McCarthy's Irish Bar

McCarthy’s is everything you want in a neighborhood spot—welcoming, laid-back, and just plain fun. The vibe is classic and unpretentious, with friendly staff who make you feel like a regular the minute you walk in. Drinks are always cold and poured strong, prices are fair, and it’s the kind of place where conversation just flows. Whether you’re catching a game, grabbing a pint with friends, or just stopping by after work, McCarthy’s nails it. West Portal is lucky to have this gem!

Just got back from Dublin and miss it so randomly decided to go to McCarthy. The Irish coffee is so good, if you like Buena Vista Irish Coffee ask for 2 sugar cubes, it's Ireland Irish coffee level good. Love it. Good vibe. Good place to watch a game with friendly strangers. Food is from Franco's Latin Table ( also one of my favorite restaurant in West Portal). ☘️🇮🇪💚

This is a neighborhood Irish bar where locals gather to watch ball games in the city while enjoying a pint of Guinness away from the crowded SF. They serve popular Irish fairs from Franco's Latin table next door.

Giving this a 5 stars, cant comment on the food as I just came for the Guinness. If looking for a good of the black stuff, well this has to be on the list when you’re visiting San Francisco. I went to three pubs for the Guinness on my trip here & this along with the Irish Times were given the thumbs up by Steve G, global head of Quality for Diageo who was here around the same time as me.

Good atmosphere, local bar. Nice staff and patrons,

To be honest this place is all hype and no delivery. Drinks are pretty basic. They didn't even have Rose. They only have one Irish beer on tap. It's pretty tiny and they wannabe Andy Warhol bartender with the red glasses is American and has American rudeness. I expect Irish hospitality when I go to an Irish bar. There's too many great Irish bars in the city that you would not make an effort to go to this place. Sorry, won't be coming back

Listen just check this jawn out. Good vibes. Hang out and let it settle in. David’s the best!

We stopped in a couple of times while visiting San Francisco. I was amazed at how unpretentious this place is. A good old style Irish pub. I can't comment on the food but the beer was cold and they had a ballgame on the TV. The bartender was very nice and friendly. No big tables, no snotty wait staff. I believe they get their food from the restaurant next door. I would love a place like this in Toledo.

Just your average awesome dive bar. Lots of TV's, clean bathrooms, and a quaint outside smoking area with seats. David (a skilled Irish lad) will satisfy your thirst needs, come hell or high water! I think his schedule is Monday and Thursday nights No food. But there are plenty of great restaurants in the neighborhood as long as you get there before they all close which is around 10:00 He's a good friend but more than that he's a great bartender and he Will make you laugh!

It's a really nice Irish pub with great drinks and great service. It's a nice place to relax with some drinks.

This is a nice quiet bar. But it gets really crowded and animated when there is a. Niners game. The bartenders are laid back and cool. The food is hearty snd generously portioned. It is situated on the heart of West Portal so the neighborhood is safe and accessible to all traffic. I don't drink so I can only tell you that the sodas are not flat .I recommend it for a nice hangout place.

First time I went, was Sunday for the Cowboys vs 49ers game(I'm a Cowboys fan and was in full gear, including silver and blue hair) Got there 345ish, only two patriots in the bar. Bartender was friendly. Started getting busy around 5pm, the patrons were really nice, mainly Irish locals, joked with me made me feel very welcomed. Went back today game 4 of the World Series( also a Dodgers fan) different bartender, but he was very friendly and welcoming. Jokingly told me to out when he found out I was also a Cowboys fan. All the patrons were very friendly nice interactions wish me lots of luck, for being a Dodgers fan. LOL A couple even offered me pizza. I highly recommend this pub.

Great neighborhood spot love the staff love the customers love the vibe we need to get planning permission to move the coronas....

Good local pub I've been meaning to try for a while. They have some outside seating on the back. They have no food, just drinks. There are multiple televisions showing sports. They showed major league soccer today, so that's a big plus for me.

Great place to hangout! Super friendly and attentive! Had a little meetup of 40 year school reunion there and it was a blast!

3.5 STARS We were drinking nearby and wanted to keep the night going. It was a cold, rainy night, so we ducked into McCarthy's cuz we wanted some liquor. Stopped by on Wednesday, February 1st around 10:15pm. It wasn't very packed, so our group of three easily found seats at the bar. We all got beers and a Jameson. My Jameson was on the rocks. I believe the beer was an Anchor Steam? (I normally get Blue Moon, but the coloring doesn't seem right in the pic I took.) I honestly can't recall as I had quite a few drinks at the two stops before this. I think my two friends got Guinness and their Jameson neat. It was a fun combo to sip on for the hour and a half or so we were there. The feel of the bar is slightly divey, but still homey. Definitely, a chill bar. All the bartenders and patrons were nice and we had a good time. They have TVs, so it can be a fun place to catch a game and throw back a few drinks. Good neighborhood feel type of bar. I can see myself enjoying some drinks while watching a game.

