The WORST experience ive had since moving to Russian Hill. Sure it was the owner behind thr bar too. Old chubby bald guy completely ignored me multille times. Got here before my buddies to watch game on Sunday. Went to bar waited for bartender to stop flirting with these girls. Walked to my side of bar asked if everyone was all good, i raised hand to order drink, made eye contact gave me thumbs up nd wlked away. See him walk back and refilll girls drinks. Walked back again made eye contact, this time he ignored completely me must be a frekin racist or something. Ignored me again while taking a beer order from customer standing left of me and never acknowledged me or even check my ID. Shook my head and walked out. Called friends and spent hundreds of dollars down the street. I sure hope hes not the owner. Will never go back as long as hes there and will tell all my friends same thing. Place is a joke read more

Came here last night after dinner for some drinks... It's a nice local dive bar, but it just doesn't have anything going for it that is a huge draw for me, aside from selling booze...which clearly gets me every time, damn. They did have an atlas on the bar, and I love atlases, so that was a plus, random, and good for drunk convo. The bartenders were friendly and filled up my glass every time I drained it...which was too many times last night...something in my head convinced myself that gin and tonics help you when you're sick, something about quinine and malaria, and that was all it took.... read more

I had wine here, why did I have wine here? I love wine, why did I have wine here? This place seems to be more cool and fun than it is, It was another broken promise and as I went out of there, I knew, I will never be back! I liked the toilet though, YAY! read more

I like this place. A good neighborhood bar. Hence, I am happy that it's in my neighborhood. It's here that I discovered that I have had enough therapy to immediately spot others in need (of therapy, that is). I have many revelations in bars, but few have been this useful. Thank you. read more

Friday night and the vibe was right! I love that feeling of camaraderie that I start to feel with every single person in a bar after I've had four or five drinks! There was still room to move around when I arrived around 10 PM, but after about an hour, people were crammed in this place like sardines! We found a comfy little spot in the back and stuck with it for most of the night ... definitely camp out by an open window if it's a warm night! At some point I went outside for a breath of fresh air and got a random fist pound from a passing stranger...as he walked by I said "Happy Friday!" ... he came back for a second fist pound! So what have we learned?? Friday night + Shanghai Kelly's = good vibes read more

There's nothing Chinese about it. Or Irish, either. So I'm confused as to why its called "Shanghai Kelly's. But I went there for St. Patricks Day and I'm Scottish... so I was already all kinds of confused as it was. But I liked it. Which is perhaps most confusing of all. read more

Divebar? Yes Pretentious? No Pretty people? Depends on the night Good bartenders? Yes...buy them a shot if you get a chance Good decor? Not unless you have bad taste Good Bar? ABSOLUTELY. DAMN GREAT BAR ...and I wouldn't change a thing! read more

Shanghai Kelly's was a really cool bar. The bartenders were attentive and fast. One high point of Shanghai Kelly's were the people there. Sometimes bars are just filled with groups of people who don't want to talk to other people - but there were lots of people wanting to make friends. Good stuff. I like the windows going along the side of the bar, 'cuz if you're done there, you can just climb out one. Unfortunately, I ripped my jeans down the crotch doing this...you have been warned. read more

Ok I admit it; I am getting too old to be at the Buccaneer at 2:00 am with my buddies. Last time I was, I made a fool of myself trying to talk to a 20 something gal and look cool, while playing dice. Then on the walk home was spotted from a friend's window throwing up in the street. Thanks Teague for the 10 Fernets. Dave on the other hand at Shanghais will challenge me with trivia and if I can not get the ones he says are easy, I know it is time to go. There are a number of things that every bar needs to get 5 stars. 1) Good Bartenders 2) Amusing stuff to look at on the walls when you are sick of looking at your friends. 3) Great music not only on the Juke box but also in the cd player when you are the only person in the place. 4) When you put your money on the bar you leave it! the bartender takes out what is needed for each round as you go. 5) When someone backs you up, it is signaled by an upside down shot glass, not a chip or just another drink sitting there getting warm. It's like an advertisement saying, hey at least someone likes me! 6) A free drink every one in a while. 7) A kick ass super bowl party 8) A good mix of people in the crowd 9) A bus trip to a game a few times a year! 10) Ice cold Bud bottles Shanghai's has them all! read more

