Enjoy Food, Beer and Live Football at These 32 Sports Bars and Restaurants Across San Diego
Sports bars in San Diego combine craft beer, elevated pub food and wall-to-wall screens to create the ultimate football-watching experience. From Pacific Beach rooftops to Gaslamp dive bars, these 32 venues offer everything from game-day brunch to late-night watch parties. The best sports bars in San Diego for watching football include PB AleHouse (the official Denver Broncos headquarters), Union Kitchen & Tap with locations in Encinitas and Gaslamp, and Bub’s @ the Ballpark with more than 40 TVs and downtown views. Each venue features craft beer selections, elevated pub food and multiple viewing areas. Here’s to big punts and even bigger pints!
1. Brewed by the Beach
San Diego’s official Denver Broncos headquarters, PB AleHouse features wall-to-wall TVs, full sound and an ocean-view rooftop in Pacific Beach. The sports bar brews craft beer on-site and serves American-style burgers, flatbreads and wings made with locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss their handcrafted cocktails and rotating seasonal taps. And come early, because this place fills up fast once kickoff is near.
PB AleHouse
721 Grand Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.581.2337
M–Th, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
2. Two Cities, One Great Bar
Union Kitchen & Tap has a home in Encinitas and another in the Gaslamp Quarter, and both are must-visits for football fans. The Encinitas location is known for wall-to-wall screens, surround sound and an energetic game-day crowd. The menu features elevated comfort food like short rib ragu, crab cakes, truffle fries and farmhouse meatballs, all perfect for settling in from kickoff through the final whistle. Whether you’re chanting for your college team or repping purple and gold, Union’s inclusive atmosphere makes this one of Encinitas’ best football hangouts. The Gaslamp location brings the same energy downtown, with multiple TVs, full sound and garage-style doors that open to a buzzing outdoor patio. Plus, the crowd-pleasing bar menu and craft cocktails keep fans fueled for every quarter.
Union Kitchen & Tap (Encinitas)
1108 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760.230.2337
M–Th, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 10 a.m.–midnight; Su, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Union Kitchen & Tap (Gaslamp)
333 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.795.9463
M–Th, 11 a.m.–midnight; F, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–midnight
3. Ballpark Bar, All-Season Style
While this East Village outpost built its reputation as a baseball bar (go Padres!), Bub’s @ the Ballpark has evolved into a haven for all types of sports fans. Get your game face on and throw on your NFL jersey, because Bub’s knows how to party. With more than 40 TVs, epic downtown views and a buzzy atmosphere, there’s no better place to belly up and watch your team battle it out. Order a round of Pacificos or Modelos for your crew, and don’t leave without finishing a plate of the Ballpark Nachos and loaded Cali-Flower Wings.
Bub’s @ the Ballpark
715 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.546.0815
M–Th, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 10 a.m.–midnight; Su, 9:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
4. A Little Sporty, A Lot of Party
No longer the new kid in the neighborhood, Fairplay has made a name for itself as a vibrant sports bar. The industrial-chic hangout is perfect for game time, with an interior that has an old-school gym feel. While this San Diego sports bar 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 is a rotating selection of beers on tap and classic cocktails like margs and martinis. Your best bet? Throw on your jersey, order a round of trashy shooters and come experience the Fairplay hype for yourself.
Fairplay
4026 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
619.269.3222
M–T, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; W, closed; Thu–Fri, 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 9 a.m.–midnight; Su, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
5. Carmel Valley’s Community Hang
With over 20 flat screens scattered throughout this communal neighborhood sports bar, missing a play is nearly impossible at Pacific Social. Between the trendy neon signs, Insta-worthy food spreads and a respectable list of draft beers, consider this the go-to 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, covered outdoor patio and a cozy arcade loft. Kick off football Sundays with brunch specialties like chicken and waffles, bananas foster French toast, the Pac Social Breakfast Burger or wait until later to indulge in social bites and house-made pies.
Pacific Social
6025 Village Way
San Diego, CA 92130
858.720.6645
M, closed; T, 3–9 p.m.; W–Th, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; F, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
6. Tailgating with a Country Twist
Thanks to its festive atmosphere and selection of mouthwatering BBQ bites, The Deck at Moonshine Flats is a staple on any list of football bars in San Diego. Grab one of their Big Red Cups to sip on as you play backyard-style games like corn hole, shuffleboard and giant beer pong. When the game kicks off, snag a seat at one of the picnic tables and enjoy the action on their state-of-the-art big screens. The menu serves up popcorn shrimp and beef sliders alongside bucket cocktails in flavors like Honey Bee, Georgia Peach Mule and Moonshine Berry Lemonade.
