Finnegans Wake

TLDR: rude bartender unreasonably kicked out of this place and interrupts a friend's birthday party. Would not recommend to anyone looking for friendly service or a nice environment to hang out (the heaters in the back patio DO NOT work and it's freezing) It was a Saturday night, beautiful evening in SF and we were going to this place for a surprise party for our friend's 30th birthday. The evening became a huge disappointment because of the very rude bartender (the guy was maybe 5'5', dark brown hair). We arrived early and went straight to the back patio ahead of the surprise party (no security or ID check to get in) and was chatting with mutual friends when folks decided to grab drinks at the bar. I was not planning to get a drink but went the group inside to keep chatting. The bartender ID's and serves drinks to the folks who wanted to get a beer and at one point, gestures to me for my order. I told him I'm not getting any drink and he continues to press for my ID as if he's security. I check my pockets and realize that I forgot mine at home and clarify again that I'm not getting a beer and don't need any drink service. The guy won't let it go. He points to me and points to the door and blurts out "I need you to leave" and presses on with "I already told you to leave". I quite frankly don't understand this service and attitude - there were plenty of others sitting and chatting in this place WITHOUT ID checks because there was NO ID checks at the door to enter. I've been to plenty of bars in SF where I'm just hanging out with friends and not drinking and there has been no instance where I've been pressed for ID like this and then kicked out on the spot (and with such bad attitude). I don't know how this place is an apparent "local favourite"? There are MUCH NICER bars with better service and nicer environments in SF. Would not recommend to anyone and definitely not coming back.

Amazing Indian food - highly suggest the Daal. The gluten free Naan is less terrible and dishes tasty overall. Will be coming back for the Saag for sure! Also a fun football game in the background and got to bring in my dog.

Most HOSTILE bar I’ve ever been to in my life. The service was horrible and rude, bartender was incredibly hostile as soon as we stepped in. The food is bad , the beer is overpriced and the crowd of people are just odd and off putting. Needless to say I do not recommend stopping here and spending your valuable time and money at a place like this.

Highly recommended, great little divey Cole Valley bar...yes it's the name of a James Joyce book that I haven't read. Recently renovated (a year ago), it's now much nicer both inside and out. Inside, long bar w/a dozen or so beers on tap, big screen TVs usually w/sports on, jukebox, pool table, darts, pinball machines, and small tables for seating. Clean restrooms. Outdoors, back patio with benches, ping pong table (very popular), and deck area. Patio is also available for rentals for private or corporate events. Gets nicely crowded while showing bay area sports games. Very nice owners....twice a year they host a community potluck where food is served from the outside BBQ along with prepared salads and other treats. Definitely check it out each Memorial and Labor Day.

Nice neighborhood bar. My lover lives in the neighborhood so I always make sure to stop by, provided her husband is out of town

The bar has a great selection of beers on tap, and a nice selection of wine. The back patio is peaceful. It gets great sun in the afternoon. Dog friendly on leash of course. Lots of different bartenders so I haven't created a rapport but all are kind and attentive.

Nikki was fabulous!! It was my first time in San Fran and we passed Finnegan’s Wake and had the best time. She was bubbly, friendly, and gave us great service!! Will definitely recommend this bar to my friends. Try the Bloody Mary!!!

Celebrated my birthday here with a group of friends. It was amazing, everyone had a great time playing ping pong! It's a great place to have fun with plenty of space to mingle and chat. Definitely enjoyed the cocktails, bar bites and ambience! Shoutout to Nick for going above and beyond for my large group, much appreciated!

TLDR: rude bartender unreasonably kicked out of this place and interrupts a friend's birthday party. Would not recommend to anyone looking for friendly service or a nice environment to hang out (the heaters in the back patio DO NOT work and it's freezing) It was a Saturday night, beautiful evening in SF and we were going to this place for a surprise party for our friend's 30th birthday. The evening became a huge disappointment because of the very rude bartender (the guy was maybe 5'5', dark brown hair). We arrived early and went straight to the back patio ahead of the surprise party (no security or ID check to get in) and was chatting with mutual friends when folks decided to grab drinks at the bar. I was not planning to get a drink but went the group inside to keep chatting. The bartender ID's and serves drinks to the folks who wanted to get a beer and at one point, gestures to me for my order. I told him I'm not getting any drink and he continues to press for my ID as if he's security. I check my pockets and realize that I forgot mine at home and clarify again that I'm not getting a beer and don't need any drink service. The guy won't let it go. He points to me and points to the door and blurts out "I need you to leave" and presses on with "I already told you to leave". I quite frankly don't understand this service and attitude - there were plenty of others sitting and chatting in this place WITHOUT ID checks because there was NO ID checks at the door to enter. I've been to plenty of bars in SF where I'm just hanging out with friends and not drinking and there has been no instance where I've been pressed for ID like this and then kicked out on the spot (and with such bad attitude). I don't know how this place is an apparent "local favourite"? There are MUCH NICER bars with better service and nicer environments in SF. Would not recommend to anyone and definitely not coming back.

