Only the cool cities don't have a football team.
No matter if you're a baseball, basketball, or football fan, this sports season is going to be wild! For those who don't want to host, entertain guests, or throw a party from home, we put together a guide to the best sports bars to get your head in the game.
Updated: FEB 2026
photo: @wonderlandoceanbeach
5083 Santa Monica Ave #2C, Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA
Perched above the beach, Wonderland Ocean Pub offers stunning ocean views alongside your sports viewing. With screens above and the beach below, it's a unique spot to watch the game while sipping on creative cocktails like the Fire Dancer. The combination of a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful setting makes it a standout choice for sports fans who love the ocean.
634 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA
Time Out Sports Tavern is your go-to spot for a laid-back sports viewing experience in the bustling Gaslamp Quarter. With 29 rotating beer taps and a late-night menu perfect for those overtime games, this divey bar is a refreshing escape from the usual downtown hustle. Enjoy pool tables and mimosas during daytime matches, making it a versatile hangout for any sports fan. Their happy hour specials include $5 Michelob Ultra and $8 Tito’s & Tullamore Dew, ensuring your game day is both fun and affordable.
715 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA
Just a stone's throw from Petco Park, Bub’s @ the Ballpark is the ultimate post-game destination for Padres fans. Known for its lively atmosphere and novelty basketball court, this bar is packed on game days, screening every away game. Football fans will also appreciate the NFL and college football drink deals, making it a great spot to celebrate a win or commiserate a loss with fellow fans
1165 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Good news for all San Francisco fans living in San Diego, Moonshine Beach is open every Sunday, specifically 49ers games! Although this local hot spot is always rowdy, game days are even more elevated. From the live music nights to the amazing drink specials, you’ll be able to cheer on your team while having a great time.
600 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, Barley Mash is one of the city’s best-known sports bars. This bar makes sure your meal is just as good as your experience, living up to their motto of ‘life is meant to be sipped and savored, and good times should always be shared.’ They have TVs surrounding every angle and the energy is always high. Their bar supports San Diego’s best micro- and nano-breweries as well as many other of your traditional favorites!
100 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Nicky Rottens is a Coronado favorite, offering a fantastic combination of sports bar excitement and gourmet burgers. Known for its community spirit and support for the military, this bar provides a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. With plenty of screens to catch all the sports action, Nicky Rottens is the perfect spot to enjoy a game while indulging in their well-crafted, locally sourced comfort food.
Photo: @sandbarsandiego
718 Ventura Pl, San Diego, CA 92109
Sandbar Sports Grill in Mission Beach combines the best of San Diego's sun, sand, and sports. Situated just steps from the beach, this bar offers stunning views and a lively atmosphere, making it a popular choice for locals. With plenty of flat-screen TVs and a menu featuring award-winning tacos and breakfast burritos, Sandbar is a fantastic spot to catch a game while enjoying the ocean breeze.
4026 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
Fairplay in North Park is a beloved local haunt that combines a laid-back atmosphere with a passion for sports. This neighborhood bar is known for its extensive beer selection and tasty pub grub, making it a favorite among San Diegans. With numerous screens and a cozy setting, Fairplay is an ideal spot to kick back and enjoy the game with a cold brew in hand.
6830 La Jolla Blvd, San Diego, CA 92037
Nautilus Tavern is La Jolla's only sports bar, and they make sure the bar is high for every single person that walks in. Their happy hour is what everyone talks about, and their two patios are the perfect place to have some fun with friends and family and watch the game. They serve all your favorite football Sunday classics, as well as other Mexican and seafood dishes, to make sure everyone is satisfied! Get rowdy with locals at Nautilus.
Photo: @evt_bowl
930 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
East Village Tavern Bowl is a lively downtown San Diego sports bar and entertainment destination that blends big-screen sports viewing with casual dining and bowling fun. With multiple lanes, a full bar, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for catching the big game with friends or hosting a group outing while enjoying pub grub and cold drinks.
1269 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Enjoy pizza, burgers, beer, and football all in one place by the beach at SD Tap Room. SD TapRoom is acclaimed as a local favorite and one of San Diego’s top craft beer bars and breweries. With TVs in every corner, this makes it a perfect place to spend a day full of friends, food, and football! Make sure to look for their daily deals and delivery options as well to accommodate any game day plans.
2216 S El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA
Rookies Sports Bar in Oceanside is known for its great pizza and welcoming atmosphere. With plenty of TVs and a friendly vibe, it's a popular spot for locals to gather and watch the game. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, or any other sport, Rookies offers a comfortable setting to enjoy the action with friends.
Photo: Punch Bowl Social
1485 E St, San Diego, CA 92101
The Super Bowl is huge for some people, but not all, and Punch Bowl Social makes sure everyone who is there has a fun time. With endless entertainment options, from bowling to arcade games, this is the place to let out your inner child and feast on some great food and amazing drinks. There is so much to choose from, you may not even pay attention to the game. They provide outdoor seating and indoor dining on top of their famous bar and areas to just let loose and have a good time!
Photo: @novobrazil
1640 Camino Del Rio N suite 341, San Diego, CA 92108
The Chula Vista hard kombucha giant has opened an 8-,000-square-foot hub at the Mission Valley Mall. The hot spot features over 100 feet of LED video walls, enhanced by 25 JBL speakers to elevate the immersive experience of game viewing, a 3,500-square-foot fire-pit-equipped patio, cold drinks, and more!
Photo: MAVERICKS
860 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Dubbed the rowdiest playground in PB, Mavericks Beach Club is a beach-themed paradise packed with locals and tourists all looking to have a good time. The 15,000 sq ft. space is complete with palm trees, tropical decor, 40 tvs, multiple large projectors, and 5 indoor/outdoor bars, so no matter what section you're in, you're bound to have a field day.
photo: Facebook
Seaport Village, Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach & North Park
Mike Hess Brewing combines a love for craft beer with sports enthusiasm. With four locations in San Diego alone, these beer aficionados are doing something right. Each location features flatscreen TVs throughout its two levels, providing a prime viewing spot for any game. With a menu of tacos and burritos from Quiero Tacos, it's a great place to enjoy delicious food and drinks while cheering on your team.
photo: Facebook
2330 Proctor Valley Rd, Ste 101, Chula Vista, CA 91914
3N1 Sports Bar & Grill is a hidden gem in Chula Vista, offering a unique combination of sports bar vibes and a cigar lounge. Known as Eastlake's favorite local watering hole, it's a great spot to enjoy a game with friends in a relaxed setting. The bar offers a variety of American dishes and pizzas, making it a perfect place to grab a bite while catching the latest sports action. Whether you're there for the food or the cigars, 3N1 provides a welcoming atmosphere that's hard to beat.
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