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
335 Sixth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.255.7625
W, 3–11 p.m.; Th, 3 p.m.–1 a.m.; F, 3 p.m.–1:30 a.m.; Sa, 11 a.m.–1:30 a.m.
Open for Padres Home Games on M, T & Su: 1 p.m. game: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; 5:40–7:10 game: 4 p.m.–midnight
7. Ceviche, Beer Towers and Rowdy Fans
Tucked 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 for its ceviche and shrimp cocktail plates sold at affordable price points, all the more reason to prop yourself up on a barstool to watch kickoff. What better way to toast to the season than with an order of mariscos and their signature beer tower? Things tend to get rowdy here on game day, and guests can expect a full house of raucous fans.
Coral Sports Bar
995 Palm Ave
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
@coral_sports_bar
M, 9 a.m.–1:30 a.m.; T–Su, 2 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
8. 37+ Sauces and Counting
For those seeking wings and big screens, Dirty Birds Bar & Grill has become a legendary watering hole for NFL fanatics with several locations throughout San Diego. This pub 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 buckets of domestic beers or High Noon, then order some wings at halftime to tide you over. The hardest part will be deciding which wing sauce to choose because they have more than 37 different types!
Dirty Birds Bar & Grill
Multiple locations
9. 50 TVs and 30 Years Strong
With over 30 years under its belt, it’s easy to see why Rookies Sports Bar in Oceanside is a go-to for football Sundays. This bar and restaurant is a no-frills kind of place, but it features more than 50 TV screens and three large-scale projectors for an optimal viewing experience. Rookies also offers $6 well drinks, $4.75 domestic drafts, $9.50 margaritas and $8.95 bar bites during weekday happy hour (Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., with all-day happy hour on Wednesdays). Grab a table with your fellow fans and watch the teams face off in true NFL fashion.
Rookies Sports Bar
2216 S El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054
760.757.1123
M, 10 a.m.–1:30 a.m.; T–Th, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sa–Su, 9 a.m.–midnight
10. Upstairs Views and Beachside Vibes
This buzzy upstairs bungalow may be renowned for its beach views and fish tacos, but its San Diego sports bar atmosphere is something to write home about. Pacific Beach Shore Club is equipped with flat-screen TVs, both indoors and on the patio, so you won’t miss a single touchdown or end zone dance. Throw on your jersey and prepare to chow down on a selection of tasty pub grub. On Sundays, Shore Club offers every NFL game on a giant outdoor TV, plus 20 beers on tap. And yes, they’re the home of the original Red Bull Slushie.
Pacific Beach Shore Club
4343 Ocean Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.272.7873
M–Th, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; F, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sa, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–midnight
11. 55+ Taps and Ocean Views
Get your game face on and head to Draft at Belmont Park in Mission Beach’s bustling Belmont Park! With a selection of over 55 beers on tap, watching football here is a no-brainer. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio for ocean views that stretch all the way from Bird Rock to Sunset Cliffs. Then kick-start game day by ordering a draft beer or one of their signature cocktails: we love the Beach, Please! cocktail or the Spicy Island Vibes. And to top things off, snack on shareables like the birria nachos, drive-thru fries, buffalo chicken dip and the brookie skillet.
Draft at Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.488.1549
M–Th, noon–9 p.m.; F, noon–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
12. Rooftop Eats, North County Style
Head to Park 101 in Carlsbad to enjoy rotating food specials, including hot-ticket items like surf and turf tacos and a smoked tri-tip Philly. This sprawling 8,000-square-foot, multi-level complex comes complete with a giant LED screen, rooftop patio and the energy of North County’s game-day headquarters. It brings together California coastal vibes, country spirit and big-screen sports. Reservations are recommended, so call ahead, but make sure you don’t leave without trying one of their frozen coconut margaritas. Park 101 also offers a happy hour from 3–6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Park 101
3040 Carlsbad Blvd
Carlsbad, CA 92008
858.408.6948
Su–Th, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–midnight
13. Fall Down the Draft List
If a laid-back bar vibe is what you’re after, The Rabbit Hole is where it’s at. They have a rocking draft list with growler fills available to take the party home. And you can’t go wrong with a Papulo cocktail made with bourbon, orange liqueur, pomegranate, pineapple and lime. They also make a killer margarita with tequila, agave and lemon and lime juices. “We have a front and a back patio with TVs everywhere to watch the games,” says a Rabbit Hole team member. Keep an eye on their monthly rotating burger and flatbread specials, and stick around after the game for live music every Friday and Saturday. Football fans, seek refuge. The Rabbit Hole is sure to become your home away from home.
