Jack's Cannery Bar

Bar, Eatery

2801 Leavenworth St
San Francisco, California, 94133-1129
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.72
Reviews:
31
Ratings:
41
pDev:
13.71%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by metter98:
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Rated by metter98 from New York

3.71/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4

Oct 28, 2015
More User Ratings:
Photo of benetoh
Reviewed by benetoh from New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +15.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
More than 40 qualitu taps includong lost coast, north coast, Deschutes, heretic, stone, knee deep, magnolia, moose drool, alaskan, anderson valley, ninkasi, lagunitas, and others. Pints were only $6 each, which is cheap for SF.

If you are getting dragged around from souvenir shop to souvenir shop around the wharf/Ghirardelli area this is a welcome break.
Jan 01, 2017
 
Rated: 3.79 by Howlader from Canada (AB)

Feb 05, 2016
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Rated by CarolinaCardinals from North Carolina

3.89/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
Convenient place to hang out at in the Fishermans Wharf area.
Aug 25, 2015
 
Rated: 4.55 by Anaxagoris from Washington

Jul 23, 2015
 
Rated: 3.58 by Spaceman_Jer from Colorado

Jun 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.28 by KStark from Canada (BC)

Apr 23, 2015
 
Rated: 3.95 by puftdank from Illinois

Apr 20, 2015
 
Rated: 3.56 by italianstallion from Wisconsin

Dec 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by portia99 from Massachusetts

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by tonefish from New Mexico

Oct 26, 2013
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Reviewed by BlackHaddock from England

3.59/5  rDev -3.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 1
The first bar my wife and I hit on arriving in San Fran (3rd Feb 2013): it was Super Bowl and the 49ers were to blow the whole thing later in the day.

Plastic glasses were all that was allowed in this semi-sports bar, as they were expecting a larger than usual custom for the game.

Small bar to your left as you walk in the front with a larger almost hidden bar to the right a few steps in. Think Dr Who and the 'Tardis', this joint is a whole lot bigger inside than it appears from outside. Wood paneling, ornate ceiling and various styles of tables and chairs.

Staff friendly and helpful to a visiting Brit and his wife: good selection (to me anyway) but the burgers were terrible!
May 28, 2013
Photo of beerwolf77
Reviewed by beerwolf77 from Wisconsin

3.94/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5
This place was a block or so from our hotel and since we needed to get drunk it made for a great option. From the outside it looked trendy but once inside it was pretty much standard dive action. I'm from Milwaukee. Just like I like it. Tap list was long if heavy on the hops. I'm a sour head but I suffered through and drank what was offered. I think between my wife and I we had a pint of every beer on tap. The bartender was super friendly and talkative. We ended up chatting with the couple next to us and found out they were from the Midwest as well. Made for an even better evening. Prices were reasonable for the area actually. This place would do just fine back home.
Jan 04, 2012
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Reviewed by MerryTapster from Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +29%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Was living in Oakland in 2009 for a few months and took BART over to San Fran for the evening when my sister, brother in law and buddy from PA came up from LA to visit. Place was decent I had a few beer only two that I actually remember were Obsidian Stout and Racer 5 IPA. I know they had a boatload of brews on tap, that was for sure. Baretender was a british fellow, very friendly and beer knowledgable. Made my way back there a few more time's before I made my trek back to the right coast.

If you around Fisherman's Wharf and your thirsty, this place is definitely worth a look.
Dec 15, 2011
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Reviewed by Gavage from Nevada

3.58/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Sign out front of the place states they have a lot of beer on tap. Figured I would stop in to check it out. This is a typical grungy tourist bar in the Fisherman's Wharf area. There are two bars here, a small one when you first enter the place, then a larger one in the back. Loads of worn dark wood everywhere and a bunch of neon lights provide the glow.

There were over 50 beers on draft here, and good west coast selections from Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, all of the Anchor beers, Stone, and Deschutes. The beers were expensive at $7 a pint.

