The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant

Established March 4th, 2001

The Chieftain, a uniquely detailed authentic Irish pub is only one block from The Sony Metreon and Moscone Convention Center, and a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's most familiar hotels and attractions.

Named after the first High King of Ireland, Brian Boru(c. 940-1014) and a more recent Irish Chieftain, Michael Collins (The Big Fellow) who in December 1921 signed an Anglo-Irish treaty agreement with Britain which was later ratified by Dail Eireann & the British House of Commons in January 1922, enacting the Irish Free State. In 1937, the Republic of Ireland was founded with 26 out of the 32 counties of Ireland.

The Chieftain's identity is intertwined with the 50 million Americans who claim some Irish heritage. It's this Celtic identity that inspired two sets of brothers from Ireland, Peter & Terry McVeigh, from County Clare and Dave & Mark Nagle from County Kerry, to put Irish roots in Downtown San Francisco with an authentic Irish pub and restaurant where craic, Irish for fun times, reign supreme.

The building, a historical landmark originally called the M&M Tavern was opened by Martin McVeigh's in 1934 just after the Prohibition repeal.

It became the cornerstone of journalism in San Francisco, as the home for all level of workers from the nearby San Francisco Chronicle & Examiner newspapers. After World War II, Martin McVeigh's son Al returned from the Navy and took over the family business. Al owned and managed the M&M Tavern from 1946 to 1989.

The Chieftain was built using mahogany wood, which creates a majestic acoustic environment that is enjoyed at all our live music events. The Chieftain has hosted hundreds of parties and we are San Francisco's recognized chosen destination for all international sporting event of interest including soccer, rugby and football.

We invite you to relax and take in the handcrafted Celtic copper shields, hand painted map of old Ireland on the floor surrounded by Castle Stone, imported stained glass Spiral of Life image over the front door and unique copper art depicting the original Chieftain, Brian Boru.

The Chieftain offers 20 of the Worlds finest beers on tap, included an outstanding 20oz "Perfect Pint" of Guinness!

Check out our fun activities, sporting events, full menu and wide selection of liquors, beers and wines... The craic will be mighty, so take a look around and come see us soon!