The Rabbit Hole
3377 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116
619.255.4653
M–Th, noon–11 p.m.; F, noon–1 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
14. Pretzels, Brisket and Pub Gold
Located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, this locally owned 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 grilled cheese sandwiches will have you making up your own end zone dance. Pair your pub grub with one of their signature cocktails like The Monkey Boogie, and cheers to a Sunday well-spent! Beyond football, Gaslamp Tavern shows all the big games including major UFC fights, and offers off-track betting so you can watch, bet and win all in one place. During happy hour (Monday–Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.), Gaslamp Tavern offers $2 off all cocktails and $6 well drinks.
Gaslamp Tavern
868 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.239.3339
M–Th, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–1:30 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–1:30 a.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
15. The Original PB Dive-in
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 favorite jersey and get a full dose of football. They also offer a killer weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring their boozy breakfast shots! Or check out their happy hour menu from 3–6 p.m. Monday to Friday for $7 select drafts and $8 signature cocktails, plus half-off select snacks and shareable plates.
The Duck Dive
4650 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.273.3825
M–Th, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; F, 10 a.m.–midnight; Sa, 9 a.m.–midnight; Su, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
16. Golf Sims and 100+ Taps
Watching football at Draft Republic is an unparalleled experience for any sports enthusiast. This North County sports bar features more than 70 flat-screen TVs, ensuring you won’t miss a play. With over 100 beers on tap and a menu featuring hearty burgers, crispy wings and Americana classics, it’s the perfect place to enjoy game day. Before or after the game, head into Draft Republic Carlsbad’s Golf Lounge to tee off on one of four Full Swing Golf Simulators, where you can play iconic courses like Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines.
Draft Republic
5958 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.448.4627
M–Th, 4–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
17. Old Town’s Craft-Cocktail Hangout
Home & Away welcomes anyone looking for a good time to come in and order tacos, smoked meats, cold beer and cocktails. “We have a giant patio and a huge outdoor LED TV to watch all the action,” says Jonathan Frank, co-owner. 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 Big Trouble Little Tequila, made with tequila, ginger, pineapple, lime, fire water bitters and soda. And when your crew gets hungry, you’ll love H&A’s beer-battered fish tacos, shrimp ceviche and chicken strips.
Home & Away
2222 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
619.501.0522
Daily, 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.
18. The Sky Bar Scene
Sun, sand and sports collide at Sandbar Sports Grill in Mission Beach. This bi-level, waterfront hotspot is the perfect place to catch the big game. The downstairs space features dozens of flat-screen TVs and huge roll-up doors that let in a sea breeze. Head upstairs to the skydeck and relish views of the ocean and Belmont Park’s neighboring roller coaster. For food, you can’t go wrong with the Spicy California breakfast burrito, Big Ass Bloody Marys or Sandbargaritas. The customizable taco plates are also delish.
Sandbar Sports Grill
718 Ventura Pl
San Diego, CA 92109
858.488.1274
M–Th & Su, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; F–Sa, 9 a.m.–midnight
19. Beer, Bourbon and Touchdowns
There’s no bad seat when it comes to watching the 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, while the menu is chock-full of tasty flatbreads, iron fries, poke nachos, sandwiches and burgers. Be sure to pair your pick with one of their signature cocktails or a cold draft from the 30-tap lineup.
barleymash
600 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.255.7373
M–F, noon–2 a.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 9:30 a.m.–2 a.m.
20. Low & Slow BBQ by the Beach
Discover a laid-back BBQ sports bar that’s perfect for catching the big game just blocks from the beach. Coaster Saloon executes authentic Texas-style BBQ with a signature “low and slow” technique, serving up prime beef brisket, pulled pork, baby back ribs and smoked meat combos alongside their legendary 28-ounce BBQ Mega Bloody Mary. During football season, Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays bring game-day favorites like TJ-Style Hot Dogs and Elote Bowls, with food and drink specials during all live NFL games. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and the foosball table keeps things fun between scores.
Coaster Saloon
744 Ventura Pl
San Diego, CA 92109
858.488.4438
M–Th, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
21. A Stadium Inside a Sports Bar
One of San Diego’s newest and most immersive sports-binge spots, Tom’s Watch Bar is just steps from Petco Park. Known for its 360-degree viewing experience with dozens of big screens that make you feel close to the action, it’s ideal for every bowl game, playoff weekend and regular-season NFL Sunday. With energy as electric as kickoff, every play feels alive with the enthusiastic crowd cheering as you nosh on deep-dish nachos, cheese curds, pot stickers, ahi tuna towers and spinach artichoke dip.
