It's a local pub with old-guard decor and staff, located just on the edge of the Tenderloin and walking distance from Hastings School of Law. Patrons range from button-down-businessmen to inner-city-denizens. Pull up a stool....order a pint. There's no telling who you're going to wind up talking to.....be they up-and-coming or down-and-out, you'll find an interesting range of opinions, outlooks, and life experiences. Prices for this neighborhood are a *tad* on the spendy side, but the beer taps are well maintained while the owner and staff are *fanatical* about the precision of their Guinness pour. No food, but management is carry-in friendly and there's a decent Chinese deli about 4 doors to the South. There's a quiet mix of eclectic elders during the day, and a younger crowd at night. Check it out if you're in the 'hood, but don't expect anything specific (other than a perfect Guinness pour, if that's your thing). It's different every time.

I was very impressed with the beer list, creative and well considered. The burger was flavourful and well cooked, with fresh tomatoes, lettuce & Onions. Poutine was tasty, but not Montreal tasty. The fries for the Poutine were crispy and delicious. The Tenderloin area was a bit sketchy, though it gave the overall vib authenticity to the experience. There are signs of gentrification which will pair well with this cool bar. There is a pool table of good condition surrounded by retro leather chairs and live edge tables and great music playing in the background. One thing that stuck out was the outstanding whisky offerings, from Bourbon, Scotch, Canadian, Irish and Japanese. I was impressed with the professionalism of the Staff and there knowledge of the history of the area. Big shout out to Kelly the Manager for making me feel welcome and accomadating my requests.

I've eaten here 2 times and the food was alright. I'd give 4 stars but unfortunately BOTH times I went there the doorman(? Tall black guy) was trying to punk on people parked at the public meters in front of the restaurant. He was just being so disrespectful. The cars weren't the ”nicest" cars but they were just regular people, being polite and respectful, but one was having trouble starting, and the guy was telling them they gotta go or he was guna get them towed. Mind you, one was a paying customer. Because the fact that I've been down and out myself and dislike bully's I won't be eating here anymore. Shame cause they could really being going somewhere (food-wise).

This place is awesome! We were staying just a street away and I'm glad we found it! The hamburgers were delicious! Service was perfect, and we loved the vibes and atmosphere. We visited again on a Sunday and even though kitchen was already closed, we got some beers and had a nice chat with the owner who was extremely nice and helpful. We will definitely visit again when in the area. Greetings from Arizona!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Hamburger, Double Smash Burger, Double Pattie Smash Burger

Kelly has done a wonderful job revamping this place! The inside looks classy and comfortable and I cannot wait until it's open. Shovels has quite the whiskey collection, with a focus on local and unique brands, and owner Kelly is more than happy to chat about your likes and make recommendations that will introduce you to new favorites. She has a strong focus on keeping the venue welcoming for neighbors while making it a bit cozier than it was in its previous life. A lot of love - of the bar, the neighborhood, and California small brands - has gone into this establishment and you definitely want to go visit.

Great bar under new management down in the Tenderloin. Come be part of the re-vitalization of this area by soliciting this local business! Great selection of food and drinks. The bartender we had (Sean) was great, knowledgeable, and poured some fantastic cocktails. The fried pickles and French fries we had were fresh, crispy, and flavorful. Didn't have time to try anything else on the menu but, will be back for sure! (PSSST...hey Feds at 450GG I heard if you show your PIV/CAC you might just get 10% off)
Service
Dine in

Place looks great (owner change) but bartender ... 1st, heavy metal hard head banger rock playing for all of his 2 customers. 2nd, it's a beer whiskey place. I know. I get it. How about a Cosmo please. He ran away to hide by the ice machine and stock room (I could have walked behind the bar and made it myself). Hiding. If you don't know how to make a cosmopolitan "Cosmo" ask or use your phone. Don't hide and leave the bar unattended for 30 mins No my drink never showed up since I walked out. :-/

We came here for a few drinks before a gig recently, there was only one person behind the bar but he was SLAYING it! Phenomenal service , really friendly and quick. Really good food and a good choice of drinks. The atmosphere was cool as well, had a good rock vibe with just all around welcoming feeling. Will definitely return here again for a few drinks and a bite to eat. The menu had good choices and the prices were reasonable!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Bartender didn't ask for ID what if you are under age ? Food didn't order any because I didn't see much variety . He charged me $20 for 2 drinks and he said he thinks it's $20 he didn't check he just said I think it's 20 so I paid and left....the place it was so empty when I got there.... tell me more if it gets better after what time and the days? I went on a Saturday night.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

Great food, nice atmosphere, comfy couches and a gregarious bartender. We came to try it out for restaurant week and decided we'll definitely be back. The huge beer list and nicely curated whiskeys were a very nice bonus. Not quite a dive bar, not really fine dining but immensely comfortable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

Came here on two consecutive days, two different bar tenders and the service and friendliness was impeccable both times. If you're friendly and interested in a chat over a few drinks, you will have a fantastic time here. Special props to Eric who made our first night in San Francisco one we will not forget.

