Who says San Diego isn’t a sports city? The Padres have become a real contender in the MLB; the new MLS team, San Diego FC, will arrive at Snapdragon next year; and SDSU’s basketball program has established itself as a recurring presence in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the San Diego Clippers are returning as a G-league team in Oceanside for their LA counterparts, and the San Diego Wave fútbol club led the NWSL last year. With tons of great teams to watch and ticket prices on the rise, San Diego’s sports bars are the next best locale to enjoy each game day with fellow fans.
Sports Bars in Downtown & Little Italy San Diego
Time Out Sports Tavern
Going out in the Gaslamp often requires a certain tolerance for purgatory-like lines and $20 well drinks, but this locally owned sports bar is an unabashedly divey antidote home to 29 rotating beer taps, a late-night menu for when the game goes into overtime, and a couple of pool tables (plus deals on mimosas for those daytime matches).
Hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6:30 p.m. | $5 Michelob Ultra, wells & beer of the day | $6 house wine | $8 Tito’s & Tullamore Dew | $2 off select food options
Address: 634 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter
barleymash
Whether it’s game day or not, barleymash is one of the liveliest spots downtown. A runner-up for best fries in SDM’s 2024 best restaurants list (they’ve got a bunch of toppings for ’em), this spot also serves four different varieties of loaded mac n’ cheese. Maybe that’s part of why it nabbed a place on Sports Illustrated’s 2019 list of the best places to watch the Super Bowl.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6 p.m. | $4.50 draft beer | $7.50–$8 cocktails
Address: 600 Fifth Avenue, Unit 6916, Downtown
Bub’s @ the Ballpark
Located less than a block from Petco Park, Bub’s is the ultimate afterparty for Padres home games during the season. Friar faithful file in after a W to celebrate with a round of beer and remarkably unathletic feats of athleticism in the bar’s novelty basketball court. Bub’s gets packed on game day and is known for screening every Padres away game. For pigskin fans, the bar offers generous NFL and college football game-day drink deals.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 3–5 p.m. | $1 wings | $5 select drafts & wells | half-off appetizers
Address: 715 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Nason’s Beer Hall
An upscale watering hole located in the Gaslamp’s swanky Pendry hotel, this retrofitted space dating to the 1900s is a great place to cheer on the Padres and feast on game-day specials like a $9 Wagyu hot dog. This must be the only spot in SD where you can chow down on $40 caviar while watching the Chargers play.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3–10 p.m. | Friday, 3 p.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–5 p.m. | $5 draft beer | $6 wine | $7 well cocktails | $11 cheeseburger | $10 giant pretzel | $9 chips & guac | $9 buffalo chicken fries
Address: 570 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter
Shakespeare Pub
San Diego is increasingly staking its claim as a destination for soccer, but many local sports bars are lacking a dedicated space for fútbol fanatics. When FIFA rolls around, Shakespeare Pub in Little Italy is the place to be. Opened by a pair of British expats in 1990, this second-story bar on India Street tunes its TVs to Europe’s Premier League and offers the eats to match (think a full English breakfast or a plate of fish and chips).
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 8 a.m–10 p.m.
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $1 off draft pints | $5 house wine | $1 off all bottled beer | $5.50 well liquor
Address: 3701 India Street, Little Italy
Sports Bars in Pacific Beach
The Duck Dive
While sports are the main attraction at this PB hot spot, the food and drinks hold their own, especially when early weekend games draw fans for brunch and $19 bottomless mimosas. University of Nebraska alumni (all two of you) will be happy to hear that this is a certified Nebraska Husker bar, so enjoy hogging the TVs all season long.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Tuesday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $6 cocktails | $6 select wines & drafts | half-off select appetizers
Address: 4650 Mission Boulevard, Pacific Beach
Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill
Sandbar is the place for Boise State fans to cheer on the Blue each week—or for any deals-seeking diner whose team is playing on a Tuesday, when the rooftop watering hole overlooking Belmont Park offers $3 street tacos, $5 Estrella Jaliscos, $6 house margaritas, and half-off all tequila (of which they have more than 50 types).