Decent West Portal Irish bar. I've been coming to this spot in its various incarnations since the late 80's. The current version is better than some previous versions. I especially appreciate the complimentary hot food that was available the last time I was in.

Big thank you to Mccarthy's for letting our small group host a birthday party last weekend. Eileen and Anne are fabulous to work with. Great drinks, jukebox full of great music and a lovely time spent dancing and laughing with friends.

Initially I really enjoyed this pub. Until this past Sunday. I came in to meet my friend after he got off work. The bartender pulled me outside and I was told that the owner was watching the cameras, and he was told I was not allowed in because I was in some sort of trouble. Long story short - I had an incident with a landlord & coworker in the area who is known to be mentally unstable, and unhinged. I had to call the police due to his behavior. I have police reports, witnesses, and other people in the area who have known this man for years and are very aware of his volatile behavior. I have never caused any trouble or harm to anyone in this community nor at this pub, I was never spoken to directly by the owner who has made a very inaccurate assumption of an incident she was never even remotely involved in - that never occurred at this establishment. I am more than disappointed in the way this was handled. I really enjoyed this place. It was a great place for me to write, eat, the staff is super friendly. It's truly disheartening to have seen the owners true colors come out - over an incident she isn't even remotely involved with, or has no details of. Eileen - I would like to know why I am no longer allowed in your establishment, and what basis you have despite bever having a conversation with me?

To be honest, I'm not sure what there is to say about McCarthy's. As far as Irish bars go, it's not vastly different than any other you could stumble into in SF. Granted, it's less divey/gritty than most, given the area it's in, but it's still pretty nondescript and unassuming. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing; for better or worse, that's just about exactly what I would expect out of a neighborhood Irish bar! Although I'd passed by McCarthy's a number of times, I'd never really felt the impetus to walk inside. There were definitely times I thought about it though. Namely, whenever my friends and I were standing out in the cold, waiting to get a table at El Toreador next door (you can wait inside here and they'll come grab you). Which might be why I've never seen this place empty. Whether they're waiting for a table next door, catching a Giants game/soccer match, or just here for a night cap, there's always bound to be at least a handful of locals here. Like any other legit Irish bar, the bar has Guinness on tap and a decent selection of whiskeys stocked on the wall. Since my buddy and I were here just to catch up for a bit over a round, we stopped ourselves at a couple of pints. However, based on what others around us were ordering and what we paid for our beers (about $6?), it looked like the bartender was fairly generous with his pours for the money. The one thing that I wasn't super high on was how easily the smell cigarettes emanating from the smokers our back would make its way inside the bar. Obviously it's hard to prevent that sort of thing on a breezy sort of night, but it still sucks regardless. At the very least, a door that would swing shut on its own would help... In any case, McCarthy's is a fine spot to kill some time while waiting for a table next door, to catch a game, or to simply shoot the breeze with some friends over a drink or two. Especially with how easy it is to find parking around here (West Portal gets pretty empty after the dinner crowds leave). Given the choice though? I'd be more inclined to hit up the likes of Yancy's or the Bitter End. THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.

I'm commenting on Tara. She is wonderful!!! Super friendly and helpful soul. She's a keeper. Great bartender and human being.

I remember getting calls for drinks and coming down here during the week. I guess that was because his girlfriend was working at Growing Up Art and Crafts which was right down the block. Well, she doesn't work there anymore and doesn't talk to him anymore. No more for this place.

Great neighborhood bar. Even though I don't live in the neighborhood. I always feel welcomed . I typically come here after visiting one of the restaurants on westportal. This bar isn't too divey but not too classy either. Its Irish, but doesn't have that Irish pub feel, in a good way. The bartender who was working here last Sunday was really cool. She made the experience of going into a bar alone feel totally natural. I drink a lot, at many differ bars many different scenes, and she is one of the best I've ever encountered . At least this side of the Mississippi.

Very rude service. I reside in the neighborhood & do my best to support local businesses. I applaud their efforts to bevopen during the pandemic, but the servers are rude. Food was excellent. Service bad.

