Most tourist icons don't live up to their over promoted reputations but Lefty O'Doul's does. We visited about sunset on a cool Sunday evening in April to be welcomed by a warm atmosphere and friendly helpful staff. Extensive menu but we decided on the signature dish of corned beef and cabbage which was shared between two. Ample, delicious and reasonably priced. Many on-tap beer choices from a well-stocked bar.

Paul, the piano man, was hugely entertaining. He was able to play every request that came his way in his energetic style all linked with a seamless witty repartee. There were visitors from Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia and several US states around his piano. A wonderful intercultural fusion. Stayed until midnight.

Will make a return visit to Lefty O'Douls next time I am in San Francisco.

Be warned that this is a buffet-style restaurant. We were hurried through the line by rude employees who didn't even give us a chance to decide what we wanted. I ordered the corned beef and cabbage, and it was pretty salty. I wouldn't eat there again.

We went in for the buffet dinner and ended up staying till midnight. There was fun live entertainment, and the food was nice, too. We came back for breakfast the next day.

We ate there a few times, breakfast was good and hearty. At lunch they will carve your meat for a sandwich. And dinner they give you so much food at a great price. The food is homemade and so good. They have a great split pea soup!

They also have a piano bar with good drinks at a reasonable price.