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The Irish Bank
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Irish Bank
8.0
Beloved alleyway pub pouring pints and serving hefty 8-oz burgers (including a classic ‘Bank Burger’) till late. The lively patio and reliable kitchen make it a downtown standby for a casual burger and a beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Bank Burger (Dubliner cheddar), Patty Melt on Rye, Diablo Burger with Jalapeños
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Historic alley pub with a legit house burger and late hours.
Who should go: Burger-and-pint seekers near Union Square
When to visit: Late night after 9pm for easier seating
What to order: Bank Burger, patty melt, Diablo Burger
Insider tip: Snag the alley patio on warm evenings—it’s the move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest options are Sutter-Stockton Garage or street parking, which is difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual pub attire; jeans, sneakers, and game-day gear are all common.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours and game nights; quieter on weekday afternoons.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; bar seats open quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burger and some pub starters are meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – salads and a possible off-menu vegan burger if requested.
Gluten-free options: Partial – can do bunless burgers and salads, but kitchen does not have a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, lively date over pints than a romantic evening—it’s fun and energetic, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don’t take reservations. Arrive before 7pm or after 9pm for the best chance of snagging a patio or indoor table.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings are fine for families, but it’s primarily a pub with a late-night bar crowd. Best for older kids or teens comfortable in a lively setting.
Best For
Better for: Casual burger-and-pint nights with friends, especially outdoors on the alley patio.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, refined dining, or a wide range of vegan/gluten-free options.
The Irish Bank
8.3
Classic alleyway pub pouring pints and turning out sturdy bar fare, including crisp buffalo wings that anchor a lively after-work scene. Happy hour draws downtown crowds to the courtyard; service stays efficient even when the lane is packed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Curry Fries, Beef Sliders
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Hidden-alley Irish pub with reliable wings and a real happy hour.
Who should go: After-work crews and game watchers
When to visit: Weekdays before 6pm for happy hour
What to order: Buffalo wings, curry fries, sliders
Insider tip: Grab the courtyard tables down the lane for faster food runners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Union Square is very limited; nearby paid garages like Sutter-Stockton Garage are your best bet.
Dress code: Casual pub attire—jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: High during happy hour; quieter mid-afternoon but expect lively chatter and sports audio.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for larger groups, especially if games are on.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast seating indoors or in the courtyard.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pub salads, fries, and a few vegetarian mains available.
Vegan options: Limited—fries and a couple of bar snacks, but options are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodations—wings can be prepared without breading and some mains are GF-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more rowdy pub than romantic spot. Better for casual hangs or sports nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most tables are first-come. Arrive early for the courtyard during peak happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime hours are fine for families, but evenings skew adult with a bar crowd and louder environment.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Irish pub vibe with hearty bar fare and one of the liveliest downtown courtyards.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner, refined cocktails, or upscale dining—this is more casual and social.