Nothing Says Fall Like Beer, Touchdowns and Tasty Pub Grub
Football szn is officially here, which means it’s time to throw on your jersey and head to the nearest pub! We’ve been waiting months for a reason to crack open a cold one and yell at the TV, and now we’ve got one. But before you turn on the tube and spend your Sundays on the couch, we’d like to introduce our favorite sports bars in San Diego where you can catch a game. With beer on draft, tasty fare and plenty of flat screens for optimal viewing, you’ll quickly realize why these 19 sports bars in San Diego are total touchdowns. Here’s to big punts and even bigger pints!
Bub’s @ the Ballpark
This East Village outpost may be known as a baseball bar (go Padres!), but if anything, it’s a haven for all types of sports fans. Get your game face on this fall and throw on your NFL team’s jersey because Bub’s knows how to party! With 42 TVs, epic downtown views and a buzzy atmosphere, there’s no better place to belly up for Sunday football. Order a Tully Honey Lemonade made with Tullamore D.E.W. Honey, lemon juice and soda water for a refreshing sip, and don’t leave without killing a plate of the Ballpark Nachos and loaded buffalo tots!
Fairplay
The new kid of the North Park neighborhood, Fairplay is an industrial-chic hangout perfect for game time. The interior has an old-school gym feel, and while Fairplay has several TVs throughout, it positions itself as a community-oriented space that’s “a little sporty.” The menu is chock-full of innovative pub grub bites like fried pickles, queso soyrizo dip and carnitas fries. There are 19 beer taps, as well as classic cocktails like margs and mules. Your best bet? Throw on your jersey, order a round of old fashioneds with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and come experience the Fairplay hype for yourself.
Location: North Park
10/24
Pacific Social
Missing a play is nearly impossible at Pacific Social, with over 20 flat screens scattered throughout this communal neighborhood sports bar. Between the trendy neon signs, Insta-worthy food spreads and a respectable list of draft beers, consider this the official game day spot of Carmel Valley. Stylish and sophisticated with a relaxed ambiance, football fans have no shortage of premium views with an indoor dining lounge, outdoor patio and a cozy arcade loft (for commercials, obvi)! Kick off football Sundays with brunch specialties like chicken and waffles, churro French toast and a breakfast smash burger.
Location: Pacific Highlands
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
With its festive, lively atmosphere and selection of mouthwatering BBQ bites, The Deck at Moonshine Flats remains a staple on this list. Grab one of their 32-ounce Big Red Cups to sip on as you play backyard-style games like corn hole, shuffleboard and ping-pong. And when the games kick off, snag a seat at one of the many picnic tables and enjoy all the action on their state-of-the-art big screens. To drink, we love ordering one of their $21 buckets with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey as the base!
Location: East Village
10/25
Coral Sports Bar
Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s southernmost beach city, Coral Sports Bar has proven itself to be an irreplaceable piece of Imperial Beach’s sports bar scene. This beach-centered drinking den has garnered a reputation among locals for its ceviche and shrimp plates sold at affordable price points—all the more reason to prop yourself up on a barstool to watch the first kickoff. Speaking of kickoffs, what better way to toast to the season than with an order of mariscos and their signature $20 beer tower? Things tend to get rowdy on game days, and guests can expect a full house of fans cheering on their respective teams.
Location: Imperial Beach
Dirty Birds Bar & Grill
With several locations throughout San Diego, Dirty Birds Bar & Grill has become a legendary watering hole for NFL fanatics. This local gem has mastered the art of serving up some of the city’s tastiest wings, making it a touchdown for sports enthusiasts. With a lively atmosphere and a dedicated crowd of die-hard fans, it’s easy to get swept up in the game-day excitement here. Quench your group’s thirst with their $30 buckets of domestic beers and White Claws, then order some wings at halftime to tide you over. The hardest part will be deciding which wing sauce to choose—they have 40 different types!
Locations: Multiple throughout San Diego
11/13
Rookies Sports Bar
With 29 years under its belt, it’s easy to see why Rookies Sports Bar in Oceanside is a go-to for game day. This bar and restaurant is a no frills kind of place and features more than 50 TV screens for an optimal viewing experience. They offer $5 margaritas all day on Mondays and $4.50 draft beers on Thursday nights—two deals perfect for football season! Grab a table with your fellow fans this fall and watch as your favorite teams face off in true NFL fashion.
Location: Oceanside
PB Shore Club
This buzzy upstairs bungalow may be renowned for its beach views and fish tacos, but its sports bar atmosphere is certainly something to write home about too. PB Shore Club is equipped with several flat-screen TVs, both indoors and on the patio, so you won’t miss a single touchdown or end zone dance this football season. Throw on your jersey and prepare to chow down on a selection of tasty pub-grub fare! On Mondays through Thursdays from 2-6 p.m., PB Shore Club offers a Sunset Happy Hour with $5 off select apps, drafts and wells. If you’re bellying up to the bar on a Sunday, however, don’t miss out on the $6 beers and drinks during the NFL games.
Local Insight: To see PB Shore Club’s full food and drink menu, click here!
Location: Pacific Beach
Draft at Belmont Park
Get your game face on and head to Draft in Mission Beach’s bustling Belmont Park! With a selection of 70+ beers on tap and a menu of tasty American fare, watching football here is a no-brainer. Snag a seat on the extended outdoor patio for ocean views that stretch all the way from Bird Rock to Sunset Cliffs. Kick-start game day by ordering a draft beer or one of their signature cocktails, such as the spicy OMG Margarita or the Mai Tai to Shine. Then, snack on shareables like the parmesan truffle fries, Buffalo wings, cerveza-battered fish and chips or Draft’s delicious cavatappi mac and cheese. Mark our words: This is the ultimate Sunday football viewing spot.
