Had some Chicago friends in town who wanted to watch the Blackhawks game, so i tell them there's a "Chicago bar" a few blocks from my house and we meet at Monaghan's. I like Monaghan's well enough - plenty of room to move, and very friendly bartenders. But we all have issues.... At Monaghan's the issue was discovered when my idiot Chicago friends decided it was time for some Malort. There is NO MALORT at Monaghan's, a so-called "Chicago bar". Hey Monaghan's, why no Malort??? Get some Malort or stop selling yourself as a "Chicago bar". So we had to do a hard target internet search and take a Lyft to the Wreck Room to get some Malort. All in all Monaghan's is aiiiight, but minus one star for no Malort and minus one star because i had to take a goddamned Lyft to the goddamned Wreck Room to get my goddamned friends their goddamned Malort.... Goddamn it.... read more

Ok, I'm going to be honest, I am 3 months away from 30 so this place really has no appeal for me. We stopped by based on a recommendation from a guy I met at the airport. After walking in it was evident that I was completely out of my element. Its been a long time since I've been crammed into a bar in sardine fashion. That was the thing to do when I was in my early 20s but now that I'm married and nearly 30, I just don't find it fun. I like space and there is none of that in this bar. You are bumping and grinding a hundred people just to get from one place to another. Seriously a layer of clothes is the only thing keeping it from being one big orgy. I like a little conversation with my drinks. Here, you have to make out with people's ears and then you still don't fully hear anything being said...bad game of telephone anyone?? The bartenders...sure they are pretty people, but I'm no Demi Moore and their looks don't make up for their, "I'm better than you" attitude and inability to focus on getting drinks to people in a speed that is necessary for a bar this crowded. Oh and word to the wise, pay as you go...seriously, an open tab is not convenient when you have to wait 10 years to get your credit card back. Final note, it was $12 for two beers, so I would seriously recommend rethinking this bar. If you are super young and looking to "hook up" this place is probably for you. If you are like me and just want to have a good drink to wind down after a long day at work, then this is not your place. Matter of fact, try the Alembic, its way better! read more

If the Marina is a modern Sodom, then Monaghan's is one of its most prominent heathen temples that arches out in blasphemous defiance into the night. Mognahan's Thursday through Saturday night plays host to what everyone says is bad about the Marina. It's a never ending frat party: legions of wasted and barely 21 girls who say hello in a curious language whose syntax is formed around different and exciting ways of spilling their alcohol on you, tall white bros who try to maintain their unquestionable masculinity while singing and dancing to "Call Me Maybe", and dangerously cheap jager and jack shots. There's also a pool table in the center of the place. However, I feel like it gets used more as a makeshift bed for people to pass out on than anything else. Much as Monaghan's plays host to the literal ridiculousness of Marina, it also is synecdoche for the district and its notorious nightlife as a whole. I never initially want to go to Monaghan's. I will quickly mount my high horse and thumb my nose at the place for being an unremarkable Irish bar jam-packed with the dredges of the worst of the Marina. And yet five shots later I'll frequently find myself in an Uber, marching down Van Ness like a drunk version of the Oregon Trail, bound for Pierce and Chestnut. Even worse (and don't you ever quote me on this) it's not so bad sometimes. In fact, you can definitely have fun there. read more

Pool table. Juke box. Wood. Brass. Harp. Drunk singing in the corner. Is this an Irish pub? I think so... read more

This is the place to be when Chicago Sports are on TV! Very important - The beer is inexpensive, some drafts as cheap as $3 and $4! We came here for the Bears game on a Sunday. The atmosphere was very lively - the fans were enthusiastic and social. There are plenty of TV's throughout the bar, and viewing was never a problem. The tables were full by 9:45am; but, it is also fun standing by the bar, and there were plenty of people resting on the pool tables. The bar does not sell food - but they have plenty of free popcorn. If popcorn is not enough, you are allowed to carry food inside or order delivery. The bar even allowed one group to bring in a crock pot to cook their own food! Overall, Monaghan's is a great place to meet more Chicagoans/fans in the Bay Area. I will return for more games, and to visit in general. read more

Friday night - very very busy and super crowded, which was definitely expected. However, bartender not very attentive - but they had time to chat with their friends and do shots - maybe they don't really care for business here. read more

In my eyes, nothing beats Mons. Week day/week night/weekend. The bartenders are awesome, hott and very attentive! This is the spot to watch sports, play trivia, dance and catch up with friends. Sure you can go to the "trendy" bars...Tipsy, DeLa Rosa, Republic but @ Mons you have the good booze, friendly people, Jamal greeting you at the door & a wild time w/o the snoot... pair that with celeb sightings. Thats where you'll find me, my husband, sister in law, cousins & friends! 5+ Stars read more

This place gets loud but it's one of the few places that I've been recently with decently priced Jameson. And there's plenty of parking.