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday–Monday, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 3–6 p.m. | $6 14-ounce Estrella Jalisco | $8 Margarita | $9 22-ounce Estrella Jalisco
Address: 718 Ventura Place, Mission Beach
Sports Bars in Mission Valley
Home & Away
Tucked into the heart of Old Town, this bar is home field for Kansas City Chiefs fans during the NFL season. The patio provides plenty of space for fans to catch every play on a massive outdoor screen while kids stay busy with games like cornhole and ping pong. It’s dog-friendly, too, so make sure Fido has his KC bandana on.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. | Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–1 a.m.
Address: 2222 San Diego Avenue, Old Town
McGregor’s Bar & Grill
There’s nothing like rooting for the Fighting Irish during college football season in an old-school Irish pub. Located a few blocks from Snapdragon, this 28-year-old Mission Valley bar is a popular spot for post-game partying following Legion rugby matches and SDSU football games. Several pool tables, live music weekly, and shuffleboard offer a welcome distraction from agonizing SportsCenter recaps.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Thursday, 4–6 p.m. | $1 off draft beer, house wine, well liquor & select appetizers
Address: 10475 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley
Novo Brazil Brewing
Novo Brazil has four expansive venues across San Diego County, but their newest location in Mission Valley is a true sports fan’s paradise, with 8,000 square feet of space, 64 taps, 100 feet of LED video walls, and a 3,500-square-foot fire pit—a perfect spot for strategizing your fantasy league draft picks. Sip refreshing kombuchas while supporting our local sports teams with Novo’s La Ola Dragon Fruit or Azteks Raspberry flavors, created in partnership with Wave FC and SDSU Athletics, respectively.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Unit 341, Mission Valley
Sports Bars in North Park
Fairplay
Whether you spell it “football” or “fútbol,” Fairplay has you covered with plenty of screens to catch the action. The spacious gastropub is also the home field for the Red Devils of San Diego, a local Manchester United fan group. Keep an eye on Fairplay’s Instagram page for their weekly TV guide to ensure you don’t miss a single play.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. | Thursday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12 a.m. | Saturday, 6 a.m.–12 a.m. | Sunday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Address: 4026 30th Street, North Park
Pretzels & Pints
Philly fans, assemble! Pretzels & Pints is the spot for tuning into every Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and 76ers game. This tucked-away North Park bar specializes in pretzels, offering oversized Bavarian, pillowy Philly, and classic NY-style options with its signature beer cheese. You’ll also find a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, and subs to fuel your game day—but you’ll need to leave your Giants and Celtics jerseys at home.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 12–10 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday-Friday, 1–6 p.m. | $1.50 off drafts
Address: 3812 Ray Street, North Park
Sports Bars in Clairemont & La Jolla
The Bullpen
This old-school sports venue provides more than 60 TVs and bar bites at reasonable prices. The Bullpen isn’t the place for quiet, contemplative sports discussions—instead, grab a beer and join the hooting and hollering on Padres game nights and at fight night viewing parties. Check their website for their daily TV schedule to plan your night.
Hours: Saturday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Address: 8199 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Clairemont Mesa
Nautilus Tavern
During Padres season, Nautilus has game day specials, including the Machado Platter, featuring wings, onion rings, tots, and mozzarella sticks (which I’m sure Manny always eats before first pitch). Stick around after the game as the sports tavern transforms into “Club Nauti,” where you can actualize your dreams of popping Champagne after your team (San Diego FC?) wins a national championship.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | half-off draft beers, well liquor & house wine | $5 Daily Sunset
Address: 6830 La Jolla Boulevard, Unit 103, La Jolla
The Spot La Jolla
The Spot is truly the OG San Diego sports bar, with a history dating back to 1915. The space was purchased in 1978 by owners who wanted to relocate their Chicago watering hole to San Diego. This is the ultimate hangout for Windy City transplants wanting to watch da Bears, da Bulls, da Cubs, and Blackhawks games each week. Like any authentic Chicago hangout, it’s filled with decades of spilled beers, the scent of deep-dish pizza, and the accumulated tears of fans.
