Excellent experience from start to finish. The atmosphere has that classic Irish pub feel--warm, welcoming, 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! read more

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Friday night/date night this week felt like a visit to a local pub. After years of walking and driving 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! read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Just missed happy hour! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nice local Irish bar a few blocks away from Market street. Great Guinness and some Irish cuisine items on order. Also fantastic friendly staff. They've got the gift to gab and provide great pours. I'm not a fan of the three large screen TVs. However, if you like sports and a pint, this is probably a good choice for you. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Inside behind the bar - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you are in San Francisco near the Moscone Center and in the mood for an Irish dinner then try Chieftains. It's a small Irish pub but the Smithwick's Ale and Shepherds pue was delicious, service was great and I will probably return before I leave San Francisco. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Delicious Shepards pie - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The shepherds pie was made out of lamb and on the sweeter side of savory. Wonderful cocktails, mocktails and classics. Wonderful service. Thank you! read more

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If there are more than six people in this place, it can tend to feel crowded, but I can highly recommend the corned beef sandwich!

Good chill spot , perfect for a game . Happy hour is good the fries were $10 and a glass of wine $7 . read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Best garlic fries ! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you find yourself famished on a Saturday night in SoMa about to embark on a night of bar-hopping, the Chieftain is a great spot to grab a quick (but good) bite as well. The interior resembles a classic pub with patrons engaged in lively banter and many people who looked like regulars. The avocado tacos were fresh and light, a good option for vegetarians. The star of the show for me was the jalapeño and cheese potato croquettes. The crisp exterior balanced the warm, gooey, spicy interior really well -- a must get when you come here! read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Avocado Tacos (x3) - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Drinks are ok. It's a pub so I don't expect much. I didn't get to try the food so I can't comment on that. When we arrived, it was pretty popping. We ordered 1 drink each as a pregame for an event that night. Honestly forgot the name of the drink but I wished it was a sugar rum instead of salt but it's ok. Drinks were mid. Staff were friendly tho. Lively ambiance and good music. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing food & service! Lori our server was the best. We had the fish & chips & the stew. Perfect for the foggy weather. The brown bread was on point! Great pub read more

Been here a few times and the burger is amazing. Love coming here to grab a quick beer and meet up with friends. The service is amazing everyone is kind and very helpful. Will totally be going back. read more

Really generous orders always of Fish & Chips a good non alcoholic Guinness Service is debatable. It takes a while for waitresses to actually get to you if they are busy conversing with others BUT once you are at eye level the wait is almost all forgotten . I like the vibe great music and very cold non alcoholic Guinness! Cheers read more

My favorite Irish pub downtown to get a black & blue (guiness & blue moon), the atmosphere is cozy but not cramped, with dark wood, brick walls, plenty of big screens for sports (they show everything from Premier League soccer and rugby to NFL and more), and sometimes live traditional Irish music. There's an impressive selection of whiskeys, and the bartenders craft some great cocktails, which is why I like taking my co-workers from across the pond here for happy hour after work. read more

Cool bar and pub that serves really good food. I had the Irish beef Stu and I have zero complaints. Delicious warm and satisfying. Service was good I ate at the bar and the bartender was friendly and fast on the drinks. They have an awesome selection of whiskey, Irish, scotch and American. Definitely would come back again read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Traditional Irish Stew - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent GF shepherds pie!!!! Good cider too. The staff is super friendly and I love the ambiance

Great place to watch the World Cup after the conference sessions. I ordered the fish and chips and it was great.

Really solid Irish pub near Mascone. Super chill vibe inside, but all the patrons were enjoying their time. I sat at the bar and had one drink, one beer and the Shepard's Pie, which quite possible is the best I've ever had. Tons of ground lamb, nice layer of mashed potatoes, which were moist and not over cooked. Bartender was very nice, prices were reasonable (I guess, but jeez everything in SF is beyond expensive these days). I've walked by here so many times, but for some reason, always thought of it as a tourist place, maybe because of the proximity to Moscone, but now I'm mad at myself for discounting it. I love it and will be back for sure. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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6*s if I could. This is the benchmark for pubs. CJ, Mark, and Kim make this place a second living room. Always great conversation. The food NEVER disappoints. I have been to other places in the area and nothing feels more familiar than here. I'd go elsewhere, just to test the water, if they could hold a candle. read more

The bangers and mash were delicious! Bloody Mary's were great! The service was excellent! Fun bar to be at, especially after the St. Patty's Day parade. read more

Great ambience. Excellent service. Just what I was looking for on a weeknight in San Francisco

