What’s better than watching a game with your closest buddies, beer flowing and snacks galore? How about artisan cocktails and menu items that might range from free-range burgers topped with cheddar, bacon and avo to world famous deviled eggs? The latter probably means you’ve chosen to watch the game at a sports bar. Whether it’s seeing Steph’s amazing shooting or checking out the Giants or A’s, there are plenty of top-tier sports bars in the Bay. Thankfully, we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t waste game time at a substandard spot. Grab a drink, take a seat, and enjoy some of our favorite sports bars in the Bay Area.
Featured Photo: Naseem Buras via Unsplash.
San Francisco
3625 Balboa St #2603, San Francisco
415.752.4413
In spite of the name, Hockey Haven actually isn’t a hockey bar, but this spot is a Richmond neighborhood establishment. Open since 1949, Hockey Haven is known for it’s cheap drinks, casual atmosphere and warm service. With a big outdoor patio, TVs all around inside, a pool table, and a jukebox, you’re bound to make a friend here.
LOCAL TIP: Their T-shirts are also fantastic.
2064 Polk St, San Francisco
415.771.3300
A long-standing local saloon known for its loyal Steelers contingent, Shanghai Kelly’s is beloved for it’s ultra-welcoming ambiance that makes you feel like family.
LOCAL TIP: Because of this great vibe this spot tends to get packed fast, so get there early if you want to snag a spot.
Marin
152 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley
415.843.4545
As of September 19, popular local restaurant Floodwater is reopening with a new vibe, menu and name, Tam Tavern, thanks to the team behind East Brother Beer Co. They’ll have 10–15 rotating beers on tap, cocktails and a menu designed by Chef Michael Siegel with options like smashburgers, beer-battered fish and chips and more.
LOCAL TIP: Try the French Dip, with ribeye, provolone, red lager onions and horseradish aioli on a toasted baguette with fries on the side.
721 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael
415.453.5888
When A.P. “Pete” Pellolio sat down for a game of poker at one of his favorite watering holes at 881 Fourth Street back in 1951, he wasn’t expecting to win a family business that would span three generations and counting. But he did. The dive bar sells great food and drinks at a cheaper price than most bars in the bay and is the only legal gambling spot in Marin with a daily Texas hold ’em game.
LOCAL TIP: Make sure to order Grandpa Pete’s Chicken Anselmo.
450 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur
415.924.3448
This funky bar in a century-old building offers pool, shuffleboard and many TVs. The bar has been one of Marin’s premier blue-collar institutions ever since, drawing a wide variety of patrons either coming from or going to or simply pulling up a stool and staying put for the night.
LOCAL TIP: The Silver Peso has an interesting history: it came into being after World War II when a former GI bought the building with — wait for it — silver pesos. The pesos were “recovered from Manila Bay after the GI learned the Philippine government had sunk its bank reserves to prevent them from falling into Japanese hands,” according to the Marin History Museum.
East Bay
2424 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510.879.7601
A full bar and happy hour specials draw crowds to this low-key neighborhood lounge. There are many reasons to come here: really good drinks, killer music and friendly service. You really can’t go wrong.
LOCAL TIP: The patio offers a great outdoor space that’s one of the most cozy and spacious around.
2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
510.214.8600
This massive Berkeley bar is equipped with an indoor bar that can accommodate 50 people and an outdoor patio that can hold 30 — with a fireplace, to boot!
LOCAL TIP: A Clark Kent of establishments, during the day Cornerstone looks like an average sports bar, but in the evenings it becomes a full-on club.
5227 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510.655.7373
Kingfish gives you the best of both worlds. It has a nice cozy indoor bar area, but if you aren’t feeling that you can walk outside to their large courtyard where there is more space and an even bigger bar than the one inside. The dozen or so screens to watch the games is bleu cheese on the wing.
LOCAL TIP: Lots of local beers on tap and a variety of canned and bottled beers make Kingfish an East Bay gem.
South Bay
3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
650.854.3245
A sports bar with a heated patio, arcade games and eight TVs, the Dutch Goose also features a varied menu with everything from Impossible burgers to a wide assortment of pizza offerings.
LOCAL TIP: Make sure to try their incredible deviled eggs.
354 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
408.402.3407
Voted the best sports bar in Silicon Valley, Double D’s offers tons of TVs, a friendly staff, classic American grill menu and overall amazing atmosphere.
LOCAL TIP: The Philly cheesesteak and the ribs are some of the favorites.