Neighborhood watering hole. Nothing fancy but does the trick. Surly service means you're probably not staying long. On the plus side, they have a nice back patio area and plenty of TVs. This is more of a cold pint watching Sunday football kind of spot. Disaffected staff aren't the friendliest so keep your drink orders simple. Worked for us as a meeting point before moving on for food in the neighborhood.

Since I have friends who live very near this place it's been impossible for me to avoid going there. I have to say it's been quite a while since I've had a bad experience there, and on the most recent visit the barman (who I'd never seen before) was friendly, courteous and helpful. Maybe the owners read some of the bad reviews here about rude service and took steps to improve things. Keep it up.

Was in here for a drink with some friends last nite and the female bartender was soooo rude!!!! She was tending the bar alone and wasn't coping with the demand. She took my order then proceeded to serve everyone around me - I waited for about 15 minutes then waved and tried to get her attention. She finally came down to me and yelled at me saying - what's your problem? Then proceeded to tell me that she was indeed going to charge me for my drinks when she had planned to give me them for free!!! What???! I don't know who owns/manages this bar but you might want to check your staff!! Don't understand the attitude. We won't be back!!!!

I Love this bar. Great place to hang out, meet up with friends and possibly play pool. Classic old school SF bar in a great neighborhood. Grab some food from one of the many places nearby; order a beer, a shot and enjoy.

Went in last night and had a HORRIBLE experience. The two bartenders (an older and younger one) were both incredibly rude for no reason! All we did was try to order a drink and we were immediately ridiculed! My friend tried to order an old fashioned and the bartender replied we cant do one because we have no oranges. I saw they have a $7 shot mixed drink combo, and I asked what does a mixed drink w the combo entail? i.e. a well drink, a margarita, anything?? and he responded to me "when you grow up youll know" mind you i legally entered this bar and he kept checking my id like a cop ITS A PASSPORT! Are you joking? It was the worst experience ive ever had in a bar and i will not be back

Fun dive bar in Cole Valley. Quiet and fun to try and visit. It's got beers and the bloody mary of Cole Valley. Specializes in the official Bloody Mary of Cole Valley. Never knew until today that u got certificates in Bloody Mary's! Here's to Finnegan and good times!

2 bartenders Saturday night. Older guy, cool as fuck. Younger dude has a personality of a rattlesnake. Chip on shoulder. EXTREMELY rude every interaction. I've been , and still am, a bartender for 25 years. He's one of the, if not the, most rude dickheads around.He shouldn't be working with people. After further review of their previous reviews, it seems that being rude, racist and misogynistic is their modus operandi. I'd implore the owner (Dan?) to reach out to me for further explanation. Dan, don't bother reaching out to me.

Cool bar, great pool table and great outdoor areas. Extremely shitty, rude bartenders. Even on a slow night, they'll act like you're bothering them for a drink. If you can manage to get over their rudeness, it's not a bad place to be.

Cool local bar that I've heard good things about. Unfortunately bar tender tonight got too drunk and closed things down at 12:45. Took the darts mid-game and continued to tell us bar was closed while we still had full drinks, only 5 min after last call. Maybe don't leave him in charge of the bar anymore...