Service was decent and the bartender knew his beers. I did not have any food. This is a one time visit for me, as the prices are high due to the location, and there aren't really any unique beers here either.
Oct 04, 2011
Photo of IronCitySteve
Reviewed by IronCitySteve from Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
In the Fisherman's Wharf area of San Fran. It is important to note that this is a cash only bar and beer prices started at roughly $6.50 per pint and went up higher, depending on the ABV. Keep that in mind if you stop in.

This is a pretty standard type bar inside as far as decor. Plenty of table seating for diners and a long bar with sufficient seating and some tables around the bar as well.

The service was pretty good. The bartender was very attentive and prompt with serving. He seemed to know a lot about the beers on tap as well.

The selection is pretty solid. They have 85+ beers on tap, which include Rogue, Stone, Bear Republic, Fat Tire, North Coast, 21st Amendment, Anchor, Oskar Blues, Anderson Valley, Lagunitas...as well as some ciders. There is a beer for everyone here style-wise. I do wish they had some beers I cannot really get in PA, that is part of the fun of going to beer bars out of state, trying out different brewers.

I did not try the food, but some in our party did. It looked like pretty standard bar food, with your standard apps.

Overall not a bad place to hit up if you are down in the wharf area. I would go back again.
Mar 23, 2011
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Reviewed by brewman63 from Pennsylvania

4.64/5  rDev +24.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
Stopped in here by accident to use the restroom while in the Fisherman's Wharf area and sure am glad I did. This place has great character, great waitstaff and great beer selection - and being in one of the most touristy-areas of the city. Each time we went to Fisherman's Wharf we were sure to stop in, even if only for one pint (it's awfully hard to have just one here). It's fun just to sit at the bar and gaze upon the all the taps lined up. You could try to sample all they have on tap but you better do it in several trips or make sure you have a designated driver with you!
Jun 11, 2010
Photo of beachbum1975
Reviewed by beachbum1975 from Ohio

4.09/5  rDev +9.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Visited Jack's with the wife today while visiting San Fran for the first time. We arrived around 2 in the afternoon so the place wasn't packed. The best parts about this place is 1) 56 beers on tap! 2) The atmosphere.

Great, classy woodwork adorned the walls with a lovely fireplace seated in the center of the lounge area. They had a great local artist jamming on a guitar and you could pop out back to a nice courtyard area for a smoke!

The service was good, but 2 beers set me back $13. :/

It's a nice place and I'd definitely go back on a return trip.
May 09, 2010
Photo of jdense
Reviewed by jdense from Oregon

3.58/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Visited 3/31/10 during afternoon stroll around North Beach, they have a significant number of taps, but nothing too exciting except for some Anchor products I haven't seen before. Pretty big cavernous place located in the middle of the old Cannery complex, help was efficient enough. The beers are a bit overpriced, though about average for The City. Didn't try or see any food. I guess I was looking for some more rare hard to get beers, and despite the number of taps, I came away disappointed in the beer selection.
Apr 01, 2010
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Reviewed by barleywinefiend from Washington

3.28/5  rDev -11.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Stopped in here 4th of July 2009 am not going to rate it to hard considering the day and amount of business. Walking in is a small like bar to the left with seating around and in front, off to the right is more seating and the longer, larger bar is against the right wall to the back right of the place. Handles libe the right wall of the bar. Was very crowded. Very touristy but hey..I was a tourist too. Not a place for great beer talk or great service. Quality was good considering the place, day and location. Service was slow and overworked for the day. Selection was average and I expected more from a SF beer bar with a buttload of handles. On the craft side I saw 21st Amm, Speakeasy, Alaskan but nothing earth shattering. Alot of Euro macro brews and macros too. Had no food and was shocked at the price for a pint. One beer good but not a craft brew watering hole for sure.
///
2nd visit on 6 February 2010. $6.50 drafts. Selection was better. El Toro taps, Anchor taps(lots of them) Still had a big BMC selection though. My Old Foghorn was pretty flat and mundayne. Not so fresh or a dirty line.
Feb 09, 2010
Photo of ckeegan04
Reviewed by ckeegan04 from Texas

