Sports Bars: 7 Spots to Watch the Game

by Patrick Heig - Citysearch Editor - 192 Reviews - 65 Lists

Updated: November 02, 2009

A good sports bar used to be one with a TV big enough to tell the teams apart; now they need ping-pong table-sized flatscreens on every wall streaming basketball, football and Premier League soccer simultaneously just to compete. But it isn't just about hi-def: There's some ineffable sporting spirit--which all of these bars have--that you can't get at Best Buy. Oh, and wings. Gotta have some decent wings. (Photo: Kezar Pub)

Where to Watch the Game

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average Knuckles At The Wharf
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    555 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

    If you find yourself near Fisherman's Wharf for some reason, Knuckles has 28 TVs, a 122" giant screen, a 61" big screen, a projection-screen TV, 12 beers on tap, plus Krispy Kreme Donuts.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bus Stop
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    1901 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    Marina types and old-school San Franciscans alike gather at this Union St. sports bar to watch the game; there are arcades and pool tables for those who want to play their own.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Kezar Pub & Restaurant
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    770 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Our editor's pick for "Best Sports Bar 2008," Kezar has 16 flatscreens, shows everything from the NBA to Gaelic Football, and, best of all, has a sports-minded but non-meathead crowd.

  4. 4 Danny Coyle's
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    668 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    A rare ambassador of bro culture in the Lower Haight, DC's got six huge TVs which broadcast all the big football games (both American and European); Patriots fans will find friendly company here on Sundays.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Greens Sports Bar
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    2239 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (map)

    This Russian Hill jock-box has great stats--25 TVs, multiple satellite feeds and HDTV--plus plenty of sports memorabilia and drunken football fans to get you in the mood.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Kelley's Tavern
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    3231 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    Decked out like a luxurious living room, with cushy leather chairs, a fireplace and four flatscreen TVs, this Irish bar is a more dignified choice for sports fans.

  7. 7 Bloodhound
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    1145 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    It may not have as many giant TVs as some of these other spots, but Bloodhound is the spot to be for Monday Night Football, when Pizza Politana sets up their wood-fired oven in the alley, there are $3 beers all night long, and a great crowd.