Shannon Arms Irish Pub

This is a cash-only bar, so it’s helpful to know before you go.

One of the coolest places remains in the city tons of character walking in this place you could see it’s been around for a long time that have great beer selection their alcohol super reasonable and incredibly friendly bartenders it’s a local gem 💎

Irish bar, good vibes, friendly, Old School vibes, free sandwiches on Friday. Light beer and Guinness, No IPA's here ~ Cash Only ~

A quintessential Irish Bar on Taraval where the patrons and staff talk about where they grew up by the streets of the Sunset Don’t see Kilkenny on tap that often! Great pours

What an amazing family owned vibe. 🥰 Love the atmosphere and decor. Drinks are strong and conversation is thriving.

Chill, cash only dive bar where you can bring your own food. I would recommend going around the corner to seniore's pizza.

This is a wonderful old school pub. The pool table is well maintained, locals are friendly and a great overall vibe.

Cash only, great atmosphere, good music. Prices are reasonable and there's a pool too

It's wild to me that I can say I've been drinking here for 13 years... I'm 29 now I'll let you do the math. Maybe that was allowed to happen because I was on foreign soil? Shannon Arms is an institution, an embassy, a consulate of the great Irish culture. Snag a pint of Guinness. Take in the fumes of the strong odor of decades of drinking and decay, and enjoy the salt of the earth locals who somehow keep the doors open

Cash only This place is an Irish bar located near the corner of Taraval and 19th in the Sunset area. When I walked in and stayed here, I heard a lot of what sounded like Irish accents, so maybe that's a sign that this place is pretty good and authentic? I don't know if that's the best measure but I feel like it means something. There are TVs everywhere and some pool tables. The wells are $7 which is an okay price. This is a place where everyone seems to know each other and hang out here for hours.

Great place to come shoot the shit. Great prices, good company, amazingly kind funny bartenders, and always filled with the regulars. ^_^

Great place , but haven't visited in 40+ years had a brilliant time with locals -- and my cousin Theresa M

It's a good dive bar! Not sure what else you were expecting. Weirdly, I have seen this place my whole life, mostly from the window of my parents car as a kid. So now that I'm an adult, I'm glad I was finally able to go inside. Anyways, they have Carlsberg on tap which I like and isn't that common.

Our favorite neighborhood pub.We love Teresa and she always offers a little more hospitality that makes it special!

Another Taraval favorite. A great Irish bar that serves up some nice beer and tasty white Russians. The Irish feel is enhanced by the very friendly bartenders, most who have authentic Irish accents. Nice place to come grab a few drinks and play a round of pool. One of the things I was most impressed by was the almost immaculate bathrooms. I have never been to a bar that had such clean bathrooms. A thing to remember about this place is it is cash only, but it is right by a Chase, Bank of America and the Wells Fargo ATM is just 2 blocks up inside the Safeway.

Feels relaxing. Has only been pleasant to me coming here the few times I did. Best gin and tonic I've ever had was poured here by the older gentleman behind the bar. You'd think, it's gin and tonic, how can one outstandingly do it? I don't know but his pours were outstanding. Perfect proportions. I just don't know how to break it down exactly except to say he looks and pours as experienced as a chess grandmaster doing their whooping.

Came here on a Sunday ate afternoon. It is a cash only bar but they do have an ATM. It's mellow but much fun and all you would expect from your local Irish pub.

Shannon Arms has a lot character. looking at all the pics on the wall says a lot of the history and longevity of Shannon. place is small. one should be careful of randomly placed wooden chairs in the middle of the room. pour: guinness(5) -tasted ok, a tad flat, not much flavor on draught: -6 micros on tap -should be 4 stars, beer freshness an issue bartender had to reminded to return change *truth be told he was so busy setting up for the day.he forgot...... -cash only

I can see why a lot of people feel intimidated here, because it's like you just walked into a real working-class pub in Ireland (and I know because I've done just that). Irish accents all around. But *relax*, you're in San Francisco, remember? This isn't Boston's south side. Anyway, it's a cool place to take your Guinness-loving buddies from out of town if you're looking to impress them.

