Best Sports Bar Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
D&N Hot Wings
Crispy, gluten- and dairy-free wings with bold flavors.
Notable Picks
8.5
A SoMa favorite offering gluten- and dairy-free wings with bold, house-made sauces. Known for its crispy texture and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thundering Buffalo Wings, Ghost Pepper Wings, Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Crispy, gluten- and dairy-free wings with bold flavors.
#2
PizzaHacker
8.4
Sourdough-crust pies with a lively Bernal/Mission energy, TVs for games, and kid-welcoming counter service. The menu runs classic to punchy (think puttanesca).
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Puttanesca, Fennel Sausage pie
What Makes it Special: Naturally leavened crust with bright, house-made sauces.
8.4
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
This 2024-opened taproom by Market & Mason runs an after-work scene with rotating drafts and “Drew’s Wings” featured on Wings Wednesday and happy-hour deals. It’s a central meet-up for pints, shareables, and quick bites before BART or a show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Drew’s Wings, Painted Hills burger, Rösti & roe
What Makes it Special: Central taproom with weekly wing promos and strong draft list.
#4
The Willows
8.4
Neighborhood gastropub known for crispy Buffalo wings, big portions, and game-day energy. Daily happy hour deals, TVs, and a spacious room make it an easy meet-up in Western SoMa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Drunk & Happy Meal, Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Wings-first pub with robust happy hour and game-day atmosphere.
8.3
Historic Jackson Square pub serving a proper griddled burger into the late hours, with a lively bar and kitchen that keeps the night crowd fed. Reliable execution and quick service make it a rare downtown option after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Burger (cheddar, aioli, fries), Crispy Chicken Sandwich, California Reuben Sando
What Makes it Special: A true late-night FiDi/Jackson Square kitchen serving a real burger past midnight.
#6
The Detour
8.3
Arcade bar with a full kitchen turning out three distinct wing styles—Adobo, Hot, and Kung Pao—plus weekday happy hour. It’s a playful, Filipino-influenced take on bar food that satisfies between pinball rounds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobo Wings, Kung Pao Wings, Nori tots
What Makes it Special: Multiple wing flavors with weekday happy hour in an arcade setting.
8.3
Modern taqueria–sports bar hybrid known for weekday happy hour street tacos and fast ticket times near 9th & Irving. Locals drop in for $3 taco deals, TVs for games, and a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Queso Fundido
What Makes it Special: $3 street tacos during weekday happy hour in a sports-bar setting.
8.2
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Craft-beer taproom known for crisp fried chicken and a deep wing sauce roster. Game-day energy, plenty of TVs, and portions that hit the salty-spicy sweet spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Mango Habanero Wings, Garlic Parmesan Wings
What Makes it Special: Wing-focused taproom with dozens of sauces and steady sports energy.
#9
Local Tap
8.2
Lively sports bar between SoMa and South Beach with TVs everywhere, a flexible happy hour, and bar bites that punch above their weight. Wings and tenders are the calling card, backed by pitchers and a friendly regulars scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings (extra crispy), Garlic-Parm wings, Chicken tenders with house ranch
What Makes it Special: Affordable wings and tenders with wall-to-wall game coverage.
This downtown gastropub elevates the sports bar experience with craft cocktails, rotating local beers, and a tailgate burger that's earned cult status. The heated outdoor patio with fire pit makes it a year-round destination, while weekly comedy nights and live music add entertainment beyond the screens.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tailgate Burger, Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls, Buffalo Wings
What Makes it Special: Gastropub quality food in a family-friendly sports bar atmosphere
#11
The Boardroom
8.2
Neighborhood sports bar known for crisp, jumbo wings in classic and creative sauces. Crowded, value-forward happy hour with plenty of TVs and quick-ticket bar food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Buffalo Wings, Honey Garlic Wings, Louisiana Dry Rub Wings
What Makes it Special: Well-priced jumbo wings with many sauces at peak HH times.
#12
Underdogs Too
8.2
Modern taqueria–sports bar hybrid opened in 2018 serving crisp baja-style tacos, burritos, wings, and weekend chilaquiles. Locals post up for game-day energy, solid margaritas, and a broad menu that travels well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Surf & Turf Burrito, Chilaquiles (weekends)
What Makes it Special: Sports-bar buzz meets a focused taco and burrito program.
