Blackthorn Tavern

By Deno Gellepes 

I was recently in New York City where I spent considerable time in the charming Upper West Side of Manhattan. The neighborhood has a special feel that has brought me back many times throughout the years. Some of the pubs even reminded me of those I had encountered in previous travels to the English countryside. Theoretically, those two destinations have nothing in common, but there are certain parallels my mind draws, and the memory tends to work in mysterious ways anyway. 

Both places have a magnetism that leaves me yearning for more to the point that, by the time I’m back in the Pacific time zone, I’ve already put together a to-do list for a hopeful future visit. 

So, it was with much excitement that on one Saturday afternoon in the Inner Sunset, I stumbled into Blackthorn Tavern. Before diving further into my experience, it’s important to acknowledge that the name “BLACKTHORN” first led me to imagine a gritty dive in the Mission District. I pictured obscure thrash metal blaring from dusty speakers and bar patrons sipping canned PBR while contemplating adding their artistic expression to the bathroom walls. 

To my surprise though, when I laid eyes on the exterior of Blackthorn Tavern I was immediately struck by the vibrant, bright-colored potted plants displayed under a perfect blend of tree coverage that provided a combination of both light and shade. The front patio, more spacious than some entire downtown bars, looked relaxing for those wanting to take a load off and take in the busy foot traffic on Irving Street. The white square-pane windows and the overall design of the building further evoked memories of the bars I had frequented on the Upper West Side and the pubs I encountered during my journeys in England. 

Blackthorn boasts a loyal following, and as I understand it, some of the regulars have earned first rights to seats at the Horseshoe-shaped area of the bar. No need to worry though, as they have plenty of seating to go around, even at the Horseshoe! Both bar-top seating and a back wall filled with spacious wooden booths invite guests to come sit and enjoy one of 21 rotating beers on tap, numerous barrel-aged cocktails – such as the Boulevardier (Yellowstone Bourbon Whiskey, Campari, sweet vermouth) – and, as my drinking partner confidently declared, “a top three Bloody Mary in all of San Francisco!” 

That’s high praise from someone who meticulously documents the City’s Bloody Mary scene, and I can personally attest to its greatness. It was adorned with classic garnishes (olives, lemon/lime, green bean and asparagus) and had a perfectly balanced blend of spice and saltiness. 

But I was in no mood for a Bloody. After a long walk through Golden Gate Park, I was in search of a cold beer. Luckily, they had Anchor Steam Lager on tap and the bartender informed me that it was one of their last kegs of Anchor – which made it taste even sweeter. 

We strategically chose an earlier time to arrive in order to enjoy a quieter environment. It’s not that I’m against bustling crowds; after all, my goal here is to drive business to our local establishments. It’s more a matter of personal preference. I’ve reached an age where I appreciate the feeling of a less congested bar scene. I find myself less inclined to stand shoulder to shoulder with folks who are 15 years younger, spilling their beers on me while shouting stories through each other about their mutual friends Blaine and Todd’s epic night out. If it means spending 10 minutes vying for a spot at the bar just to catch the bartender’s attention, I usually just keep walking. 

Blackthorn’s identity is an Irish sports bar, and in my numerous visits, they do it right by striking a balance. Unlike some sports bars that overwhelm you with a cluttered assortment of memorabilia or adopt a worn-down look, the place is extremely well-kept and has minimal signage, particularly for a sports bar. it shows the care the ownership team has taken to maintain a sleek and welcoming place to root on your favorite team. 

There’s trivia on Monday nights, live music on Wednesdays, and a live DJ on most Friday and Saturday nights. Bonus points for their back patio. It’s a cozy spot with more room to sit and stand than you might think. The minimal space is very well utilized, and they even managed to put in a Cornhole setup! 

As one might expect, the bar packs up for football season and, of course, for Warriors and Giants games. When I visited on a recent weekend, it looked like the epitome of a well-versed sports bar. Nineteen HD screens with college football on multiple TVs, the women’s U.S. Open on others, and the Men’s U.S. national soccer team playing on the rest. People were scattered around the bar enjoying laughs, cocktails, and another day off work as the sun shined in through the open, white-painted windows. 

While savoring my second Anchor Lager, I couldn’t help overhearing the gentleman in the booth sitting behind me ask his wife, “It’s got a bit of a New York feel, doesn’t it?” My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and a tinge of sourness. You know, the feeling akin to discovering you’re not the only one who knows about the Tom Petty deep-cut, “Lost in Your Eyes.” But then, just like a great song, I reminded myself that the allure of places like Blackthorn Tavern lies in their universality – it’s here for all of us to enjoy and that’s a beautiful thing. 

Ultimately, through all of my travels, I’m a San Franciscan, and there is an undeniable joy that comes over me when I know that I’m flying home to everyone else’s vacation. So, whether it was intended or not, I am forever grateful for the Upper West Side and English pub vibes I feel when sitting at Blackthorn’s bar top because it gives me a taste of both vacations right in my own backyard. 

Blackthorn is located at 834 Irving St. For more information, call 415-564-6626.