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Guide to San Francisco

Fish and beer

Made for those who believe the only proper accompaniment to a fish-based meal is a cold beer.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
The Halfway Club image 1
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American restaurant

Bar space divides into distinct vibes across front, middle, and back areas, including a back patio and a room with a projector. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with live jazz music at a volume that allows conversation. Crowd enjoys upmarket yet relaxed neighborhood energy with a mix of classic and creative drinks.

Fish and chips stand out with a crispy, satisfying texture and fresh flavor. The menu pairs them well with other items like burgers and salads for a solid meal.

Cold beers come in a short, rotating selection of solid, diverse local options. The list includes non-alcoholic beers and regular beers, plus a $23 pitcher of hazy IPA.

People are saying

"This bar has a cozy interior and friendly, competent service."

"The beer selection here is great, with good local options."

"The fish and chips here were amazing."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Food can be ordered directly from your bartender or server.

3

Dogs are allowed on the patio, making it a pet-friendly spot.

02
Rampant Bottle & Bar image 1

Wine bar offers a warm atmosphere with laid-back vibes and great music at a comfortable volume. The space is stylish and well decorated, creating an inviting environment that feels like home. It features an excellent selection of wines and snacks, including unique spritzes and rich mezze platters.

Tinned fish features prominently, often paired with charcuterie and cheese on mezze platters. This combination offers a satisfying mix of flavors that pairs well with a bottle of bubbles.

A friendly beer selection includes a 32 oz Victoria and ice-cold Peroni on tap. The spot pairs solid beers with small bites, making it a go-to for an evening drink.

People are saying

"I found the wine selection to be amazing and perfectly curated."

"I found the tinned fish to be delicious and satisfying."

"It's a welcoming spot with a laid-back vibe for drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals are available, offering discounts on drinks and appetizers.

2

To-go bottles of wine can be purchased for off-site enjoyment.

3

The wine selection features a variety of natural wines at different price points.

03
Bar49 image 1

Space feels like a modern apartment with brick walls and natural light from full windows. Atmosphere stays cozy and chill, inviting for relaxed hangouts without hustle. Crowd is friendly, enjoying good music and occasional sports on TV.

Crispy yet tender fish and chips stand out here. The grilled fish sandwich offers a solid option alongside other dishes like chicken tenders.

Offers a huge beer selection with standout hazy IPAs. Combines solid beer choices with good prices and a nice variety.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and the service was spectacular."

"The staff at this Bar are genuinely the nicest and take extra care of their guests."

"The fish and chips were crispy yet tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for dining, making it easy to drop in.

2

Large food orders arrive quickly, so no pre-orders are needed.

3

Expect the bar to get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends.

04
NORTHERN CHINA BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious barbecue restaurant offers authentic Northern Chinese skewers and late-night dining with chill Cantonese and Mandarin music. The atmosphere balances stylish, clean decor with a comfortable, lively vibe where conversations range from quiet to spirited.

Spicy fish pot comes with three add-ons and offers a good portion size at a fair price. Various fish dishes appear alongside meat skewers, creating a diverse selection.

Reasonably priced beer sits around $5, making it a fair choice in the area. Cold beer pairs well with iron pot beef, spicy peanuts, and skewers, especially during late-night kebab runs.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese BBQ here to be the best I've ever had."

"The beef skewers and spicy peanuts are perfect with a cold beer."

"I loved the spicy fish pot with add-ons."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 11pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

3

You can request to pay through an app, but payment is processed by a server.

05
Harrington's Bar and Grill - Irish Pub image 1

Irish pub with historic charm and comfortable booths offers a cozy, inviting vibe that shifts to lively and noisy when crowded. Proper Guinness and Kilkenny on tap complement a menu featuring standout dishes like fish burrito and spiced popcorn chicken. Sound system delivers clear audio, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Crunchy fried fish with a thick crust batter forms the core of the burrito. It pairs with salt and vinegar chips, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chipotle aioli for a bold flavor mix.

Cold beer comes with a great selection alongside a cocktail menu. The beer pairs well with the food offered.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be surprisingly awesome."

"I planned to return weekly for this fish burrito."

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available for larger groups, making it a great spot for after-work gatherings.

