Hi Reader. I am writing this to help explain a review that I have just read. In truth I must disclose two things. 1) I love this bar ever since the new owners took it over. 2) I, unfortunately, know the person who wrote the bad review about customer service and being verbally and physically attached. My boy friend belongs on the same team as her boyfriend. Let's talk about the Flatiron and why I love it. The owners and the staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. It is a sports bar and restaurant so if you are looking for a great bar menu then this is the place to come. The food is GREAT, reasonable, and flavorful. They have a lot of T.V.'s and they make sure to accommodate as many people as they can. I have been there when there is baseball, bowling, soccer, rugby, tennis and golf all running at the same time. I have never been treated so well as when I have been there. They are a local bar and seem to take that seriously. I was in there (in the night in question) and read that they were throwing a benefit dinner for a local high school baseball player that had been injured and donating all their proceeds to the family. It is a great place - don't let anyone use this forum to tell you differently. The night in question - about which the previous review refers to - the person was drunk off their "a**". It was embarrassing to all of us. She (not the staff) verbally accosted one of the bartenders and attacked another. When she couldn't do the damage she sent her boyfriend over to accost the manager. They were both banned from the bar for good (thank god). She bragged to us today that she was going to take the bar down by writing a bad review. I didn't believe her until I saw it. Don't let a person who has obvious anger issues (four of us went up to the manager and apologized for her actions) when woefully drunk to ruin your view of a great place. Actually, the only thing I would change at the Flatiron is the floor. It could use some help. read more

I have to put my 2 cents in. This is my favorite place to go (I want to disclose that right up front). The food is excellent. The staff is helpful and friendly. The new owners try their best to make this a safe and enjoyable place for everyone (families, sports enthusiasts, partiers). There is always someone there to make sure everyone is having a good time. Yesterday afternoon I was there and a "new" patron started loudly arguing with someone in his party using words that even in a bar would be considered inappropriate. One of the owners asked him to quiet down or he would be asked to leave. The guy said he could do whatever he wanted he was a paying customer and started to berate the owner and the other person in his party. The owner asked him to leave - on his way out he said (so that everyone could hear) - don't worry I am going to get back at you - wait until you read YELP the next time. Well, I just logged on to see if he made good on his threat and there you go - I can't believe that YELP would allow this -- but it does. What this person is saying is far from the truth. As I said before the place is great - so much better then it used to be. Don't believe this jerk and his asinine attempt to discredit a place that is run by honest and hard working people - just because he doesn't know how to control himself in a public place. read more

i have been to many restaurants/ bars in my lifetime and have worked in costumer service for years, and i have never in my life been treated as badly as i was treated at the flatiron saloon in San Rafael, CA. I am not one to make a fuss or complaint about anything! But this place was so terrible to me i will never go back and i will continue to tell my story of how i was treated at this place until they learn to change and treat their costumers with respect. This place does not only have disrespectful employees but also a disrespectful manager who has no control over his employees and just doesn't care about the costumers that are keeping him in business. I would not recommend this place to anyone! even if they were starving and had no where else to go. i was not only verbally attacked at this place by the employees but also physically attacked, now they will have to live with what they did and the consequences of their actions. IF YOU WANT TO BE VERBALLY AND PHYSICALLY ATTACKED AND ASSAULTED BY THE EMPLOYEES WHEN YOU GO OUT THEN THIS IS THE PLACE! p.s. i wouldn't give this place any stars but they wont let you post a review if you don't pretty lame I'd say. read more

When I read the other reviews all I can say is Ouch! I just (within the last hour or so) got back from the Flatiron. This was my first visit there. It was one of the best experiences I have had in a "sports" or themed restaurant in many years. I got to meet two of the owners and I understand the third, who was not there, runs the kitchen. What a great place. I don't understand where the last two reviewers ate but it couldn't have been at this place. Both of the people (an older gentleman and his son) were working tonight. They were helpful, made suggestions on the GREAT menu, paid attention to me and the rest of the crowd there and made us each feel welcome. The food was fantastic. If I had any complaint it was that they had run out of some items but recommended other things that were good, cooked right, and tasted even better. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to have a good time with good food, people who care about their restaurant. It is unfortunate about the experiences of the others but it couldn't have been the same place. (Too bad about the Dodgers though - if they had won the night would have been perfect - lol). read more

The Flat Iron Bar in San Rafael is a fantastic spot to catch the NFL playoff games, offering a lively and energetic atmosphere that makes game days feel extra special. The vibe here is inviting and laid-back, making it an ideal place for sports enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The food at The Flat Iron is definitely worth mentioning. The onion rings are particularly delicious - crispy and flavorful, they make for a perfect game-time snack. The overall menu offers a satisfying variety, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The bartenders are another highlight of this establishment. They truly rock, providing excellent service with a friendly and attentive approach. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink or planning to settle in for the game, they make the experience enjoyable. Overall, The Flat Iron Bar strikes a great balance between a cool vibe and a welcoming environment, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy some good food and catch a game in San Rafael. read more

This is a classic bar that has retained it's class and style for over 80 years. It's the kind of place where you feel welcome and familiar as soon as you walk in. After a few years of struggling under the previous owners this landmark watering hole is clearly in the process of a renaissance. The new menu is creative and the food from the kitchen that is already great will only get better! Sean (the bartender) get's it. He's part of the welcoming atmosphere. The TV's are plentiful and always displaying everything worth watching. This is a classic spot with cold beer and full bar, great food and a crew that makes you feel comfortable and well taken care of. Whether it's beer and a game with your buds or a casual get away with friends or family, this place is part of the tradition you that you shouldn't miss in San Rafael. read more