Tom’s Watch Bar
815 J St, Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92101
619.225.7924
M–Th, 4–10 p.m.; F, 4 p.m.–midnight; Sa, 11 a.m.–midnight; Su, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
22. Rancho Peñasquitos’ Neighborhood Clutch
This lively neighborhood spot is built for game day, boasting wall-to-wall TVs, two giant projector screens and booming sound that make catching every football moment a thrill. Whether it’s NFL Sunday, college kickoff or a late-season rivalry game, Pitchers Sports Bar delivers a spirited, fan-friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating for visitors to soak in every touchdown. Pair the big plays with ice-cold local craft beer on tap and hearty, stadium-style eats (including their chicken pesto pizza!) while you cheer with a crowd that lives for football.
Pitchers Sports Bar
9920 Carmel Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92129
858.484.3777
Su–W, 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Th–Sa, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m.
23. Game On in Miramar
Brewski’s Bar & Arcade is more than just free arcade games and vintage pinball. It offers a relaxed spot where NFL fans can catch the game with sound on and plenty of cold brews in hand. With pool tables, air hockey, 16 arcade machines, 11 pinball machines and other classic games, visitors can pair bar eats like mozzarella sticks, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and onion rings with interactive entertainment for a truly memorable game day. 21+ only.
Brewski’s Bar & Arcade
8670 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92126
858.586.0540
Daily, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
24. 1,200 Whiskeys and Game-Day Vibes
Dive-bar charm and quality fun merge at this classic San Diego institution. With an aviation theme, legendary whiskey selection (more than 1,200 bottles to sample), arcade games galore and glowing lights crisscrossing the bar, Aero Club Bar is the perfect backdrop for the game. It’s not your traditional sports bar, but you can pop in on any football afternoon to catch the action on TVs tucked among retro decor. Sip craft cocktails, local drafts or a classic whiskey, then challenge your crew to pool or air hockey at halftime. The dog-friendly patio is a bonus.
Aero Club Bar
3365 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
619.297.7211
M–Th, 2 p.m.–2 a.m.; F–Su, noon–2 a.m.
25. Bacon, Stools and Ocean Beach Soul
Northside Tavern in Ocean Beach is a laid-back beachside sports bar known locally as a solid spot for cheering on your team. With tons of TVs, cold beer on draft and a dog-friendly patio that makes watching the game feel like a backyard bash by the sand, Northside serves classic bar grub like wings, onion rings, soft pretzels, loaded fries and fish tacos alongside drink specials in a setting known for its laid-back energy. Live music on Sundays from 3–6 p.m. is a bonus for fans looking to extend the good vibes post-game.
Northside Tavern
2228 Bacon St
San Diego, CA 92107
619.228.9980
Daily, 9 a.m.–2 a.m.
26. Point Loma’s Permanent Good Time
Beloved by Point Loma locals, GoodBar is where casual vibes meet big-game energy. With plenty of screens throughout the space, cold draft beer, juicy burgers (including the crowd-favorite Cowboy Up Philly Cheesesteak) and classic shareable bar fare, it’s where you can settle in with friends and cheer through every play. Comedy nights, trivia and live music round out a weekly lineup that keeps the neighborhood coming back all season long.
GoodBar
1872 Rosecrans St
San Diego, CA 92106
619.642.0900
M–Th, noon–1 a.m.; F–Sa, noon–2 a.m.; Su, 9:30 a.m.–1 a.m.
27. Beachhead for 15,000 Sq. Ft. of Fun
Just steps from the ocean in Pacific Beach, Mavericks Beach Club is a multi-level entertainment complex built for celebration of any size. With five indoor/outdoor bars and a 15,000-square-foot property packed with TVs, backyard games, VIP booths and an outdoor fireplace, this is the prime spot for football fans looking to take the festivities up a notch. The covered sports courts, bar menu and weekly specials keep locals coming back.
Mavericks Beach Club
860 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.999.0348
M, 4 p.m.–close; T–F, noon–close; Sa, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–close
28. Craft Beer, Wide Open Skies
The Bier Garden of Encinitas is one of the crown jewels of downtown Encinitas, just a couple blocks from the beach. It features a big, open-air design and plenty of outdoor seating for enjoying the always-gorgeous Southern California weather. With over 20 rotating taps of the best draft beers, cocktails crafted with care and Southern California-inspired fare, the Bier Garden is the perfect place to watch the game without sacrificing your afternoon sunshine. Weekday happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Bier Garden of Encinitas
641 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
760.632.2437
M–F, 11 a.m.–midnight; Sa–Su, 10 a.m.–midnight
29. PB’s Craft Beer & Pizza Hotspot
SD TapRoom is a top San Diego bar and pizza restaurant established in 2006 in Pacific Beach. With a focus on San Diego craft beer, awesome food and local hospitality, TapRoom is acclaimed as one of the best craft beer bars in San Diego. With lots of TVs, a giant dog-friendly beer garden patio and a rotating selection of over 30 local taps, it’s also a fantastic place to catch every football game. Snack on award-winning wings, a slice (or a whole pie) and enjoy trivia on Mondays.
