Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Showdown

    4.3 (127 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Order The Showdown Takeout or Delivery

    The Showdown Photos

    Business Info

    THE SHOWDOWN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Showdown

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    hangry meal

    Our favorite bar in San Francisco!! Everything they do here is creative, thoughtful, and well executed. Their food is some of the best bar food Ive ever had, we honestly just come for dinner a few times a week. And the cocktails are better than most cocktail bars around and about half the price. The bartenders and staff are so much fun and make anyone coming in feel like they are home. Also the BEST bar in North Beach for Football sundays!!!!

    High noon

    Visiting from TX and found this place by accident. It reminded us of our hometown hang out spot. Everyone made us feel welcome as soon as we came in. Not just the bartender but the manager and the locals hanging out. The drinks were great and the company even better. They gave us some amazing recommendations for some local restaurants and they were all perfect! We will visit again if we ever make it back to San Fran.

    The Black and Blue & The O.G.

    Super cool place. Straight forward menu , service was efficient and kind . Smash burgers totally slap for lunch.

    All Yelpers welcome!
    Monica L.

    The service and the drinks here are super. My old fashioned was a true old fashion' I'm tired of these fake old fashion cocktails with crushed ice (lol). Make sure you hit up Joe for the best experience. If you fancy, there is also a pool table that is pretty busy. I haven't had the food here but their hangry special for 15$ can't be beat !

    "7 wonders Duel" game we played all afternoon / evening. Such great vibes
    Vanessa D.

    Came here for a spot to play a board game and it was absolutely amazing. Such chill vibe. Patrons AND bartender were adding. Enjoyed my time here. Also by far one of the best/freshest Shirley temples I've ever had. They used their cherry juice to make it, as opposed to bottled grenadine. Such a chill spot, especially for a random Sunday (close at 2am). Will definitely be back.

    Espresso Martini but with Tequila
    Tommy P.

    A block off the main strip but I really liked it here with a fun bar menu. The gentleman helping me was very nice... -- I initially wanted the espresso martini on the menu with tequila. However, it seemed that it was already premade. A lot of places that I've been to just leave it at that but the bartender took it upon himself to make it with a little twist. So that was pretty cool. It started to get crowded after a while but he was attentive and kept checking up. The drinks were really delicious. Usually, I try a special cocktail and then resort to tequila sodas after. But I had a few of these bad boys, perfectly crafted. I didn't try any of the food but they had a selection of salads, corn dogs, etc. I'm not in the city too often but I'd definitely come back here again if in the area.

    James. The end. We were looking for brunch and Moes had a line so we walked by, came in an were hesitant as my husband wanted an omelette. James sold us. House made biscuits, the Hangry meal. Ok. We sat down, had a drink and done. Amazing food. The vibe is relaxed and home feeling and just inclusive, inviting, fun and just right. All James. We will be back. We live 2 blocks over. Split my time between LA and SF and this place is a gem.

    Boston 3 Ways!
    Rahul H.

    I'm a local and if you want a fun, friendly and tasty bar vibe in North Beach this is your spot. Can't say enough about the great staff too.

    a man sitting at a bar
    Chris C.

    Looking for a cool spot in lil Italy. This bar is dope. Many of the surrounding bars are cash only and if not cash only, it's a 20 minimum if you want to use your credit card. So this spot is winning based on the fact that they don't hit you with all that. The smah burger and garlic fries are a big deal. The bartender Zack, is not only cool and on point, but his music selections had me stuck (80's /90s Hip-Hop). Differently the best bar in lil Italy to me, for those reason..

    Hangry meal, delicious Egg & Cheese Biscuit, great vibes, and better service!

    Food is amazing and came with legos. Great service, great beers and coffee. I got the hangry meal and loved it.

    Cheesesteak Eggrolls

    See all

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jade M.
    1
    13
    11

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Magaly G.
    36
    87
    363

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Rodeo cheese. Fried cheese is a yes... hot honey no, maybe cayenne powder? I'm drunk though so five stars.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    "I'm drunk though so five stars." submits 3 stars... :)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of F T.
    0
    2
    0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tony C.

    Tony C.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tina L.
    32
    89
    41

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mara M.
    753
    585
    2968

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    The Showdown Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Showdown

    Is this the same Showdown that was at 6th and market for years (currently rumpus room)? Just found my own answer. The owner is friends with the previous owner of the showdown…

    Hey! No it is not. We are friends of Johnny and asked his permission to use the Showdown name. He was cool with it. I missed that bar, good times.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Pig & Whistle

    The Pig & Whistle

    4.0
    (586 reviews)
    2.6 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

    See all

    Stella beer
    Johnny Foley's

    Johnny Foley's

    3.9
    (1.6k reviews)
    0.9 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

    See all

    Fresh mussels with wine sauce
    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    Black Hammer Brewing Company

    4.4
    (435 reviews)
    1.4 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

    See all

    Super cute accent wall and overhead lighting give the bar a great atmosphere
    The Kezar Pub

    The Kezar Pub

    3.8
    (837 reviews)
    3.3 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
    The Kezar Pub
    The Kezar Pub

    See all

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

    4.0
    (978 reviews)
    1.2 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

    See all

    The Showdown - pubs - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...