St. Patrick’s Day Bar Hopping: BARTable Irish Pubs to Visit

Visit many Irish Pubs in San Francisco via the Lepracon Pub Crawl. Photo courtesy of Lepracon Pub Crawl. 

St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is a lively celebration of Irish heritage and culture. The Bay Area offers plenty of ways to enjoy the fun, from parades on both sides of the Bay to a vibrant Irish pub scene. Head to any of these Irish pubs for a cold drink and a friendly atmosphere all month.  This year, the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the United Irish Societies, is on March 15 and marks its 174th year. In the East Bay, enjoy Dublin's St. Patricks Day Festival on March 15 and 16. 

Find the rider guide to both events below.

Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Irish Pubs in San Francisco to visit on St. Patrick's Day

The Napper Tandy in San Francisco's Mission District is a fun spot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of DoTheBay. 

The Napper Tandy | 24th St Mission

Irish-owned and operated, The Napper Tandy in the Mission District is a fantastic place to be this St. Patrick’s Day. The pub offers an extensive menu of spirits, a rotating beer selection and traditional family recipes using local, sustainable and organic ingredients. Their motto is “You are a stranger here but once,” so whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a local, you'll enjoy great food and cold drinks 0.1 miles from 24th St Mission.

Gather with friends and make some new ones this St. Patrick's Day at the Irish Times. Photo courtesy of Irish Times. 

Irish Times | Montgomery St

The self-acclaimed best Irish sports bar in San Francisco’s downtown financial district is a fun place to relax before or after the parade. The family-owned operation opens at 6 a.m. on March 15 for the Ireland vs. Italy rugby match. The ambiance is as warm as its traditional Irish fare. If you arrive early, opt for the full Irish breakfast. The Irish Times is only 0.4 miles from Montgomery St.

The cozy Irish Bank is the perfect place to visit this St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of The Irish Bank. 

The Irish Bank | Montgomery St

To visit one of the most authentic Irish pubs in San Francisco, head down Mark Lane off of Bush St. in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a whitewashed pub decorated with Irish signs and plenty of outdoor alleyway seating. The interior is cozy, the food is traditionally delicious, and the drinks list is extensive. Join the block party on Saturday, March 15 for the 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Party. Doors open at 11 a.m., and Irish music and Celtic rock start at 1:30 p.m. Return on March 17 to do the same again! Join the festivities 0.2 miles from Montgomery St.

Savor Irish food and pints of Guinness at Johnny Foleys this St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of Johnny Foley's. 

Johnny Foleys | Powell St

Serving the Union Square area since 1998, Johnny Foley’s is named after an Irish-born tenor and musical rebel. Founders Martin and Mary Connolly are originally from County Cork. Here, you can expect live music every Friday and Saturday in the main lobby and dueling pianos in the cellar. Classic Irish and local dishes are crafted from scratch daily. Irish beers, cocktails and mocktails — and possibly the largest selection of Irish whiskey in the city — are ready to be served by friendly bartenders. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day at Johnny Foleys, 0.1 miles from Powell St.

For lively St. Patrick's Day fun, head to The Chieftain in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant. 

The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant | Powell

Two sets of brothers from Ireland created this authentic Irish pub in San Francisco. Nestled inside a 1912 historic landmark in the heart of downtown, The Chieftain is a fun place for Irish music, whiskey and classic Irish dishes, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate the holiday, 0.3 miles from Powell St. at 198 5th St.

Enjoy the outdoor beer garden at Casements Bar this St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of Casements Bar. 

Casements Bar | 16th St Mission

Named after Roger Casement, an Irish-born poet and human rights pioneer, Casement’s Bar describes itself as “if Ireland had a beer garden in The Mission.” The New York Times goes further by saying Casements Bar “serves stellar cocktails on one of the best patios in the city.” So, enjoy the outdoors this St. Patrick's Day. You'll love the extensive drinks list and an eclectic menu ranging from beef and Guinness stew to vegetable curry only 0.4 miles from 16th St Mission at 2351 Mission St. 

Visit all your favorite Irish pubs on the Lepracon Pub Crawl. Photo courtesy of CrawlSF. 

Lepracon Pub Crawl | Multiple

Can’t decide which Irish pub to visit? No problem. On March 17, you can go on the annual pub crawl in San Francisco and visit up to 20 establishments. Happening March 14, 15 and 17, don your best green gear and check in at Mayes Oyster House to get a wristband and map 0.9 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

Party on Front Street this St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy of Funcheap. 

St. Pat’s on Front Street | Montgomery St

It's not quite a pub, but it's definitely a party. St. Pat’s on Front is the ultimate Irish-themed celebration. Head to the Front Street Entertainment Zone from 2 to 10 p.m. for traditional Irish food and drinks and traditional and modern Celtic sounds. Attendees can expect high-energy performances from local favorites like Cali Celtic, Playground Hooligans, Hal Wilkes, Murphy Irish Dancers and more. No reservations are needed to enjoy the festivities. However, attendees are encouraged to RSVP on Eventbrite. The party is 0.3 miles from Montgomery St.

Irish Pubs in the East Bay to visit on St. Patrick's Day

For classic old-school vibes, enjoy McNally's Irish Pub in the East Bay. Photo courtesy of McNally's Irish Pub. 

McNally's Irish Pub | Rockridge

One of the East Bay’s oldest Irish pubs, McNally’s dates back to 1933. It has a classic, vintage charm and a laid-back crowd. On St. Patrick’s Day, you can expect a more festive atmosphere with plenty of Guinness. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a newcomer, McNally’s is a fun place to be to celebrate the Emerald Isle 0.4 miles from Rockridge at 5352 College Ave.

Cheers to St. Patrick's Day at Sláinte in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Sláinte. 

Sláinte | 12th St/Oakland City Center

This authentic Irish pub in Oakland’s Jack London Square serves traditional Irish food, like fish and chips, Guinness beef stew and a full Irish breakfast. Guests here will experience true Irish hospitality — making it a standout spot to celebrate the holiday. Enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Sláinte (which translates to “cheers”), which is only 0.5 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center on 131 Broadway. 

Enjoy live music and pub fare at The Starry Plough in Berkeley. Photo courtesy of The Oaklandside (Credit- Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/CatchLight)

The Starry Plough | Ashby

Since 1973, The Starry Plough has been more than just a pub — it’s a home for live Irish music, poetry and community events. If you want a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that goes beyond green beer, this is the place to be. The Starry Plough is famous for its live performances, open mic nights, and traditional Irish music sessions. On St. Patrick’s Day, expect a packed lineup of bands, singers and possibly even an Irish dance performance. Enjoy solid pub fare and a full bar, just .0.2 miles from Ashby. 

How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Bay Area?

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