Where to Watch the NBA Finals in San Francisco
On Monday the championship title for NBA’s Western Conference went to our beloved Golden State Warriors. After a tense series, the Warriors came back and narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets with a final score of 101 – 92. While there’s much to celebrate, Stephen Curry and company will now once again face-off the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated rematch in the NBA Finals.
With game 1 of the championship series set to take place this evening on the Warriors’ home court at Oracle Arena, many of us are eagerly looking forward to cheering on our hometown heroes.
But if you’re like the countless other fans who might not be willing to fork over the current asking price of $900+ for mere upper level seats, you may want to consider a more budget-friendly experience, like watching the game from one of San Francisco’s best sports bars.
For a bar to be considered one of the “best sports bars”, our criteria requires that the venue be spacious, have an amazing atmosphere, a plethora of big screen TVs, beers on tap, and of course a delicious menu to hold you over throughout the duration of the game. The following establishments have met our standards and will yield you and our team a golden experience.
As always, please party responsibly, cheer loudly, and enjoy this list of the best places to watch the NBA Finals in San Francisco.
BuzzWorks
$$ | 365 11th Street, San Francisco, CA
An industrial two-story venue with 40 microbrews on tap, over 120 beverage options, 21 HDTVs, a huge video wall, pinball machines, pool tables, and one of the few World Tour Soccer Foosball tables on the West Coast. Buzzwork also offers fun sports themed pub fare and bites from DNA Pizza. Check out their Yelp page to redeem special offers like their current offering entailing free bacon nachos with purchase of any 3 draft beers.
Order: Beer, Stephen Curry Hot Panini
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 3PM – 10PM, Thursday – Friday: 3PM – 12AM, Saturday: 12PM – 12AM, Sunday: 12PM – 10PM
Website: www.sfbuzzworks.com
The Brick Yard
$$ | 1787 Union Street, San Francisco, CA
One of the premier sports bar located within the Marina, The Brick Yard is where you’ll find a full service bar with a great food menu, 17 HDTVs lining the walls, a fireplace, and an Instagram worthy 3D wall art of the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to also visit The Brick Yard on weekends to sample their brunch menu.
Order: Beer, Wings, Sliders, Burger
Hours: Weekdays: 11AM – 12AM, Weekends: 10AM – 12AM
Website: www.brickyardsf.com
Golden Gate Taproom
$$ | 449 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Fun for everyone, Golden Gate Tap Room is a spacious three story venue featuring 2 full service bars boasting over 100 beers on rotation, a brilliant food menu, over 20 HDTVs throughout, and a wide variety of video & table games for your enjoyment.
Order: Beer, Truffle Fries, Wings, NY Steak Slider Plate
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:30AM–2:00AM, Sunday: 10:00AM–2:00AM
Website: www.ggtaproom.com
Hi Tops
$$ | 2247 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
With TV’s setup around the venue, games, fantastic food, and an amazing drink menu, this gay sports bar in the heart of the Castro is a must-visit during the NBA Finals.
Order: Intimidator, Berry Zito, Wings
Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11:30AM–12:00AM, Thursday-Friday: 11:30AM–2:00AM, Saturday: 10:00AM–2:00AM, Sunday: 10:00AM–12:00AM
Website: www.hitopssf.com
HQ Bar & Restaurant
$$ | 1568 Haight Street San Francisco, CA
Formerly known as “Martin Mack’s”, HQ Bar & Restaurant is a spacious Irish gastropub with a large bar riddled with big screen HDTVs in the front of the venue and dining area in the back featuring a pool table and secondary bar.
Order: Bloody Mary, Shots, Beer, Fried Chicken Sando with Fries
Hours: Monday – Friday: 12PM – 2AM, Saturday – Sunday: 9AM – 2AM
Website: Yelp
Jillian’s
$$ | 175 4th Street, San Francisco, CA
A sports bar / pool hall at Metreon with 50 foot projector screens, tournament quality pool tables, and multiple bars serving delicious California cuisine.
Order: Beer, Wings, Crab Cakes
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 12AM
Website: www.jillianssf.com
Kezar Pub
$$ | 770 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Right across the street from the 49er’s former stomping grounds (Kezar Stadium), Kezar Pub serves some killer Bulleit bourbon wings and their Buffalo wings have been dubbed “best in the city” by the San Francisco Chronicle. With an extensive selection of brews and games on their many HDTV’s, Kezar Pub is the perfect place to enjoy your Wednesdays.
Order: Buffalo & Bulleit Bourbon Wings
Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:30AM–2:00AM, Saturday & Sunday: 6:00AM–2:00AM
Website: Kezar Pub
Pete’s Tavern
$$ | 128 King Street, San Francisco, CA
Part of the Golden Bear Restaurant Group, Pete’s Tavern is a spacious, laid back tavern with an awesome atmosphere. The tavern boasts 22 flat screens, a well curated beer list, and delicious food menu. Also visit their other wonderful locations: MoMo’s, Mission Rock Resort, and Pedro’s Cantina.
Order: Beer, World Famous Mini Corn Dogs, Garlic Curly Fries, Blackened Fish Tacos served on Fridays.
Hours: Daily: 11:30 – 10PM
Website: www.petestavernsf.com
Players Sport Bar
$$ | Pier 39, San Francisco, CA
Located in Pier 39, the Players Sport Bar is a family friendly arcade and grill with 35 HDTVs, American food, 15 beers on tap, and a luau lounge tiki bar on the upper level boasting panoramic views of the bay.
Order: Beer, Maui Rita, Players Meat Lovers Pizza, Potato Skins, Baja Fish Tacos
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:30AM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday: 10:30AM – 11PM
Website: www.playerssf.com
SF Athletic Club
$$ | 1750 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
Equipped with 28 HDTVs, a full bar featuring wine, beer, cocktails and delicious American fare, the SF Athletic Club is the perfect place to catch the game and hang out with friends. Reservations are recommended if you wish to secure a table.
Order: Beer, Tommy John Surgery Cocktail, Chicago Style Ball Park Dog
Hours: Weekdays: 11AM – 2AM, Saturday: 7AM – 2AM, Sunday: 6AM – 12AM
Website: www.thesfac.com
Score!
$ | 490 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
A bar and lounge with 13 big screens ranging from 48″ – 64″, American pub fare, a pool table, and beer pong so you can get your Steph Curry on.
Order: Beer, Garlic Fries, Wings, Chicken Tenders
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 5PM – 12AM, Thursday – Friday: 5PM – 2AM, Saturday: 10AM – 2AM, Sunday: 10AM – 12AM
Website: www.scoresf.com
The Taco Shop At Underdog’s
$$ | 1824 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA
Serving up Mexican street eats, this sports bar is family friendly with games, a picnic bench eating area and an array of TVs so you can catch the game.
Order: Beer, Shots, Nick’s Way Tacos, Burritos
Hours: Monday: 11:30AM–10:00PM, Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30AM–12:00AM, Sunday: 10:30AM–10:00PM
Website: www.tacoshopsf.com
Yancy’s Saloon
$ | 734 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA
Located in Inner Sunset, Yancy’s is a spacious low key saloon with friendly bartenders, a plethora of flat screen TVs lining the walls, and an area where patrons can play darts. Though the bar does not serve food on site, you’re offered the option to bring in outside food.
Order: Beer & Shots
Hours: Monday: 4:00PM–2:00AM, Tuesday-Thursday: 2:00PM–2:00AM, Friday: 4:00PM–2:00AM, Saturday-Sunday: 12:00PM–2:00AM
Website: www.yancys.com