8.1
This gastropub traces roots to 1893 and delivers elevated American comfort food with creative burgers, boozy shakes, and craft beers. The vintage Walnut Creek photos and intimate booth seating create nostalgic ambiance, while happy hour from 2:30-5:30pm weekdays draws the after-work crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Johnny Cash Burger, Gold Rush Burger, Boozy Shake
What Makes it Special: Heritage gastropub with creative burgers and boozy milkshakes
#14
Fiesta Taco
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Sports Bar Central
Family-owned since 1996, Fiesta Taco excels at traditional street-style Mexican with an all-you-can-eat chip and salsa bar. Known for generous portions, rare offerings like lengua tacos, and their popular quesabirria that draws crowds from across Pleasanton.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Lengua Tacos, Super Burrito with Al Pastor
What Makes it Special: All-you-can-eat chips and salsa bar with rare lengua option
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Sports Bar Central
Casual smokehouse with St. Louis–style ribs, brisket, and a full bar—good for team lunches that want hearty plates and TVs for daytime games. Portions are generous and service is efficient enough for a one-hour break.
Must-Try Dishes:
St. Louis Ribs, Brisket & Ribs Combo, Cornbread with Honey Butter
What Makes it Special: Reliable smoked-meat plates with plenty of seating.
8.1
Downtown since 1998, this lively Irish pub is a go-to before Union Square shows, with meaty wings in Buffalo, Sweet Chili, or Salt-and-Pepper and a solid happy-hour scene. Friendly service and big pours make it an easy pick for game nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Salt-and-Pepper wings, Irish cheddar potato skins
What Makes it Special: Long-running Irish pub with reliably meaty, sauce-tossed wings.
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
This sports bar pizzeria uniquely blends traditional and Indian fusion pizzas with 50+ craft beers on tap across wall-to-wall TVs. Standout offerings include butter chicken and tandoori pizzas alongside classics, making it the go-to spot for game day with a twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken Pizza, Tandoori Wings, Pepperoni Paradise
What Makes it Special: Indian fusion pizzas with 50+ craft beers on tap
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Neighborhood beer hall pouring local drafts with meaty, sauce-lacquered wings and late-night bar bites. It’s the pre- and post-Clement Street hang for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy buffalo wings, Mango habanero wings, Garlic parmesan wings
What Makes it Special: Wings program matched to a wide local-beer lineup.
#19
Sam's Tavern
8.1
Old-school FiDi tavern next to Sam’s Grill turning out six-ounce dry-aged patties with sharp cheddar or blue, shoestring fries, and swift service. After-work crews lean on the burger-and-a-beer combo for a no-nonsense, downtown staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Burger (dry-aged beef, cheddar or blue), Buffalo Wings with celery & dip, Clam Chowder cup
What Makes it Special: Dry-aged, hand-formed tavern burger served fast in a classic FiDi bar.
#20
Sunshine Saloon
8.1
A Pleasanton institution since 1978, this charcoal-grill sports bar serves half-pound burgers cooked to order with serious char. Known locally as 'The Shine,' it combines 15 TV screens, pool tables, and nightly comfort food specials with genuinely good burgers that locals have trusted for over 45 years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunshine Burger, Bacon Avocado Burger, Charbroiled Patty Melt
What Makes it Special: Real charcoal grill producing authentic flame-kissed burgers since 1978
8.1
West Portal steak-and-burger mainstay (since 1979) with a value-driven weekday happy hour and a reliable plate of buffalo wings. Casual booths, TV sports, and brisk service make it an easy after-work stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Aged Ribeye, Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood spot with weekday happy hour and classic wings.
8.1
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Beer-centric ale house with a solid cheeseburger, rotating taps, and plenty of screens. It’s a dependable game-day stop where the burger holds up to the beers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crafty Fox Cheeseburger, Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich (alt pick), Hand-cut Fries
What Makes it Special: Tap-driven pub with a legit house cheeseburger.
8.1
Ballpark-adjacent modern taqueria and sports hub with big screens, cocktails, and a broad taco lineup. Game-day energy meets dependable Cali-Mex standards and late-ish kitchen hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled fish tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chips with salsas trio
What Makes it Special: Game-day fueled taqueria with TVs, cocktails, and fast service.
#24
Woodbury
8.1
Sports-centric gastropub with crisp, well-salted fries (or tots) built for beers and late hours. The kitchen keeps fry oil fresh, so texture stays snappy even on packed game nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries (salted, crisp), Loaded Fries (rotating toppings), Tater Tots (alt fry, extra crisp)
What Makes it Special: Game-day fries that stay crisp through a full inning.