3.54/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Dropped in after a day touring the city before heading off to dinner on the wharf. Small crowd but it was a random Thursday afternoon in late September. Kind of dark almost like they were going for an Irish pub feel, Pretty big place with a long bar along one side, a small area with some tall tables and then a larger area with tables and chairs. Lots of TV's around as well. Service was not slow but it certianly was not fast either. Beer selection was certianly craft oriented but they had nothing out of the ordinary for what you would expect to find in California. Lots of Stone, 21st Amend, Bear Republic, Speakeasy, North Coast etc. No beers out of the ordinary but still a very nice slection. Lots of Euro macros as well along with the standard BMC. They seem to prode themselves more on just how many taps they can have as opposed to the quality of taps. My Stone IPA didnt taste to fresh but it was still good. Prices were a touch high but given the city we were in and the lcoation on the Embarcadero, I was not surprised. Certianly not a "beer destination" but if you find yourself down on the waterfront and in need of a beer I would certainly recommend the place.
Oct 31, 2009
Photo of ssam
Reviewed by ssam from California

3.58/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
i thought this place was pretty good. they did have a lot of tap selections that i would never try but they had a whole lot of anchor brews (i really like anchor) so i was happy enough. the service was not overly nice or mean but i didnt really talk to anyone other than ordering because i basically knew what i wanted. the value was a bit pricey for what you got but im not really complaining.

this place didnt really stand out and im not sure if i would come again only because it wasnt anything special.
Jan 09, 2009
Photo of redneckchugger
Reviewed by redneckchugger from Florida

3.03/5  rDev -18.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5
went there on the advice of a very helpful fellow BA. had an obsidian stout old foghorn and a racer 5. the bartender took forever getting to me, and when i called for the check it took half an hour, the service sucked, and the place is really touristy. the selection is better than i am used to, but for san fransisco it could be lots better ( no russian river) . if you are on the fishermans aharf, and don't plan to venture further, its worth the stop, but otherwise, i think i would venture elsewhere.
Jan 03, 2009
Photo of tpd975
Reviewed by tpd975 from Florida

3.05/5  rDev -18%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
Was on the wharf and the place advertised 80 some odd beers, I took the bait.

First off its a standard bar. The place had a slight cat piss aroma going on. Myself and the wife took up a seat at the bar. They claim to have it all. I was less than impressed.

They do have a long line of taps, but nothing too wonderful. There may be 8-10 beers that would appeal to the BA crowd none of which are hard to come by.

The best of the list consisted of Arrogant Bastard, Racer 5, A few offerings by Deschutes and Anchor. Come on guys you should have at least one offering from Russian River!

I got the Racer 5 which was $6.50 a pint. Could have had it last night at Toronado for $4 ($3 during happy hour)

The wife was hungry so we ordered up some wings. There was no sauce on the wings. They had been dipped in unspiced flour and fried. I have had better food at a high school cafeteria. The worst part was it was $10 for 8 wings.

Unless you find yourself on the warf absolutly craving a beer, do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Nov 22, 2008
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Reviewed by jagshockey66 from Florida

4.94/5  rDev +32.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I read so many reviews about this place being tourisy and blah blah blah. I am from Florida and this place was great. The bartender immediately recognized our intent on the beer and went through most of them, asked what our tastes were, and then matched a beer for us. Any tourist should love the visit to this bar after walking on the wharf all day and eating at scoma's! And it's no Toronado if you are trying for a locals bar, but at least you won't get shot or mugged when you walk out the front door.
Jul 23, 2008
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Reviewed by Schultz from Maryland

