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    The Showdown

    4.2 (126 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    THE SHOWDOWN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Showdown

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    hangry meal

    Our favorite bar in San Francisco!! Everything they do here is creative, thoughtful, and well executed. Their food is some of the best bar food Ive ever had, we honestly just come for dinner a few times a week. And the cocktails are better than most cocktail bars around and about half the price. The bartenders and staff are so much fun and make anyone coming in feel like they are home. Also the BEST bar in North Beach for Football sundays!!!!

    All Yelpers welcome!
    Monica L.

    The service and the drinks here are super. My old fashioned was a true old fashion' I'm tired of these fake old fashion cocktails with crushed ice (lol). Make sure you hit up Joe for the best experience. If you fancy, there is also a pool table that is pretty busy. I haven't had the food here but their hangry special for 15$ can't be beat !

    High noon

    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot. Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    The Black and Blue & The O.G.

    Super cool place. Straight forward menu , service was efficient and kind . Smash burgers totally slap for lunch.

    "7 wonders Duel" game we played all afternoon / evening. Such great vibes
    Vanessa D.

    Came here for a spot to play a board game and it was absolutely amazing. Such chill vibe. Patrons AND bartender were adding. Enjoyed my time here. Also by far one of the best/freshest Shirley temples I've ever had. They used their cherry juice to make it, as opposed to bottled grenadine. Such a chill spot, especially for a random Sunday (close at 2am). Will definitely be back.

    Espresso Martini but with Tequila
    Tommy P.

    A block off the main strip but I really liked it here with a fun bar menu. The gentleman helping me was very nice... -- I initially wanted the espresso martini on the menu with tequila. However, it seemed that it was already premade. A lot of places that I've been to just leave it at that but the bartender took it upon himself to make it with a little twist. So that was pretty cool. It started to get crowded after a while but he was attentive and kept checking up. The drinks were really delicious. Usually, I try a special cocktail and then resort to tequila sodas after. But I had a few of these bad boys, perfectly crafted. I didn't try any of the food but they had a selection of salads, corn dogs, etc. I'm not in the city too often but I'd definitely come back here again if in the area.

    a man sitting at a bar
    Chris C.

    Looking for a cool spot in lil Italy. This bar is dope. Many of the surrounding bars are cash only and if not cash only, it's a 20 minimum if you want to use your credit card. So this spot is winning based on the fact that they don't hit you with all that. The smah burger and garlic fries are a big deal. The bartender Zack, is not only cool and on point, but his music selections had me stuck (80's /90s Hip-Hop). Differently the best bar in lil Italy to me, for those reason..

    James. The end. We were looking for brunch and Moes had a line so we walked by, came in an were hesitant as my husband wanted an omelette. James sold us. House made biscuits, the Hangry meal. Ok. We sat down, had a drink and done. Amazing food. The vibe is relaxed and home feeling and just inclusive, inviting, fun and just right. All James. We will be back. We live 2 blocks over. Split my time between LA and SF and this place is a gem.

    Boston 3 Ways!
    Rahul H.

    I'm a local and if you want a fun, friendly and tasty bar vibe in North Beach this is your spot. Can't say enough about the great staff too.

    Hangry meal, delicious Egg & Cheese Biscuit, great vibes, and better service!

    Food is amazing and came with legos. Great service, great beers and coffee. I got the hangry meal and loved it.

    Cheesesteak Eggrolls

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    6 months ago

    Rodeo cheese. Fried cheese is a yes... hot honey no, maybe cayenne powder? I'm drunk though so five stars.

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    Tony C.

    "I'm drunk though so five stars." submits 3 stars... :)

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    The Showdown Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Showdown

    Is this the same Showdown that was at 6th and market for years (currently rumpus room)? Just found my own answer. The owner is friends with the previous owner of the showdown…

    Hey! No it is not. We are friends of Johnny and asked his permission to use the Showdown name. He was cool with it. I missed that bar, good times.

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    The Pig & Whistle - fish & chips $16.75

    The Pig & Whistle

    4.0(589 reviews)
    2.6 miLaurel Heights, Inner Richmond
    $$

    It's been over a decade and this place still stands up to the test of time. As a relic of good…read moretimes and free flowing drinks in a city that's changing and gentrifying rapidly, The Pig & Whistle reminds you what's still possible when you strip away the frills and engage with the frosty beverage and large plate of food in front of you. Maybe I'm just waxing nostalgic about something that no longer exists in this new SF, but I genuinely enjoy sitting here and munching some classic pub fare. Parking is tough, bartenders are friendly, tables are a bit sticky, and the music is fun. You'll thank me later.

    Came here because I was on a journey in finding the best fish and chips. I also miss the feeling…read morebeing at a pub in London. It's definitely a no frills type of place. You order at the bar then find a seat if you're dining in. It is definitely a spot where local residents and long-time patrons go. Service is chill and straightforward. The fish and chips were really good - solid. The portion size was very generous. The cod was nice and soft in the inside while the batter was light. Chips were proper chips. Was it the best in the Bay Area? No. Did it hit the spot? Yes. I would recommend coming here if you're in the area and want solid fish and chips. Street parking was fairly easy. The place was half packed when we came in on a Friday at 5pm.

