Even in this era of massive home entertainment centers with gigantic big screen TVs and surround sound systems, there's still something about the comfort of community when it comes to watching sporting events. And what better place than the local sports bar to watch that big event? Whether it's the Super Bowl, World Series, March Madness, game of the week, these are sure bets when it comes to watching your favorite teams.
He may no longer be a Charger, but Junior Seau's The Restaurant is still the premier sports themed restaurant/bar in San Diego. The place is as big as the local native himself, with 60 TVs and a massive project screen. Seau's also sports a sushi bar and a second level dining area. You may even spot Junior every now and then. 1640 Camino Del Rio N., #1376, San Diego, CA 92108 (in the Westfield Mission Valley Shopping Town).
Players Sports Bar in Kearny Mesa is a hard core sports fanatic's paradise: 600 square feet of screens and 50 satellites with sports everywhere you turn. Not only pro sports, though - Players is a big gathering spot for alumni following their college teams. Players is the official meeting place for the University of Illinois, Iowa, University of North Carolina, Cal, University of Texas, Missouri, Florida Gators, Iowa State, Alabama, Georgia Tech and LSU. 7061 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111.(858) 277-7060.
If you want that English Pub atmosphere, and want to catch your favorite team during World Cup soccer time, this is the place. Genuine English pub with tasty beers on tap and home cooked munchies. Shakespeare's is the real deal. 3701 India St, San Diego.(619) 299-0230
If you prefer your sports watching in a more old school, clubby atmosphere while sipping some libations, Bully's East is the place for you. Known for its steaks and prime rib, Bully's is a comfy establishment with low lights and lots of wood. It's always been a favorite of pro athletes, who'll pop in after games at nearby Qualcomm Stadium. 2401 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego. (619) 291-2665
This pub, in the shadows of Qualcomm Stadium, is unassumingly tucked away in a strip mall. But it's become a favorite of locals, especially those Nebraska Cornhusker fans. 10475 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego (619) 282-9797.
What can you say? It's a Chuck E. Cheese for adults on steroids. The games arcade make sports watching secondary, but it's fun anyway, if you don't mind high prices and sensory overload. You have to experience it at least once in your life. 2931 Camino Del Rio North (under the 805 freeway bridge)(619) 280-7115.
7. The Pennant
Yeah, it may be a dive, but the Pennant is the quintessential beach bar. If you want to soak up the Mission Beach lifestyle, this is your place. 2893 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109, (858) 488-1671.
OK, so they're known more for their, uh, hot wings. But Hooters restaurants are also sports bars, with a number of TVs situated throughout the venue. And you can always catch a NASCAR race on one of them. Of course, you might get distracted from the game at times by the friendly Hooters wait staff. But I think that's why most guys go there. Locations in Mission Valley, the Gaslamp, Rancho Bernardo, and Pacific Beach.
Jolt'n Joe's is a great place for drinks, eats, billiards, and of course, watching sports. Now with three locations (La Mesa, Escondido and the Gaslamp), the venues are spacious and offer all the required amenities for the sports enthusiast. The newest location in the Gaslamp (in the former Gaslamp Billiards Club) even has a rooftop patio.
If your sports bar preference is a little more on the divey side, then the San Diego Sports Club is for you. Curiously, it was deemed noteworthy by
Maxim magazine, this hole-in-the-wall is your best bet for sports if you're in Hillcrest.
