Black Horse London Pub in San Francisco

What an absurdly small, cute, and friendly as hell bar. Ill stop by any time Im around.-Avery aka Jibbitz

Great bar...great conversation. The bad Google review was funny.

Amazing atmosphere, amazing hosts. Will definitely be back

The 40year old man said they could not open at 3pm on a Sunday (despite posted hoursbecause the owner wasn’t there was sad…. Not worth the stop -#pathetic #sad

Amazing place,John is amazing bar guy,he is amazing

Food was decent but the waiter was incredibly rude to the point we thought of just walking out

Awesome bar! Thank you James for this unforgettable moment!

One of my most memorable bar experiences ever and I’ve been to quite a few. James will definitely entertain you and make you feel like a local immediately!

Nice and small pub. The mood is very familiar and friendly, the prices are normal (or maybe a bit lowerlike the normal in San Francisco. They have German beers too. Go in, drink a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or a König Pilsener and enjoy the guitar solo of the boss! Cheers! 🍻

Good vibes, friendly owner/bar tender. Beer only (mostly bottles served out of a bath tubvery very local/small place with a single TV.

I’m sitting in the Chestnut diner the morning after the Black Horse. It’s the perfect diner in terms of authenticity and food quality. I’m invisible to the people working here.What the Black Horse has is the ability to make whoever walks in there feel like a local.James is great. He’s obviously loved by those who pop their heads in. That’s for good reason. He’s a genuinely nice guy who spent his night chatting to all who were there. It is like becoming a member of a cool group - like the Elks.There’s the old hippie who is now a marshal arts master, the ex barman who is another great bloke, the loud drunk guy with opinions(windows are liquid).I recommend to anyone who is tired of commercial insincere businesses. It’s real and well worth a try.Great work James

James the Owner / Bartender is a local legend, makes you feel welcome, unless your an A$$. Cassandra and Max are great as well. Prepare to show vax and ID your first time. Seats 9 (15with six standing. Not for the claustrophobic, a ton on fun.A must go at least once. Tell them Stoney Soprano said hi.

We happened upon this place while waiting for takeout and it’s one of my new favorite bars in the city.

Just go. You wont regret. Jessica will take care of you. What seems like a hole in the wall is a portal of kindness and new bringing; have a beer and thank me later.

In 2018 I attended Dreamforce in San Francisco. Together with colleagues I ended in probably the smallest pub on earth, with just a bathtub with beer and a burping barmaid. She played great music and knew what hospitality is. The night at ‘Black Horse London Pub’ was memorable.

Smallest pub Ive ever been in we was made welcome by all.not cheap but well worth a visit,take a football scarf with you and hell put it on the wall.

Love this bar. James is literally the finest bar owner Ive ever met. Hell party with the best of them. Anytime I visit SF this is a "must visit."

So much freaking fun. We played dice and drank cheap beers in the back of this tiny bar. The owner is a hoot.

I saw this bar listed on a "Must Visit" in SF so while visiting SF my husband and I checked it out. We arrived around 11:40 pm so we were late comers but still got to hang out for a little bit.This is bar far the smallest bar/pub I have ever been in. It maybe sat 8 people.... I was amazed that they didnt serve any mixed drinks or draft beer. You want a drink, you pick one off a list written on a small chalk board and the bartender grabs it out of a bathtub full of iced beer. hahaha So unique!!The vibe definitly made you feel like you were in London!I had a grapefruit beer and it was sooooo good! They close at midnight which means everyone OUT at midnight.The one thing I wasnt to sure about was the old musty smell and inch of dust that had accumulated on the fan. Gag! It was hot in there but I was hoping with all of my hope that they would NOT turn that fan on. It looks like it was an original with the building and hasnt been cleaned since.I probably wouldnt have stayed for more then 2 beers but of all the bars we visited in SF this is still one of my favorites. :)

So glad to have stumbled upon this gem in the Tenderloin.Zero complaints here. The food was tasty, served quickly, and the owner is very approachable and friendly. Noticed quite a few locals getting takeout while we were eating here, and he knew them by name!

