Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Shannon Arms

    3.6 (105 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs
    Open 2:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Shannon Arms Photos

    Business Info

    SHANNON ARMS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Very loud
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Shannon Arms

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Tasty White Russian!!
    Surge C.

    Another Taraval favorite. A great Irish bar that serves up some nice beer and tasty white Russians. The Irish feel is enhanced by the very friendly bartenders, most who have authentic Irish accents. Nice place to come grab a few drinks and play a round of pool. One of the things I was most impressed by was the almost immaculate bathrooms. I have never been to a bar that had such clean bathrooms. A thing to remember about this place is it is cash only, but it is right by a Chase, Bank of America and the Wells Fargo ATM is just 2 blocks up inside the Safeway.

    Wes M.

    I can see why a lot of people feel intimidated here, because it's like you just walked into a real working-class pub in Ireland (and I know because I've done just that). Irish accents all around. But *relax*, you're in San Francisco, remember? This isn't Boston's south side. Anyway, it's a cool place to take your Guinness-loving buddies from out of town if you're looking to impress them.

    Morgan M.

    Walking into this bar was like doing the walk of shame. When my friend told me we were going to have a drink at the Shannon, I didn't know what to expect. The inside warped me back to college days at State and spending way too many nights getting drunk in the pub rather than sit and write a paper in my apartment. This bar knew me all too well, knew how I drank too many southern comfort and cokes and shots of jaeger (*cringes*). It knows about the Irish soccer players that after a few drinks my friends and I could actually understand a couple of words they said and somehow agreed to go with them to a strip club off Broadway. Oh Shannon, I swore I'd never show my face again. Until last night. The bar is dark inside, it was kind of quiet when we got there but packed in more people as it got later. For some reason I remember it being a lot larger than what it was because it's pretty small. The bar is filled with a bunch of people wanting to get shitfaced. There's the local regulars and then there's people there to shoot some pool and go home pissed. I am neither so I took up the DD position and my friend was able to do her thing. An honorable mention to the guy who made my night. The song "Single Ladies" came on the overhead (in an Irish pub-random jukebox) and what did he do, he pushed himself an open area by the pool table and completely danced out the video routine and killed it. Love You! The bartender was an okay guy, managed his bar well and mixed stiff drinks. I'm sure there are those that come for the earlier times but for the most part I'd say it's a college kid place. Thank god for being the DD so there was no walking down 19th like a drunken idiot or dropping over at Seniores for a slice of pizza. I do not forsee another walk of shame any time in the future from here at least.

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jeff W.
    1839
    1132
    3882

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Great place to go to . Amazing service. The ambiance is incredible. I definitely recommend this bar.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nate C.
    48
    37
    17

    4 years ago

    Great place to come shoot the shit. Great prices, good company, amazingly kind funny bartenders, and always filled with the regulars. ^_^

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great place , but haven't visited in 40+ years had a brilliant time with locals -- and my cousin Theresa M

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Our favorite neighborhood pub.We love Teresa and she always offers a little more hospitality that makes it special!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wes M.
    370
    1188
    402

    19 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R D.
    0
    19
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yas J.
    8
    23
    8

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Les H.
    17
    51
    1

    19 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    21 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Will K.
    82
    20
    5

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sofia R.
    833
    1116
    3918

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A Q.
    0
    22
    11

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    19 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam K.
    678
    193
    0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Shannon Arms

    Review Highlights - Shannon Arms

    Been going on Thursdays the last few weeks and noticing they had brought back the college night.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Pubs 5,617 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Pig & Whistle

    The Pig & Whistle

    4.0
    (586 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    We stopped here on a recent early evening to watch a World Cup game. It was our first time here,…read moreand we're glad we decided to go somewhere different. The Fish & Chips are the best I've had in the city! Not greasy at all and simply delightful. They also have a solid selection of beers on tap; I enjoyed a Deschutes IPA and a Guinness. A lot of people were ordering Old Speckled Hen, which I want to try next time--I've never heard of that beer and it seems quite popular. The menu features all the hits of a British pub. I want to try their Shepherd's Pie next time, and my husband wants to get the bangers and mash. He was hoping they had a scotch egg, but that's the one item not on the menu. Oh, and some sticky toffee pudding would be awesome! The only downside was a large party of eight people with screaming children. We can't seem to escape that in restaurants lately--even in a pub. Ugh, it was terrible and sadly put a damper on an otherwise delightful experience. Chuck E. Cheese energy is not the vibe. Despite that, we will be back.