SD TapRoom
1269 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.274.1010
M–Th, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; F–Sa, 10 a.m.–midnight; Su, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
30. Fish & Chips and Football Pints
San Diego’s original British pub, Shakespeare Pub & Grille has been owned and operated by British ex-pats since August 1990. Newly crowned Yelp’s #1 Sports Bar in America for 2026, with its old-world English Tudor-style interior, patio deck and award-winning fish and chips, it’s a charming spot to catch American football with a proper British pub backdrop. They’re one of the select establishments in San Diego with a beer engine and cask-conditioned “real ale,” along with an impressive selection of draught and bottled beers from Britain, Ireland and beyond. Pub quiz nights make return visits highly recommended.
Shakespeare Pub & Grille
3701 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
619.299.0230
M–Th, 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; F, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Sa, 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Su, 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
31. Molly’s Morning-to-Sunset Beach Club
Family, community and the simple pleasures of life are at the heart of Molly’s Mission Beach, and that includes game day with cold drinks and great food. This Mission Beach gem roasts its own coffee in-house, bakes artisanal pastries from scratch daily and serves up cocktails, mimosas and an elevated brunch and lunch menu in a stunning beachfront setting. Their Sunshine Bar outdoor patio is pure paradise for day-game crowds, and their rooftop is a go-to for catching fall afternoon kickoffs with an ocean breeze and something cold in hand.
Molly’s Mission Beach
3770 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.301.6313
Coffee, Brunch & Cocktails: Daily, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Happy Hour (Drinks Only): F–Su, 2–4 p.m.; Bar + Small Bites: F–Su, 4 p.m.–sunset
32. San Diego’s Oldest Tavern, Still Going Strong
Waterfront Bar & Grill has been pouring cold beer since 1933 (the year Prohibition was repealed), making it San Diego’s oldest continuously operating bar. Located in the heart of Little Italy, this legendary dive shows every NFL game on NFL Sunday Ticket and college football all season long, all on their multiple screens. The menu features breakfast until 2 p.m., soyrizo burritos, grilled mahi tacos and patty melts at prices that feel like a throwback. The dog-friendly patio is a bonus for pups and their people alike.
Waterfront Bar & Grill
2044 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
619.232.9656
Daily, 8 a.m.–2 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sports bars in San Diego to watch NFL football?
San Diego has no shortage of great options for NFL Sundays. Some top picks include PB AleHouse in Pacific Beach, Bub’s @ the Ballpark in East Village, Tom’s Watch Bar near Petco Park, Rookies Sports Bar in Oceanside and Draft Republic in Carlsbad. Each offers multiple big screens, game-day drink specials and menus built for a full afternoon of football.
Which San Diego sports bars are best for large groups?
For large parties, Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach (15,000 square feet with five bars), Tom’s Watch Bar (accommodates up to 400 for buyouts), barleymash in the Gaslamp (up to 550 guests with private event options) and Draft at Belmont Park are all well-equipped for groups. Many bars on this list also offer private event reservations, so it’s worth calling ahead.
Are there sports bars in San Diego’s North County?
North County is well covered. Draft Republic in Carlsbad, Park 101 in Carlsbad Village, Rookies in Oceanside and both Union Kitchen & Tap and The Bier Garden in Encinitas are all solid options for North County football fans. For those in northern San Diego closer to Rancho Peñasquitos, Pitchers Sports Bar on Carmel Mountain Road is also worth the trip.
Which San Diego sports bars open early for East Coast games?
Several bars on this list open early enough for 10 a.m. kickoffs. Waterfront Bar & Grill in Little Italy opens daily at 8 a.m., barleymash opens at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, PB Shore Club opens at 9 a.m. on weekends and Sandbar Sports Grill opens daily at 9 a.m. It’s always a good idea to confirm hours directly with the bar before heading out.
Do any San Diego sports bars serve brunch during football season?
Absolutely. Several bars on this list double as brunch destinations on football Sundays, including Molly’s Mission Beach, The Duck Dive, SD TapRoom, PB Shore Club, barleymash, GoodBar and both Union Kitchen & Tap locations. Many offer bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys and full brunch menus alongside all the game-day action.
