Finnegans Wake — Restaurant in San Francisco

TLDR: rude bartender unreasonably kicked out of this place and interrupts a friend's birthday party. Would not recommend to anyone looking for friendly service or a nice environment to hang out (the heaters in the back patio DO NOT work and it's freezing)

It was a Saturday night, beautiful evening in SF and we were going to this place for a surprise party for our friend's 30th birthday.

The evening became a huge disappointment because of the very rude bartender (the guy was maybe 5'5', dark brown hair).

We arrived early and went straight to the back patio ahead of the surprise party (no security or ID check to get in) and was chatting with mutual friends when folks decided to grab drinks at the bar. I was not planning to get a drink but went the group inside to keep chatting.

The bartender ID's and serves drinks to the folks who wanted to get a beer and at one point, gestures to me for my order. I told him I'm not getting any drink and he continues to press for my ID as if he's security. I check my pockets and realize that I forgot mine at home and clarify again that I'm not getting a beer and don't need any drink service.

The guy won't let it go. He points to me and points to the door and blurts out "I need you to leave" and presses on with "I already told you to leave".

I quite frankly don't understand this service and attitude - there were plenty of others sitting and chatting in this place WITHOUT ID checks because there was NO ID checks at the door to enter. I've been to plenty of bars in SF where I'm just hanging out with friends and not drinking and there has been no instance where I've been pressed for ID like this and then kicked out on the spot (and with such bad attitude).

I don't know how this place is an apparent "local favourite"? There are MUCH NICER bars with better service and nicer environments in SF. Would not recommend to anyone and definitely not...

came here to spectate for the women’s world cup match and was met with harshness from the bartenders. we asked if they would put on the US match and they only agreed to two TVs and were not willing to turn on the sound. direct quote - “people pay to hear music”. when i came here for the men’s world cup every TV had the game on and the sound was high, and atmosphere was electric. there were probably about 6-7 groups in the bar with the intent to watch the game so this wasn’t just our groups ask.

idk it just left us feeling sad knowing that women’s sports finally are picking up heat but don’t get equal support and excitement from sports bars and venues. it felt like we were kinda pushed off which would never have happened for the men’s matches. ironic that one of the bartenders was a women :( maybe one day we will get the same support as the men. we left and went to Kezar where most of the TVs had the world cup on and the sound was loud!...

Highly recommended, great little divey Cole Valley bar...yes it's the name of a James Joyce book that I haven't read. Recently renovated (a year ago), it's now much nicer both inside and out. Inside, long bar w/a dozen or so beers on tap, big screen TVs usually w/sports on, jukebox, pool table, darts, pinball machines, and small tables for seating. Clean restrooms. Outdoors, back patio with benches, ping pong table (very popular), and deck area. Patio is also available for rentals for private or corporate events. Gets nicely crowded while showing bay area sports games. Very nice owners....twice a year they host a community potluck where food is served from the outside BBQ along with prepared salads and other treats. Definitely check it out each Memorial...