Best Places to Watch a Game in San Francisco: Sports Bars and Other Fun, Historic Spots

TVs showing sports in the bar at Wipeout Bar & Grill

  • Find great sports bars in San Francisco near Fisherman’s Wharf and beyond.
  • Hang out with other fans in bars that vary from lively to laid-back.
  • Tap into the Bay Area’s rich local and sports history at iconic neighborhood spots.

The 49ers. The Sharks. The Giants. The Warriors.

The major team franchises of San Francisco are as storied as the city itself. With so much great athletic history, you know there’s got to be some terrific sports bars in San Francisco where you can watch a game, match, or tournament.

That’s definitely true, as long as you know where to look. Whether you’re a visitor hoping to catch a game at a sports bar near Fisherman’s Wharf or a local looking for a fun spot in San Francisco you might not normally frequent, here’s a guide to some of the best places to watch a game in the City by the Bay.

Wipeout Bar & Grill

Wipeout Bar & Grill just might be the “total package” when it comes to a perfect place to watch a game. This Pier 39 spot offers:

  • Easy access to visitors: It’s right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • A huge menu: With everything from burgers to pizzas to bowls to burritos, there’s something on Wipeout Bar & Grill’s menu to please everyone.
  • Casual vibes: Featuring a beach shack theme, the laidback vibes at Wipeout Bar & Grill make it a great place to watch your favorite team score.
  • A family-friendly welcome: Since we are more than a bar to watch the game, sports fans young and old are welcome here. That can’t be said for other San Francisco spots on this list.

Loads of Action

Of course, there are plenty of TVs playing the big games throughout the restaurant. But there’s also plenty of other attractions and activities nearby. After all, Wipeout Bar & Grill is on the waterfront at fun, bustling Pier 39. Unlike sports bars tucked into neighborhoods or business districts, this spot is located at one of the most exciting attractions in the city.

The Boardroom

With its upscale name, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a hotspot for the stuffy suit-and-tie crowd. On the contrary, The Boardroom is a great place to watch a wide range of sporting events in a lively atmosphere.

It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a sports bar near Fisherman’s Wharf with a local vibe. You’ll get from the Wharf to The Boardroom in just 10-15 minutes on foot.

Known for having 20 beers on tap and for making their own Frangelico and Bailey’s whipped cream to top their Irish Coffees, this is a bar that perfectly blends tasty beverages and almost any sport you can imagine.

International soccer is big at this San Francisco sports bar, and so are trivia nights. You can view a game and play one at the same time.

Kezar Pub

This local favorite sports bar in San Francisco bills itself as a “shrine for 49ers fans”, and that seems fitting, given that Kezar Pub is situated near the original home of the team. Although you may no longer be able to see an NFL game right across the street, this pub’s location just outside the southeastern corner of Golden Gate Park makes it a great spot for watching sports after a day exploring the park.

In addition to lunch and dinner fare, the Kezar Pub also has a full breakfast menu. That way you won’t go hungry on days the ‘Niners are playing an early East Coast game.

Greens Sports Bar

Located on easy-to-access Polk Street, Greens Sports Bar in San Francisco has a “hang out spot” vibe. If you’re the kind of fan who likes to watch the game without a lot of frills and fuss, this is the spot for you. You can get to this sports bar from Pier 39 in 10-15 minutes via rideshare.

Here, the walls (and even the ceiling) are plastered with jerseys and other sports pictures and memorabilia, but one thing you won’t see is a kitchen. Note, however, that regulars say outside food is welcome.

If you’re hoping to catch an early game, check Greens Sports Bar’s social feeds. It’s not uncommon for them to open early during big tournaments like March Madness.

Final Final Bar

Serving the Presidio, Cow Hollow, and Marina District, Final Final has been around for more than 50 years. In fact, there’s been a watering hole on the same site for around 90 years. So if you’d like to mix a bit of San Francisco history with your sports bar fun, this is a great place to do it.

Speaking of sports-plus-history, Joe DiMaggio was a regular here. When you pull up a stool at Final Final to watch a bit of baseball, you may still feel the presence of “Joltin’ Joe.” And if America’s national pastime isn’t your thing, rest assured, this is still a great spot to take in golf, basketball, hockey, or just about any other major sport in an authentic local setting.

The Bus Stop Saloon

Proudly serving San Francisco since 1900, the sports bar known as Bus Stop Saloon is hard to beat for watching both games and people. While it’s definitely not the best place to hold a quiet conversation, especially when the Giants, 49ers, Sharks, or Warriors are playing, it’s a great place to cheer on your favorite team.

This spot is another top sports bar not far from Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll be here in about 10-15 minutes by car. Order a bucket of beer and some of the saloon’s famous Fernet shots, and then settle in to catch every minute of the action.

Wipeout Bar & Grill for the Win

The exterior of Wipeout Bar & Grill on Pier 39

Although there are lots of great sports bars in San Francisco, you’ll always have a winning experience at Wipeout Bar & Grill. Even if you don’t stop by during game time, it’s a slam dunk for great food, drinks, and vibes 365 days a year. Walk in or plan your visit to Wipeout Bar & Grill today!