Throw On Your Jersey and Head to These Local Bars for Some Opening Day Camaraderie

When SoCal’s signature sea breeze mingles with the salty-sweet smell of peanuts and Cracker Jack, it can only mean one thing—baseball season is upon us! In honor of another six months of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” San Diego is setting up the San Diego Padres for a season of success at Petco Park!  Where to Watch the Padres

Surrounded by a mecca of vibrant pubs, eclectic foodie joints and rowdy sports bars, one thing is certain: no one will go thirsty or hungry on opening day for The Friars. From western-themed tailgate venues serving classic ballpark eats to Irish pubs, these aren’t your typical pregaming hotspots. With the Padres’ season in full swing, it’s time to warm up your vocal cords for a night of cheering on the home team with an ice-cold Pacifico or cocktail in hand.

 

Bub’s @ The Ballpark

What to Sip On: Pacifico

Bub’s @ The Ballpark is by far the closest place to Petco Park on our list—a true San Diego sports bar that feels like an extension of left field. You can throw your peanut shells on the floor and settle elbow to elbow at the bar, guaranteeing the people on either side of you have Padres jerseys on, too. You must order the BallPark Tots! Crispy tots smothered in homemade chili and cheese with grilled onions and sliced hot dogs. Wash it down with a Pacifico, and the only thing leaving Bub’s bitter will be the other team’s fans.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

El Chingon

What to Sip On: Pacifico or Chamango Margarita

If you’re looking to keep the energy high from first pitch to final out, El Chingon delivers one of the rowdiest Padres bar experiences in San Diego. Located just a short stroll from Petco Park, this Gaslamp favorite turns game day into a full-blown fiesta, complete with $6 house margaritas, $9 micheladas and $5 tacos during their award-winning happy hour (Monday through Friday, 2-6 p.m.). Win or lose, the party keeps going with postgame celebrations that feature late-night eats, DJs and a packed dance floor until 2 a.m. every night. It’s loud, unapologetically fun, and the perfect place to rep your Padres gear with pride.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

The Blind Burro

What to Sip On: Casa-Machado or Pacifico

A short stroll from Petco Park, The Blind Burro is the kind of place where tacos, tequila and a good time take center stage. This Baja-inspired eatery brings fresh Mexican flavors to the table, with two types of guacamole and a taco selection that’ll have you coming back for more (lobster, beef tongue and local fish, anyone?). The tequila menu is stacked, the craft cocktails are top-tier, and there’s always something fun happening on game day. Grab one of their signature Casa-Machados (let’s go #13!), which comes in a specialty glass and is made with Casamigos, Grand Marnier, chipotle agave, lime juice, tamarindo and a tajín rim. 

Location: East Village

 

Union Kitchen & Tap

What to Sip On: Union Michelada with Pacifico

This Gaslamp sports bar blends rustic charm with modern flair, featuring reclaimed wood accents, plush vinyl booths and a lively bar scene. Kick things off with a Union Michelada made with Pacifico before diving into game-day specials like the Ballpark Roasted Nuts or the Ballpark Hot Dog Trio, which features the Nacho Dawg with chorizo, jalapeños, pico de gallo, beer cheese and tortilla strips.

Drink specials keep the energy high with $5 Pacificos, a Woodinville Rye Tai for $12 and an Estrella Bucket with a Slug N Chug Bat for $25. Bonus: They’ve got a pup-friendly menu, so even your four-legged friend can join in on the baseball season fun!

Local Insight: This San Diego sports bar is only a 3-minute walk from Petco Park, and they stay open late to celebrate Padres wins!

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

McGregor’s Bar and Grill

What to Sip On: Pacifico

If you’re looking for an old-school Irish pub with a San Diego sports twist, McGregor’s is your place. Just a few blocks from Snapdragon Stadium, this 28-year-old bar is a local favorite for game-day action. With shuffleboard, pool tables and live music, the atmosphere is electric—especially when the Padres are playing. Order up a pint of Pacifico, grab a burger or pulled pork sandwich. Then soak in the energy of this classic neighborhood sports bar in San Diego.

Location: Mission Valley

 

Barleymash

What to Sip On: The Ron Burgundy Cocktail or Pacifico

There’s not a bad seat in the house when you’re watching a Padres game at Barleymash. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp, this high-energy beer and bourbon bar is all about good vibes, great food and plenty of TVs. Whether you’re diving into their legendary mac and cheese, loaded fries or a juicy burger, make sure to pair it with an ice-cold Pacifico or craft cocktail. The Ron Burgundy with old Forester Single Barrel Select, sugar, Angostura bitters and orange bitters is a must-try for whisky lovers.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Coin-Op Gaslamp

What to Sip On: Golden Ticket Cocktail

Just steps from Petco Park, Coin-Op Game Room Gaslamp is perfect for pregaming, postgaming, or playing all night long. This retro arcade-bar brings game-day energy with $10 beer and pizza combos, $9 Padres cocktails, $6 shots, and $3 slices. Even when it’s not game day, their cocktail menu brings bold flavor with drinks like the spicy-sweet Golden Ticket. The True Grit mixes whiskey, tea, and yuzu for a smooth sip. Boozy slushies and Japanese spirits round things out. With non-alcoholic options and retro vibes, this Gaslamp favorite always delivers a winning night—no matter the inning.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Dirty Birds Bar & Grill

What to Sip On: Bucket of Coronas

When it comes to legendary wings and legendary games, Dirty Birds is the MVP. With locations scattered throughout San Diego (we love the one in Liberty Station!), this lively sports bar in San Diego is a go-to for Padres fans looking to fuel up on award-winning wings (40 sauces to choose from!) and buckets of beer. Their $30 beer buckets make it easy to keep the party going all nine innings.

Locations: Multiple throughout San Diego

 

Tom’s Watch Bar

What to Sip On: Pacifico

The sports bar scene near Petco Park just got a serious upgrade! Tom’s Watch Bar officially opened its doors in February 2025, bringing a next-level game-day experience to downtown San Diego. Taking over the former Social Tap space, this high-energy San Diego sports bar boasts over 100 screens. Therefore you won’t miss a single pitch, home run or grand slam. Plus, the menu is just as impressive, featuring everything from a Prime Rib French Dip to an Ahi Tuna Tower. Designed for fast service—because no one wants to wait for food mid-game—Tom’s Watch Bar delivers an immersive viewing experience. Grab a seat, order a Pacifico and get ready to cheer on the Padres in style!

Local Insight: If you’re craving sweet and salty in equal measure, the Crispy Chicken and Cornbread Pancake is worth every calorie.

Location: East Village

 

3N1 Sports Bar & Grill

What to Sip On: Pacifico

Triple the fun at 3N1 Sports Bar & Grill, where a restaurant, bar, and cigar lounge create the ultimate game-day setup. With 20 beers on tap, a stocked humidor, and 24 TVs, you’ll never miss a single Padres play. Stop in for weekend karaoke or stay late for PPV boxing and UFC—this place keeps the energy going strong.

Local Insight: 3N1 even has a Little League menu for kiddos!

Location: Chula Vista

 

The Canyon Sports Pub & Grill

What to Sip On: ‘Chelada with Pacifico

In Chula Vista, The Canyon is a dive bar that punches way above its weight when it comes to Padres fandom. Locals swear by their housemade ‘cheladas, award-winning wings and stacked burgers. For the full experience, order the Sweet Chili Lime Wings and a Pacifico in one of their signature ‘cheladas made with Clamato, fresh lime juice, a proprietary blend of spices and Louisiana hot sauce.

Location: Chula Vista