The Pig and Whistle — Restaurant in San Francisco

Okay, it's a quaint bar filled with rustic charm, reminiscent of some make-believe British pub circa 1959. I was there last Thursday, Feb 1st, 2018, to watch a friend shoot pool in his league. As the games ended, I went up to my car to make a very personal phone call. And when I say up, I mean up to the roof top parking lot off the small side street over the Bank of America....that's important. While on the phone, in deep convo, I watch the players march out, group after group, clearing out the crowded upper lot. BTW... I was told to park there by the captain of the one of the teams playing. Even saw this person as he left and waved goodbye.

That's when I noticed I was nearly alone on that roof. A couple other cars were still parked, and a man hanging out by the stairs. It was 1230am, went to leave, and THE GATE WAS SHUT AND LOCKED TIGHT. I was trapped. But I did not panic.

The guy by the stairs said there was no way out, the door was locked. I searched in vain, there I was, stuck on a roof, waiting for someone to open the gate.

Someone came at 930am, 9hrs later to free us. Fortunately I had my phone to keep me company. And after multiple attempts to call the Pig & Whistle to say hey, open it up, it quickly became apparent this bar closed early, and the bartender closed the lot. No one answered the phone the 7 times I called.

Yes, I could and should've called the fire department, but was I trespassing on Bank property? And really didn't need the police stopping by too, sniffing around.

To whomever locked that gate early, please consider the 2 human beings you trapped up there in your hurried zeal to close the bar and leave early. I was always visible in my car, screen to my head. The other man was just hanging out, clearly visible.

You must have known what you were doing, trapping us up there, for 9 freaking hours, what? ....for your amusement?

In fact, you may have committed a crime by doing so, false imprisonment or whatever they call forcing 2 people into confinement for any length of time on purpose.. ..should cause your lengthy confinement. This was more than mere idiocy or negligence.

I shall do more research, and seek legal counsel. Better hurry into the Pig's Whistle, while it's still called that...

Updated review 3/29/2025: We've been here a few times since my last review. Trivia night and random weekends. The drinks, food and service remains excellent. They let me bring my bicycle into the restaurant which is great. This is my midpoint for my weekend bicycle rides. This time I brung friends and the place was full. We had, wings $9.75, sausage rolls $7.75 and jalapeno poppers $7.50 as our appetizers. Fish and chips $16.75, 2x cheese burgers $15.50, pork loin chops $16.50, New York steak $18.25 as our entrees.

Love the bartenders here, the skinny lady, Gary and Steve.

Original review: The Pig & Whistle serves goujon sized fish & chips $13.75. I would have preferred one whole piece like how they do it in London. The ratio of batter and fish was good. The outside was crispy and soft on the inside. This was delicious. Too bad they didn't have mushy peas or regular peas as a side. The sausage rolls $6.75 were also terrific. Bonus points for having HP sauce on the tables. They have a great selection of beers on tap. I enjoyed my few pints of Firestone Union Jack IPA, London Pride and Stella. Great job bartenders and chef at The Pig & Whistle. This...

The Pig and Whistle, San Francisco - A Delightful British Experience

If you're seeking a taste of Britain in San Francisco, look no further than The Pig and Whistle. The food here is delightful, offering a true taste of British fare that will make you feel like you've crossed the Atlantic. From classic fish and chips to hearty shepherd's pie, every dish is prepared with care and authenticity.

The atmosphere is as authentic as it gets outside of the UK. The cozy, pub-like environment is perfect for unwinding after a long day. There's usually a good game on to watch, adding to the lively and welcoming vibe.

A special mention must go to the restrooms – they are impeccably clean, which is always a good thing and often a rarity in busy pubs.

Bartender Steve is an absolute gem. Charming and helpful, he goes out of his way to ensure you have a great time. His recommendations are spot-on, and his friendly demeanor adds to the overall fantastic experience at The Pig and Whistle.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, this pub is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine British...