Nice looking remodeled bar, but not in a great area. I was a Canadian looking for poutine, but unfortunately this didn’t hit the mark. Cheese curds weren’t fresh (no squeak, and melted in a way curds usually don’t). Also not enough gravy!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Shovels is a unique style bar and restaurant. Old world charm in the backdrop of the tenderloin. They have a great management team there her name is Kelly Vance and she will be inspiration to all as a new rising diamond in the tenderloin the food is great try the Cobb salad.

Best bar hot dog in the city. Burger is on par, but the competition in SF much steeper (translation burger is really good in a city of really good burgers). Great beer and liquor selection and a locals crowd. This is the go to spot in Civic Center.

Absolutely utterly great in every way, ever, the place is fantabulous
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Double Smash Burger

First time I ever went there was for pool league game, fell in love with the place. The bartenders the customers we had a fantastic time me and my friends. The area is not as sketchy as it would seem, but the bar is wonderful and welcoming

OK, hear me out. I needed to pee, couldn't find a restroom that wasn't "closed". Ended up, walking into Shovels. Decided to have a few drinks and let me say this place is a good time! Bartender super nice! Thanks for the good experience!

Fantastic service, delicious food, phenomenal beer and whiskey! Will be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes

Silvia in the kitchen is wonderful and has a great attitude. Kelly is full of sass, and I love it! Definitely going back and making this place my watering hole for business and pleasure.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Friendly staff, great buffalo chicken strips and chili cheese fries. They were open during the pandemic to go, and have opened the doors when they could.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

If you're looking for a really chill low-key dive bar with attentive bar tenders and the best antelope burger in the city then look no further ! They also vegan chili dogs ✨️
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Massive amount of Whisky. Bartender Sean was professional and friendly, he made some great cocktails. Neighborhood is a bit sketchy, but they do screen people at the door.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Not in the best area, I went at night having solo traveled to the west coast for the first time. Nevertheless, that can’t be helped. The bar itself is great and I believe during my stay it was the best meal I had in the city.

Best poutine I could find in San Francisco.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: No
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Curbside pickup: Yes

First time there. Impressive inside. Comfortable seating. Beautiful bar and even the ceiling is nice! Ordered the ham sandwich, which was reasonably priced and delicious! Definitely would recommend this place!

Great place to chill and relax, atmosphere is comfortable. There is couches and a pool table in the back. Everyone loves the fries.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$50–100

The girl who owns and runs this place is a jerk. The food is not health food at all. Greasy.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Great Bar, only there's a few underage, wiggers kids, trying to sell the green. Looks intimidating but they couldn't be further from the truth
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$30–50

Great beer selection. Good burger. Nice bartender... area is a bit sketchy if you are walking.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Brew list is potent. Eat the vegan hot dog with black garlic aioli. Eat the friend pickles. Take the extensive liquor cabinet for a spin. They worked hard here to keep themselves in the game!

It was a great union bar and a great place to cash your check. 1999-2001 The bartender owner was a generous and friendly guy. He made the best damn long inland ice tea. Local 1977 LV

We stumbled across this bar while braving through the tenderloin and it was a sage heaven. The atmosphere was great and the bartender was filled with suggestions and was so friendly

Recommend the smash burger and poutine they don't have waiters have to go to the front to ask for food
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

A bartender told me I should have made food and watched the game at home since I couldn't pay in cash. Surprisingly the credit card reader worked immediately after a heated debate.

Really great bar & grill disguised as a hole in the wall. Tony was a bit of an arse but he's gone so. Memorabilia galore and attests to legitimacy of integrity. Get over here eh.

Had a great time plzying pool with a friend, drinks were outrageously expensive ans and not that great. Ambiance is your local laid back bar scene with a nice friendly atmosphere

This place truly is a Diamond in the rough !
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love jumpin' in here for a quick drink, or hanging out chillaxen with me mates!! The staff is real chill nice and go above and beyond without even realizing it! …

Awesome people. Great simple drinks. What a cool place to relax after work. 6 TV's and jukebox. Oh did I mention pool table and dart board. Pool league every Tuesday.

A nice little dive pub. It's quiet even on major holiday weekends. There's a pool table and some damn fine Irish whiskey. Most importantly, the bartender is the best.