The owner is probably the sweetest and smartest woman in San Francisco. She has the help of her trusty son; and has the heart and loyalty of all her regulars. She definitely shows us how much she appreciates us in tangible and cool ways. I won't say all the hospitable and kind things she does because it's a surprise you should earn after coming for a while. And when you come, know a few things: * it's no longer the loud SFSU student hang out * it's a place you bring your friends to chat over a couple of good beers (don't ask Emmit for a fru fru drink, this is a bar not a club) * it's a place to sit and chat with the great bartenders that aren't afraid to tell it like it is - Linda is a straight shooter with a great smile. * come to the Shannon to celebrate holidays like St. Patrick's, or sporting events, because it's done RIGHT (come early, it gets packed). Great bar. Great people. Definitely good times.

Walking into this bar was like doing the walk of shame. When my friend told me we were going to have a drink at the Shannon, I didn't know what to expect. The inside warped me back to college days at State and spending way too many nights getting drunk in the pub rather than sit and write a paper in my apartment. This bar knew me all too well, knew how I drank too many southern comfort and cokes and shots of jaeger (*cringes*). It knows about the Irish soccer players that after a few drinks my friends and I could actually understand a couple of words they said and somehow agreed to go with them to a strip club off Broadway. Oh Shannon, I swore I'd never show my face again. Until last night. The bar is dark inside, it was kind of quiet when we got there but packed in more people as it got later. For some reason I remember it being a lot larger than what it was because it's pretty small. The bar is filled with a bunch of people wanting to get shitfaced. There's the local regulars and then there's people there to shoot some pool and go home pissed. I am neither so I took up the DD position and my friend was able to do her thing. An honorable mention to the guy who made my night. The song "Single Ladies" came on the overhead (in an Irish pub-random jukebox) and what did he do, he pushed himself an open area by the pool table and completely danced out the video routine and killed it. Love You! The bartender was an okay guy, managed his bar well and mixed stiff drinks. I'm sure there are those that come for the earlier times but for the most part I'd say it's a college kid place. Thank god for being the DD so there was no walking down 19th like a drunken idiot or dropping over at Seniores for a slice of pizza. I do not forsee another walk of shame any time in the future from here at least.

Not a huge nightclub, but if your looking for a local drink and friendly atmosphere it fits the bill. Plus, my first time going in I was greeted by a woman with a thick Irish accent. Boom, 5 stars for authenticity.

So, I grew up watching "Cheers" and always sort of wanted my own neighborhood hang-out where everyone knew my name. Well, they don't know my name quite yet, but I'm patient. The bartender charged my roommate and I $7 for two Vodka Crans! What a great deal.. This justified me buying three rounds and now being fortunate enough to tipsily (sp?) Yelp about it. The drinks were so stiff that I'm probably going to fall asleep any second and have one of those mornings tomorrow where I wake up on my laptop, wondering why my computer is still on and what my cellphone is doing next to me. Drunk typing AND drunk text messaging? My exes are doomed tonight. Recommend this place for a lowkey Saturday night.

This in my neighborhood pub, but I don't get out enough. Every time I have been there was a decent crowd or friendly patrons and staff in the place, many of them with Irish accents. While it feels like a hangout for regulars, I have always felt welcome. I like the Shannon Arms because it is an authentic neighborhood Irish pub, next door to an authentic neighborhood Chinese restaurant. I can dine in China, have some after-dinner drinks in Ireland, and stumble home to my humble pad in San Francisco.