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
As previous reviewers noted a very touristy place. Nice atmosphere and friendly/attentive staff. They advertise 60 - 80 beers on tap. but were out of several during our visit. Nothing rare or spectacular among any of the available draft choices;just a few different ones like Moose Drool or Alaskan Amber, nothing worth the 6.00 per pint they were charging. I guess they figure quantity is more importent then quality. Next time I am in area I will go around the corner to Knuckles and choose between their many options of fresh Sierre Nevada drafts.
Jan 25, 2008
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Reviewed by Chefie from Oklahoma

3.26/5  rDev -12.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5
What I like about this place is the atmosphere. I like the fireplace and all. I also thought the bartenders were friendly. Problem is, they didn't have very many micro brews. Also the ones they have (as said by a previous user) were out. Also, it is a little touristy being so close to the warf. More of a tourist spot than a place to sit back relax and experience something....or anything new. I would certainly go back, due to the decent staff. But if I'm looking for quality brew I'll head elsewhere.
Jan 20, 2008
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Reviewed by francisweizen from Washington

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
So my Father was in town, visiting me here in SF, and as this place was right next to his hotel, we ended up hitting it a few times during his stay here in the city. This place is LARGE and somewhat of a multi-roomed sf staple. There is dark wood everywhere and a pretty good jukebox and some pool tables as well. Thre quality of the beers I had here were all pretty good but in general the tap lines are hit and miss...and whilst the service is always fast and friendly, the selection while good leaves much to be desired. Almost 50 or 60 or so beers on tap but usually many of the interesting ones are tapped out, and many of the taps are macro lager boringness....Anyways, still one of the best touristy places by the wharf...
Aug 04, 2007
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Reviewed by weeare138 from Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev -13.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4
I didn't even notice this place until we were walking around the cannery and my wife spotted it. I figured it would be worth it to check it out. They have outdoor seating but we moved indoors when the cool wind off the bay started punishing us.

The little outlet bar on the outside is typical of these walkway venues that you see in nearly all tourist areas. The inside of the restaurant resembles a TGI Fridays in many ways but with a molded ceiling in the dining room and a really cool hand carved mantle piece above the fireplace. There are beer signs all over the bar area, which seats many along the stretched out area. The brick wall behind the bar hosts some vintage beer signs and above, you'll notice several old, retired tap handles.

The quality of the beer seemed ok. There wasn't anything out of wack with the beers I ordered.

Jack's has an ok selection of beer with all of the current Anchor beers available on draft. They claim to have 85 beers on tap but they really have 68 different beers available with only 33 beers listed on their chart. Don't bother asking the bartender what else is on tap, or you'll be greeted with a wise-ass response.
I started on the outside bar, to be told that she didn't know what else was on and that all the beers were listed. I decided to go inside to be greeted with the same response from another rude woman, saying, "what you see is what you get." Wow...stellar fucking service in this establishment. I replied to her remark with, "thanks for being so helpful!" A gentleman behind the bar must've seen I was clearly annoyed b/c the patrons next to me commented on how rudely I was just treated.

He came over and asked if I had decided on what I wanted. I told him that I hadn't b/c I was trying to make out the extra 35 taps behind the bar that weren't listed. He asked what exactly I was looking for and maybe he could make a suggestion...obviously trying to be helpful. He then asked what I usually drink. I told him that I'm not trying to be a pain in the ass but I drink all kinds of different beers and that this would be much easier if they could make a sign/list that is updated when a keg changes. Of course, I get the routine about how they have over 65 beers at any given time and do I know the amount of time it would take someone to update such a list and blah, blah, blah... No excuse, man. If Gingerman, Toronado, Firewaters, etc. can update a list with this many beers, so can they. It's just an excuse to have piss-poor service and more of a reason to not care. Idiots.

They are in a great location and they choose to do things half ass. I saw a crowd of 12 order a pitcher of Anchor Steam and a pitcher of Shiner Bock. It seems like this is the crowd that they're catering too and any good beer they have on tap is by random chance.

