6 Irish Pubs to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is, first and foremost, a celebration of Irish-American culture. Observed every year on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day marks the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. While the holiday has religious roots, it became associated with Irish-American pride over time in the United States.
Because Ireland is known for being a very green country, Americans wear green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, children learn from their friends at a young age that if they don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, they are in for a pinching. Major cities with large Irish populations even hold parades, including San Francisco.
Another fun activity many Americans take part in on St. Patrick’s Day is visiting an Irish pub. If you’re looking to get your drink on and be merry with friends in celebration of this Irish holiday, these are the best Irish pubs to check out in San Francisco.
Irish Times - FiDi
This Financial District sports bar with TVs aplenty is a popular happy hour locale 365 days a year, but it does things a little differently on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrons can come in at 9 a.m. to sip on Guinness and even sample traditional Irish potato pie. Plus, you’ll get a front-row view of the parade festivities — from the comfort of your Irish Times bar stool.
The Plough and Stars - Inner Richmond
Located in the Inner Richmond neighborhood, The Plough and Stars pours a good pint of Guinness all year round. But if you’re coming here on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll want to stay for the live Celtic music.
In fact, the bar plays host to Celtic musicians many nights a week, and local Irish residents have been stopping by for a taste of home since it first opened its doors in 1975. It’s no wonder The Plough and Stars was named Best Irish Pub by SF Weekly.
Irish Bank - FiDi
Another FiDi joint, Irish Bank will have you feeling like you were just dropped in the middle of Dublin when you step down the cobblestone alleyway leading to the entrance.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating for those good weather days (which are often in San Francisco), and the interior is fitted with dark wood. The bar hosts a St. Patrick’s Day block party on the day of the holiday, but you can stop by to sample pub grub and wash it down with a pint of Guinness all year long.
Kennedy’s Pub and Curry House - North Beach
The North Beach neighborhood is home to this mash-up restaurant that serves its customers curry instead of potatoes and corned beef with their pints of Guinness.
At Kennedy’s, you can enjoy Indian dishes at an affordable price point, then walk to the other side of the joint for an Irish pint and a round of pool. After all, St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural celebration, so why not celebrate other cultures as well while you’re at it?
The Little Shamrock - Inner Sunset
Even if you’ve never been inside The Little Shamrock, hearing the name alone should let you know that this is your quintessential Irish bar. The Inner Sunset pub opened its doors in 1893, so it’s the second oldest bar in all of San Francisco.
Around since the 19th century, the joint has held up against two earthquakes that destroyed much of the city. In fact, there’s an antique wooden clock at the pub, with an inscription that reads: “No tick since April 18, 1906.” On St. Patrick’s Day, you can stop by to soak up the bar’s incredible history while enjoying the cozy couches and extensive board game collection.
Phoenix Irish Bar - Mission District
Trying to avoid the St. Patrick’s Day chaos and mayhem that will inevitably fill the streets of FiDi and North Beach? Phoenix Irish Bar is tucked away in the Mission neighborhood, hidden among the hipster bars and mom-and-pop shops that line the streets.
This traditional Irish bar serves all kinds of traditional Irish foods, including corned beef, cabbage, and soda bread. It’s a great option for a quiet but pleasant St. Patrick’s Day celebration.