About
Welcome to The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant, a hidden gem in San Francisco offering a truly authentic Irish experience. Located at 198 5th St, this pub and restaurant is not just your average neighborhood spot – it's a must-try destination for anyone looking for a taste of Ireland in the heart of the city.
From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with the warm, welcoming ambiance of old Irish charm, complete with mahogany and brass decor. The bar boasts an exceptional selection of Irish and Scotch whiskies, perfect for those looking to savor a true taste of the Emerald Isle.
But it's not just about the drinks at The Chieftain – the food here is absolutely phenomenal. Whether you're craving traditional Irish fare like Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash, or looking for something a bit more eclectic like curry or chicken dishes, the kitchen has something for everyone.
Customer reviews rave about the quality of the food, with one customer mentioning that the Shepard's Pie might just be the best they've ever had. And let's not forget about the extensive beer selection, including hard-to-find options like Kilkenny's cream ale.
But it's not just the food and drinks that make The Chieftain stand out – the atmosphere is unbeatable. Live Irish traditional music sessions on Sunday nights, friendly and knowledgeable servers, and a chill yet fun vibe make this spot a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
So if you're looking for a genuine Irish pub experience in San Francisco, look no further than The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant. With its rich history, authentic ambiance, and delicious food and drinks, it's the perfect spot to eat, drink, and be merry.
“ Probably the best Irish Bar in San Francisco. A corner bar very well situated 10 minutes walk from Union Square. Guinness is served at the perfect temperature and they have an exceptional choice of Irish and Scotch whiskeys. A warm welcoming atmosphere in the old Irish style of Mahogany and brass. The kitchen serves a good selection of Fish and Chips, bangers and mash, steak, curry and chicken dishes too. They have a live Irish traditional music session every Sunday night starting around 7 pm. If you're looking for a genuine Irish experience from an Irish owned County Kerry owned bar, you could do a lot worse than the Chieftain. Great Craic all around! ”
“ AMAZING spot!!! Not only does it have some of the best Irish beers and whiskies I've seen on tap (I don't know many other places that have Kilkenny's cream ale), but the food is absolutely phenomenal!!! You forget you're in a pub completely. I've been multiple times now, and every single time we haven't had one bad thing to eat. Servers are fast, friendly and knowledgeable and the vibe is very chill yet fun. Definitely one of the best places in SF to eat, drink and be merry ”
“ Amazing find despite passing it so many times! Such history and ambiance. The staff is friendly and served me my beer and fish -n- chips with a smile! Both were superb, and quite possibly the best fish -n- chips I've had! Went on a Sunday and caught some authentic Irish entertainment as well. Love this "local" place. ”
“ Added an order of Bangers and Mash and a drink of Pear Cider and a Ginger Agave Cider. The Bangers and Mash is a very filling high protein plate. The sausages are juicy and plenty for their size. The gravy either on the mashed potatoes or with the sausages adds a sweet and creamy element to the plate. And the beans certainly wrap up a hearty and strong meal to carry one's stomach for more than just one meal. The Pear Cider is a good go-to cider choice for something refreshing to wash down your meal. The Ginger Agave Cider is a different but also quite refreshing drink to have with a slightly stronger ginger note profile. Service was quick and courteous and our meal was enjoyed quite nicely. Do note that the kitchen closes at 10 PM so it's best to arrive at an appropriate time. Restaurant feels very authentic and the evening Scottish music sets the mood just right when they're here. ”
“ Really solid Irish pub near Mascone. Super chill vibe inside, but all the patrons were enjoying their time. I sat at the bar and had one drink, one beer and the Shepard's Pie, which quite possible is the best I've ever had. Tons of ground lamb, nice layer of mashed potatoes, which were moist and not over cooked. Bartender was very nice, prices were reasonable (I guess, but jeez everything in SF is beyond expensive these days). I've walked by here so many times, but for some reason, always thought of it as a tourist place, maybe because of the proximity to Moscone, but now I'm mad at myself for discounting it. I love it and will be back for sure. ”
“ Landed here on a quiet Saturday afternoon. Service was cheerful and fast. Nothing fancy but if you want a good fish and chips, stop by. ”
“ classic buffalo wings. we got ranch, blue cheese and barbecue sauce on the side and service was nice to accommodate that. ”
“ Came here on a Friday evening after work with my coworkers. We first went to Tempest around the corner, however their service was horrible so we left and decided to dine in at Chieftain Irish Pub. Although the restaurant and bar was a bit busy, the server immediately acknowledged us and sat us down. Super friendly server. We ordered the Guinness, fried zucchini, French fries with curry sauce on the side, the fish and chips and two orders of the bangers and mash. The food came out quickly and everything tasted yummy. I would def come back for the bangers and mash if I'm around the corner, the sausage was juicy and went well with the beans and mash. The fish and chips was also good however a bit oily. Wish the oil was patted down a bit before serving on the plate. Thank you for the lovely service. It was refreshing after being treated poorly at tempest. ”