A more happening bar in west portal. Great music, good Drinks. An enjoyable place to hang out - we will definitely be back

Had every intention of making this bar my go to, but man, the bartenders are miserable.

Awful, they were giving me a hard time because he wanted to see my vaccine card, then my I'd, then when he saw my id he asked for my vaccine card. Then I showed him both and then when we wanted to have a drink outdoors he said no glass outdoors. Geez just get it together.

Had stopped in to catch the end of game 5 of the ALCS. Wasn't too busy here and the crowd was rather tamed. The bartender was friendly. Got a cold brew while I watched the last 3 innings of the game. I think there is a patio area in the back. There was no music playing at this time which was odd because every time that I have come here the music is always going. The brew was good and the game was not as interesting or entertaining as a thought it would be. I was let down by the game but appeased by the brew. #calmnight

Watched the NBA Finals here and had a great time. The place has a ton of TVs for being a small neighborhood bar so you can watch the game from any spot! They also have an outdoor area.

McCarthy's used to be Joxer Daly's. However, it is in the same location and has the same staff, so let's just assume a lot of the good things about Joxer's such as the free jukebox, back patio, real Irish bartenders, and trivia nights can apply here (but not assuming like making an ass out of U and ME, assuming like you're using logic and obviously things aren't SO different that these amenities can be considered to be N/A). With my eye I spied..........the jukebox, a sign mentioning the back patio, a new sign out front with drink specials ($5 Shock Top is the only one I can remember), new light fixtures, new paint colors, bigger mirrors, and a super cute little seating area right by the window which I cannot wait to try during the daytime because I like people watching like Billy Bob Thorton likes watching girls play volleyball in Bad Santa. Had a few rounds here, I was drinking pints and the +1 was drinking Jamesons, but I don't think we spent more than $25 even with tip and that was on a Saturday night, and we tend to be better-than-average-tippers, so that was really cool. And if that was Saturday night prices, their Happy Hour must be called ECSTATIC Hour. Seems like a great place to really stretch your dollar, because we're already paying enough for rent in this city, and we sure do love our booze =)

Came here since I recently turned 21 years old and wanted to check out this Irish Bar since it had great reviews on Yelp. Danielle provided outstanding service and recommended what drinks to order on a Tuesday night, she did a great job making the drinks I ordered. I will be definitely be coming back. Thank you Danielle!

I love the new look. In between the two other businesses it almost look like a restaurant, but then you notice the door that is wide open, and you see stools, and people chopping it up. All the bartenders are really nice. I also met a few people who are perhaps the faithfuls of Joxer Dalys, and they will tell you that though the place got a new makeover, a new owner and a new name, the people here are still the same; same regulars, same bartenders, same crew. And, this may not matter to some people, but the bathroom here is very clean, and surprisingly big enough for a party of five. I was impressed that a bar would have this much space for a bathroom, definitely a plus! There is also a patio in the back for smokers, and people who likes to kick it and drink outside like myself. I like this bar a lot. I wish it wasn't so crowded...damn those mathafcukers! lol

Came on a Monday, so the bar had some highly intoxicated regulars and us. The bartender seemed unfazed and gave great service. Pretty average beer selection, but not too skimp. The jukebox is great. There's some very small room to dance near said jukebox, so that's cool. I dropped a whole beer and the bartender was super chill about it. Nice.

Great neighborhood bar. I love coming here for a beer while waiting for a seat at El Toreador next door. It's kind of a no frills sports bar. Several beers on tap. I got shock top the last time i was there and it was served in an orange Giants glass. didn't have a chance to steal it :( It's got quicte a long bar and will probably seat up to 18 people. there are also several bar tables and a large table in the back. when the weather gets nicer, i'll check out the patio/backyard.

Love this place. Prices are reasonable. Very close to were I'm staying so convenient. The area is nice and safe. Bartenders are so nice. Would definitely recommend.

Good neighborhood bar. Live music every other Saturday night. Great bartenders too.

Last night was my 1st time w my friend Gail. The atmosphere was delightful. On my way I met 1 of the owners. ( Elleen)!Way fun & Beautiful she made me feel wrlcome. Go in have a festive, fabulous & Fun time .Reasonable $$

Clean, great neighborhood bar. Lots of Irish Americans here. Good sports on TVs. It is a real gem in the West Portal area, next to some great Italian, Indian, and Mexican cuisine. If there is a wait at El Toreador next door, you can go to McCarthy's and tell the restaurant....and bring your drinks from the bar with you! Great wine and beer.....

