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    Shanghai Kelly's

    3.7 (326 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, Sports Bars
    Open 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Shanghai Kelly's Photos

    Business Info

    SHANGHAI KELLY'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Divey
    Loud
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Shanghai Kelly's

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    Reviews With Photos - Shanghai Kelly's

    Jessica N.

    Dive-y sports bar. Basic selection of beers. Cocktails are only $10! Friendly bartender.

    Evan Y.

    Rumor has it, the expressing getting "Shanghai'd" originated in this establishment. Check out the back and there is a trap door near the restroom on the wall that has since been covered. Supposedly the drunks would go to the bathroom, bartender would pull the lever, and they'd wake up as a laborer at sea having to earn their keep back to shore. Those days are long gone, and now Shanghai is a place you go to drink cheap beer, watch games, and maybe rip a few shots of Jager just to feel something. Go to Shanghai Kelly's if you "understand the words that are coming out of my mouth" (Rush Hour)

    Scott L.

    The service is by the bar man is amazing the ambience also great this is a true Pittsburgh Steelers bar every touchdown they play the fight song well worth a visit when the Steelers are playing

    Guinness
    Mikey S.

    Definition of cool little dive bar. Bartender was a great dude and the drink prices were fantastic. I have nothing bad to say about this joint and would love to come back!

    Inside
    Angie K.

    A staple in SF, fun place, a great place to meet old timers and young folks. Lots of Boston College alumnus here, watching sports and hanging out. Friendly bartenders and just a fun place to chill and enjoy some downtime with friends old and new.

    Schlitz cocktails with the pals with a PBR twist

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    26 days ago

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    7 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Shanghai Kelly's is a vibe. Not fancy, but never disappoints. perfect place to grab a quick pint with a friend and close out the night.

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    10 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Great place great food, greatest people in the world to be in an Irish atmosphere sort of

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    The staff ruined everything. Rude, slow, unfriendly, and made the whole place feel unpleasant. Definitely not coming back.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    A great spot but the bartender chris is deplorable.. hope he's doing ok but his attitude from the beginning was rude and off putting

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The best corner bar in the city! Fun crew, great drinks, music, and people. Good for a game as well as a rowdy night out.

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    this place has a great local vibe, and the bartenders and bouncers are super friendly.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Shanghai Kelly's

    Review Highlights - Shanghai Kelly's

    if ur looking for a quiet friendly pint ,then call into the much travelled dave willett during the day or daire "the legend of castleknock" ........

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    The Pig & Whistle

    The Pig & Whistle

    4.0
    (587 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    We stopped here on a recent early evening to watch a World Cup game. It was our first time here,…read moreand we're glad we decided to go somewhere different. The Fish & Chips are the best I've had in the city! Not greasy at all and simply delightful. They also have a solid selection of beers on tap; I enjoyed a Deschutes IPA and a Guinness. A lot of people were ordering Old Speckled Hen, which I want to try next time--I've never heard of that beer and it seems quite popular. The menu features all the hits of a British pub. I want to try their Shepherd's Pie next time, and my husband wants to get the bangers and mash. He was hoping they had a scotch egg, but that's the one item not on the menu. Oh, and some sticky toffee pudding would be awesome! The only downside was a large party of eight people with screaming children. We can't seem to escape that in restaurants lately--even in a pub. Ugh, it was terrible and sadly put a damper on an otherwise delightful experience. Chuck E. Cheese energy is not the vibe. Despite that, we will be back.