The daily special was lamb shank served with carrots and mashed potatoes and it was excellent!! The brown gravy also tasty and a reduction. Not a starch thickened gravy. The special was a Special and not remnants of what didn't move yesterday. A friendly crowd of locals and regulars and a woman in a wheelchair was treated like a Queen. We will be back!! read more

Added an order of Bangers and Mash and a drink of Pear Cider and a Ginger Agave Cider. The Bangers and Mash is a very filling high protein plate. The sausages are juicy and plenty for their size. The gravy either on the mashed potatoes or with the sausages adds a sweet and creamy element to the plate. And the beans certainly wrap up a hearty and strong meal to carry one's stomach for more than just one meal. The Pear Cider is a good go-to cider choice for something refreshing to wash down your meal. The Ginger Agave Cider is a different but also quite refreshing drink to have with a slightly stronger ginger note profile. Service was quick and courteous and our meal was enjoyed quite nicely. Do note that the kitchen closes at 10 PM so it's best to arrive at an appropriate time. Restaurant feels very authentic and the evening Scottish music sets the mood just right when they're here. read more

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Great vibes and a positive atmosphere with live music. Several TV monitors with sports games, etc. Kelly and Richard are the best and help make the experience more than exceptional. Come in for a drink but stay for a great time. Say hi to the bartenders and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Can't recommend enough! read more

Went in on Thursday evening trying to find a place to get some drinks but also that would accommodate our having our young son with us. They were friendly and attentive. We had great drinks and food, but more than that, the staff was friendly, fast, and helpful. Very good prices for the area, and a fun environment. Will definitely go again. read more

Came here on a Friday evening after work with my coworkers. We first went to Tempest around the corner, however their service was horrible so we left and decided to dine in at Chieftain Irish Pub. Although the restaurant and bar was a bit busy, the server immediately acknowledged us and sat us down. Super friendly server. We ordered the Guinness, fried zucchini, French fries with curry sauce on the side, the fish and chips and two orders of the bangers and mash. The food came out quickly and everything tasted yummy. I would def come back for the bangers and mash if I'm around the corner, the sausage was juicy and went well with the beans and mash. The fish and chips was also good however a bit oily. Wish the oil was patted down a bit before serving on the plate. Thank you for the lovely service. It was refreshing after being treated poorly at tempest. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I happened to have found a street parking spot across the street nearby the pub. I was hungry, and I needed to be fairly quick before having to go to work. I was immediately seated. I decided to sit at the bar top. I liked that I didn't have to wait, and I also liked the decor! They went all out for Halloween. I ordered the house salad with extra tomatoes and the Brussel sprouts. Mmm... absolutely delicious!! I think the only thing missing was croutons, one of my favorite parts of salads. They both blew me away though, and I can't wait to go back to order the same things. I highly recommend trying! I hope you can find some enjoyment in something they offer. If you are into sports, they have multiple tvs around playing sports. read more

Breaks my heart to even think of typing this, but this place has changed drastically with the service. Food and beer is great still, but last time I was there I asked about the cocktails, and the guys' (Wore thick black glasses and black hat, sort of looked like the lead singer from Korn) reply was "You have to know what you want, this ain't no fancy cocktail bar where we come up with things for you" I ended up finding the cocktail menu they had there myself, not sure he even knew they had one. Next group of women that came in he was very sarcastic and smart assed to as well. Another time, they suddenly decided to close early because there wasn't too many people there even though it was only around 11pm. read more

Amazing service!! They were very attentive even when we stayed a little longer than expected. The corned beef sandwich was delicious and the Guinness was the best we've had since Ireland. Excited to go back again! read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Corned Beef Panini - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nice place for a drink in San Francisco. Great service from CJ. Relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommended! Cheers, guys! read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Fresh beer! - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a cool restaurant if you're looking for some good Irish food and a large beer selection in a casual yet inviting setting for watching sports or just getting your grub on before a night out. Lots of character to create the perfect ambience for various occasions. The service was okay. The girl helping us was very direct from the moment we walked in, whether letting us know we had to find a smaller table (because there was just two of us), or answering our questions about food, drinks, or where to find the restroom, she was helpful for sure, but not exactly the friendliest (I think her name was Kim). But it was fine, we came to eat, and she got our food and drinks to us eventually (yes, the wait was somewhat long)... and it was worth the wait. The fish and chips are some of the best I've had, and I'm pretty picky about fish and chips. So juicy and flaky, with a slightly crisp exterior, just the right amount of breading, and such good flavor! Wow, I'd come back for this, for sure. I thought the corned beef panini was really good too, seasoned well, great spice, and crispy off the grill (though a tad overcooked as the bread was a bit tough). I also liked the Pink Princess Margarita, slightly tart with the perfect hint of sweetness, but a bit of an overkill with the salt. I wiped some off the rim, but so much had fallen inside the cocktail that it became a little too salty to drink toward the end. Our experience wasn't perfect, but overall I like this place. I'd say it's pretty good value for what you get. read more