Frequent the timely pub due to late night service industry. Excellent bar staff, consistent pours, either dead or lively crowd sitting on a likewise corner of the TL.

It was crowded on St. Patrick's Day while waiting to March in the parade. Been here before with the Irish Pipers Band and was treated well. Good food and fun staff!

Food was great, greatowers. good price, kind of a scary location for out of towners.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$50–100

The bartender was very nice, It had plenty of space to sit and talk (at least on thursday). There is a pool table and dart to enjoy for free during certain hours.

Excellent food. Great atmosphere. Come during the day and you’ll find lawyers in suits from the nearby courthouse. Come in the evening and it’s basically Cheers.

Great vibes, burgers were amazing, beer list extensive and the music was Punk/Emo!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Hey there's Not a better place & the owner is everybody's friend, thank you Phil your all World. Part 2 lets keep this place a secret , so shh shh or else. :-()

Food was decent but the place had a gentrified feel that's probably too ambitious for its neighborhood.
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 1

Outside of "Southie",in Boston...Harrington's is the best Irish bar I've foundGreat place to kill an afternoon,a pint,and a book by Richard Brautigan.

Amazing food, with vegan options! A fine selection of drinks, good company, and friendly staff. It's always a good time to be had here, at Shovel's.

OMG I had the best experience at this bar. The food is amazing and the employees are awesome. Got to check this place out. The service is great.

Regulars and bartenders have a good rapport, people are friendly, the drinks aren't expensive, and they're very open to folks bringing food in.

Great friendly bartenders, kind of weird in the AM because there's so much room but I'll definitely be back in the afternoon or evening …

Green is In around St Patrick's Day! It's an otherwise cool neighborhood pub. Careful, one block east on Turk street is a different story.

Great place!!!!.. Nice friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere!!!... Except for the neighborhood a LITTLE, but so is life in the big city!!!

Chill atmosphere, caring bartenders, interesting choice of beer. I will come back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other

We had such a great time. Beautifully decorated, yummy burgers and Great cocktails. Love the ambiance and we are going back soon.

If you're local worth a try
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

We we're there on Saint Patty's day after the parade. It was packed but the barkeeps were doing a great job of keeping up.

Good little find. Drinks were made well and food bites were tasty.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cozy place, lots of fun with a good atmosphere and excellent staff
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very Good Food Had a Double Cheese Burger Fresh Ground Beef YUMO!!! Big TV Doggie friendly
Service
Take out

Great dive bar - good rapport from the bartenders and the clientele consists of quite a collection of characters.

Great irish bar with a pool table. Pretty layed back. Good beers on tap and great cocktails! One of my favs!

My rugby team drank there after every practice and home game for 4 years. We loved it! They have food?

Local bar. It is super casual and cheap. Perfect place to hang out with friends. Staff are awesome ;)

Great barman, good conversation, plenty of local knowledge, good drinks. Worth the trip for a stop.

Cheap place with cheap drinks. Goto place if you just want a place with cheap drinks near city hall

Great bar, excellent cocktails. I didn’t eat here but I would definitely try it if you’re hungry.

Best burgers and beer in the neighborhood.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Very big bar and a lot of beers and liquor. They have at least ten tap beer. The price is fair.

The bartender is amazing, try his oatmeal cookie. The drinks are great and the price is right.

Travelling through and another legend named shane showed me the best dance moves. Much love.

Great service, I just adore Eric the Bartender. Lets not forget the infamous mystery drinks.

Cheap beer and awesome chili dogs!
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Nice bartender, she was very welcoming and friendly and makes a really good drink

Bartenders are very nice, prices are right, plenty of room, and great jukebox..

Fantastic spot with great people! Awesome staff and great whisky selection

Good food. Tasty cocktails. Great service and ambiance. Will be back.

Will call its the treasure bar of tenderlion... cool spot to hang out

Comedy
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Pretty Cool actually like it better than the other places around.

GREAT customer service and great people. A nice place to unwind.

It was ite
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

Nice.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Great bartenders, nice old time San Francisco atmosphere

Great service chill vibes delicious drinks and poutine!

Smelled like piss and beer didn't taste much better

Rad place, really cool ambiance and great food.

Very cool, chill place. Good beer, good music..

Friendly staff. Neighborhood can be challenging

Terrific vibe, friendly, casual, comfortable.

Couches are cozy, beer list is pretty good

Great place to relax for beer after work!

Its an Irish bar nothing bad or fantastic

Fun dive bar. Great crowd and bar keeps.

Excellent place with excellent service!

Brand new bar. Pool table, classy decor

I can't tell because I love it too much

Great bar, great bartenders, nuff said