Irish Bank
Whether you're Irish all year round or only on St. Patrick's Day, the time has come to raise a glass and toast the Emerald Isle. If you're in San Francisco, one great place to celebrate the holiday is The Irish Bank Bar & Restaurant, just a few blocks from Union Square. The pub fare is good, the beer is...well, beer, and the ambience on the outdoor patio is always festive.
The Irish Bank is hidden from view, tucked away in an alley between Bush St. and Harlan Place, a block from Grant Avenue and close to the entrance to Chinatown and Union Square. There are many tables, benches and chairs on the patio in the alley, and it is easy to find a seat to drink a pint or two with a group of 2 or 20 friends. The beer list is decent, with domestic, international (Belgian, German, Mexican, etc.), and of course, Irish beers; there are also white and red wines to choose from, as well as cocktails, for those people who want to drink a blueberry Cosmo at an Irish pub (why not?). The pub fare is good, and although I've heard that various menu offerings are excellent, like the chicken strips and Bank burger, I am happy ordering the blue cheese fries. If you like blue cheese and/or fries well, they are not to be missed.
While you have a lot of options for celebrating your Irish heritage this St. Patrick's Day, the patio at the Irish Bank is sure to be packed with revelers. Head on down to the alley and grab a pint. Slancha!
|
|