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Great Irish pub! The Chieftain has multiple TVs so it would be perfect for a game night. The staff is super friendly and they give good suggestions. Our waitress was very sweet and was always checking on us to make sure that we had everything we need. We had a 5-star experience here! They have a really good food menu and a large selection of beers. We decided to go with Irish nachos and it tasted great! I got the blackberry cider and I recommend it to everyone. It tastes very interesting but in a good way. I would love to come back! Everyone should give this place a try, I bet you'll like it. read more

CJ is the best! It's a good bar overall but similar to others around the area. CJ takes good care of his customers and makes them feel very welcomed. Definitely recommend this place to others. Bring back the brisket hot dog special! read more

I am happy to know this Irish Pub is still happening and open. Growing up in the avenues of SF, there's a plethora of Irish bars, so it was easy to get my Irish coffee fix on. One Yelper wrote about how dangerous it was to walk this area many moons ago, well nothing has changed really. Natives and locals know how SOMA has always been sketchy, even before there was AMC, Metreon, and Bloomingdale's. Nowadays, it's smash & grabs that make national news. Our beautiful city has become the wild wild west. I still love Chieftain, fond memories around 2000's, good times when I was a spring chicken. It has a great lively atmosphere, with any Irish Pub, friendly staff and patrons. Shout out to the bartender for accommodating us when he was almost closing. Little did he know I like to talk to out-of-towners visiting our fair city, and the Chef. It was fun to kick it with them at the bar. We were staying at Intercontinental after the Warriors game for our son's 18th bday. If you're not catching the live action at Chase Center, this place is perfect for watching sports. Although the kitchen had closed at that hour, I highly recommend the fish & chips...can't go wrong with fish & chips at an Irish Pub - oh my COD. Try their happy hour btw. Thanks for the hospitality, keep up the great work. If you survived a pandemic, you can survive anything! 'Til we meet again ~ cheers & see you on Yelp (SYOY)! #supportfamilyownedbiz read more

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everyone is so nice here! I heard about this place from a girl I met that says she loves steak dinner. So, one day I was biking past and stopped to get the steak dinner. They were so kind to let us park our bikes near the bathroom because we didn't want to risk parking them outside. The moment we sat down, a man gave us his mashed potato ball apps because he couldn't finish all 5 of them. We happily accepted! and then came the nicest waiter and had my steak. I ordered it medium rare, and it was slightly undercooked, but that's okay. Garlic spinach and mashed potatoes as sides, and this was perfection and only $29 or something for it. Honestly, I was on a 15-mile bike ride prior, and not sure if that had an impact, but I devoured the entire plate. I can't wait to try the other dishes. They also had a band play in the corner, sitting down. I couldn't see because of the column in the middle of the dining room but could tell they were enjoying themselves and jamming, and that's all that mattered. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Macallan & Guiness! What else!? Food was good. Drinks were on.. service was great! Greater and bartender were on point. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Macallan & Guiness.. when in Rome! Food was good too.. - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

Probably the best Irish Bar in San Francisco. A corner bar very well situated 10 minutes walk from Union Square. Guinness is served at the perfect temperature and they have an exceptional choice of Irish and Scotch whiskeys. A warm welcoming atmosphere in the old Irish style of Mahogany and brass. The kitchen serves a good selection of Fish and Chips, bangers and mash, steak, curry and chicken dishes too. They have a live Irish traditional music session every Sunday night starting around 7 pm. If you're looking for a genuine Irish experience from an Irish owned County Kerry owned bar, you could do a lot worse than the Chieftain. Great Craic all around! read more

Delicious food and great service. Try the Brussels sprouts, they are so good. Nice location and coil vibes.

classic buffalo wings. we got ranch, blue cheese and barbecue sauce on the side and service was nice to accommodate that. read more

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Hot Wings - Sports Bars Near Me - San Francisco, California

I closed out my trip to San Francisco with a visit to the Chieftain and it was the chef's kiss ending to a perfect vacation! The food was really good, the staff was friendly and attentive, and the prices were fantastic. It's a very homey, comfortable hang out spot and I highly recommend it for everyone. read more

I enjoy this pub. I have been coming to this place for years. Everything on the menu is good. I especially like their Grilled Irish Breakfast place. I am the type of person that likes to eat breakfast during dinner time. Their fish and chips are amazing. Customer service is good. I am glad that this place survived the pandemic and came back. (though I had my doubts it would make it.). They have a large menu for food and drinks. I would definitely come back to this place again. read more

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