On a side note, it seemed I wasn't the only dissatisfied customer. After I tried to find out what else they had while outside, a clearly annoyed man came over to a nearby table complaining about the cost of his martini's. They were $8 each and they were each in a plastic dixie cup. Before kicking over his chair, he stated that this place was the armpit of the world and this bar was ghetto. The crescendo soon came as he screamed louder and louder each time - "Ghetto...GHEttto...GHETT-OHHH!!!" Friggin' classic, man. By the way...the bathroom was pretty ghetto. Use another restroom if at all possible.
May 14, 2007
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Reviewed by Goldorak from Canada (QC)

3.33/5  rDev -10.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
We dropped off the rental car (or should I say tank) and our bags at the hotel, and we were ready for a Beer. As a first time visitor, we decided to do a bit of the touristy thing, so we walked up to Lombard street to see the crooked road, and had a great view of fisherman’s wharf, where we ended up going to next, if only to grab a Beer at Jack’s.

A strange décor indeed, it was split in two sections. As you walk in from the street, the right side looked like your typical retro sports bar, with neon signs, pictures of classic cars with pin-up girls leaning on them, and plenty of TVs playing the football game. Knowing that I can’t resist staring at the boob tube, my girlfriend dragged me across to the left side, which had a few booths and tables, well hidden from the chattering cyclops. I’m glad she did, because this side looked much more charming. Great craftsmanship on the ceiling, the back door had tiny rectangular windows that look straight out of the late 19th century and the fireplace was fantastic, with religious figures in a dark wood finish, it almost looked like an altar. It was kind of reminiscent of some of the old estaminets in Brussels, a bit of Au bon vieux temps and a sprinkle of Cirio. That pinball machine and pool table didn’t fit in at all though, but we were far enough from them to not be much of an eyesore. Crowd was mainly touristy and ran the gamut of 20-something college kids ordering shots to old couples resting their bones. With my backpack, camera and notebook, I didn’t seem too out of place here.

After sitting there long enough to take in the surroundings but too long to get served fast enough, I got up and headed towards the bar when the waitress came out of her rabbit hole and took our order. She didn’t seem too have too much Beer savvy, because I asked her who brewed the one Beer I’ve never heard of on the menu, and she had to go to the bar and ask. Turns out it was a local (El toro IPA), so I went for it. The rest of the menu was mainly macros, stealth-macros like Blue Moon, and the larger micros you can find just about everywhere else in town, so selection was sort of a small let-down, even for a guy with very limited west coast exposure. Minou went for a cider, which was one of those UK imports. I think it was Strongbow. Our pints finally arrived, and they were fine, I was a bit worried that a relatively obscure Beer would have tasted a bit stale, but it didn’t. We also ordered a few oysters and a shrimp cocktail, which were acceptable, if a bit pricey (so were the pints).

In hindsight my overall feeling about Jack’s is kind of lukewarm. Compared to most places I’ve been to around town, it’s clearly sub-par, but it was still my first watering hole on my trip (the airport bar doesn’t count), so I can’t totally bash it. I’d pin this down as a “it’s better than nothing, so have a Beer here while the wife is shopping” kind of place.

Visited Sep2006
Sep 26, 2006
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Reviewed by SwillinBrew from California

3.14/5  rDev -15.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
Well, i've been going here for quite awhile because when i come to SF, my company puts me in the Argonaut hotel which is next door (quite nice for the record)

The atomosphere is nothing to write home about, but it's not bad. If you walk in from the shore side, you have to go in, turn right then a quick left to the bar which is on the right hand side. Somewhat long with about 75 brews on tap. (I had some Chimary, El Toro IPA - which I wouldnt get again, Anchor Foghorn - mm mm good and a Rogue Dead Guy - for some reason, it's really extra tasty here)

You can get all the macros and popular micros on tap here. Not really any special selections, but at least you can count on a solid micro to drink. The service seems to be a bit lacking bordering on the "they just dont care" attitude.