We are fairly new to the Cole Valley neighborhood, and I am so thankful to have a local community pub like Finnegan's Wake in the area. We visited this past Friday around 5:45pm and were lucky enough to get a table in the back patio right away. The staff was super kind and offer us to upgrade our table after it was cleared off. The back patio was gorgeous it was heartening to see the place so lively given the rough year it's been with COVID. You could also tell this was a spot frequented by locals. We ordered a pitcher of Hazy IPA and 2 tomato Basil empanadas. We were impressed with the reasonable drink prices and selection and loved the free chips and salsa provided to the table. When the empanadas came out they were hot, cheesy and delicious too. I love the cheery environment of Finnegan's Wake and we had an excellent time. I will certainly be back and home to some day become part of the local crowd :)

This place can get crowded and you must go early to chill and unwind and probably unwind- So ya they got ping pong table and good beer on tap and hang out spot - I would frequent this place

"You're in San Francisco, we will not put playoff baseball on one TV" even though it's some of the most exciting ball in a long while okay bruh, I'll take my business elsewhere I probably tip better than a whole throng of whatever NFL team you're making space for, but dope And while this may be a sports bar, I certainly am not your baby. Thanks for showing your stripes, lil neighborhood bar of mine.

Sad to report that the bartender working the night shift on Monday, June 21st, 2021 is NOT a good representation of all the bartenders that came before him. He whom I didn't get his name, not only had a terrible attitude, but lack the service attitude in general. The experience we had, was more of a doing a favor to him rather than us simply grabbing a few drinks. Considering the fact that we are all trying to "move forward" from such devastating times from the Pandemic, we would have expected better service. We was super glad to support the local bar, but unfortunately the bartender was a total a downer. Just a complete jerk.

Came here during a week night for some drinks. Asked the bartender for some recommendations but he seemed irritated & angry to be answering any kind of questions. May be he was having a bad day but I won't be returning.

Back patio was a nice sitting area, but the bartender was incredibly rude. Tried to order drinks but got snapped at enough that I decided I'd rather not spend money here. Won't be back.

Just stepped in here momentarily since there wasnt that many people here for the World Cup games on the day I went . It does however have a very nice spacious layout and newer-ish furniture as well . Nice venue to catch a game and play pool as well .

Went to this bar previously and loved it! Great local dive and I enjoy supporting (ostensibly) local bars. However the woman bartender was so flippant when 2 friends and I walked in, we all just left without ordering. Hopefully return at a later time when she's in a better mood.

Love this spot. Great vibes, back patio, pool table, and decent prices. Don't live super close but if I did I would be there all the time.

Terrible service. We were LITERALLY ignored by the waitress multiple times when trying to order additional items for our table (and I'm not misusing LITERALLY). We tried politely getting her attention and she'd either look out into space or merely just keep walking. Never experienced anything like that lol. The only reason I'm giving two stars vs one is because the patio is half decent and the empanada was pretty good.

The female bartender was amazing! She was really friendly with us and everyone that came in. The male bartender......he was nice. However, we heard him telling the group at the other end of the bar, "it's so weird. Ten people I served in the last week have tested positive for Covid". This dude did NOT have a mask on and was continuing to tend bar, knowing that the one thing in common that these ten people had was HIM.

It's an Irish Dive Bar with a neat new patio! There is pool and some seating. Pool Table. You can pay the juke box to pay whatever music you want and the bartenders are great, albeit a little sassy. Prices are average for Cole Valley. It's always pretty dead, even on St. Patty's, but it's close and it's nice to start there with a group because you can enjoy the company before heading to a packed bar or dinner. Pros: patio and pool table Cons: limited seating Overall: I dig it when I'm in a dive bar kinda mood

Cute laid back pub! Pool table inside and ping pong outside! Bartender was really friendly!

Pretty ok dive bar with a good selection on tap. The bloody Mary is pretty tasty, albeit a little spicy. Tip: cash only

Worst bar in San Francisco by a long shot (lol). Old dude behind the bar is so incredibly rude. We're locals, but not regulars probably, but we come by once in a while. The drinks are so lame - a slug of vodka and the smallest drop of fresh grapefruit which he could barely be bothered to get from the juicer (for an extra $3 per drink). Next time I'll buy a bottle of vodka at Val De Cole and drink it at the bus stop. That'd be more fun.

Bartenders unnecessarily rude. Not sure if it's ego or they just don't like people. I honestly don't need overly friendly service but, dude behind the bar yesterday (wearing a Bourdain flipping the bird T-shirt) should realize that he decided to work in customer service on his own and that he's costing the business money with his attitude. You serve drinks man...your job takes zero skill other than being generally polite to the public.