The owners, bar keep, and doorman were all super friendly! It's a small bar with great service. People here are all pretty chill. It's a good place to get a drink and catch up with friends. read more

Definitely a dive bar. But at that its a pretty fun place. I like Shanghai Kelly's because you never know what their drunk special is going to be, and because the drinks are pretty cheap for being in San Francisco. It is also conveniently located to all the other bars on Polk, so you can walk to all the other bars. read more

02.12.10 This place is f-u-n fun! Cheap booze, not too crowded, definitely not too shabby of a Friday night stop. Plus, the restroom is not gross. Totally awesome. I set such low standards... Piping hot slices of pizza across the street that you can bring in to the bar while you drink your Blue Moon on tap. Awesome! read more

Even though only a few blocks away, we've avoided this place because it's too packed and noisy. Happened to stop in for a round last saturday during the early evening just as the Giants fans were streaming in for the game. The bartenders are fun. Great personalities, this is truly a locals spot. The patrons were a mix of older groups, families, and young couples from the neighborhood like ourselves. I'm not a huge fan of kids in a bar especially a narrow and crowded bar. Must Try: John Daly! -sweet tea vodka & odwalla lemonade. . . read more

Awesome bar with a very laid back vibe. Aaron was awesome and kept up with the busy crowd. Jukebox for music and a few tv's.

We stopped in for a quick drink (or two) on Saturday while my daughter was down the street getting tattooed. There were a couple of regulars leaving and a couple more coming in - but we were treated like family all the same, by the bartender on staff named, Dave. He even shared his egg rolls from Little Thai with us! Very chill, good drinks, nice bartender and free food. That ain't too shabby! read more

We've been coming to Shanghai's for a few years now. My fiancé and I are from Pittsburgh and we were so excited to find a Steelers bar so close! The drinks are reasonably priced and they never skimp on the liquor. All the bartenders are friendly and remember us. They're one of the only places I can get an amazing John Daly and walk out drunk. And they let you bring food in on game day which is super convenient. They've even provided home cooked meals a few times! Shanghai's has created a great little community of sorts and we appreciate it so much. You wouldn't think so from the outside, but trust me. read more

One word. Ick. A friend took my gentleman and I here when another bar was just too retarded crowded. We stayed for one drink before I decided that a 40 o-of coors light and the parking lot of Safeway would be a more enjoyable alternative. The bartender was nice though, so extra star. read more

I don't understand it, but whenever I got out in Russian Hill, we somehow always end up at Shanghai Kelly's before the night is over. Personally, I think this is the best neighborhood bar in Russian Hill. Bartenders are a lot of fun and will sometimes do shots with you. Crowd is young and friendly, I always meet new people. read more

Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeee (Said Like a Pirate) OK, so maybe "Shanghai Kelly" isn't a pirate, but I like to think of him as one! Instead of a sword though, he has a club, wears a bowler atop his rather round cranium, and calls me Nancy! (OK, I probably got that from the sign on the bar, but I swear he called me Nancy once!!) You never know what may happen at his place! He may challenge you to a game of liar's dice, or he may force you to drink his special "Bart Simpson" shot (I don't know what's in it, but I'm pretty sure he stuck Bart in a blander, cause it tastes sassy and sweet at the same time). Be careful walking through his bar cause the place can get crowded with all different types of folks. The bartenders are attentive and always willing to get you another. The bathroom (Well the men's anyways) provides entertainment as well. Plenty to read when you're relieving yourself :D Just remember that once you enter Shanghai Kelly's, you'll never leave the same.... Mostly cause you'll be pretty drunk! read more

Can't wait to move back to SF later on this year. I want to be a regular at Kelly's again. I want to do countless mind erasers and shots of Fernet or Jamison or Jack or Jim or Corralejo with my pint o Guinness. I walked into kelly's several years ago on a Sunday afternoon with a lady for some cocktails. Two hours later we were on a plane for Vegas. Eight hours after that we were partying with Slayer in our suite at the Hard Rock Hotel. And I do mean PARTAYIN! Pablo Escobar would have been proud. 24 hours later were hitched by a fat Elvis impersonator. Shanghai Kelly's, I hold you responsible. read more