Look, this place is an absolute hole-in-the-wall. We had an amazing experience. James, the owner, shot gunned beers with us. It’s a San Fran must. You walk in and wonder where you’ve come, but it’s an experience worth having.

Super fun beer bar - smallest bar West of the Mississippi. Full of regulars at my visit but everyone was friendly and welcoming.

Unlike any bar Ive ever been to. Truly a "pub" in the romanticized, old sense of the word -- its where you go to bump elbows with (and get hammered withyour neighbor. Visiting Black Horse is an absolute necessity for anyone who likes drinking beer and meeting new people.Thank you Cass for a summer for the books :I dont expect to find another bar like Black Horse for a long, long time.

We were probably the oldest people in the bar each time we called in but we were made to feel very welcome each time. Well definitely be back when were next in town.

$4 shotguns of PBR and locals only vibe. Bartender will usually shotgun with you. Soap dispenser in the bathroom shoots soap on you. They let you take your shirt off and will play Carly Rae "Cut to the Feeling" 5 times in a row. 12/10 would return and have another great day/afternoon.PS these 1 star reviews below sound like not fun people.

Love the space, the vibe, the beer selection, except the bar tender who was not working, but let everyone know he was an employee. As he went behind the bar, the actual bartender, whom I take no issue to and was quite good, looked on in dismay.While we are there having a decent time talking to our neighbors he begins ranting about his hatred for certain dogs, when he included corgis in the mix we asked why and the question alone set him off to borderline getting ready to fight about it. He gets out from behind the bar and goes his opposite way.In walk two men from Britain to which the patron/employee immediately began telling them, “this is how Americans drink” as he ordered a round of coors lights for them. Great.(?No not great as he stabbed holes in the cans to make them shot gun the beers, but that’s great he ordered them he can do as he please. Until they are done and announces and makes clear to everyone he will definitely not be picking up those beers for them.All in all, will I return? Yes. If I see this particular person tending bar will I walk out? Probably.

Visiting the Bay Area from northwest Illinois we tried to see all the sites then we passed by the Black Horse just a few blocks from our hotel. We were welcomed in by James and had a fantastic time! Literally a hole in the wall pub but what a great find!!!

Too small for words. Do you have to know someone to get a drink? Seriously, the tiny joint has the regulars parked and tipsy. the owner bartender - that night- has a homerun - and we gave up after 15 mins. Too novel for words.

My new most favourite bar in the world! Such a friendly welcome within 2 seconds of arriving from James the owner. Friendly, chatty locals and beer served from a tub. Gutted this is my last night in SF for now.....

Best pub! Its taller than it is long and not so wide. Beers in an old tub - great selection every time! All the times Ive been something interesting always happens!

Small bar, friendly folks, good value.

Incredible neighborhood gem. Perfect for tourists and locals alike. Youll come here and drink amazing beer and meet some incredible people. The Big Dog King James will take care of you and make you feel like youre at home.

This is a fixture, a classic, one of those places you know only locals go... The kind of locals that have inhabited the foggy hills years before the chatty blue birds and dream forces invaded the city. They have rules - no phone calls, cash only, dont be a dick. And yes, your beer comes from a tub.

First time I have come here! Got very impressed, specially with the decoration on the walls. Good beer.Nice place, sort of a small place to hang out with your friends and have a good time. Nice appetizers and really good service. Cool atmosphere.

Last night just reminded me again why this is my favorite bar in the city. Met people from Hawaii, from Chicago, and a bunch of the regulars from all over. James and all his loyal patrons are awesome, really glad a place like this exists.

Somewhat endearing institution for bottled beer, this is one of those few places in SF that still operates in an easy-come easy-go style. Same polite chatty guy serves beer from a bathtub when its open. Great place to meet people as you negotiate your way around this cosy local spot.

Hands down the best bar in the city and leagues beyond everything else in the marina/cow hollow. It is beer only and cash only so go in expecting this. For the level of service and personality here you would expect to pay twice as much. The environment is small so be prepared to make friends, you wont have much of a choice!Addendum: not the bro joint you would expect from the neighborhood.

