The Horseshoe Tavern has been our neighborhood watering hole for over 16 years, and at this point,…read moreit feels a lot more like family than just a bar. So many memories have been made here -- birthdays, celebrations, nights out with friends and family, and plenty of random evenings that turned into some of the best ones. We've also made friendships here that have lasted for years. It's one of those rare neighborhood bars where you can walk in, see familiar faces, bring your dog, grab a drink, and immediately feel at home. I was especially honored to be asked to guest bartend for The Equal Pour, an event celebrating 55 years of women being able to bartend in California. It was such a fun and meaningful day, and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie even stopped by to celebrate with everyone. And because the Horseshoe always seems to have a good story attached to it, we were also there when the Budweiser Clydesdales came by to deliver beer -- definitely one of those only-in-San-Francisco neighborhood moments. The staff here has always treated us like family, and that's what keeps us coming back year after year. No pretension, no fuss -- just good people, a great neighborhood atmosphere, dogs welcome, and a place that has been part of our lives for well over a decade. The Horseshoe is a true Marina neighborhood gem, and I hope it stays exactly that for many more years.

My friend and I were in the Marina after an event at Fort Mason, and were looking for a low-key bar…read moreto get a drink. Fortunately, we were lucky to stumble across Horseshoe Tavern, as it immediately gave across a welcoming and comfortable vibe. Although there was only one bartender working the bar which was packed with a lot of people watching the Kentucky Derby, the service was incredible and the bartender immediately acknowledged us and took our order. We ended up getting two rounds, and again the bartender was super prompt and attentive with service when we went back inside for round two. Overall, this place is a gem, especially being in the Marina. Down to earth and comforting vibe. Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice watering hole or a place to play pool.

This is a FABulous, family-owned and operated bar that absolutely does take credit cards, despite…read moremany reviews (connected to prior owners perhaps) saying they don't. We were there for Thanksgiving and Sully was working non-stop behind the bar, his wife turned the pool table into a Thanksgiving day spread that could have competed with grandma's dinner! All were invited to a California-style holiday, where you could bring the family you chose to spend the day with, while making new friends if you were interested in doing that. No shopping, cooking or cleaning up. And amazingly they didn't even charge visitors for the meal! Everything was wonderful! Another guest brought an addictive, spicy, NOLA influenced oyster stuffing that we must come back for next year! OMG I don't know if there's any food normally, but we were very lucky to have discovered this bar, any day of the year! And with Sully and his wife's decades in this business, they've created a very friendly, but also extremely professional , local neighborhood bar. They've also lined the walls with great, music-themed photos and Bay Area concert posters that add to the vibe! And while their Irish coffee is as good as The Buena Vista, the price is much more palatable !

Bartender, male, ~6ft, black uniform, ethnically black. The most rude bartender I have ever…read moreexperienced in my life, rushed me to use the toilet, swore at me "I will fuck your shit up", very intimidating along with his pals who were drinking in the bar. I was gobsmacked at the treatment I experienced in this venue, I would absolutely advise any customer to tread carefully with that bartender, an absolute disgrace. Certainly should not be working in a customer facing role as such, purely antisocial.

Such a Nostalgic place. We stopped by after a wedding for their Famous Irish Coffee…read more It did not disappoint.. Thankyou for continuing on with this long ti.e traditional drink. It was agreat end to a really happy day.

Ambiance GREAT! Damn the bartenders are SAVAGE! They basically hate anyone that isn't a regular!…read moreWent yesterday and a slender bald guy was ours mid day. He was so taken aback. Asked, if I could have an Irish coffee to go "iced" ( they have a TO GO menu outside listed) It was 78F, I guess I had to acquiesce to the man's wishes. Hot...to go! Went again tonight (9/7) Steven was the guy I got! He said "Labor day weekend is full of amateurs" Man...They are paying your bills! When did this area become NYC? I am not from SF. I am a bartender in San Diego. I, understand your frustration and you have worked there for 5 years. We all know why we get into this business, with that being said... Deciding, to $hit on anyone that could hear you is atrocious and maybe it's time for half of those old timers to retire. This is only my experience from the bar top. Kind of made me sad as they forgot why they chose this profession. Clearly, they have lost that and have become jaded.