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $4 drafts & wells | 25 percent off appetizers
Address: 1005 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Sports Bars in North County San Diego
PRK 101
PRK 101 is Disneyland for North County sports fans. This two-story complex features large outdoor TVs, a spacious dog-friendly patio, and a menu full of savory barbecue. The spot is home base for the handful of loyal Chargers fans, and it also offers half-off beverages every Monday to locals with a Carlsbad address.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 4–10 p.m. | Thursday & Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m. | $5 off house cocktails | $2 off draft beers | $5 house wines | $5 house calls
Address: 3040 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad
Draft Republic
The name certainly holds up: Draft Republic vends more than 100 beers on tap. Meet up with your squad and catch the game on one of the bar’s 70 TVs while you stuff yourself with wings or buffalo cauliflower (for plant-based friends). Games aren’t just onscreen at this sports bar’s two locations, which offer golf simulators (Carlsbad), eight lanes of bowling (San Marcos), shuffleboard, and plenty of arcade cabinets to help you cool off after your team drops the ball in OT.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m. | Friday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. | Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: 4–5:30 p.m. | $6 Draft Republic Beers | $8 select wines & well cocktails | discounted appetizers
Address: 5958 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad & 255 Redel Road, San Marcos
Sports Bars in East County San Diego
The Hills Pub
The Hills Pub is a popular watering hole for sports fans in La Mesa with its dog-friendly patio, zillion TVs, and kitchen that stays open until midnight daily. This makes it an ideal spot for post-game festivities and sprawling armchair game analysis with that pal who swears he could have gone pro if he’d only made the JV team. The joint hosts bingo every Tuesday, offering an opportunity to net yourself tickets to upcoming Gulls games.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–12 a.m. | Friday, 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–12 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 2–5 p.m. | Sunday–Thursday, 9 p.m.–12 a.m. | $5 drafts, wells, house wines & Dangerdorf liquor
Address: 8758 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa
Main Tap
Main Tap is a rare destination showing every NHL game in sunny San Diego. This cozy East County tavern is known for its collection of rotating taps from local microbreweries, and it offers plenty of cheap eats to keep you going until a game-ending shootout. On Tuesdays and Fridays, this El Cajon locale moonlights as a karaoke bar, perfect for belting out tearful ballads after the Anaheim Ducks lose yet another game. Time to invest in a Kings jersey.
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Wednesday, 3–7 p.m. | $6 Reuben sandwiches
Address: 518 E Main Street, El Cajon
Sports Bars in Chula Vista
3N1 Sports Bar
Score a hat trick at this triple-threat sports bar in Chula Vista. The name 3N1 refers to the venue’s restaurant, bar, and smoking lounge concept, making it a go-to for folks who enjoy a stogie while watching sports. The bar also offers karaoke on the weekends and regularly hosts PPV boxing and UFC events.
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. | Thursday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. | Friday, 11 a.m–2 a.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 a.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Thursday, 4–7 p.m
Address: 2330 Proctor Valley Road, Unit 101, Chula Vista
The Canyon Sports Pub & Grill
The Canyon is a popular dive in Chula Vista serving homemade ’cheladas and wings that locals (and even SDM food critic Troy Johnson) have raved about. The bar screens Padres games weekly and holds special viewing parties for the most anticipated title cards in boxing and UFC.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 3 p.m.–2 a.m. | Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m.
Happy Hour Specials: Monday–Friday, 4–7 p.m. | 20 percent off wells, draft pints & appetizers
Address: 421 Telegraph Canyon Road, Chula Vista
