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Sun / Jan 24
Party Earth Review The bartenders may pour lots of creamy Guinness like at any Irish bar, but Blackthorn Tavern is more than just another quaint pub to snag a pint. And though more than a dozen flat-screen TVs dedicated to football, baseball... ... read full review
834 Irving Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
MUNI N Line: 9th Avenue & Irving Street
415-564-6626
M–Sa 2pm–2am, Su 10am–2am; Opens earlier during NFL game days
The Sunset, San Francisco –
The bartenders may pour lots of creamy Guinness like at any Irish bar, but Blackthorn Tavern is more than just another quaint pub to snag a pint. And though more than a dozen flat-screen TVs dedicated to football, baseball, basketball, soccer, UFC fights, and boxing make the place a top-notch sports bar, it isn’t just another jock hangout either.
With weekly karaoke, pool competitions, and trivia nights, Blackthorn is easily one of the most consistently active bars in the area, drawing in erstwhile singers, cue-toting sharks, and quiz lovers alike.
Frequent live music and DJs attract more artsy types looking to get rowdy and dance or just groove to eclectic funk – and after adding the pinball machine and a heated patio out back, it’s clear the regular crowd would have trouble getting bored.
Med students from nearby UCSF, hipsters who catch the short ride up from Hayes Valley, college kids of every ilk, and even suburban thirty-something weekend warriors all show up to drink at the long bar and mingle around the scattered tables, or just to nurse their beers in one of the booths.
If variety is the spice of life, then Blackthorn Tavern should be anyone’s cup of tea – or at least their pint of Guinness with the requisite shamrock in the foam.
Young and vibrant sports fans, karaoke buffs, quiz kids, med students, and a smattering of older locals rooting for the home team, early 20s to late 30s+.
Live bands and DJs perform on varying nights throughout the week, ranging from old-school funky soul to indie-electronica to Irish folk. Quiz night on Mondays, Karaoke on Tuesdays. Regular pool competitions. More than a dozen flat-screens tuned to sports. Two pool tables, pinball machine, and jukebox.
No food, but outside grub is welcome. Barbecue grill set up on the patio on NFL Sundays and other special events serving free food. Heated and covered back patio. Happy Hour M–F 2–7pm.
Occasional cover charge (very rare) for special event broadcasts like UFC fight nights $10–$20. Beer $2.50–$7, wine $4–$6, shots, wells, and cocktails $3.50–$8.
Casual: jerseys, t-shirts, flannel, jeans, shorts, fitted sweaters, comfy dresses, flip-flops.
Anytime a big game is on, Mondays for quiz night, Tuesdays for karaoke, whenever a live band or DJ is performing, or NFL season Sundays for free barbecue during the game.
Yancy’s Saloon (734 Irving Street) also offers tons of sports on the tubes and lots of plush seating, as well as darts, Pac-Man, and a solid tap list.
Blackthorn Tavern User Reviews