I usually like coming to this place because it's low-key, friendly, neighborhood people inside, but this week the bouncer was an idiot who a) doesn't know the law and b) was just rude and maybe even slightly racist. It was the Warriors game and my friend and I asked if we could go to the back patio with our dogs to watch the second half. She didn't have her ID because we were walking our dogs. I did have mine. We are both in our 40s and (unfortunately) definitely look like we're wayyyy over 21. Not even a close call. But he kept saying "I can't let you in. It's state law." What's the code section??? Yeah, there isn't one. The law is that if someone LOOKS like they COULD be under 21, you need to card them before serving. If you don't want to let people in, fine. Don't make shit up.

This historic bar is a great place to kill time before a day on the town, or waiting for a table at the brunch spot next door. If you're a fan of Bloody Mary's, get ready for a kicker. Their Bloodies are award winning and are some of the spiciest I've ever had. I've visit this bar primarily during the day time, so it's not that crowded. It has a couple of pinball machines, and a pool table. A women's bathroom and a gender neutral bathroom. CASH ONLY. There is an ATM in bar if needed. The place is a bit hard to get to through muni, and parking is nearly impossible.

I popped in for a quick drink with some friends on Sunday night. Maybe 10 total people there. It had been a while since the last time because I had a pretty negative experience on the previous occasion with a rude, unwelcoming bartender. I'm not sure if it was the same person as last time, but I had the same experience. He made me feel like I shouldn't be there. And the thing was, he knows other people there by name and was friendly with them. I pride myself in being a courteous, accommodating patron of any venue. But he really didn't give a shit. I was the only person at the bar waiting for a drink, and he really did a great job of making me feel like I was inconveniencing him. It's because it happened on multiple occasions, and to multiple friends of mine as well, that I am being inconvenienced to write this review. But only so nobody else inconveniences themselves by patronizing this bar. The bummer thing is that it's the only dive bar in my neighborhood. If you are the manager and are reading this, and you appreciate the hopefully helpful feedback, I hope you can have some positive impact to your staff to be more friendly. Would happily change my review if things change.

I had such repeated douchey bartender experiences here that I wondered is it just me? Then I read the reviews and found it was not. No, it was not. Like - "Do you suggest a beer on draft?" Answer: "I don't understand why people ask what they should be drinking." Actual different visit - "Can you make an Aviation?" (full bar in this place, totally empty) Answer: "No." So, like, if the bartenders suck and you're paying Cole Valley prices, why not go an actual bar like Kezar or Corner Spot or any of 1000 others? I guess if you don't have a car or can't afford an Uber.

There was an issue they helped resolve. Credit to the manager Lindsay for trying to make things right

A very fine neighborhood divey irish bar. It's got both a nice big skylight and a fine back yard patio area which makes one feel less bad about drinking in the middle of a nice day. The bloody mary is particularly good and quite spicy. Note that it's cash only.

Great. Just great. Emily was THE BOMB, so kind and awesome. We had a s*** experience at the bar across the street and She turned everything around. Well done:)

DO NOT COME HERE DURING COVID. This place is clearly mismanaged and the servers are drinking on the job. I want to excuse it for Covid but, it is still unacceptable. Upon waiting outside to be seated, a drunk bartender yelled at my friend to wait. After leaving for another bar and coming back the sign to wait was taken away. After seating ourselves and ordering drinks, a server brought us food and told us we had to order food, which we were not aware of. After explaining our disappointment thus far, she included them on the house which was nice. But after another drunk waiter told us we had to leave so rudely. I would not recommend, maybe after they get their staff in order when this pandemic ends.

HORRIBLE service. Beyond unprofessional. Rude and overpriced. It's a shame because it has so much potential. Avoid!

This place gets 5 stars for having the best BLOODY MARY's in San Francisco. By far the best - so much flavor so little time. The cocktails are great - the old time bartender is sharp and witty and a pleasure to talk too. And the back patio is very cool - especially after 3 or 4 bloody marys.

Oh Finnegan's where have you been most of my life. I wish I knew about you in college. Again another bar with a ping pong table. When its sunny come early, you may have to wait. And beware of the man with his cheater paddle, that's right he brings his own and its thicker and heavier than the standard paddle. If you can't get a turn on the table come in and play some pool, darts or pinball. If that's all full sit down at the bar and order a bloody mary. The old man bartender makes them nice and spicy. So come on down and celebrate Finnegan with all the neighborhood clientele. Its a nice cross section of 30ish Cole Valley/Ashbury Heights people and college students who attend UCSF.