We hold these truths to be self-evident: Sports Bars are obviously lame. San Francisco sports teams are obviously lame as well. The fans of San Francisco sports teams are the lamest of them all. To be a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city of Pittsburgh, or any of the three rivers is ridiculous. Now despite all of this, this bar has a self-depricating quality about it that is very charming. The staff is very nice and laid back as well. I would not mind coming back here on a lazy, early Sunday afternoon to drink some nice cold beers whatsoever. Nice work Kelly's. read more

Im a dive bar fan I am a Bloody Mary fan I am a football fan I am from New England.....and can watch my games here I am a Shanghai fan for a dive bar you cant ask for much more read more

I don't know what took me so long to write a review for the sister bar of my fave place, Northstar. I guess I figured my review for them crossed all connected borders. Kelly's is fun afternoon/day time place and often good for week night sport's watching. My favorite bartender in San Francisco proper, Sub, works here AND at the Nstar...nice to know that no matter what side of the hill I'm on, I will probably see a friendly face. The crowd is fun, the drinks are priced fairly and the location is ideal. I wouldn't recommend this spot on a busy Friday or Saturday evening as many non-regulars crowd it up and I've seen a few fights break loose. Other than that, Kelly's is a fun spot to catch a pint and people watch on Polk :-). read more

Not sure if I like this place or not. Witnessed a yuppie in a sport coat rush through the door and start yelling at the top of his lungs announcing his presence. Maybe a hard day at the office? Finally gnawed off the chain connecting him to his desk? Despite looking like a total dive bar on the outside, this place is lively. The crowd's mainly yuppies huddled together and random frat guys walking around like zombies on weekday nights but the music is good and the ambiance is enough to get the adrenaline pumping to pound some drinks. read more

I would usually choose other bars on Polk Street rather than Shanghai Kelly's if I were picking but I would definitely be willing to go here if it were a friend's choice. The decor is super random and fun to look at and the drinks are reasonably priced. It's fun to watch football here and nice that you can bring your own food in. It gets pretty packed though and it's hard to socialize with too many people in the long skinny bar set-up. My friends and I invented a fun people-watching game at this bar though... read more

Play dice? Nothing better than a few beers and some Midnight at this local watering hole... I did try a Crangerine drink special the other day, which I have to say was not my favorite. Make sure you ask to get on the Shanghi/Northstar e-mailing list. read more

Darie, one of the bartenders, is a friend. So I have to automatically give this place a 5 stars. I'm not a "sports bar person". I only really go to meet friends or to stop by and say hello. But its a great hole in the way local pub type of place. My first time was probably the most awkward moment in my life. I went in looking for my date (my boyfriend now but whom I met for the first time...sober). Myself being a tiny asian girl would probably stick out like a sore thumb and bring questions as to how I stumbled upon the bar. My answer to that would be, "freak accident." All in all, I've always had fun here. The people who are locals and regulars always seem to have a great time. Gets busy during sporting events. Great place to hang out and grab a few drinks. read more

I'm not a big fan of bars. Actually I don't like bars, then again I really hate bars. I see no point in paying for drinks to just stand there/sit there. I need some dancing, but I will admit, Shanghai Kelly's is a place I would go to. The drinks are moderately priced (actually some of them are awesomely priced). $2 Bart Simpson shots, I'm not sure sure WTF it was.. I think it was some OJ and some Vodka but whatever it was..it was damn good, and got me pretty buzzed. After a fail night at Rouge Nightclub across the street, we stumbled upon this place and the crowd was pretty crackin'. People were pretty chill and their beer selection (Blue Moon) on tap was nice too! I didn't think I'd really fit in, but I did meet some cool people, and what are the odds, despire the name, we were the only Asian people in the whole place. The chic sitting next to me at the bar (who looked like a 100% white chic) was actually half of my ethnicity and we shared the same last name too!! (mind you, my last name is very very very uncommon). Definitely come back here again! read more

Ughh. I once brought a French guy visiting from Paris to Shanghai Kelly's. It wasn't my choice - my other friend wanted to watch some sports game on the TV. But I digress. I brought said Frenchie to Shanghai Kelly's for a nice, cold drink. Apparently, bringing a French person to this bar is akin to bringing a French person to Congress during the whole "freedom fries" debacle. The bartender at Shanghai Kelly's was utterly offended by Frenchie's presence. First, he ignored my dear friend's pleas for a drink. He ignored him as if my friend was invisible, even though he was sitting right in front of the bartender's grizzly old face. Finally I piped up and demanded a drink. This then turned into a fight over whether a passport is legitimate to use as proof of age. The bartender insisted that Frenchie have a California drivers license. Umm... right. I'm sure he had time to get one of those in customs. Anyway, I could go on and on, but basically I don't recommend that you go here - especially if you're French. read more