You have to have a bar. And you have to have only one. If I would live in SF there is a good chance it would be the Black Horse. Only a few people fit in but it worth to squeeze in. European beers served from a bathtub by the friendly saff. Some patroons were challenging each other with bar tricks. I will be visit again for sure.

I hadnt been here for awhile - such a charming little place with purplish soft lighting. Their selection of beers changes according to what is in stock and in season. Loved the bartenders, especially Kimberly! I will be back!

Had an awesome time last night! James and Cassandra made us feel like regulars from the moment we walked in. We will be back tonight! Highly recommend this place!

Brilliant bar,great atmosphere,drinks served out of ice in a bath,and James is a brilliant bartender/publican. Next time Im there I want to try the famous dice game and the cheese plate!

This bar is super small. No joke, the max capacity is no more than 10 people. Thats cool but, beyond that, theres not much to love.Most importantly, its not a "dive" because its not exactly cheap. The bottled beers (served from a tubare $5 or $6 and there are no brews on tap. This upsets me.Also, the service is a little strange. The bartender said "I dont know you" when we walked in. Typically I like this sort of sass but it wasnt delivered properly. She then told us about her parents marital problems. Girl, I dont need to hear this, Im just trying to get my drink on!Anyway, the size is fun but everything else is below average.

First, Ive seen bigger walk in closets. This place is tiny. Second, they only serve bottles of beer. Third, they close at midnight. Forth, they have a dart board you cant use.In spite of all this, if youre brave enough to walk in when its empty, packed, or something in between, you get a chance to talk with some of the fantastic and friendly drunken degenerates that inhabit the black horse. Come and have a drink, play some 1-4-24, and get to know the regulars. If youre brave enough to venture in, youre likely to come back. If for no other reason than to try and win your 1-4-24 money back.See you there!

Welcoming and full of interesting folk (About as full as an elevator). The bartenders are friendly, amusing people. This place is perfect for wayward souls in need of beer and conversation.

This is the BEST.BAR. in San Francisco. Period. Its all about the people. You can walk in here, and as long as you respect the rules and your fellow patrons, you will be treated with respect and kindness. This place is very small indeed, but I think the physical closeness you have with other people in the bar translates to long-term closeness with the same people and lasting friendships are definitely formed. I feel like this is a place that everybody should experience, but I also dont want you to crowd the bar, so be cool about it. Also, the only option is beer, so beer lovers, youll be great.P.S. The rules you ask? Yes. Theres no talking on the phone in the bar and no reaching behind the bar. Also, if youre a guy, make sure that you give women the option to take your seat, if applicable. Basically, this place encourages people to be decent human beings, and thats awesome.

Tiny bar with beers that are a little overpriced (but hey theyre unique). Great place to go with like one other person but if you have more than that its going to be too tough to fit everyone in. Really relaxed scene.

My friend lives very close to here and its an amazing and cute little cubby hole. Everyone is always having a good time and the bartender will bring out a guitar. Small but a nice place to make friends and relax.

Imagine going to a place that doesnt live up to its title, or is infrequent of doing so. look no further. My second time coming here, an annoying dumb blond ( no seriously she was dumb and had a broom up here rear said, " Welcome to the Blackhorse " in a not so welcoming manner. The bar tender had a quick, smart attitude with me and my mate. She also told me 3 times that the owner was from Cleveland, not England, and I said I thought " maybe he " was from there. She also explained the history of the place, in a rude way as well. When the owner did arrive, he didnt bear any gifts, except the gift of " what ifs " or " it could happen ". I also wondered still if its a London pub wouldnt they have English Football? That too costs too much. In the mix of all that, a no it all Cal fan, got in the mix. Go to Black Magic down the street, or well, Id recommend Mad Dog, Keezar, those have English Beer and all the rest. Skip this place if you have to, you wont walk away hammered, but bro-hammered.

Ice cold beer served out of a bathtub behind a tiny bar. If you ask real nice, theyll make you a great cheese plate. Dont even think about answering your phone here before excusing yourself to the sidewalk.

The tiniest bar in SF, with only a few bar stools, and beer kept cold in an old bath tub behind the bar. Food isnt technically served (long storybut they do let you bring it in. Amicis pizza and an ice cold PBR? Dont mind if I do.