    I hate leaving negative reviews, but my experience with the owner of this bar was so upsetting that…read moreI feel compelled to share it. I'm currently living in San Francisco for six weeks while caring for my father, who is recovering from a double lung transplant at UCSF. It's been an emotionally exhausting time, and I was excited to find a neighborhood bar within walking distance where I could occasionally relax and decompress. I first discovered this bar after a trip to Trader Joe's. During that visit, the bartenders, especially Chris, and the rest of the staff were welcoming, friendly, attentive, and wonderful. Based on that experience, I was looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, my interactions with the owner have been the complete opposite. On my second visit, the owner repeatedly ignored me while I was trying to order. When he noticed my service dog, who was leashed, quietly sitting beside me, and causing absolutely no disruption, he loudly yelled across a crowded bar, "Get your dog out of here." I calmly explained that he is a service dog. The owner immediately rolled his eyes and demanded to know what service my dog provides. Because I did not feel comfortable disclosing personal medical information to a room full of strangers, I asked if I could privately show documentation instead. He became increasingly hostile, telling me that he "knew his rights" and that I "didn't know anything," while continuing to demand an explanation. Feeling embarrassed and cornered, I reluctantly answered his question. He rolled his eyes again and asked, "What do you want?" When I ordered a Corona, he responded by pointing his finger in my face and saying, "You mean you want a Corona PLEASE." He refused to serve me unless I repeated the order exactly as he demanded. I was shocked, humiliated, and left the bar in tears. Several patrons nearby apologized to me and expressed how uncomfortable they were witnessing the interaction. A few days later, I decided to give the bar a second chance and brought my partner with me. My partner was seated with my service dog while I walked to the bar to order. The owner immediately recognized me and once again said, "Get your dog out." I calmly reminded him that we had already had this conversation and that I had previously explained my dog's service role. He responded by asking whether I was providing a service to the dog or whether the dog was providing a service to me. After I again explained the situation, he asked what I wanted to order. I ordered two dirty gin martinis, and before I could even finish speaking, he began walking away. When he returned with the check, I asked him to keep the tab open. He again corrected me and said I needed to say, "Keep it open PLEASE." At that point, I asked why he seemed to treat me this way every time I came in. His response was, "Piss off. Finish your martini and you're never allowed back here again. Get out." Once again, I left in tears. Once again, nearby patrons appeared shocked by the way I was being treated. I've worked in professional environments my entire career and strive to treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect. I was never rude, disruptive, or confrontational. I simply wanted to enjoy a drink at a neighborhood bar while accompanied by my service dog. The bartenders and staff were wonderful. My experience with the owner, however, was one of the most humiliating and hostile customer service experiences I have ever had.

    Photos
    The Pig & Whistle
    Wings w/3 sauces $9.75
    Wings w/3 sauces $9.75
    Stella beer

    See all

    Stella beer
    Johnny Foley's

    Johnny Foley's

    3.9
    (1.6k reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    Great place to visit while in SF as the interior immediately stands out with its classic Irish pub…read moreatmosphere, 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.

    This review is based on 1 pint of beer! It was a good pint of beer. Went in around 4 o'clock in the…read moreafternoon 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.

    Photos
    Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.
    Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.
    Excellent fish and chips
    Excellent fish and chips
    Fresh mussels with wine sauce

    See all

    Fresh mussels with wine sauce
    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    4.4
    (435 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    Black Hammer Brewing Company is a place I've driven by so many times and finally got the chance to…read morestop into while we were out walking and exploring the area. I'm so glad we did, it instantly lived up to the curiosity. The vibe here is exactly what you want from a brewery. It's unique, cool, and laid-back, with plenty of character and a strong sense of community. It feels welcoming whether you're popping in for one drink or planning to hang out for a while. The beer selection is great, with a nice variety of styles to choose from. Everything we tried was well crafted and enjoyable, making it easy to find something that fits your taste whether you like lighter beers or something a bit bolder. The space itself really adds to the experience. There's a relaxed energy that makes it a great place to meet friends, take a break while exploring the neighborhood, or just enjoy a good beer in a comfortable setting. Great atmosphere, good beer, and an all-around enjoyable experience. We'll definitely be back and are glad we finally stopped in.