I was pumped when I found this bar. I've only been in SF for two months, and I have been looking for a chill bar to hangout, watch sports, and drink. The drinks were good. They have a John Daly drink that is great. The music is pretty good as it comes from a jukebox, and it seemed like the people using it had good taste. Both bartenders seem like good dudes. Certainly going back, and I can see it becoming my go-to bar, for sure. read more

I heart Shanghai's! They are the sister bar to Northstar Cafe in North Beach. All the staff are amazing! Dave, Greg, Brian, Cass, Mark to name a few! Great crowd and super blue Coors Light mountains :) Love it here for football on Sundays, I'm a Niner fan and so are some of the bartenders but the bar itself is a Steelers bar. Ladies-The bathroom is totally decent! Gents-Take a look at the pics above the toilet! To die for! read more

The biggest assholes in San Francisco with the shortest pours and bad service. Skip this spot of you don't speak Irish.

Great Steelers' bar! :) I've been to Shanghai Kelly's for the last 2 Steeler Superbowls and both times the place is packed! The place definitely get packed when the Steelers are playing. I will be back next season! :) read more

Liked it! Fun dive (but not too dive-y) bar with friendly bartenders and generous pours... and if you're lucky enough you can score that large comfy booth in the back. read more

I wanted to really like this place, but both the Fat Tire and the Guinness had a strange taste. Either they need to clean their lines or clean their glasses better or both. And all their bottle beer was crap. read more

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We needed to find a spot to watch the 49ers game and happened upon Shanghai Kelly's. Yep, it's a dive bar, but a fun one at that. At least 1/3 of the patrons were locals. The bar not only supports the 49ers but also the Steelers. For some reason all the women were given large slices of cheesecake when we were there. 1 booth in the back, space for about 15 at the bar, 1 high top, and stools for another 20 people. 2 big screen TV and maybe another 4-5 smaller TVs. Beers on tap range from Coors Light, Fat Tire, Sierra Nevada, Guinness, to Lagunitas IPA and a Cider. $4-6/pint. $15 minimum charge for credit cards, but you can run a tab. Food: N/A P/C: 4.5 Service: 4 (come'on, it's a dive bar, but friendly!) read more

Take everything wonderful upper Polk street has to offer, concentrate it, presto. Bros in blue shirts and tan pants, ball caps. Girls in open-toed shoes and 7 jeans. TV's, top 40. Jesus, I'm falling asleep writing this. read more

Recently, I was reluctant to go here because of the massive crowds. It's a small bar, but very popular. This time, I went a little early for bar time, and it was pleasantly fun (and not super crowded). DISCLAIMER: Looks are not everything. I'm a firm believer in that. But let's be honest, it doesn't hurt to have some decent looking people around you while drinking. Yeah, you can't argue with that. I feel like most times I come here, me and my friends get surrounded by the most unattractive guys, but last night - not so. There were a handful of attractive people in the bar. I was pleasantly surprised. They serve newcastle (my fave beer) and jaeger shots - always a huge plus in my book. Therefore, Shanghai Kelly's is now at 3.5 status, with potential for 3.75/4 in the future. Thanks. read more

Even if this bar WASN'T just a quick stumble away from my doorstep, I think I would still consider it "my bar." Many a night out has ended with the brilliant suggestion, "Let's go to Shanghai's!" Sweet music to mine ears. It's a small bar with a fairly modest, yet adequate beer selection, but overall it just has a great feel. Friendly and unpretentious. Fun decor. It's just a great place to unwind with friends. "Adventure. Intrigue. Romance." What more could you want from a bar? read more

I've never been to Shanghai Kelly's. But. It's rumored that there is a photographic homage to my rack in the men's room. To me that means this MUST be a classy place. Edited to reflect news: I have since been the Shanghai Kelly's and it's fun, but crazy crowded, and close enough to the Marina to feel that visceral dating desperation in many of the members of the crowd. So, minus one star. I had a peak in the men's restroom and the photo of my torso was indeed hanging prominently over the toilet. Lovely. But I've heard that the photo has since been removed. That photo was a classic, damnit. Minus another star. read more