    I hate leaving negative reviews, but my experience with the owner of this bar was so upsetting that…read moreI feel compelled to share it. I'm currently living in San Francisco for six weeks while caring for my father, who is recovering from a double lung transplant at UCSF. It's been an emotionally exhausting time, and I was excited to find a neighborhood bar within walking distance where I could occasionally relax and decompress. I first discovered this bar after a trip to Trader Joe's. During that visit, the bartenders, especially Chris, and the rest of the staff were welcoming, friendly, attentive, and wonderful. Based on that experience, I was looking forward to returning. Unfortunately, my interactions with the owner have been the complete opposite. On my second visit, the owner repeatedly ignored me while I was trying to order. When he noticed my service dog, who was leashed, quietly sitting beside me, and causing absolutely no disruption, he loudly yelled across a crowded bar, "Get your dog out of here." I calmly explained that he is a service dog. The owner immediately rolled his eyes and demanded to know what service my dog provides. Because I did not feel comfortable disclosing personal medical information to a room full of strangers, I asked if I could privately show documentation instead. He became increasingly hostile, telling me that he "knew his rights" and that I "didn't know anything," while continuing to demand an explanation. Feeling embarrassed and cornered, I reluctantly answered his question. He rolled his eyes again and asked, "What do you want?" When I ordered a Corona, he responded by pointing his finger in my face and saying, "You mean you want a Corona PLEASE." He refused to serve me unless I repeated the order exactly as he demanded. I was shocked, humiliated, and left the bar in tears. Several patrons nearby apologized to me and expressed how uncomfortable they were witnessing the interaction. A few days later, I decided to give the bar a second chance and brought my partner with me. My partner was seated with my service dog while I walked to the bar to order. The owner immediately recognized me and once again said, "Get your dog out." I calmly reminded him that we had already had this conversation and that I had previously explained my dog's service role. He responded by asking whether I was providing a service to the dog or whether the dog was providing a service to me. After I again explained the situation, he asked what I wanted to order. I ordered two dirty gin martinis, and before I could even finish speaking, he began walking away. When he returned with the check, I asked him to keep the tab open. He again corrected me and said I needed to say, "Keep it open PLEASE." At that point, I asked why he seemed to treat me this way every time I came in. His response was, "Piss off. Finish your martini and you're never allowed back here again. Get out." Once again, I left in tears. Once again, nearby patrons appeared shocked by the way I was being treated. I've worked in professional environments my entire career and strive to treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect. I was never rude, disruptive, or confrontational. I simply wanted to enjoy a drink at a neighborhood bar while accompanied by my service dog. The bartenders and staff were wonderful. My experience with the owner, however, was one of the most humiliating and hostile customer service experiences I have ever had.

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

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    Stella beer
    Johnny Foley's

    Johnny Foley's

    3.9
    (1.6k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    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.

    This review is based on 1 pint of beer! It was a good pint of beer. Went in around 4 o'clock in the…read moreafternoon and was served promptly. Good Irish music on in the bar to listen to. $10 for a pint of beer...I get it...it's downtown San Francisco. But does not look like I'm gonna have many pints there in the future.

    Photos
    Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.
    Low-top table, in the back. Beautiful environment, Irish music, great vibe.
    Excellent fish and chips
    Excellent fish and chips
    Fresh mussels with wine sauce

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    Fresh mussels with wine sauce
    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    4.4
    (435 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    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
    Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling
    Modern decor, cozy lighting and an open-air feeling
    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!
    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

    The Kezar Pub

    3.8
    (837 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    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.

    I had been wanting to try the wings here ever since I was in a kickball league in the 2000s in…read moreGolden Gate Park. You know what they say, there is no time like the present! The wings were fantastic! Why did I wait so long to try them? Crispy edges and a perfect buffalo sauce with a little kick. My mouth is watering as I type this. Bonus- bowl for the bones. Not too many places do that and the feature commands respect. I also had a classic margarita and it was yummy. Great for a hot day. Games were playing in all the tvs and there are a lot of tables to watch from. This spot is a great location to watch a game with friends and enjoy some pub grub. Let's go Giants!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Kezar Burger + Tater Tots
    Kezar Burger + Tater Tots
    The Kezar Pub

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    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.0
    (978 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    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
    Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes
    Happy Hour - Potato Croquettes
    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

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    Shanghai Kelly's - pubs - Updated July 2026

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