Please don't judge this bar based on your Tuesday night experience -- as "College Night" is far from the usual Irish pub adventure. Douchebag frat boys have nothing on Paddys in their work clothes. Irish pub done the same way they do it in Ireland, so expect the same characters in here practically every evening drinking their choice of poison. Not the most inviting crowd, but it's cultural, so don't take it to heart -- it just requires the proper social lubricant or a game of pool. Bartenders do the beers and the shots way better than the mixed drinks or signature cocktails, so don't get fancy. Cheap drinks are the plus here, and usually a good place if you're missing your ID. Of course, there's also the dinner for the workers on Fridays, the College Night disasters on Tuesdays, the girl's bathroom with all the amenities, and someone's birthday, shower or going away party every weekend. It's just a bar that's part of the Irish subculture in San Francisco with the occasional College night. :)

Friend A as we walk down Taraval: "How about Shannon Arms?" Friend B: "As long as some douchebags don't try to start shit this time" Pause. Watch as multiple douchebags commence fighting in front of the door of Shannon Arms, with their girly friends frantically screeching. Walk past pathetic scene and enter the surprisingly calm, empty bar. It was like a beer-filled oasis, separate from the bullshit outside; you just have to break through the "bro"-infused crust to reach the happy inside, like [insert your best food metaphor here]. At least this incident led to a thorough explanation by my male friends regarding my puzzlement as to how guys' shirts always seem to mysteriously disappear as soon as a fight begins. So anyway, I dig Shannon Arms, as long as it's not "college night." Despite my status as a college student, it's not quite my crowd. Otherwise, it's a nice warm location to enjoy a beer without having to leave the neighborhood. The bartenders are good people, and the jukebox has some great offerings (Of Montreal on a jukebox? Hell yes).

If you're Irish, this is the place for you. If you aren't, don't expect a warm welcome. In fact, you can count on being evil eyed, having racial slurs uttered in your direction through drunken Irish accents and very limited service. First initial thought upon entering was, "Oh, this is where all the fucking Irish construction guys hang out! God, I was wondering about that..." You can smell 'em. The perspiration of this mornings early bird pint seeping through their coveralls and the stench of construction site holding hands and doing a jig all over your gag reflex. The beer is typical and can be found at any other bar. It's the company of all the fellow Irishmen and women (not to mention the trailer trash Irish hacks and the young arses dying to follow the footsteps of their failed parents) that keep this place popping 'til the wee morning hours. Like I said, if you're Irish - this is the place for you. If you aren't (like myself), keep on walking, darkie.

Not gonna lie, expectations should be low on a Wednesday evening. But when the barmaid flat out treats you like anathema there is little that will save the place from a mediocre rating. If you're a white middle-aged man with an Irish accent or anything similarly sounding, congratulations you have found your home away from home (or Ireland). If you're *cough* not the formerly mentioned specimen don't expect attention from the staff. Not much to write home to except this place has anchor, but than again it's not exactly rare. Probably not gonna come back.

The last time I attempted to enter this bar with a friend, about 30 pairs of eyes landed on me, and these Irish eyes were NOT smiling. I'll be the bigger person and just assume that these patrons were having a bad day, but either way, I know when I'm not welcome. I immediately left the bar and have never returned. (Which is too bad for them, 'cause I can pound a Guiness like no one's business!).

Guarenteed you will find at least a couple of cute Irish boys! Very laid back with an awesome selection of Irish music on the jukebox. They even had Dirty old town!! You'll make at least one friend while there and leave with a smile on your face. p.s. beware of 3 sketchy Irish guys around age 24! They SEEM really nice but are pure trouble (and not in a good way).

Club S....nuff said. Will never let you down. Will always fill that void. Where the magic happens, forever + always. Thursday/College night it gets crackin'. Beware, ha.

