Best Sports Bars in San Diego California

Best Sports Bars in San Diego for Beer, Eats, and Fun

The truth is that even though San Diego can be a Fairweather sports city, there are a number of fantastic sports bars around town to frequent on game day or just because.

Fans that need to escape from the distractions of home in order to focus on the game may want to head to Players in Clairemont. This no-frills bar is known for TVs galore playing a wide range of even hard-to-find games. It’s time to spice up your event with San Diego strippers coming out to entertain all of your guests at your event.

Want one of San Diego’s best burgers? If you’re a Broncos fan, too, Chief’s Burgers & Brews is the best place you could possibly be in town when Denver is playing.

Or, maybe you want more of an upscale-casual experience. Barley mash isn’t often categorized as a sports bar but it’s a local favorite for grabbing a nice bite to eat and a craft beer while watching the multiple TVs behind the bar.

One thing to note is that if the kids are in tow, it’s wise to call the sports bar in advance to see if they are permitted as this information is not readily available online and may depend on whether or not it’s game day.

Root on the Padres, Chargers or whoever your team of choice is at these best sports bars in San Die

barley mash

The menu at barley mash is largely based on two distinctive ingredients: beer and bourbon. Try festive, progressive bar fare such as bourbon-brown sugar potatoes, pizza with a barley crust, beer-battered fish and chips, and more. Over 30 local micro and nano-breweries are on tap served as well as specialty cocktails such as the 1.5 gallons “The Mason Jar”, sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The nighttime calendar is full seven days a week between deejays and bands rocking until closing time. After all, the barley mash motto is, “Life is meant to be sipped and savored, and good times should always be shared.”

Recommended for Sports Bars Because TVs line the bar area for prime sports viewing. It’s a hip place to watch the game.

Miller’s Field

Miller’s Field claims to have the largest number of TVs in Pacific Beach. Another bonus is that the bar has its own dedicated parking. It doesn’t seem like it, but the food is pretty good with offerings ranging from seared ahi sushi salad to baby back ribs. Or, go for hearty comfort food like chicken and waffles. They can even cater for your next party. There is a happy hour, but it’s a little limited food-wise. The crowd tends to skew younger probably based on its location which is just a block away from the beach. WiFi is free, too, for those who want to be productive or check other scores.

Recommended for Sports Bars Because Miller’s Field is sizable and fairly nicely appointed (for the area) it’s a great place to meet friends.

Dirty Bird’s

Dirty Bird’s is a small sports bar in Pacific Beach that’s basically known for three things: wings, beer, and sports. The wings can be ordered in different ways and they’re really good. Happy hour has a half-priced wing and pitcher of beer deal. It’s a favorite because Dirty Bird skews more like a sports bar versus the younger crowd that’s common in Pacific Beach. It’s a no-frills place that’s not huge and it can get drafty in cold weather. It was the Baltimore Ravens headquarters in San Diego so if they’re playing, then it’s guaranteed to be busy. It is a bar, so kids are not allowed.

Recommended for Sports Bars because: They are famous for their wings, which are a great deal at happy hour.

Shakespeare Pub & Grille

A true British pub in sunny southern California? Yes, indeed. Shakespeare’s Pub and Grille looks like a pub you might find across the pond, with the drinks, food, and festivities to match. Try a plate of bangers and mash, a plowman’s lunch, shepherd’s pie or Scotch eggs, and wash it down with a pint of Bass, Newckie, or Fuller’s ESB, or follow up with a single malt. Quiz nights and televised football (soccer) add to the fun and authenticity. There are even a monthly trivia night and a shop across the street where San Diegans can stock up on their favorite British food.

Recommended for Sports Bars Because Shakespeare’s is an excellent option for those who love Premier League soccer.

Gaslamp Tavern

Gaslamp Tavern has a dedicated Charger and Padres fan base, but they do have all the major sports packages and show a wide range of games. They have windows that open up to give the space an indoor/outdoor feel which is particularly nice in the summertime. Though they do have pretty good salads, their known for big juicy burgers and bar fares like french fries with bacon and cheese. The fish and chips and tater tots are also local favorites. The sports bar is also known for its friendly service and reasonable prices for the area. They even have a late-night happy hour. Hot strippers are an option to add to any even one may have and makes for an amazing upgrade to your special event.

Recommended for Sports Bars Because It’s a great place to cheer on San Diego sports teams within walking distance from a lot of downtown/Gaslamp hotels.

Bub’s at the Ballpark

In addition to watching sports on the vast array of plasma TVs, it’s possible to shoot hoops in the in-house court at Bub’s at the Ballpark, one of the city’s best sports bars. It’s also eco-friendly as it was constructed using various architectural salvage from throughout the West coast, including reclaimed wood, scrap metal, and reused brick. Formerly located in Pacific Beach, it’s now near the ballpark as the name implies. Happy hour is 7-10 pm, 7 days a week with half-priced red baskets (fries, rings, fried pickles and more). Order up a craft beer or even a PBR in a can.

Recommended for Sports Bars Because Though there’s a Bub’s in the actual ballpark, this location is a great place to grab a pre or post-game drink.

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Sushil kumar