Park 101 Carlsbad
Head to Park 101 in Carlsbad for their rotating food specials, including hot-ticket items like surf ‘n’ turf fries and smoked tri-tip tacos. This place is massive—it’s an 8,000-square-foot, multi-level complex with a giant LED screen. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead—and don’t forget to try one of their frozen coconut margaritas!
Local Insight: Park 101 offers happy hour from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays, so you can catch a Monday or Thursday night game and enjoy discounted drinks!
Location: Carlsbad
The Rabbit Hole
If a laid-back bar vibe is what you’re after, The Rabbit Hole in Normal Heights is where it’s at. They have a rocking draft list with on-cask, on-nitro and growler fills, but you can’t go wrong with a Papulo cocktail made with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, orange liqueur, pomegranate, pineapple and lime and Luxardo cherries. They also make a killer margarita with Milagro blanco tequila, agave, lemon and lime juice and a lime wheel.
In terms of the viewing experience, James Gomez, general manager of The Rabbit Hole, says, “We have a front and a back patio with TVs everywhere to watch the games.” Philadelphia Eagles fans seek refuge—The Rabbit Hole is your home away from home.
Local Insight: This San Diego sports bar has specials on food and drinks every day of the week! Check out what’s discounted here.
Location: Normal Heights
Gaslamp Tavern
Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this hip San Diego sports bar has the laid-back neighborly vibe we all crave on game day. Plus, Gaslamp Tavern’s jumbo baked Bavarian pretzels, loaded tots, wings and brisket sandos will have you making up your own end zone dance. Pair your pub grub with one of their signature cocktails like the Monkey Boogie, made with Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whiskey and Aperol, and cheers to a Sunday well-spent! Pro tip: On Mondays, Gaslamp Tavern offers $2 off all mules and sandos.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
The Duck Dive
Enjoy American cuisine, craft beers and cocktails at The Duck Dive’s indoor lounge with TVs or on their breezy patio. This Pacific Beach restaurant and bar is the perfect place to sport your team’s jersey and get a full dose of Sunday football. They also offer a killer weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—try one of their boozy breakfast shots!
Local Insight: Check out their happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday for $6 cocktails and half off select snacks and shares.
Location: Pacific Beach
Draft Republic
Watching football this fall at one of Draft Republic’s two locations (Carlsbad and San Marcos) is an unparalleled experience for any sports enthusiast. This San Diego sports bar boasts a vibrant atmosphere, complete with 70+ flat-screen TVs ensuring you won’t miss a single play. With a diverse selection of craft beers on tap and a menu featuring delicious pub fare, from hearty burgers to crispy wings, it’s the perfect place to enjoy game day. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or simply soaking in the camaraderie of fellow football fans, Draft Republic offers a welcoming and energetic setting that amplifies the thrill of NFL Sundays.
Local Insight: Head into Draft Republic Carlsbad’s Golf Lounge to tee off on one of four Full Swing Golf Simulators. Here, you can play iconic courses like Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines.
Location: Carlsbad and San Marcos
Mavericks Beach Club
Located steps from the sand in Pacific Beach, Mavericks Beach Club is the ultimate party destination for sports fans with its 40 TVs and five bars. Join the festivities for Monday night football and enjoy $4 beers, wines and wells and $6 margs, mai tais and draft cocktails. Come for the deals, but stay for the epic NFL fanfare.
Location: Pacific Beach
Home & Away
Home & Away may be a Kansas City Chiefs bar, but everyone is welcome to come in and order tacos, smoked meats, cold beer and cocktails on game days. “We have a giant patio and huge outdoor LED TV to watch all the action,” says Jonathan Frank, co-owner of Home & Away. You’ll want to snag a spot at this chic, surf-inspired bar for a cocktail and a bite. The menu is full of crafty libations like the Longballer—made with longball, raspberry, honey, lemon and soda. And when your crew gets hungry, you’ll love H&A’s spicy surf-and-turf burrito, blackened shrimp tacos and chicken strips.
Locations: Old Town
Social Tap San Diego
Located at the edge of Petco Park, Social Tap San Diego offers a relaxed atmosphere for East Village and downtown San Diego locals. They serve craft beer and creative cocktails along with an incredible menu geared toward the highest-quality sandwiches, tacos and more. This modern sports bar also features a patio with views of Petco Park on the second-floor balcony.
Local Insight: They have 27 TVs, including 90- and 110-inch screens!
Location: East Village
Sandbar
Sun, sand and sports collide at Sandbar in Mission Beach! This bi-level, waterfront hotspot is the perfect place to catch a game this fall. The downstairs space features dozens of flat-screen TVs and huge roll-up doors that let in a sea breeze. If you head upstairs to the skydeck, you can relish views of the ocean and Belmont Park’s neighboring roller coaster. In terms of food, you can’t go wrong with one of their breakfast burritos or Big Ass Bloody Marys. Plus, the customizable taco plates are also delish.
Location: Mission Beach
Barleymash
There’s no bad seat when it comes to watching a game at Barleymash. Situated in the heart of San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter, this high-energy downtown restaurant and bar is all about beer, bourbon and touchdowns. The industrial-style space features a slew of TVs. Meanwhile, the menu is chock-full of tasty flatbreads, fries, mac and cheese, sandwiches and burgers. Be sure to pair your pick with one of their signature cocktails; The Ron Burgundy is a must-try.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