2

The venue can accommodate large parties, ideal for events like wedding rehearsals.

3

Lunch specials change frequently, offering a variety of options at reasonable prices.

06
Fin Thai SF image 1
Thai restaurant

Modern space blends tropical theme with Japanese-style wooden slats and cocooned lampshades creating an upscale, inviting atmosphere. Music and lighting add a chill, pleasant vibe that feels both trendy and warm. Late hours attract a crowd seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience.

Whole fish dishes stand out with steamed fish being unique in the city. Fried fish offers a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful inside, while fish cakes deliver a flavorful taste.

Cold beer pairs well with crispy fried chicken. Happy hour features discounted beers that complement the menu.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be excellent and authentic."

"The fried fish here is crispy outside and tender inside."

"The beer here is great, especially the crispy fried chicken."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available every hour during brunch.

3

Desserts are served with a candle for special occasions like birthdays.

07
Cousins Maine Lobster Restaurant - Pier 41 San Francisco image 1

Seafood restaurant offers waterfront views and a small, diner-style interior with celebrity photos on the walls. Atmosphere feels like fast food with plastic seating but remains quiet enough to enjoy meals. Outdoor area doubles indoor space, creating a casual vibe amid a lively pier setting.

Fish dishes feature great texture and size with a delightful blend of spices. The fish and chips stand out as perfectly cooked and highly satisfying.

Helpful owner offers beer tasters for sampling. Draft beer pairs well with food and suits a relaxed vibe watching the day go by.

People are saying

"I thought the lobster rolls were great and totally worth the price."

"I loved the fresh, clean lobster roll with minimal ingredients."

"The fish from the fish and chips was as good as I've ever had."

Good to know

1

This place has no toilets, so plan accordingly.

2

The prices at the restaurant are quite high for a fast food place.

3

I found good gluten-free options available.

08
Broad Street Oyster Company image 1
Seafood restaurant

Open-space design offers breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, creating a cozy and lively atmosphere with bright decorations and rocking good music. The space features a fantastic bar setup and seafood display, attracting those seeking a fun vibe and casual feast.

Fish dishes feature crisply fried fish and chips served in large portions without excess oil. Fresh oysters and a perfectly fried fish sandwich also stand out for their flavor and texture.

They offer a Mexican lager that hits the spot. Beers come from collaborations with different breweries. Options include micheladas, soju Bloody Mary, and wine.

People are saying

"The lobster roll was simple, warm, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"I thought the fish and chips were the best I had ever had."

"The lobster roll was warm with butter and had a brioche bun."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is generous, and the staff are accommodating.

2

The prices were quite high, with $45 for tuna tartare.

3

Portions at Broad Street Oyster Company are small.

09
Four Kings 四大天王 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small space with izakaya-style decor and walls adorned by classic Cantonese artists creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. Energetic atmosphere buzzes with 80s and 90s Canton-pop music and lively chatter. Tight bar seating and warm service add to the intimate, vibrant experience.

Whole fried sole stands out with its flaky texture, crispy outer shell, and a fragrant sauce topped with pickled mustard. The whole fermented mustard fish offers a distinct, rich flavor.

Unique Taiwan specialty beers stand out, featuring flavors like tea and pomelo. The selection includes Chinese beers and osmanthus lemon highballs that offer a distinct taste experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the spicy XO escargot."

"The beer here is surprisingly good, especially the pea shoots."

"The whole fried sole is flaky with a crispy outer shell."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and should be made at least three weeks in advance.

2

Expect a long wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially after 5:30pm.

3

Certain signature dishes may be unavailable if you arrive late, so plan accordingly.

10
The Happy Crane image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant offers a beautifully designed space with stunning woodwork and an open, casual atmosphere. The vibe balances stylish yet welcoming energy, avoiding pretension while featuring thoughtful cocktails and standout dishes like Peking duck and biang biang noodles.

People are saying

"The firecracker shrimp has a great mala hit."

"The fish here had a crispy skin and burst with flavor."

"They served fun Taiwanese beers with plum powder."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the tasting menu, which costs $120 per person.

2

Expect a wait of about an hour after your reservation time.

3

The total cost with drinks and tips can reach around $200 per person.

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