Totally prefer this nowadays to philosophers club. Friendly, open minded, non judgemental staff that knows their drinks at reasonable prices? Totally.

I think it's a very cool looking bar, but one of the bartenders is extremely rude. I'm not talking about my friends and I being hammered and disruptive or anything. I mean within a minute of walking in, this woman treats us like we're trying scam her. We just want a to have beer and to hang out. Not going back anytime soon.

Great local selections! They have Golden State Cider on tap- one of my new favorites. The bartender gave me a sample of the Hansen (gluten free) habanero vodka from Sonoma- it was very interesting and fiery! I ended up getting the Hansen (gluten free) cucumber vodka with soda. Great ambiance, fun music, great service for a random Monday night.

The wife and I came here on a Saturday for some drinks before having dinner nearby. When at West Portal we usually go to the Philosopher's Club but since this bar was just 3 doors down from the restaurant we decided to give it a try. We arrived at 5pm there was a large group of raucous Irish men watching a golf tournament. We sat ourselves at the opposite end of the bar where we could watch a baseball game and at least hear each other. There were two bartenders - the younger gal seemed a bit harried but the older woman who took care of us was friendly and attentive. By the time we were leaving at 6pm the bar was starting to get packed bit get there early if you want a seat! Nice selection of micro-brews and whisky.

Mediocre drinks. Music too loud. Frustrated bartenders who take their anger out on customers. This isn't a one time experience at a local bar in my neighborhood, but after giving it three tries I'm sticking with Philosopher's Club and Portals Tavern.

I really like the make over! Better lighting so you can see who you're talking to and a screen on every wall. New selection of Scotch and Bourbons!

We've lived in the neighborhood for 17 years and in Noe Valley for 9 years before that and would wander over to Joxer Dalys for a pint before or after a movie. We haven't been there for years, but decided to pop in for a glass of wine (good wine, btw) after seeing the new paint and sign in front. Friendly bartender, the owner was sitting at the bar with friends. It felt like more local folks were there, not just young Irish lads and working class drinkers. Couples on dates and mature couples (with their kids at home (us). I like having a friendly place to have a drink, watch the Giants (6 TV's) and just relax. The owner has repainted it and it has a nice vibe. BIG PLUS: there are hooks under the bar for women to stow their purses! Go have a pint, lots of beers on tap. My nephew loves Guiness, so I will take him there next time he is in town to have a draft. Cheers!

Nothing special about this bar-it's basically a cleaner Joxer Dalys but nice for a couple pints before dinner at El Toreador or any other West Portal restaurant.

We love McCarthy's! The new owner is a gem and has really made this place look terrific. It's got a lot better beer selections than the prior bar that was here, and they even provide free snacks and sometimes entire dinners for the customers (like on St. Paddy's Day). The service is always good and friendly. Our favorite bar in the neighborhood.

The makeover is great, Eileen is my favorite bartender ever, and the drinks are good and strong and cheap!

Love this place! Instead of paying for a mediocre bloody mary for brunch at Squat and Gobble, just stop by here! Regulars are friendly and there are always interesting people to talk to on the back patio

Sucks, drink were not good , plus I paid for the drink but she didn't let me drink anymore, wont go again

Service was great but they have plastic straws which was a little disappointing and only serve water in plastic cups.

They have Chimay in tap. Enough said. This place rocks. Great, laid back atmosphere. Older crowd, nice and friendly bartenders. Fun bar to have a few beers and not have to scream in order hear each other

McCarthy's bar does not foster good neighbor relations. Other bars reign in their drunk patrons who are screaming at 2 am in the morning or even have signs posted reminding patrons to be considerate of people living and "sleeping" in the neighborhood.

An absolute blast to hang out at and watch football games on Sunday! My husband and I spent 7 hours watching the games and drinking, while chatting with the locals just a few weeks ago. We both had so much fun, and the bartender was great! Would highly recommend stopping by if you have never been to McCarthy's!

Great local hang out. Great place to watch all sporting event. Friendly staff.

Visiting family friends in West Portal has never been "BETTER" thanks to a visit to McCarty's Bar..! Great service and just a wonderful time filled with laughter and fun loving people..! BTW they pour a "great" cocktail at a very reasonable price..! WELL worth the visit ..you'll have a blast..!

Dropped in here this week and a bartender named Brenna really made my day. It had been a long day and I didn't feel so much like smiling as I felt like a cold beer. It turns out, I would get both. She was funny, engaging and earnest and was even kind enough to make a few patrons bloody marys from scratch at 1030pm. Thanks! I'll be stopping by again soon!