A friend and I were out barhopping and he suggested this place. This was good because I've passed by this pub millions of times so I've been curious about it for a while. He gave me an excuse to finally see what the place was like. It was a Thursday night so the place was PACKED. I guess Thursdays are college nights. I was told that this is popular because they hand out free jello shots (which were pretty tasty). This is not a pretty bar, but it has a lot of character and what seemed to be consistent regulars. We had four rounds of drinks here: 1) I ordered a White Russian while my friend ordered....I forgot, but it was like a mixed beer drink. It looked really cool. Both were made well and reasonably priced. *I just remembered that he ordered a Black&Tan (pale ale + Guinness) 2) I ordered shots of Fernet for ourselves. The bartender was nice and gave us free ginger ale chasers because he hates it and felt bad for us for trying it. I've had Fernet before so I knew why--it tastes like black licorice mouth wash (or something). If you like Jager, you'd probably like it. The chaser he gave us actually made it taste much better so I highly suggest the pairing. 3) I ordered an Amaretto Sour and my friend got...I think it was the same thing he ordered the first time. Drinks were made well enough. 4) My friend ordered beers for us (I forgot what kind, silly me). Beer was pretty good, but we couldn't finish 'em because everyone got kicked out of the bar because cops came to shut it down for the night. Overall, really chill pub. I wouldn't mind going back to this place mainly because it's not too far off and the drinks are pretty cheap. Good kick it spot.

Went here with my wifey unit and had a marvelous time. We drank until we couldn't drink no more. In other words we got the usual pizza-a-la-drunk and stumbled home. As me being Filipino and my wife being Polish, we felt right at home at this fine Irish establishment. The barkeep was friendly and even scraped the excess foam off my Guinness...just like in the Philippines....or Poland. You can find me here if I'm ever in the doghouse. Drinks on me!

BAD customer service! I literally asked a bartender for a drink and he looked away, ignoring my request!! This bar caters to the Irish, but not the rest of the people from this city. The music is good, but the bartenders hold there Irishness to heart! Ain't right!

I wish I could write two reviews, from the perspective of both the reasonable side of me and the wild raucous drunk side of me. I stick with the latter and better side. 3 dollar shots of booze, 4 dollar beers, pool tables, irish bartenders, tvs, assholes like me, and 7 hours of heavy drinking makes this place fucking awesome.

So all the reviews here are from people who just popped in for the first time. Where are the regulars like me? Drunk, thats where. This is a bar for people who appreciate good bars. I see some people had a bad time because, like myself, they are not fresh of the boat from the Emerald Isle. Well, I can see what they might be saying, but from my experience of this place, which is extensive, they have nearly always been welcoming to me. The Juke Box is right on, with the obligatory Dubliners and Chieftans to the harder Flogging Molly, with a few Johnny Cash tunes in for good mix. In one night, I saw a group of SF state track students, one wearing a sombrero for her 21st birthday, another middle aged man literally crying into his beer or passed out at the bar, and a couple fist fights. As to the fist fights, nobody got kicked out. The 'tender just yelled some indiscrimiante Irish thing at them once they broke up. I love this bar. It belongs only in the Sunset, and it is for regulars. But it can suck you in as it did me. My favorite bar type bar in the city, absolutely, if only because I can stumble home drunk afterward with a slice from Seniores around the corner.

I was kicked out my house on Christmas Eve. I had no place to go. The Shannon Arms welcomed me with open arms. I spent the most lovely Christmas Eve of my life there. I was the only American in the bar, but it didn't matter--twas a thing-a-nothing, as the Irish say. A solitary musician was playing songs on his guitar and we sang along as we downed our Guinness. We all stepped out to smoke together and talk about Ireland and America. This place is real.

Shannon Arms is one of those places that I don't plan on going to but somehow end up at. I always have a good time here. I have this thing for Irish pubs, and Shannon Arms was one of my first Irish pubs. The bartenders are very friendly and the patrons are even friendlier. Good thing? Bad thing? Either way, calls for some good times. I have not been there in awhile, but sometime soon I will definitely stop in. Maybe St. Patrick's Day? I can't resist being serenaded by an Irishman.

Well, I don't speak Irish, but I do love Lucky Charms. I haven't been to this bar in ages, but I do remember everytime here was a fun, drunken one. I can barely understand a word that comes out of anyone's mouth here and it just gets worse the more drunk they become and the more drunk I become. Cheap drinks and you can smoke inside, well you could when I used to visit this establishment. Maybe not anymore.