Legendary but too Busy…read more Stepping through the doors of Balboa Cafe in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood feels like unlocking a timeless vault of classic California society and old-school saloon culture. Established in 1913 (though a superstitious original owner famously installed a plaque reading 1914 to escape the bad luck of the number 13), this legendary watering hole effortlessly bridges the gap between San Francisco's rich history and its bustling modern energy. With its striking dark wood paneling, crisp white tablecloths, and an iconic green neon sign cutting through the fog on Fillmore Street, the room practically whispers stories of the generations of local politicians, tech moguls, and high-society regulars who have rubbed elbows here. It's a beautifully multigenerational landmark where people-watching is a sport, the service is fast and familial, and the kitchen still masterfully turns out their cult-classic Balboa Burger served on a fresh baguette. Yet, as spectacular as the vintage vibe and the burgers are, the true heartbeat of the modern Balboa experience is their legendary, world-famous Espresso Martini. Affectionately dubbed the "Espressotini," this cocktail is absolute royalty in the SF bar scene, with the bartenders famously churning out upwards of 1,000 martinis a day to tables ordering them a dozen at a time. Shaken to an incredibly velvety, frothy perfection using vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, and a proprietary nitro cold brew blend, it pours with a signature dense cream foam that mimics a perfect pint of Guinness. Deceptively smooth and balanced without being overly sweet, it acts as both a sophisticated pick-me-up and a social catalyst. Sitting at that historic dark wood bar, watching the towers of coupe glasses catch the dim ambient light while a lively crowd buzzes around you, drinking an Espressotini isn't just ordering a cocktail--it's taking part in a mandatory San Francisco ritual. Thanks

I don't understand the appeal of Balboa Café. The food is mediocre and inconsistent, the prices are…read morehigh for what you get, and the service leaves a lot to be desired. It's also loud and crowded enough that it doesn't make for a particularly enjoyable meal. To me, the reputation seems to have more to do with the location, history, and social scene than the quality of the restaurant. There is another reason I wouldn't choose to spend my money there. Balboa Café has a long association with Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack group. Newsom's San Francisco business interests, including Balboa Café, changed hands when he became mayor, and his remaining PlumpJack interests were later placed in a blind trust when he became California governor. The business is still part of the PlumpJack operation and is run by his sister, Hilary Newsom. I know many people have strong opinions about Newsom and his time as governor, and I have my own. Given that connection, I personally don't want to support the business. That's my choice, but when the restaurant itself isn't giving me much reason to go in the first place, it's an easy decision. For me, Balboa Café is overpriced, overrated, and not worth the money or the association.

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.

A little underwhelming…read more My friends and I stumbled across White Rabbit on St. Patrick's Day when the neighboring place was too busy. We should have known that this wasn't the most popping spot considering the holiday and how we pranced in without too much of a fight. It was rather empty when we were there. It felt like more of an empty room that just so happened to be a bar. Things just seemed spaced out awkwardly with furniture that didn't go well together. It was rather quiet too. I could not even tell you what music was playing because I could not even hear it. I do appreciate that the place was festively decorated though. It was perfectly on theme for St. Patrick's Day. The bartenders were super friendly here. My friends and I were trying to take a picture together and the bartender kindly snapped some shots of us (both horizontal and vertical pics...chef's kiss). We ordered a round of their Jameson Jell-O shots and they were super good. I'd be curious to come back on a typical weekend night to get a sense of their atmosphere in a different setting.

Extremely disappointing and unacceptable experience…read more We walked into the bar, ordered our drinks, were served without any issue, and my brother-in-law even left a generous $30 tip. Immediately afterward, security approached us and kicked our entire group out, claiming my brother-in-law was "too intoxicated." This was only our second bar of the night, and nothing about the way the situation was handled made sense to us. If he was supposedly too intoxicated to be there, why were we served drinks in the first place? I immediately asked to speak with a manager because I wanted an explanation. I was told the manager was coming out, so I waited--and nobody ever came. No manager spoke with us, no one properly explained what had happened, and we were given no opportunity to have a reasonable conversation about the situation. Later, I approached another security guard trying to understand what was going on. He directed me to someone else, who told me they had been dealing with people drinking all day and were kicking people out because they had been having issues with other patrons. That made the experience even more frustrating. Whatever problems the establishment had with other customers earlier in the day had absolutely nothing to do with our group. We walked in, purchased drinks, tipped $30, and were then immediately removed based on an accusation that was never properly explained to us. I haven't been to the marina since 2021, and this experience is the reason why. The new staff members, security guards, and bar workers displayed a lack of professionalism and treated customers disrespectfully. The biggest issue wasn't simply being asked to leave--it was the complete lack of professionalism and communication. If there was a legitimate concern, someone could have explained it respectfully. Instead, we were served, took care of the staff with a generous tip, were immediately kicked out, and then left waiting for a manager who never bothered to come speak with us. Completely unacceptable and disrespectful way to treat paying customers. What should have been a fun night turned into an unnecessarily frustrating and horrible experience.

I've been coming to this space since it was "Left at Albuquerque", and wow, what an upgrade. The…read moreBrixton is a classy higher-end spot that is perfect for larger groups or family gatherings. They offer a huge variety of New American fare with generous shareable portions or small plates. The layout was well thought out as every table is comfortable and offers visitors enough room to play musical chairs for those large group meetups. The Brixton gets busy fairly often, but again, the layout and spacing makes it such that you can hear everyone in your party without screaming. The food is great, and I've yet to find a dish that I wouldn't resoundingly recommend. The servers are knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. The Brixton is always on my recommendation list as a place to hang out in the Marina/Cow Hollow area.

