For college basketball fans, the March tournament season has been full of madness! Brackets were busted early on when No. 1 seed Virginia was ousted in the first round by No. 16 seed, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Many games were buzzer beaters. Plus, there has been plenty of thrilling match-ups, like Duke versus Kansas. The playing field has been whittled down to the Final Four who play this weekend on Saturday, March 31. The championship game is Monday, April 2. Wondering where to watch the games in all their glory? Here are six sports bars that are sure to be packed.
Marengo
Marengo has two locations in SF—one on Union Street in Cow Hollow and another downtown in the Financial District. At both spots, you’ll find ample televisions and seating. The Union Street Marengo’s back bar is a happening place on game day—especially if it’s a warm afternoon. The bar has a retractable roof that makes it feel as if you’re outside. Sliders and salads are on the menu as well as some tasty bar snacks like queso, wings, and beer-battered fried pickles. Extensive whiskey and wine list make Marengo a favorite place to hang out for the entire game and then some.
Green’s Sports Bar
On Polk Street, Green’s Sports Bar is a beloved no-nonsense, old-school watering hole. In fact, it’s so unpretentious that it doesn’t even have a website. With 26 HD screens, 18 beers on tap, pool, happy hour, and nightly specials, a place like Greens doesn’t need a fancy URL—it’s already got a devoted following IRL. For updates on games, visit Green’s Facebook or Twitter account; both are regularly updated and a great place to find info about the bar.
Bus Stop
Bus Stop is similar to Green’s in that it’s been serving loyal locals icy cold beers and shots of whiskey since 1919. The unfussy bar is on the corner of Union and Laguna Streets and is open all day. What makes Bus Stop an awesome place to watch a game is its friendly staff. They treat regulars like family. On Saturday, there are specials on beer buckets and on Monday nights, Jameson drinks are just $6, so come thirsty.
Pete’s Tavern
Over in South Beach near the ball park is Pete’s Tavern. Pete’s has a welcoming crowd and plenty of seating, from two tops to larger tables for groups. The food menu features something for everyone, from traditional bar snacks (nachos and wings) to pizza (pepperoni and Margherita) to salads (Asian chicken and Cobb) to sandwiches (pulled pork and French dip).
Hi Tops
“Cold pitchers, hot catchers” is the motto at Hi Tops, the Castro’s preferred gay sports bar. It’s a fabulous and (sometimes) rowdy place to watch a game, but the crowd and staff are friendly and fun. With items like a house-made corn dog, crispy kale salad, and fried chicken sandwich, the food menu puts an upscale spin on bar snacks.
Schroeder’s
Downtown might not be too crowded on Saturday, but for the championship final on Monday night, you can bet Schroeders will be packed. The Bavarian-inspired beer hall—which has been around since 1893!—has an extensive beer list and German eats. Enjoy an assortment of housemade sausages, schnitzel, or fried spatzle.