This bar has potential but i'm going to call it a micro dive bar. I would not go out of my way to come here, but hey, if you are in the area and need a good beer fix, then stop by because you'll be sure to find something you like.
Sep 17, 2006
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Reviewed by blgianbeer from New York

3.28/5  rDev -11.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4
I recently hit this bar during a beer tour of the Bay Area. They have a good selection of micros including many local brews. That being said, when compared to other places in the Bay Area, this is a pretty lame place to drink. The beers were on the expensive side and the atmosphere leaves much to be desired. This area of SF is very tourist-y, so don't expect much local flavor.

If you're somehow stranded in the Wharf area and need a feew good micros, it's probably worth the stop. You could do worse.
Aug 08, 2006
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Reviewed by DaPeculierDane from Wisconsin

3.01/5  rDev -19.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 2 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Huge bar in a beautiful brick building near the waterfront. Dark and cozy. Average staff. No food as far as I could tell. Just meters from the tourist hell that is Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf. Makes for a great escape.

Jack’s is one of those bars with a ton of taps that I’d just rather trade for a quaint café with 4 really great taps and a solid bottle list. Sure Jack’s has 80 taps but a third are macro or nearly macro, and almost all of the rest are tame to flat out boring. The best beer on tap was Racer 5 and I could be content to drink that all day but I was here to try new things and when a BA from the Midwest goes to a bar in San Francisco with 80 taps and can’t find anything new to try it’s a problem. I’d recommend this bar for newer beer enthusiasts with a lot of ground to cover in basic styles and fairly common craft brews. It just wasn’t the right place for me.
May 12, 2006
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Reviewed by beckerboots from Canada (ON)

3.1/5  rDev -16.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 4 | food: 3
This was our first stop on our four day trip to the Bay area. We had some time to kill before checking in to our hotel so we decided to walk down past the tourist traps to Jack Famous Cannery Bar. My wife gave me the "three pints or 45 minutes" speech so my beer management skills were put to the test. The place is huge; seems to go on forever. We sat next to the very cozy fireplace. The waitress was somewhat cordial, however it was apparent that she was on the last stint of her shift and was solely interested in taking our order and receiving her gratuity. The menu was limited, with standard pub fare. The tap list was fairly extensive with California micros being the primary focus. We all ordered the hamburger platter. Food was certainly adequate but not exceptional. I ordered a Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA, an El Toro Oatmeal Stout, and then threw the young waitress for a loop by ordering a Shipyard Lager (which necessitated a keg change). Three pints, one hamburger and forty two minutes later we were on the road. Now I'm making an asumption that in this area of San Francisco, tourists would be a primary source of revenue. Perhaps a better menu and a little less indifference would go along way in having them stay more then forty two minutes.
Mar 25, 2006
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Reviewed by rdrummer from New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +15.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Jack's was my first beer stop in San Francisco. It is in the Cannery Row shopping complex a stone's throw from Fisherman's Wharf. The place is large with a huge bar with 80 or 81 taps, depending on which sign you read, a large dining area, and a large patio dining area outdoors. It was too cold for the outdoors so everyone was inside.

The beer selection was very good with a good mix of CA microbrews, Belgians, German beers, and some macros. The Belgians were priced really high so I avoided them, but the CA beers, including Drake's, Bear Republic, Anchor, Russian River, Stone, and AleSmith, providing plenty of choices. My favorite beer here was the Anchor Old Foghorn.

The service was good. The barmaid was friendly and knowledgeable. The food looked and smelled good, but I was heading for dinner later so I didn't get a chance to try it.

Definitely worth a visit when in the Fisherman's Wharf area.
Feb 20, 2006
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Reviewed by rowew from Colorado

2.6/5  rDev -30.1%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 4
We actually visited here twice - once in the late afternoon, and once near closing time. There was live music playing in the outdoor plaza, so we grabbed a patio seat (it wasn't very busy), listened to music, and waited for the waitress. And waited. And waited. It wasn't like she didn't see us - she passed in our vicinity many times, but made sure to never make eye contact. Then I tried going to the bar - but every time I would try and catch the bartenders attention he would duck in back. Finally, after over half an hour, despite the nice atmosphere and the good beer list we went elsewhere. I have never seen such a disgusting excuse for service. Despite this horrible experience we ended up back here later in the evening because it was the only bar in the area open. This time we sat at the bar (we were the only ones there), and got served fairly quickly. The server was abrupt, but at least he was there this time. This is a nice location, great beer list, but the service has ensured I will look elsewhere unless there are no other choices.
Dec 06, 2005
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Reviewed by slyke from Minnesota