I had high expectations. But I also knew it was a Saturday night and moreover Valentine's Day. It…read morewas extraordinarily loud. We asked for a quiet table and they found us one. But it was still hard to hear each other across the table. My husband had a drink at the bar. He ordered a second at the table and they brought him a third. We ordered wontons that never arrived. He ordered a salad with his hamburger and they brought him fries. The food was delicious. Dessert was disappointed. We ordered an apple pie but it was more like a pop tart. All pastry and only a tiny bit of apples. Our server was very helpful and accommodating. I understand that the kitchen was slammed. But I always wonder when the wait staff who takes your order is not the one delivering your food. That's where the mistakes happen. My scallops were delicious. All four tiny ones. Next time we'll come when it's hopefully quieter.

Your standard, solid Irish bar. Draft list is good if not exciting. A lot of the usual stuff…read more They don't serve food but you can bring food in.

Whenever there's a game and I'm in the mood to go out and watch it in-person, British and/or Irish…read morepubs are, hands down, the first place on my list to patronize. We had planned to watch the third place World Cup match (England vs France) and had initially looked into the Mad Dog in the Fog and Kezar Pub as plans A and B respectively. Both of them were charging a cover charge to come inside and watch the match, so we decided to look elsewhere. We encountered O'Reilly's and stepped inside to see if it'd meet our expectations. All I can say is that we're damn glad we did! Facts: * They do NOT serve/sell food. They are drinks ONLY. BUT, don't let that dissuade you from coming here. They're very lenient on you bringing in your own food to eat (granted you should also be courteous and buy something to drink here as well.), and there are some great food places within walking distance such as Escape from New York Pizza, Cha Cha Cha and even Whole Foods. * The owner is a great guy and is even Irish to boot! We had a great time shooting the breeze with him. There was one other employee working the bar as well who was friendly. * Prices, IMO, are reasonable for the drinks they serve. The pub got pretty crowded for the match, but the two employees had everything under control and seemed to be able to still bring people their drinks in a timely manner. We got pizza from Escape from New York down the street, and then washed it down with some Guinness here. (The Guinness was $10/glass.) Our drinks came fairly quickly. Overall, a great time was had by us and all, and, to make things even better, England won the match!! I've been to my share of British and/or Irish pubs, and, despite not serving any food, O'Reilly's is still one worth patronizing. Give it a shot! SUPPORT LOCAL AND/OR SMALL BUSINESSES. 5 stars all the way

I left my heart in San Francisco, miss parts of SF like Brazen Head. Use to work up the street,…read moreback then Des Amis, French Bistro, yes chef, oui chef, all day. This place would be a late nighter, if I was actually hungry for a good meal, most of the time, BOH guys like me would hit the bar after service and get faded. But for a classy late night meal, no mistakes here for over 20 years I been coming here. Strong cocktails, Cozy seating Come with a hot date, not a crowd unless the bars empty but I doubt it.

This is probably one of the strangest reviews that I've ever written…read more Late night in SF, and decided to try a local late night watering hole. I'm not sure what brazen head looks like during the day, but at night, the inside of the restaurant is all lit in red. So yes, when you're looking at my pictures, it's because of the lighting in the restaurant. The best part of the experience was a service. One of the reasons I wanted to try this place other than it being a "favorite of locals "is because one of their dishes that they are known for is pepper steak. The pepper steak of my childhood is what I was looking for, and definitely not what this was. What arrived at my table was a steak that had gravy on top of it. Not the traditional pepper steak, which is sautéed meat with bell peppers and onions. The steak itself was I don't know what cut of beef, but it definitely was not good. It was a very tough piece of unidentifiable beef. ( it's listed as a New York strip, but there's no way that it is ) Maybe the gravy was supposed to be the pepper part of the steak, but it was pretty bland and closer to thin water down gravy than anything else. The dish came with mashed potatoes and green beans. The mashed potatoes were absolutely horrible. They taste tasted like they must've been sitting in the pot, waiting for an unsuspecting person to order them. The portion wasn't generous and ironically I'm rather grateful for that. The green beans which were sadly also disappointing, were the better part of the three items on the plate. After trying to get through the meal, I can understand why they keep the entire restaurant lit in red. It's like a bloodbath of bad food.

We only went here because our motel was close. Margarita was tasty. Green tea shots..yum…read more But unexpected was the smash burger and curly fries.....wow! Jukebox and pool tables too. Oh, and did I mention 18 tvs!!!

Came several hours early for a little birthday WC action on a Sunday morning after planning weeks…read moreahead cause they specifically said they didn't take reservations for tables, only to wllk in to the half the tables being reserved. Ridiculous staff that thought he was amusing said they didn't take reservations, but "money can buy anything". Lol it's not money that's buying your tables if you aren't allowing those willing to pay to reserve buddy - Sleazy, unreliable place to watch a game.