For Brian Coyle, owning his own soccer bar was a dream. After putting in quite the shift from 1996-2006 at Martin Mack’s (Now HQ), he opened Danny Coyle’s. The bar is proudly named after his father, a “living legend.” A familiar theme of owning and operating hospitality runs deep in the Coyle blood. His Grandfather, Jim McConnell also owned and operated the Atlantic hotel in Ireland. A photo of the Atlantic fit with the words “running water” is displayed on the wall inside the Haight Street establishment.
On June 9th, 2006, Danny Coyle’s became a reality. It was also the first day of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Over the last 12 years, the local soccer community has rallied around the bar in many ways one. In fact, it’s written all over it.
Local San Francisco Lens
As soon as I walked into the bar this past week, Brian handed me a San Francisco Glen’s schedule card as he has access to selling season memberships for San Francisco’s newest PDL club. Coyle’s son, also named Daniel, played for the San Francisco Glen’s youth academy and now plays for San Francisco Hibernian of San Francisco Soccer Football League. Hibernia is the Latin word for Ireland. The bar sponsors SF Hibs Men’s (SFSFL) and Women’s (GGWSL) sides each year.
Second-year club Irish-American Innisfree is also supported by the bar. In its first season, Innisfree pipped Azteca to the SFSFL 1st Division title by 3-points. They were promoted to the Majors Division for 2018. Local PDL side, SF City FC has a scarf hung in a unique way that can be seen from anywhere in the bar. San Jose Earthquakes have a long-standing relationship with Danny’s since the club rejoined MLS in 2008 including a jersey on the wall.
“I’m invested in the community, now and in the future. From under 8’s to the Premier League, I love it.”
Supporter Groups: Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Seattle Sounders FC
Danny’s has a rich history of multiple supporter groups from various clubs that all descend on the bar every weekend. Coyle, a fan of Manchester United since age 9 helped foster this growth. He still remembers the 1979 FA Cup Final to this day, a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to rivals Arsenal. A global brand now, Red Devils fans can call Danny’s their home. This has included recent bus trips for friendlies in 2016 and 2017 while selling San Francisco “Red Army” t-shirts circa 2013. However, that’s not all. SF Spurs has a solid organization and has spirited viewing parties as well. Two Premier League clubs claiming the same bar? No problem. “We love the banter, and we love being amongst our brethren,” firmly states Coyle.
It gets even better. Both local supporter clubs from Germany’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich (Mia San Francisco) and Borussia Dortmund (Borussia Von Bay) hold their official gatherings there too. Just check out the number of photos they’ve taken outside the bar on their Facebook pages. In fact, the place is packed for the German National Team, and why not they’re good? Danny’s has an array of German beers waiting for them.
Since 2012, the Seattle Sounders Supporters club, Fog City Faithful has nested in the back amongst strong numbers. Their viewing parties are fun and fit with chanting. With back to back appearances in 2016-2017 MLS Cup finals and a Cup to their name (2016), the club’s fans are some of the most committed ever. I mean, they also have 3 scarves alone throughout the bar.
*More on these supporter groups and their leadership in the San Francisco Soccer community later on.*
Beverages/Food
A diverse array of beer, from Carlsberg, Stella and Modelo Lagers to Guinness to Lagunitas IPA is on draft. Local brews from Anchor Steam, Fort Point, and Golden State Cider are also served. Spirit-wise — the full Jameson range, Green Spot Irish Whiskey and a fine diversity of Tequilas headline the shelves. There is no food served at Danny’s, but Brian recommends you bring food in from Palmyra, Rosamunde, Memphis Minnies and The Grind Cafe. All of these spots are on the block or next one.
“Beer is not just beer. It’s important for the soccer fan to be happy.”
By the Numbers and Fun Facts
- 19 – different scarves inside, including ones Bournemouth and Tranmere Rovers.
- From 1991 to 1995 – “Home and Away” a Premier League specific match report pamphlet were produced and sold to local bars in San Francisco. Coyle could not wait to get his hands on this come 6pm Sunday.
- 1994 – Coyle sees Ireland beat Italy 1-0 in New Jersey and believed that squad would go on to win the World Cup. He cites it as one of his favorite moments as a soccer fan.
- A 1996 Manchester United FA Cup winner’s jersey signed by Eric Cantona is proudly displayed in the bar.
- 10 – years spent as a bartender at Martin Mack’s before opening Danny’s.
Location/Space
The location of Danny Coyle’s is so central to San Francisco (corner of Haight and Pierce) and probably one of the bar’s most significant advantages. It’s right in the middle of the 7 by 7, that’s why it’s so established as a go-to spot for soccer in the city. The bar is not too small and/or cramped. You can always find a place to chill. It’s not too big that you’ll get lost either. Its large airy ceilings and soccer memorabilia (including the fatherly vibes of a signed Pelé jersey on the wall) give you a supportive assurance that you are with your soccer family.
On the soccer community in San Francisco Coyle admits “There’s definitely a void there to be filled.” To that point, he’s helped do just that in such a short amount of time.