The United Irish Cultural Center was established in 1973 to promote Irish food and culture. It has a restaurant, bar, lounge and catering services for Irish cuisine. The menu features soup, salads, entrees and desserts. Some of the items featured are Irish mixed grill, corned beef and beef brochette. The banquet center caters small gathering to large Irish weddings. A common type of meal is corned beef, lamb, beer, soda bread, and Irish stew. There are several menus to choose from: brunch, buffet, dinner, lunch and banquet. The St. Patrick Day Parade and Food Festival offers entertainment and plenty of food to celebrate the holiday before and after the parade in San Francisco. The San Francisco Celtic Music Festival is another festival that has some traditional foods like Irish soda bread and other selections.
There are many outstanding Irish restaurants in the San Francisco area. Food, beer and décor are what sets them apart. The Irish Bank at 10 Mark Lane is one of the historic restaurants in the area. It is like a rural tavern in Ireland with antiques and historical documents. There is abundant beer on tap, sandwiches and Irish entrees like Irish stew, shepherd's pie and bratwurst and sauerkraut. Lunch and dinner are served. O'Reilly's at 622 Green St. is a place to go to experience great Irish food and drink and listen to Celtic music. There is a great selection of burgers and sandwiches, lamb dishes, colcannon and corned beef and cabbage. John Foley's is like an authentic Irish pub with great decorations and food. It is at 243 O'Farrell St. It has an amazing lunch and dinner menu. There are appetizers, sandwiches, main entrees and desserts. Enjoy beef and Guinness soup, lamb shank in braised wine, prime rib, and Irish entertainment. Tiernan's is an upscale Irish restaurant located on Fisherman's Wharf, 685 Beach St. It combines traditional and American dishes. Traditional items like shepherd's pie and bangers and beans along with 25 international beers and entertainment make this a great Irish restaurant to try.
Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub is at 530 Jackson St. It is a smaller place with oak floors and booths. The menu is creative and innovative. A popular place for lunch, it offers salad, sandwiches, appetizers and some traditional Irish entrees. There is also great music and a good selection of beer wine and drinks. The Phoenix Bar is one of the hippest Irish bars in San Francisco, at 811 Valencia St. It has great food and drinks with an Irish pub atmosphere inside. Lefty O'Doul's is a pub at 333 Geary St. The prices are reasonable.