4.22/5  rDev +13.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Jack's was the first place I visited after checking in to my Fisherman's Wharf hotel. It was time for a late lunch and after an hour waiting for the rental car, I was thirsty too. The family was meeting up for a long weekend in San Francisco and we had a great time! My paternal grandfather ran a local 3.2 tavern until I was 11, so the whole family is at home in a bar. Dark wood paneling and painted tin ceiling with a large fireplace was a great atmosphere in which to get my first beer in San Francisco. The food was typical bar and grill fare, but of better quality. My parents thought it was the best clam chowder they'd ever had. I had no complaints about my chicken sandwich and fries. We sampled the taps, Dad with the Anchor Steam, Brother with the Speakeasy IPA, and me with the Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA and the El Toro Oatmeal Stout. I'd recommend Jack's Cannery Bar to anyone who finds themselves in Fisherman's Wharf.
Oct 25, 2005
Photo of Troyone
Reviewed by Troyone from California

3.56/5  rDev -4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Located in an old historic brick building on the opposite side of Leavenworth St. from the Warf area this is a convenient place for tourist. There are many European beers of their eighty or so taps. Unfortunately the European tourist I met there were not interested in European beers and wanted some local stuff (see selection below). There was some live ebtertainment that was pretty good, a guitar player singing. Spacious with different areas to relax.

The wood bar is long with wood stools, tables, and chairs. Stainless steel taps and some were stained? Did not see a kitchen or even notice anyone eating. Restroom was clean.

The first server a guy was alright, when he left a female bartender took over and was not as hospitable but adequate.

Aside from Racer 5, Poppy Jasper, and an ACME beer the local selection did not really represent all of Northern Cal and no cask (handpump). In fact I suggested to some tourist from Europe, who liked the three I mentioned and wanted local beer, to go to Magnolias. There was nothing from Russian River, Magnolias, and only the standard selections from SN, Lagunitas, etc... Many European beers but their selection did not really appealed to me. Definitely not a good selection of local Stouts.

Did not see a menu.

expensive
Jul 11, 2005
Photo of brewandbbq
Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

4.08/5  rDev +9.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
A regular stop in SF, down in Fishermans wharf, is Jack's bar. An oasis in a tourist trap.
Large interior with dark stained raised panel walls and 2 different bars.
The larger bar is on the right, as you head back.
Very good selection of draft, about half being "imports" and old standbys, and half local good stuff.
We had a New Belgium Beer De Mars (reportedly a Jack's exclusive in SF), and one of my faves, El Toro IPA-good as ever too.
Barkeep was attentive, but not friendly -by any means.
Would have liked to have hung out for an Anchor Bock or a Racer 5, but we were off to wait for the trolley.
Didn't have food, or look at the menu.
Recommended.
Jun 12, 2005
Photo of Clembo1957
Reviewed by Clembo1957 from England

3.33/5  rDev -10.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
I visited Jack's several times during my visit to San Francisco. The selection of beers is large ranging from American to British (i personally wouldn't drink Bass or Newcastle Brown here in the UK!). One of my visits was on Superbowl Sunday so the atmosphere was very good, other times the bar can be virtually deserted.

The clientele range from regulars to befuddled tourists seeking refuge from Fisherman's Wharf. I was pleased to see one of the barmaids directing tourists to local brews like Anchor. Other visits the service at the bar is not impressive and can be slow. I sampled Anchor Foghorn 9.0% and only sold in half's!
Feb 09, 2004
Jack's Cannery Bar in San Francisco, CA
Place rating: 3.72 out of 5 with 41 ratings