Too crowded, crowd wasn't really my scene, and why would you put the DJ booth RIGHT next to the pool table? You've got drunk chicks dancing to Madonna getting all in the way of a decent game of pool. Bleh.

Shannon Arms, also known as Club S, is the jammy jam. Upon first entering, you may think, what am I doing here? Old Irish men post at the bar, some young people sit at tables and glare at newbies. Then let the night commence. Grab yourself some drinks, well drinks are a great option if you came here to get the job done. Beers on tap, cards and dice if you like to play. Oh and just about every Irish friend you have will surely be showing up at some point to get weird with you. It's a locals bar but outsiders, espcially pretty girls, are obviously always welcome. My friends and I used to frequent Club S like we got paid to do it. Pre-game at their 19th Ave apartment, stumble over, drink, goof around, flirt, then hit up Seniore's for the stumble back home. And no, we were not in college, we were two years out of college, mind you, but we know how to have a good time. Speaking of college, College Night on Thursdays is always a good choice. Packed like a can of sardines, the young and old alike dance, drink, and are merry, celebrating at midnight with a glass of complimentary (cheap) sparkling wine. There's usually a DJ on Thursdays and a juke box other nights. The owner, Emmett (sp?) and his girl Malea are solid people, and the bouncer, Marty is a cutie pie.

Good bar right on 19th and taravel. One of the better bars in the Sunset. Thursday nights (college night) are the most popular with $5 AMF's and some free jello shots. Lots of state kids and locals come out on Thursdays. Gets crowded around 11:30. Theres usually a dj there in the back by the dance floor. Its pretty divey, but its fun. The place is pretty small especially with a dance floor in the back. Senores (a late night pizza joint) is right around the corner for the drunchies. Plenty of street parking, right by muni, and easy to get to. Nothin' too special, but at least its not as yuppie as the Marina.

I hate this place on College Night. It's not fun to go to a bar at 10am and feel constantly cramped inside and deal with stupid drunk college people all of the time who can't handle their liquor. I don't enjoy going here unless I want to get laid. I give it a THREE-STAR rating because I've gotten lucky here on College Night on a couple occasions I've been here. Those AMFs are panty droppers and they're only 5 BUCKS! Wow. And if you take Sex and Relationships class at SFSU at 8am on MWF, this is a great place to go the night before your midterm. I'm almost positive going to Shannon Arms College Night the night before helped me get an A on that midterm. I feel bad for giving this place this rating--it should be much higher for the liquid courage it provides to horny college kids. However, I can't stand being here and feel like I waste my time. Also, it's CASH ONLY--it's the 21st Century, guys! GET SQUARE!

One of the somewhat better bars on the Taracrawl. Reasonable drink prices, and specials on certain "College Nights", Tuesday night I believe. WHo doesn't like a place with a pool table. i consider myself a bit of a shark really, play me, I dare you! So it's nice to have the option of challenging a a friend or just watching others get totally pwned or dole out some pwnage of their own. Also a plus that they have a couple good eateries around, that are open late.

Like stiff drinks? Like other stiff things? Like to get poked by those stiff things? -Thursday night. -$5 AMF, long island, and idk what else. -Place is packed shoulder to shoulder, butt to butt, ass to mouth. -DJ Stoff hyping up the place with the newest bAy sLaPzZz It's definitely crackin on Thursdays, college nights, but damn I'm sure you cant legally have that many people in there

I've been in this place for quite sometime. The bartender was so nice to us, besides the heavy Irish accent of most customers, being drunk is not really a problem. They have a small door which you can smoke if you step inside.. some doesn't even bother. They have Dj's too when I was there. The pool table and the jukebox is a plus on early afternoon. I live two blocks away but I rarely go there anymore. I should visit again soon.

