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Party Earth Review Located a block from the shopping, hotel, and theater district that surrounds Union Square, Lefty O’Doul’s is a lively, old-fashioned pub/cafeteria that straddles the line between relaxed watering hole and gaudy tourist... ... read full review
333 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
BART: Powell
MUNI F Line: 4th Street & Market Street
415-982-8900
Daily 7am–2am
Downtown / Financial District, San Francisco –
Located a block from the shopping, hotel, and theater district that surrounds Union Square, Lefty O’Doul’s is a lively, old-fashioned pub/cafeteria that straddles the line between relaxed watering hole and gaudy tourist bait.
An archway divides the long space into two separate areas, the first of which drips with classic Celtic kitsch and yellowed old-time boxing and baseball photos, including many of the venue’s namesake left-handed pitcher.
Fresh from a cable car ride, out-of-towners from all walks of life grab a tray off the long buffet counter, reminiscing about high school lunchrooms as a thick roast beef sandwich plops onto their plates.
An oak bar runs down the opposite side of the venue, extending back toward the second space, which eschews the midcentury sports décor in favor of a riot of bright neon beer adverts and widescreen TVs tuned to the Giants.
The party vibe really kicks in every night, however, when the feisty piano player settles in to lead patrons through requests and sing-alongs until closing. The crowds keep coming on the weekends, when a mix of working-class locals and budget-conscious students stop in to mingle with the continual crunch of non-natives who’d do well to leave any non-Giants paraphernalia in the car.
Full of people toasting, feasting, and singing, Lefty O’Doul’s is like a latter day mead hall with lots of kitsch, a good dollop of grime, and loads of fun.
Lefty’s sells its very own Bloody Mary and key lime margarita mix. You can enjoy them there or buy them to take home. Either way, a hefty dose should provide enough liquid courage to hit up the piano player for a singalong, or hold your own Grammy-winning karaoke fest from the safety of your living room.
Tourists exploring Union Square, budget-conscious students, blue-collar and casual locals, sports fans, and families. All ages, but mostly 20s to 50s.
Barely audible classic/arena rock. Several TVs tuned to local sports. Live piano nightly from 9pm.
The cafeteria serves classic American meat-and-potatoes comfort food, including carved meat sandwiches, traditional breakfasts, and homestyle dinner plates. Happy Hour daily 2–6pm.
Breakfast $5.50–$8.25, soups and salads $2.80–$6.50, sandwiches $6.90–$7.50, entrées $10.29, desserts $3.49. Beer $4.75–$6.75/pint or $15.50–$18.50/pitcher, wine $5.50–$9, cocktails and rails $6.75–$9.75.
Anything goes: t-shirts, jerseys, blue jeans, skirts, Giants garb.
Friday nights for the biggest crowd of people, many of whom are looking to get vocal with the piano man.
For a sports bar to appease both coasts, check out Dave’s (29 3rd Street), where Giants and Red Sox fans drink together in harmony.
Lefty O'Doul's User Reviews