The biggest ugliest looking bouncer, the tall one who has a beard and wears a peacoat and a beanie is homophobic. He harassed me and my friends just because one of them was gay. He said I was acting weird because I tossed my friend his has beenie cuz he threw it while he was dancing. This is unacceptable and I will never visi again he was Incredibly rude and embarrassed us for no reason at all other than his own fear. I have literally been sitting there drinking while my friends danced, doing nothing. When I confronted him he said "you threw your jacket at him" him being my friend... unbelievably rude. It's fucking 2018 if ur a homophobic leave the Bay Area!! I sat there and did nothing but drink all night, no problems check the tape and fire that bouncer read more

Honestly wanted to like this place after the remodel, but new floors and a new coat of paint don't cover up the crappy staff, over priced food, general negative atmosphere, and coke-head clientele. The true catalyst for this review though, is the fact that they apparently think it's ok to let people fight and rough each other up directly outside the bar with no consequence. I was there tonight trying to enjoy a drink, when I look outside at some poor guy about to get his ass beat...Sure drunk people can be annoying and inappropriate but this really crossed a line, and made me very uncomfortable. I'm not down to have a vodka cran while some coke dealer smacks people around. Won't be coming back until you get your staff and customers in check! read more

I can not believe how great the new flatiron turned out. My family and I recently went in to catch a giants game and get some dinner. I was blown away at all the new TV's and how good the sound was. I got the Al's wings and they were great. My brother and cousins got the burger of the day and they were very satisfied. My Grandma, Mom, and Aunt split some Moms tacos and The Asian Panda salad witch was very refreshing. On top of great food they have 21 beers on tap with the majority of them being craft beers that I have not seen at any other bar in San Rafael. Thank you Flatiron for bringing a breath of fresh air to a dying scene. read more

Here I am writing a review - never thought I would do it. Last night was my first time at this place. Never had a desire to go in but a friend of mine said they had a great Trivia night. Well, he was right - Best trivia night I have been to in a long time. Questions were fun, the group of players were having a great time. Big discounts on beer and other stuff - the food was the best bar food (hamburgers, fries, sandwiches) I can remember. Sports on all the tv's. I'm glad my friend took me in there. Don't miss this place -- friendly staff, food you will definitely like, a very good trivia game! read more

It says here with 4 stars "Yay! I'm a fan." Yes I would say that I am. Went there last night to watch the first game of the second round for the Sharks! GOOOOO Sharks. I heard this was a baseball sports bar but there it was on three of their huge TV's. There was a soccer game on plus some basketball and baseball games - so they had something for everybody - Great night - good food (definitely good food); good prices (apparently they have discounts on beer and other stuff - all week). Today it was $2 beer night, AND the SHARKS won -- I will be back (to coin a phrase) read more

I was born and raised in San Rafael and a not a fan of the changes that have occured within the Flatiron. It's great that they're trying to bring back the old tradition of food being named after the players, but the food is nothing like it used to be when Mike and Pat owned it. They even panted over Dusty Baker's signature on the wall. WHO DOES THAT?! It has been a coupe years since I have been there but after being there I am certain I will not be going back. Nothing separates this bar from a typical chain like applebees. read more

I want to thank the Flatiron for hosting a benefit event at their place for my high school - actually a student at my high school. They donated all of the money from food sales to his foundation helping to defer his medical costs. That was enough but when I got there I was pleasantly surprised by the how nice the place was, the friendly staff, and the great food. I will definitely be back. Again, thanks to the Flatiron and their generosity for the donation and thanks also for giving me a new place to hang out. read more

UPDATED REVIEW: Okay Flatiron... well played. I just saw the sandwich board outside your doors and it's a masterclass in anti-trolling. I salute your response and as proof have made it my profile pic. I even added 2 stars to my review, which is probably the most gracious thing a Jets fan has ever done. Just wondering... next Monday will the big screen be showing MNF or The Bachelor? Please let us all know on the board! Thanks and here's to being able to hear the game and/or The Bachelor. read more

I went there with my girlfriend the other night. I'll never set foot in that establishment again. I found a roach in my salad bowl. I'm sorry but that does it for me. I informed the staff but was confronted with such a pompous attitude that I couldn't believe it. I guess the guy was the owner. The beer was flat and watery and after the roach incident I lost my appetite. We walked out and vowed never again! I'd strongly recommend against going there. read more

I have to say - never write reviews but my friends know how much I love this place and they told me to look on yelp at the two most recent reviews Can't disagree more with these two. Been to the bar and grille many times since the new owners took over. Great Food, Great Place, Great Service, Great Owners, Can't recommend it enough. Go for the Food and you will keep coming back because the people are so friendly and helpful. read more

The drinks are not the greatest, i think my bartender might have been having a bad night but she was a bit rude and the drinks we ordered were pretty nasty they honestly tasted like rubbing alcohol. The food...super greasy! i left with a stomach ache with the combination of grease and rubbing alcohol Maybe ill try a different night? idk i was very disappointed becase i heard really good things about this bar read more

Had a great experience at Flatiron. I'm visiting from out of town and found this place to be very accommodating to sports fans from all over. They made every effort to make sure we fans could watch our favorite teams. The food was quite good pub fare, but the real points go to the friendliness of the staff and the positive attitude and vibes of the owner, Alex. read more

Dear Flatiron, Every morning I drive by your messages on the door and they make me laugh. This morning my heart was full when you had the message about supporting San Rafael teachers. I am a teacher in the Mill Valley district who is also fighting for my compensation. Thank you for that Uplifting supportive message Yours truly, A Flatiron Fan read more