Move over Toronado - Finnegan's Wake wins the contest for surliest bartenders in SF. Despite the bartenders' probably conscious attempts to be dour and unnacomodating, this is actually a fun place.

Trust all these one star reviews! Bartender stared at us while bull-shitting with his buds, knew we were at the bar and didn't even acknowledge us. And there was barely anybody in there at all (and I now understand why!) After a reasonable wait, given he was doing nothing, I walked over and asked if we could please get some drinks at the other end of the bar. He nodded and continued bullshitting. Trust me -- he wasn't busy. It was really just a bad attitude. White hair, white beard. Then my girlfriend went over and asked, and he looked at her like she was speaking german or something. Then he looked over to where we were sitting.... and STILL didn't come over or even acknowledge that yes, we were in the bar to grab a drink. So we left and dropped a hundred bucks at the bar across the street, Kezar. A "Be right with you" would have solved everything, but he was too "cool" for that. So it's Finnegan's Wake's funeral for me! :)

Location is fine. Parking isn't too bad * for Hayes Valley* by the time that late hr divey bar urge kicks in.... HOWEVER!! Like most of the one star reviews on here. There is a particular male bartender that is pretty asshole-ish and d-bag-y. I came in on a Tuesday night around 11pm. He's curt. Doesn't treat you like a paying customer and then yells at you like cattle to leave the bar when they close. Yippeeeeeee! -_- ps. I think no credit cards either... just a heads up for the people that venture here.

Bloody Mary Review - Taking the People's Choice award at the 2015 SF Bloody Mary Fest, Finnegan's Wake delivers the kind of bloody mary you'll be returning for time and time again. Pulling on a classic style with heaps of Worcestershire, biting heat, and just a splash of sweet and sour, this cocktail combines all the elements of sweet, salty, spice and everything boozy nice. Why go? A savory delight. | Price: $10

I've never been here before, and no idea why! Is this bar is in a great location in cole Valley. And they have a really nice outdoor patio! Don't let the indoor dive bar atmosphere fool you, the outdoor is a beautiful nice place to relax. I had a spicy bloody Mary and it was delicious! Delicious!

Nice little bar tucked away in Cole Valley. Although it's more of a destination spot (unless you're in the neighborhood) since there doesn't seem to be too many other bars around, the parking wasn't too bad fortunately. The bartenders were pretty swift, and the prices were quite reasonable. But then, the mixed drinks did come in relatively small glasses, so I guess that makes those a little more on par with most places. However, the crowd is pretty chill and the atmosphere is relaxed. And speaking of relaxing...big points for the amenities here, with the arcade and pinball machines, the dartboard, and the pool table as well. Fun bar to drink at, which it needs to be since there isn't much else around.

For my neighborhood bar, Finnegan's is pretty key! The ping-pong table in the back is the place to be on a sunny weekend day. They have pool and darts and dice. What more can a girl ask for? Drinks are reasonably priced, the bathrooms aren't (too) disgusting, the bartenders are old but authentic, and there is usually quite an eclectic mix of people here (although sometimes I wish there were a few more). I like.

such a great local bar!! I've come here a few times, mostly in the afternoons and sometimes waiting to get into Zazie next door :) they're friendly, got great games (pool table), and a nice outdoor back patio.

Stopped in here quickly after the Deltas game yesterday. Lots of screens to watch many different games and great ambiance all around. They have pool tables too so a bit more to do than at your average bar. I was tired for the night so I didn't order anything, but would check this place out again if I was on the street. Lots of people and good vibes.

Finnegan's is doing a great job despite the pandemic; great food from Zazie next door and fun outdoor seating.

Please, I beg you, do not attend this bar. This bar is highly discriminatory. If I could I would give zero stars due to the bartender decided not to service my friend because she was "1 cm taller than her CA ID." That meant she got kicked out all together. I then argued and was threatened to be called the police solely because I voiced my dissent. Please do not attend I beg you unless you want to be reminded that your sex is lesser.

Wouldn't let service dog in. Exceptionally rude about it as well. Would have happily left if owner/bartender had been nice. Lost lots of business. Would suggest taking your dollars elsewhere if you want a friendly atmosphere. Way too many better bars to hit with or without a service animal.