If you’re staying downtown and don’t want to go far to catch a game, you’re in luck. We may not have an NFL team anymore (it’s a sore subject), and baseball season may be over, but downtown has plenty of lively places where you can watch your favorite team.
Barleymash
Number of TVs: 45
What to Order: Flatbreads, amped-up mac & cheese options
Located in the heart of downtown, Barleymash is a spot that truly delivers on game day. They stream college football on Saturdays and NFL on Sundays with brunch and a build-your-own bloody mary bar until 1p.m. The chefs get creative on Monday nights, too: enjoy a special dish inspired by the game’s home team, like Eagle’s Nest Ironfries for the Philly game and and Big Easy Po Boy Sliders when the Saints host. Grab a cold one or try an Anchorman inspired cocktail: Panda Watch, I Love Lamp, and Invitation to the Pants Party are just a few aptly named drinks.
Bub’s at the Ballpark
Number of TVs: 25+
What to Order: Grilled wings, tater tots (there’s a lot.)
Bub’s is a must-visit when the Padres play, and one of the friendliest sports bars in our city. They’ve got some killer drink specials during football season, like $20 beer buckets and $4 side cars with a draft beer. Cozy up to your neighbor – they’ve got communal table seating during football games – and snack on fun bar food, burgers or the Bub’s light menu if that’s your jam. Bub’s kitchen is open until 1 a.m. daily for those arriving late night.
The Deck at Moonshine Flats
Number of TVs: 16
What to Order: BBQ with homemade sauce
Not content to sit in a seat? Watch the game while playing cornhole, ping pong, and more games in this open air space. Country music and BBQ reign supreme here, with a casual vibe welcoming you to hang out and stay a while. Located on the second floor of Moonshine Flats, The Deck is a great option for big groups, and has daily food and drink specials including $1 baby back ribs on Mondays.
Nason’s Beer Hall
Number of TVs: 23
What to Order: Totchos with pork shoulder, or a straight up hot dog
For those staying at The Pendry and can’t be bothered to leave their hotel, check out Nason’s on the ground floor. This stylish craft beer bar has $5 burgers and drafts Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, with specials every other night of the week too. Out of towners can sample a selection of San Diego brews with Nason’s beer flight for just $13, because it’s hard to pick just one.
The Local
Number of TVs: 16
What to Order: Ale drunk mussels, lumpia
Restaurants come and go downtown, but The Local has been around since 2003. Packers and Arizona State University fans gather here to support their teams and down beer from Resident Brewing Company. The vibe is great and so is the food, which runs the gamut from tacos and tikka masala to fresh spring rolls and veggie-packed bowls. Sunday football specials include $15 bottomless bubbles and $4 Resident Perky Blonde pints, making game day that much sweeter!
