pretty dark in there. read more

Went on a Tuesday night around 8p, not crowded at all. Was told by the *extremely* inebriated and angry bartender that we weren't allowed to order any cocktails on the menu, that he's only doing beer and shots. He said if we wanted a cocktail, we should get out. They have cocktails menus all over the bar, unclear why he wasn't willing to do it. There were maybe 6 people at the bar, and an additional 20 scattered throughout the rest of the pub. It was not that crowded, just incredibly uncalled for rude and poor service. read more

A great new bar to open on Polk street. Came in here after a happy hour at R Bar and was quite pleased with the joint. It has a midwest feel to it...bigger than your average SF bar. There is also a renaissance feel to the decor. Drinks seemed pretty reasonable. The crowd seemed like potential for being a good crowd. I'll be back I'm sure. read more

Had my Iphone stolen RIGHT OUT OF MY PURSE that was ON ME here. Although i've never had any other bad experiences here before...the crowd some nights can be a hit or miss. Watch your wallets and bags...thieves are all up in this joint read more

Salute to McTeague for the best time (to drink) and for the worst time (to get kicked out). This is my usual hangout bar after work. You can't complain about this place at all - a pool table, tv's, BEERS and LIQUORS. Of course the fun hangout moments. Good times. read more

Wife and I went here last night (Thursday) to check out their country theme night. We just moved to the Bay Area from Texas and thus were thirsty for Texas bear and country music. McTeague's definitely helped quench our thirst on both accounts! As for music, they were playing all the good classics as well as some good newer stuff. Drinks were cheap and delicious! We enjoyed a few $3 Shiner Bock drafts and $2 Lone Star longnecks. They also have tacos and/or hot dogs for sale, depending on the night. Hard to find deals this good anywhere in the city! We also met one of the owners (Chris was his name, I believe) who was super nice and generously offered us a drink on the house. We had fun chatting with him, and are happy to recommend his establishment! read more

Unpretentious and clean - somehow a hard combo for a not-fancy bar to hit! I actually wandered in here the day after a Giants game, and the place was clean and the staff was right on it. Add to that the fact that they still had a sense of humor, and I immediately added McTeague's to my 'safe places to land' list. Also - nice bar, TVs have not TAKEN OVER through enormous size and oppressive VOLUME, and the barkeep was actually playing the jukebox every time commercials came on. Nice touches that make it possible to hang out... read more

This is my new go-to spot on Polk St. Fantastic location, great drinks, large venue, and reasonable prices. A great place to stop in for a drink (or several) while you bar hop on Polk St. On a separate note, these guys are very big on US Soccer and always have the games on. They provide sound and tv screens during big games, and have a separate area in the back can be utilized if there are other games going on (Warriors, 49ers, etc.) When Jesus is around to make food, definitely order something! He makes delicious tacos and charges very affordable prices. Great bar food to munch on while watching sports. read more

See all