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

    Wings w/3 sauces $9.75

    The Pig & Whistle - Stella beer

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    Stella beer

    Johnny Foley's - Best corned beef and cabbage ever

    Johnny Foley's

    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    0.9 miUnion Square
    $$

    We stopped by Johnny Foley's Irish House late at night and decided to take a chance, and we're so…read moreglad we did! We headed to the main bar upstairs and had a fantastic time. There was live entertainment, plenty of seating, and a fun, lively atmosphere that made it easy to relax and enjoy the evening. We didn't eat, but we really enjoyed our drinks and the overall vibe. The staff was incredible from start to finish. A special shoutout to the doorman, who welcomed us, let us know they were open late, and told us about the live entertainment upstairs. That friendly recommendation made all the difference. If you're looking for a fun night out in San Francisco, Johnny Foley's is definitely worth a visit!

    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.

    Photos
    Johnny Foley's - Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.

    Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.

    Johnny Foley's - Excellent fish and chips

    Excellent fish and chips

    Johnny Foley's - Fresh mussels with wine sauce

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    Fresh mussels with wine sauce

    Black Hammer Brewing Company - Tasting flight with delicious refreshing beers! Yummy fresh blue berries too!

    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    4.4(434 reviews)
    1.4 miMission Bay
    $$

    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.

    No food, just beer. You can bring your own food though,…read moreand even have it delivered to the entrance if you're really lazy. It's a great space to unwind with nice beers (and the beers are truly nice, haven't had one I didn't enjoy from this brewery yet) or to hop on your laptop for some work while sipping a brew. Dogs welcome, which is nice too. I made a friend.

    Photos
    Black Hammer Brewing Company - Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling

    Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling

    Black Hammer Brewing Company - 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!

    Black Hammer Brewing Company - Super cute accent wall and overhead lighting give the bar a great atmosphere

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

    The Kezar Pub - Large Basket of Tater Tots

    The Kezar Pub

    3.8(840 reviews)
    3.3 miCole Valley
    $$

    Dear Cody, "To love…read moreis to dream. Too often, to dream is to hurt." It's one of the many jaded expressions in Football that we all eventually experience. When we experience it, and only when we finally do, do we truly appreciate the painful wisdom embedded within those words. It's only your first World Cup, Cody, and you are already feeling the heartache. You spent much of the tournament at Kezar Pub, which you endearingly refer to as "the pub". Daddy lived his first World Cup with Goo-Ma in a more humble fashion -- through an antenna-enabled 18-inch television. You, in privileged contrast, were surrounded by probably more than 18 wide screen TVs and the best sound system in the business. Brilliant equipment aside, Kezar's atmosphere is inimitable. There is something special that spurs Daddy to share beers and jello-shots with new friends. That pub is a beacon for good times. I have many photos of you in your WC shirt sampling pub favorites with uncles and aunties. Bangers and Mash was a hit. Maybe a bit lukewarm on the Shepherd's Pie (Daddy loves it though). The Fish & Chippies though? Cody ate enough of the English staple to justify the face paint. I do NOT have videos of you receiving trinkets and high fives from the best owner and best pub staff in the world. I certainly do not have a video of Daddy screaming profanities whenever a certain scumbag referee gets on screen. Oh hey Cody, bullying players and referees is never okay, but also sometimes absolutely necessary (another wise Football adage). I do not have a video of you screaming We All Like Vindaloo after a goal. No videos of you sitting in the community benches doing Sprite-cheers with Portuguese / German / Swedish / Dutch / Mexican / Norwegian friends we shared seats with. Nothing of you flexing the Arsenal shirt you have underneath for whenever one of our boys scores (Kai Havertz scores again!!). I wish I did, but Daddy does not have a video of us pointing to the red number 10 shirt bellowing "Na-Na-Na-nananana! Nananana!" What we do have are memories that'll morph into stuff of legends. Legends we share with each other for a lifetime. Yes, we'll have the pain, too. Daddy's first dream was shattered by a red card in '98. Although, you know Cody, I don't actually remember the red card too well. Daddy's most visceral memory of that tournament was the wonder I felt as I kept asking Goo-Ma if Michael Owen is the fastest guy in the world. I still feel that kid-like wonder again whenever that moment floods my memory. Thats why Daddy thinks it's our good moments that stays with us. Cody, we had so many of them. The heart-stopping penalties we watched on the couch. The Jolibee-fueled game nights on Fridays. Those incredible, incredible times at Kezar Pub. Maybe years later, your most vivid memory of your first World Cup won't be of the gutting loss, just like Daddy's isn't of the '98 red card. Maybe years later, the moment you'll feel again is that Saturday against Norway. That feeling of triumph and jubilation and fearlessness  and that surreal feeling of singing Hey Jude with ALL of Kezar. Football hurts. And maybe it'll hurt again for many more tournaments, many more years. But you also know all the love that comes with football. Love that comes on the badge on your shirt, love that comes with going to Kezar Pub, and of course so much love in singing your favorite songs. After so many years of following the tournament, maybe Daddy can give you his own wise football expression: Don't let the possibility of hurt ever stop you from singing, Cody. "60 yearssss of hurttt, never stopped me dreammming"  Love always, Daddy

    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.

    Photos
    The Kezar Pub - Inside

    Inside

    The Kezar Pub - Kezar Burger + Tater Tots

    Kezar Burger + Tater Tots

    The Kezar Pub

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    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Avocado Tacos (x3)

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.0(979 reviews)
    1.2 miSoMa
    $$
    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
    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant - Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes

    Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

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    The Showdown - pubs - Updated September 2026

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