The Plough and the Stars image

The Plough and the Stars

Bar Nightlife

Homey Irish bar where a regular crowd enjoys a pint & live Celtic music most nights. People often mention Irish, music, live, Great,


Address

116 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Website

www.theploughandstars.com

Contact

(415) 751-1122

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (167 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 2 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 2 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: 2 PM to 2 AM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Thursday: 3 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Irish (19) music (14) live (12) Great (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Isabel R. 4 years ago on Google
    Ugh, truly conflicted about this rating, for a year had rated as a 5/5 stars but had to revise after this week's occurrences. I have lived two blocks away from the plough and the stars for the past 2 years and have thoroughly enjoyed this classic Irish bar with its weekly Irish music offerings. I frequented Thursday night set dancing, weekend band offerings and even brought family here when they visited the city to show them the local spirited "dive bar". The environment was always warm and welcoming albeit laid back and unpretentious. As a young 20 something new to alcohol, I even discovered my adoration for Guinness at this bar! Which regretfully brings me to the events of this past weekend. The opportunity for a night cap of Guinness-y goodness arose after a long day visiting Folsom Street fair. I thought to stop in for a beer following dinner with my new girlfriend, a great opportunity to show her more of my neighborhood. We were dressed appropriately, almost entirely covered up by the evening due to the chilly SF air, with a little glitter and a leather necklaces being the only potential signs of the raucous event we had just enjoyed (however, any attire that sufficiently covers genitals shouldn't even be an issue in 2019 San Francisco?!?) We had absolutely no trouble in the same dress at dinner on the same block, we were treated with the respect of patrons that one would expect! However, it seems that the antiquated character of the bar was also reflected in attitude. Although a bar cannot be held accountable for actions of customers, the bar tenders should be respectful without exception. Which is why it saddened me to hear the bar tender negging and jeering with the other men at the bar after we rejected one man's drunken approach. We were mocked and ridiculed while our order for two Guinness was neglected. We left promptly and unfortunately will not be back soon. In the words of my girlfriend, "I didn't come all the way to San Francisco to be treated like this!" A sour finish to an otherwise beautifully accepting and affirming day. The female bar tender that worked (works?) here has always been fantastic, keep her around to temper the delusion that luck of the Irish does not mean "getting lucky".
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 James D. 1 year ago on Google • 259 reviews
    Stumbled in after dinner a few days ago to keep the after dinner energy going. $5 cover for 4 of us to enter since they had a band playing. We were totally sticking out like sore thumbs but didn't receive any looks or hate. Gotta love SF for all that it accepts. Funny juxtaposition that we ended up here and ordering tequila shots haha. Stayed for the band which was a vibe and totally not what you'd find in my headphones but keeping an open mind will ensure you have fun anywhere.

  • 5/5 Colin M. 6 months ago on Google • 233 reviews
    Great traditional Irish bar with live music and dancing.

  • 3/5 Carl P. 9 years ago on Google
    Decent little Irish Pub with live music and snack. The bar has a good selection of beer and makes pretty good drinks. The food menu is more snack food then full on pub fare. The best part of Plough is the live Irish music that plays here. The atmosphere can certainly be a lot of fun when the band is playing and the crowd is in. Prices are reasonable and overall casual atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kathleen F. 6 years ago on Google
    Love love this place. Brilliant local pub. Laura is our fav bartender. Her Manhattan is nectar of the Gods! Great place to enjoy a relaxed evening. Everyone who works there makes you feel like you are a regular. Very personable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Terese S. 11 months ago on Google
    Terrific authentic Irish pub that links us to Northern Ireland as soon as we walk in….
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 colin m. 6 months ago on Google • 174 reviews
    Classic Irish bar with great traditional live music. Great to see it open fully again

  • 5/5 Brandon Y. 1 year ago on Google • 157 reviews
    Went for the Irish set dancing on Thursday nights. Wooden dance floor, friendly bartender, no food served but they seem to allow outside food and snacks brought not only by us dancers. I cannot comment on their drinks selection because, surprise, I'm not drinking alcohol anymore but they have some good non-alcoholic options at the bar that I like, ginger ale or this sort of raspberry flavored soda water. I also love the pool table in front, I don't play, but it mixes up the vibe.

  • 5/5 William M. 5 years ago on Google • 63 reviews
    This is a great Irish bar. The bartenders are friendly, the Guinness is truly a perfect pint, and they have lots of live music. I loved the look of the place, and the decorative details. Worth the trip. They don't serve food, but you can buy packages of chips or bring in takeout from one of the nearby restaurants across the street. We stayed for the Irish traditional music jam, and it was wonderful.

  • 5/5 Richard S. 2 months ago on Google • 60 reviews New
    A favorite Irish pub with live music almost every day!

  • 5/5 Shelby A. 2 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Great neighborhood watering hole with nice craft beer selection and live country/honky-tonk every first Saturday of month, live bluegrass every third Friday, and all sorts of live music most nights.

  • 2/5 Lillian Diep (. 11 years ago on Google
    I don't understand the hype about this place. There's no pub food--just chips and other generic snacks. The place smelled like industrial bathroom cleaner when I visited. If you enjoy the lively pub atmosphere with awesome greasy food and different games and such available, you probably won't like this place much. The Plough DOES offer live Irish music though, so that may be cool to check out.

  • 5/5 Hannah B. 6 months ago on Google
    Best service in town and always great music!

  • 5/5 Patty W. 8 months ago on Google
    The best Irish pub in SF. I love all the Irish music there! Even If you are not Irish you will love it here. Especially on Thursday nights when the dancers are there doing traditional Irish folk dancing. You can even join in!

  • 5/5 Robert M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great Irish pub. Went to see some bands there and was pleased with the venue and the atmosphere. Bartenders were helpful and pleasant. Going back next time I'm in the area.

  • 5/5 Kyle B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great bar... great staff.....and the bands that play there are always good

  • 5/5 Lewis W. 2 years ago on Google • 18 reviews
    Excellent Irish bar that pours a proper pint of Guinness. Steel tip darts, pool and (often) live music as well.

  • 5/5 Reita B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place with good beer and Guinness and live music


Call (415) 751-1122 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Outside food allowed
  • Service options
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places


Similar Bars nearby

Last updated:
()