This is a good place to end the night after dinner nearby. They have tvs, a pool table, good music, and the bartenders are friendly. I got the blackberry smash and it was super good. Overall a great casual hang out spot read more

I know that the Horseshoe (which is fun) has the tag line of "the Non -Marina Marina bar" but this was a really cool Marina experience. The first that I have had in a long time. We came here on a Monday night and it turned out to be Trivia Night. So I love trivia and can be somewhat competitive. Perfect place. The server was very friendly and made everyone feel at home. And Trivia Night was so much fun! Good crew of people there, down to earth and a sparse amount of fake blonde highlights. Definitely will return for more! Normally a unisex bathroom would gross me out, but it was tastefully decorated and clean. Probably fun to get locked in there for a little while. read more

Free popcorn! Kick-ass Bartenders! Shot specials every day/night of the week! Hollaaaa!!!!! Perfect spot for game days that I can crawl home from. Fri/Sat night's are a different story, however. read more

I LOVE this place. This is like the home base bar for all of my friends. I'm from San Diego, and every single time I go to Monaghan's I see a different person I went to high school with. I'm not sure if this says something about my high school...but it makes going there really fun! There is always music coming from somewhere and a group of guys "breakin it down" in the same spot. Drinks are very easy to get if you make friends with the bartenders...they are a fan of loyal customers...probably because there are a ton of loyal customers. Yes...its a lot of "marina girls" and "frat type guys" but don't blondes have more fun and frats had the best parties? Who better to drink with?! lol. Go early if you want to sit down somewhere...don't put your purse/elbows/hands on any surfices because they are usually covered with spilled vodka redbulls/cranberries and are super sticky. Anybody who's anybody has a love/hate relationship with Monaghan's so join the club! read more

I was kinda freaked out about how many dogs were in this Pub like woof woof actual dogs (not refering to wanker/d-bag dudes). They do let dogs in the pub which I've never seen before and was a bit uncomfortable at first but as long as the dogs were not drinking and only being used by guys to pick up on girls, than I felt a little bit better. I mean really, that is why God put dogs on this Earth anyway right? The staff is VERY VERY VERY ATTRACTIVE HERE. And you can tell that they are pretty close with each other cuz I saw them bustin' a move dance battle status with each other once is a while. All I have to say about that is, "THAT'S HOT!" Free Popcorn. Yes! Yes! Yes! And Popped fresh at least every 20 minutes if I had to guess. The music is hella loud and hella hard (heavy rap/hip-hop/snoop dogg/new and old school) which I think is what I loved the most about this Pub. The music is so hard that I almost forgot I was in the Marina...almost. read more

I don't care what anyone says, I dig this place. Probably one of the only bars in the marina that I can stand for more than an hour... ok that's not true, but at least they have never kicked me out of Monaghan's and for that I am grateful. Oh and they let you play dice on the bar. Bring it! read more

Having Beaver Stadium withdrawal? Monaghan's is kind of a de facto Penn State bar on college football saturdays. Although its a great place to stop in for other sporting events during the off-season, as well. Drink specials are cheap too, so you can also commiserate over whichever sports team you're currently vicariously living through. read more

Monaghan's is a great sports bar. It primarily sticks with Chicago sports, and Big Ten sports, which is great as an Alum of Indiana University. It's nice to be able to find a fanbase so far from the midwest, that can unite for a big game. Also, the bartenders are generally very friendly, and the selection is pretty good. Maybe one of the few places you can find Goose Island in SF. The interior isn't the greatest, but to me it really embraces the grungy sports bar atmosphere. read more

I had never been to Monaghan's, but I know a lot of people who go pretty regularly. Well, all of a sudden I found myself here two weekends in a row. Eh, it's an okay spot. Both times I was here the placed was PACKED (first time was after the Giants clinched the NLCS & the second time was Halloween weekend). The mass amount of people might be a reason I didn't particularly like the the place, but the crowd in general is just not my scene. Well, I guess that's not really a good way of putting it. I'm just not a fan of the Marina, but when I do go I just figure I should just go "all out Marina." When I wanna go to a more divey bar (which this place is), I'll go someplace else. The bar itself is okay. I do think this could be a good place for sports-related drinking with all the TVs (I thought it was funny that Grey's Anatomy reruns were showing the two Saturday nights I was there!) & I did appreciate the beer pong table (which also doubled as a dance floor on Halloween night). Even though the place can get packed there is a lot of seating. We didn't take advantage of this either time I was here, but I did notice people were taking in there own food, which I always like when bars allow for this. As far as the bartenders & drink prices go I really can't comment on either, since I wasn't buying drinks either time I was here. I wouldn't be opposed to coming back to Monaghans (and I'm sure at some point soon it will be suggested by one of my friends), but it wouldn't be my first choice of bars to hang out at... read more