#25
Flats Burgers
8
Evening pop-up turning out Asian-inspired smashburgers from a bar kitchen. Thin, lacy patties and punchy toppings keep Excelsior regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi Smash Burger, Wasabi Aioli Smash, Furikake Fries
What Makes it Special: Crispy-edged smashburgers with bold, Asian-leaning flavor profiles.
#26
Foghorn Taproom
8
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Neighborhood taproom where beer and fry platters anchor game nights. Fries come hot, crispy, and ready for buffalo, lemon-pepper, or parmesan riffs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo fries, Garlic-parmesan fries, Loaded fries with ranch
What Makes it Special: Game-day fries with rotating seasonings and shareable portions.
#27
Hi Dive
8
Waterfront dive-bar hang with bay views and a legit griddled burger program. The F-Line Burger and patty melt land with crispy fries; service stays friendly even when the patio fills near Oracle Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
F-Line Burger, Patty Melt, Garlic Fries
What Makes it Special: Classic pier-side burger-and-beer scenario with Bay Bridge views.
#28
Red's Java House
8
A 1950s waterfront counter-service shack on Pier 30 that pairs cheap burgers on sourdough and cold beer with unobstructed Bay Bridge views—a combination no sit-down restaurant at this price point can match. The draw is the location-to-cost ratio: you eat on a wind-swept patio watching container ships pass for the price of fast food. It works best as a low-commitment weekday lunch or a casual post-walk stop along the Embarcadero, not as a destination meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish and Chips, Double Cheeseburger on Sourdough, Breakfast Sandwich
What Makes it Special: A no-frills waterfront shack on Pier 30 serving cheap burgers and beers with unobstructed Bay Bridge views since the 1950s.
8
Lively barbecue hall—the original Sauced location—with big portions, plenty of TVs, and two patios where families spread out. Service is upbeat and the kid-friendly sides make sharing easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Two-Meat Platter (brisket & ribs), Burnt Ends, Mac & Cheese
What Makes it Special: Original outpost with roomy patios and shareable barbecue.
Inside Oracle Park, Tony Gemignani’s kiosk serves New York, Sicilian, and Grandma slices with signature crunch and sauce. Expect efficient lines and quality that holds up for in-seat eating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Slice, New York Pepperoni, Sicilian Cheese
What Makes it Special: Quality stadium slices from SF’s best-known pizzaiolo, served fast.
#31
The Napper Tandy
8
Classic Irish pub on 24th with daily happy hour and reliable bar-food wings. Plenty of TVs and roomy tables make it a Mission standby for games and casual hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings (HH pricing), Garlic-parmesan wings, Flatbreads
What Makes it Special: Long-running 24th Street pub with HH wings and game-day energy.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Colorful cantina with a TV-lined bar and weekday happy hour on drinks and appetizers. Tacos are straightforward and well-portioned, making it an easy downtown meet-up near public parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken tacos dorados, Carnitas tacos
What Makes it Special: Downtown cantina happy hour with easy bar seating.
Honky-tonk bar and kitchen with live music, whiskey lists, and a menu built for crowds. Kitchen runs late on weekends, making it a dependable post-show stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville hot chicken sandwich, Smoked brisket platter, Mac & cheese
What Makes it Special: Late-night kitchen with live country sets and whiskey-forward bar.
#34
Durty Nelly's
7.9
Old-school Irish pub pouring late into the night with fish-and-chips, curry chips, and classic pub fries. It’s the move for game-day pints and a hot basket after 10 pm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Chips (fries with curry sauce), Fish & Chips, Classic Fries with malt vinegar
What Makes it Special: Late-night curry chips and fish-and-chips in a true neighborhood pub.
7.9
Long-running downtown pub (since 2000) with a big kids’ menu, roomy booths, and quick tickets that make family meals painless. Burgers, salads, and shareable plates keep everyone covered without breaking the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
Alehouse Burger, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Sweet Potato Fries
What Makes it Special: Kid-friendly menu with fast, friendly pub service.
#36
Hi Tops
7.9
Castro’s OG gay sports bar (since 2012) with TVs everywhere, lively crowds, and wing nights that dovetail with drink deals. Wings lean classic—think buffalo—with speedy bar service ideal for game-time bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Loaded nachos, Fried chicken sandwich
What Makes it Special: Wing specials during happy hour in a true sports-bar setting.