This isn't a destination bar, but fot us Sunset-ers, it gets the job done. The most remarkable things about the Shannon Arms are its 1) large Irish contingent: Seriously. If you're an American, you will be outnumbered. Many seem to be intimidated by this, but I like it. It's fun walking into a bar right off of 19th and feeling like you've crossed the Atlantic. Plus, the accents are just so damn charming. and 2) ladies restroom, which is always immaculately maintained and well-stocked. The hand soap smells heavenly. Otherwise, this is a standard Irish pub in every sense. The atmosphere, beer offerings, and drink prices neither exceed nor fall short of expectations. That said, I plan on enjoying this bar as often as possible before relocating to a more interesting neighborhood.

Shannon Arms.....such bittersweet memories. Shannons is/was the place to be on a Thursday night (college night) if you go to SF State and/or live in the sunset or Ingleside area. You will see EVERY ONE from state there...you are forewarned. Anyway, it gets pretty crowded on a Thursday night around 11:30-12 mainly because they have strong AMFs & Long Islands for only $5!! Plus FREE jello shots! There's no cover charge, the security outside are friendly, and they have a DJ that plays a mix of hip hop/dance. Another warning: everyone here gets white girl wasted and spills their drinks so don't wear your nicest shoes unless you're wasted with them. I've found this place to be much more entertaining when I'M DRUNK....so take a few shots before you head out there. oh & there's usually at least one or two fights a night there soo don't forget to bring your popcorn lol jk (kind of).

Have done many a St. Patrick's day performance here. Usually smokey and full of old Irish men, drunk younger Irish men, and a handful of women. It's not a bad place, but not my favorite. A lot of times they have a cover band that isn't half bad, but their jukebox is pretty killer.

Crowded and crappy. When bartenders snatch half-drunk beers from right in front of you before you've finished them you know the place is bad. I'm giving them 2 stars hoping that my experience there was a rare occurrence but I wouldn't drink there again and I don't recommend it to others.

This place made college unforgettable- why? - Thursday Nights! -Pool!

Had I written this review 10 years ago, the star rating would have been a lot higher. I haven't been inside in maybe 2 or 3 years. I used to frequent this place, I may have even been considered a regular, at the age of 18. Growing up in the Sunset, it was either here or a keg in the grove. You used to be able to (maybe still can) smoke inside which was totally cool at 18 and 19 years old. On top of the world smoking inside of a bar, let me tell you. The girls that we were hanging out with were pretty hot too. We got some pretty crazy looks from the older regulars when we put on an AC/DC song and started to sing along. TImes they do change. I don't smoke anymore, am happily married and I no longer live within stumbling distance, so the Shannon Arms is a good memory from my past but will probably not be part of my future.

I can walk here from home. That's a plus. Shannon Arms is super chill, and has interesting customers most of the time. And a juke box. Last time I went it was some guy's 40th birthday bash and he had food out for everyone. So that rocked. I like their alcohol.

I've been coming here for a little over a year. I'm pretty sre it was the first bar I ever went to. A lot of friends enjoy hanging out here because of it's proximity to MUNI and good drunk food (24 Hour Hawaiian BBQ and Senores!). I have had some great times here and seen a lot of bar fights, but in general, I've enjoyed myself and will probably keep going back. Plus, the bartenders are nice!

Decent place, not that good. Too Irish, until the townies come around. Then, it's trouble. Close as you can get to a week night local in SF, but townies fuck it up. It's alright, it's not great.

If you're looking for a pub to feel welcome, throw back some beers, and probably make friends with the bartender and revelers then this is your spot. If you know the outer sunset, you know it's not full of amazing bars, but Shannon arms is a solid choice. It's cash only and great if you're in the neighborhood.

Terrible customer service. Maybe it's because my party was not Irish, but I don't want to have to play the race card. Upon arrival, my friend was grilled about her ID for more than 5 minutes even though it went through the little barcode machine thing... Then the bartender moved to the next customer and commented about how awful it was for her to have to check our ID's and how it took so long. Ooooookay. We tried to play pool but the guys wouldn't let us unless we put money on it. My friends and I downed our drinks and left. Absolutely horrific