Solid 3.5. I dig it because: - It's a Chicago Bears bar! (Probably why I rounded up to 4 stars instead of rounded down.) I've been just once for a Sunday game this year and it was pretty quiet, but I blame that moreso on our dismal playing than the bar. - Free popcorn! - No cover - Usually good beer specials It's lame because: - I've met some real douchebags here...all of them were from out of the country, oddly enough. But if douchey foreign men are your thing, by all means... - It's packed on weekend nights, and the layout is not super conducive to moving around. It's not the worst crowding in a bar I've experienced, so if you're not terribly claustrophobic, chances are, you'll have a good time. read more

I feel like such an old fogie...but this place was too crowded, too loud and my feet stuck to the floor. if I longed for days of frat parties, drunk girls and getting groped as guys walked by I'd come to monaghan's to relive those experiences, but heck, i never enjoyed that even when I was in college.... on the bright side, it does have a good beer selection on tap and pretty decent music...i might try on a weekday.... read more

Marina Ground Zero. Grab some popcorn and a cocktail. You're in for a long night. read more

Can you say FRAT HOUSE...? Still...I will always, always, tend to stop by...Maybe it's the door man with all his swag ;).... It does get super packed...like super....and with it being super packed it kind of gets smelly/sloshy with uber drunks....the line to the bathroom is always never-ending (I usually hop over to Johnny Rockets) I'm not going to lie though...I end up having a fun time...Maybe it's all the free drinks from all the frat boys?? or because I let go off all or any morals? If I could I would give a 3.5...but obviously I can't. read more

Ended up in this area on accident after a long flight from Florida so gf and I decided to make the best of it. Bartender Mia was super helpful even though we were best and exhausted , told us where to get good at 12am (Hole in Wall Pizza) and bring it back here . So we did (currently pizza and beer pregnant/sleepy) Also gave us info on AT&T stadium as we are going the next day (Go Dodgers!) Super friendly and good music . Highly Recommended!! Thanks. Be back soon ! read more

This was stop number three in my tour of happy hour in the marina, and the winner by far. They had a ton of TV's (not my thing, but some people would care), a great and small crowd, $3 Smithwicks on tap, free popcorn, and a really attractive blond bartender working. Really, what more could you ask for? read more

Posh though the area may look, you find yourself either trapped in classy wine bars mandating you to be on your best behavior, or getting packed into crowded bars where it takes so long to get a drink, your friends start to worry about you. That's the Marina bar scene in a nutshell. We were happy with Monaghan's because it's your basic bar, not too crowded and somewhere in between a divey pub and a sports bar. It includes all the essentials: cheap drinks, decent beer selection, fast service, unimpossible seating, random games, free popcorn for drunchies, and a good noise level creating an ambiance that's very much alive but you can still talk to people without screaming. However with the pluses come some minuses: my Tokyo tea could been stronger, I wish the green lighting for the alcohol display changed colors, and there is so much popcorn on the floor you think the crowd is a little too buzzed to make such a mess (until you get used to the popcorn landscape and/or you become buzzed yourself). Conclusion: not bad, especially if wine bars are too pretentious for you, and you are too pretentious to cram into uncomfortably crowded bars. read more

Note: This review is STRICTLY for Monaghan's on St. Patrick's Day. I'd certainly venture back- just NOT in observation of this particular holiday. Monaghan's was packed. PACKED. Packed like "I can't even maneuver through this place because it's wall-to-wall people." This place HAD to have been over capacity last night- because I've never, ever been such a sardine! The boys bought one drink and we bounced. I'm all for a crowd, but not at the price of standing like a statue. It's simply not enjoyable. I'll give Monaghan's another shot. All and all, it seemed like a cool place. read more

For Sundays Bears Game! As the "official" Chicago Bears bar, I have come for several Sundays to watch my beloved bears F up another game. That day the bartender was extra busy ignoring me and even rolled his eyes when (after waiting 5-10 minutes) in a bar that was 1/2 empty i just said "when you get a minute a Bud Light". As a gathering of bears fans, I did not feel that sense of camaraderie that I would feel back in Chicago. Oddly enough at the Bill's bar lots of love, at this bar not so much. Wierd. Anyway...it's a nice enough spot when the bar is not to busy and if you dont mind hanging with Marina types. read more

I'm a Chicago Bear's fan and this is the only place to be during Bear's games. (Sadly it took me 4 years to figure that out). Lots of tv's and lots of Bears fans keeping the spirits up. However, after the game some of their non-Bears clientele started to trickle in and that leaves a lot to be desired. Although if you're in the marina you probably know what you're getting yourself into... I'll return for as many Bear's games as I can but will probably steer clear otherwise. read more