    I had no idea it was a gluten free place until I looked it up later. I mean, the beer did taste a…read morelittle funny, but for gluten free, it was pretty damn good. All in all though, if you're not gluten free, paying this money for beer that's a little flat is probably not your best choice. Also, check the price before you buy a flight, they charged us an astronomical price. And the bags of chips are also exploitively priced.

    Photos
    Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling
    Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling
    The walls are adorned with super  cool abstract modern art. I think its from local artists too!
    The walls are adorned with super cool abstract modern art. I think its from local artists too!
    Super cute accent wall and overhead lighting give the bar a great atmosphere

    See all

    Super cute accent wall and overhead lighting give the bar a great atmosphere
    The Kezar Pub

    The Kezar Pub

    3.8
    (836 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    A great spot to watch a game, with fantastic wings that some say are the best in the city, and…read morehonestly I have not found anywhere better. The place gets loud when a big game is on, but that is exactly what you want from an Irish sports bar. We were there for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, World Cup soccer, and UFC 250 all in the mix, and the place was packed with great energy throughout. The Guinness pour was excellent, clean lines, great head, perfectly poured. As a busy sports bar things will not always be spotless when it is packed, but the team did a great job keeping the bathrooms clean despite the volume on such a busy day. We spoke with the owner directly and he made sure we had a TV tuned to the hockey game, a genuinely nice guy who made us feel welcome. We will definitely be back.

    I had been wanting to try the wings here ever since I was in a kickball league in the 2000s in…read moreGolden Gate Park. You know what they say, there is no time like the present! The wings were fantastic! Why did I wait so long to try them? Crispy edges and a perfect buffalo sauce with a little kick. My mouth is watering as I type this. Bonus- bowl for the bones. Not too many places do that and the feature commands respect. I also had a classic margarita and it was yummy. Great for a hot day. Games were playing in all the tvs and there are a lot of tables to watch from. This spot is a great location to watch a game with friends and enjoy some pub grub. Let's go Giants!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Buffalo Wings
    Buffalo Wings
    The Kezar Pub

    See all

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.0
    (978 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Sports on TV

    Excellent experience from start to finish. The atmosphere has that classic Irish pub feel--warm,…read morewelcoming, and a great place to relax and enjoy a good meal. I ordered the beer-battered fish and chips, and it did not disappoint. The fish was perfectly cooked with a crispy, golden batter on the outside and tender, flaky fish on the inside. The fries were hot and paired well with the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. To go with it, I had a Golden State Cider, which was a great choice. It was crisp, refreshing, and complemented the fish and chips perfectly. The service was friendly and attentive, and the restaurant itself was clean and well-kept. Between the quality of the food, great drink selection, and inviting atmosphere, The Chieftain is definitely a spot worth visiting in San Francisco. Highly recommend!

    Friday night/date night this week felt like a visit to a local pub. After years of walking and…read moredriving by it, we finally visited The Chieftain and had a lovely time. It has a bar, some high tables and regular tables for seating and all have views of one of the TVs around the pub. Upon entering, we were promptly greeted and a table cleared for us. Our server was super friendly and efficient throughout. Several FIFA games and a baseball game were on the screens so there were folks in there watching the games, but anticipating a specific match since the room was relatively quiet and conversations were still at regular volume. We ordered Irish Stew, Shepherd's Pie, and a couple of pints of Smithwick's. Our server remarked it was the full Irish! The food was delicious - hearty and well-seasoned, no bland food here! - and the ale hit the spot. Could have had more pints but we opted on dessert. We split an apple cobbler (not too sweet which was nice!) à la mode to round out our dinner. We will definitely return to try other food and drinks - and hopefully catch happy hour!

    Photos
    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
    Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes
    Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes
    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    See all

    Shannon Arms - pubs - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...