Bar kitchen slinging smash-style burgers and wings for game nights on Mission. The Excelsior Smash is the move—simple build, crisp sear, quick ticket times.
Must-Try Dishes:
Excelsior Smash Burger, Double Smash, Garlic Aioli Fries
What Makes it Special: Smashburgers from a local bar kitchen with crisp sear and swift service.
7.9
Old-school Irish pub with TVs, live music nights, and a straightforward buffalo wing plate. It’s a neighborhood fallback when you want pints, matches, and classic bar food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Chicken tenders, Shepherd’s pie
What Makes it Special: Classic pub wings in a true Richmond sports bar.
#39
Next Door
7.9
Arcade-bar with an in-house taqueria window slinging late-night tacos alongside cocktails and games. The energy stays high after midnight, and the griddled meats land with a crisp sear.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos
What Makes it Special: Late-night tacos inside an arcade-bar with strong drinks.
Ballpark-side pub pouring beers with a house burger and game-day energy. Opens early and stays running around Giants games, making it a practical late stop tied to first pitch and final out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Public House Burger (bacon, cheddar, secret sauce), Impossible Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
What Makes it Special: Game-timed hours with a direct park entrance and solid burger.
#41
Yossie’s Cantina
7.9
Family-run Mexican sports bar with a daily 3–7pm happy hour and Jalisco-leaning plates, including taco combos. TVs, casual service, and hearty portions fit game-day meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco plate (choice of meat), Flautas, Birria seca
What Makes it Special: Newer SoMa cantina with daily HH and taco plates under $20.
7.8
Long-running rock-and-roll dive slinging smash burgers and tots with a kitchen typically open until 11pm. It’s casual, loud, and exactly the kind of late-night burger stop Mission regulars rely on.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Burger, Tater Tots, Fried Chicken Sandwich
What Makes it Special: A true late-night burger with dive-bar personality and friendly prices.
#43
Fly Bar
7.8
Casual neighborhood bar with TVs, pool, and a weekly Wing Wednesday. Straightforward wings, cold beers, and prices that make it easy to feed a crew.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Spicy Garlic Wings, BBQ Wings
What Makes it Special: Wing Wednesday deals and an easygoing, neighborhood-bar vibe.
#44
Harry’s Bar
7.8
Upper Fillmore’s longtime sports bar turns out meaty Buffalo or BBQ wings with cold pints and wall-to-wall TVs. It’s the neighborhood standby for game-day snacking and casual groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings (8-piece), BBQ Wings, Chicken Tenders
What Makes it Special: Classic bar-style wings served fast in a true game-watch setting.
#45
Irish Times
7.8
Family-owned pub (since 2010) pouring Guinness and running a straightforward HH with wing plates and bar bites. TVs and late hours make it a dependable downtown meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Irish Poutine
What Makes it Special: Casual downtown Irish pub with HH-priced wings and late hours.
7.8
Backyard beer garden with plenty of outdoor space and a rotating tap list; dogs are welcome on the patio. Pub staples, wings, and pretzels pair with local brews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese, Smoked Wings, Smash Burger
What Makes it Special: Dog-friendly beer garden with TVs and roomy picnic seating.
7.8
Neighborhood bar running all-day Taco Tuesday with HH drink pricing and simple street-style tacos. Casual counter service and TVs make it an easy, budget stop near the Hall of Justice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street tacos (chicken or beef), Carnitas sliders, Crunchy tacos
What Makes it Special: All-day Taco Tuesday with HH drinks at wallet-friendly prices.
#48
Royal Exchange
7.8
Classic FiDi sports bar known for a hefty house burger, pints, and game-day energy. Kitchen runs later than most nearby officeside spots, making it a practical post-work burger stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
House RE Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Buffalo Wings
What Makes it Special: Long-running downtown sports bar turning out dependable burgers with efficient service.
7.8
Lively smokehouse with big tables, TVs, and a menu built for sharing. Families mix platters and sides while the atmosphere stays upbeat and casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sliced Brisket Plate, St. Louis Ribs, Mac & Cheese
What Makes it Special: Big-format BBQ with kid-friendly portions and plenty of TVs.
#50
The Kezar Pub
7.8
Classic sports pub across from Kezar with hot baskets of garlic fries. TVs everywhere, pitchers at the ready, and game-day timing that favors quick plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Fries, Buffalo Wings + Fries, Burger + Fries
What Makes it Special: Hearty garlic fries served fast in a true game-day pub.