I love an Aggie bar! Shiner and popcorn! Whoop! I frequent Monaghan's to watch the Texas A&M football games and love this place. The staff is beyond friendly, they know how to handle our rowdy Texas crowd and they always have shiner available. They provide free popcorn which is perfect for watching football. All and all a great place to watch a game with good service! read more

Popcorn is awesome. Patrick is doubly awesome. (and cute!) Nothing to complain about, but nothing really special. read more

A Cub's sports bar... In the Marina... In San Francisco, home of the Giants?? One of these things is not like the other... one of these things just DOESN'T belong... so, why isn't there a Giant's sports bar... hm. Actually, maybe there is. The drinks were decently priced. Last night's special was Red Stripe, for only $2.50. The bartender, not bad on the eyes... there are TWO bathrooms, which Alex just figured out last night. Note: one doesn't have a sign on it.... Show up a little early, grab a table, watch the game or just catch up with friends. AND if you are as lucky as I am (sarcasm), you'll run into old acquaintances... you NEVER thought you'd see again. GO GIANTS! (oh yeah... um, maybe Cubs in this bar...) read more

My kind of spot. Small, initimate, low ceilings, clean, lots of TVs and plasmas, open window seating, and a nice bar selection. Haven't been there on the weekends, but when I pass by, it's usually poppin' off. But on a chill Tuesday, it's the perfect place to get away from the Fillmore crowd. You're talking locals that want to come in for a nice Anchor during the day, a cool iced Macallen 18 for the evening, or a Hot Totti to cap the night as the fog rolls in. If you can't be bothered by the stripe shirt gang, this is your joint during the week. read more

If this bar were in a different neighborhood I'd give it four stars. Drink specials every night of the week, multiple flat screens, a juke box and the windows in the front open so the place is fairly well ventilated. I did go on a Wednesday and would never dare set foot in this hood on the weekend, but there are far worse places to end up for a drink. read more

scrubs stay out of the marina we dont like you and you dont like us.. This bar kills it - always people brakin it down and making sure everyone has a good time. no haters and always cool awesome peeps. I go there every time i'm in the marina.. was there last nite.. read more

Loud Music. Plenty of Booz. College right in my back yard. Yes.... read more

Nice little dive. The bartender was great: sweet, prompt service, and when about 20 people suddenly came in service stayed the same!

When this place is empty it's usually during the pre "Afterwork crowd" boom. So it's filled with interestingly scary drunks. I mean, they are probably in the age range of 40-50s or so, yet they look in their 60s. Very creepy. Otherwise, I like the Marina bars at night. (Okay I've only been in 2 so far.) So of course it depends on which ones you go too, some house 30somethings sipping on wine with children waiting at home. Those are boring and make me nauseous. No, I like a Marina bar with a slightly younger and single crowd. Mostly because it's got a familar homey vibe for me. (I'm from Southern California) I'm not saying these are my kinds of people, because they SOOOOOOO aren't. I'm just saying I'm comfortable around douchebags with money. read more

Excellent young lady bartender. Went out of her way to fetch me a t shirt with an overfull bar and drinks came promptly

I came here with a pub crawl crowd Saturday afternoon, I don't know if any of you all saw people in white t-shirts marking each other with sharpies, wearing douchebag sunglasses, acting like douchebags who were still in college. ... like myself What can I say, these were some of my friends from college, it brought it out in me. ------------- IN ANY CASE: The bartenders were really friendly and cool as our group (of locusts) came in and swarmed the place with unfound arrogance. But, they understood us whippersnappers, and let us lose ourselves a bit. Happy hour was on, and there wasn't a crowd... Damn near perfect time to get comfortable and do 'what-ever'. Too bad, we had to move on quickly. :) Nice establishment that I'll come back to (wearing something normal) read more

The first time I came here wasn't really a good experience. But given that was during a weekend and past midnight, I decided to try it out again with a friend during daytime. Came in during happy hour 430-7pm and was greeted with this sweet bartender, Anna! (I think) My first time here was dirty, full of drunk frat boys and sorority girls so the second time I really appreciated because I've never seen this place so clean without popcorn all over the floor. (they have free popcorn!) Drinks were awesome and the service was great. Bartender had a good attitude and overall she was pleasant to talk to! My friend liked it as well. will be back for sure in the future. :) read more

02.13.10 Stopped in for a quick beer because Tipsy Pig's line was a bit insane. They had the Olympics on, everyone looks like they're having a drunken good time. Popcorn machine in the back corner FTW! It kinda smells funny though =X read more