href=”http://www.startle.com/destination/san-francisco”>San Francisco natives have never been afraid to show their pride for the city’s sports teams. Last November, more than a million people turned out to support the San Francisco Giants after their World Series win, and come this weekend’s Super Bowl Sunday, every local bar and watering hole is bound to be jam-packed with 49ers fans. Beat the crowds (if you can) and secure a table at one of these sports-bar standbys.
Located at the San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park, Public House offers a rotating variety of craft beers. The menu features chef Traci Des Jardins’ upscale pub food, including pressed Cubano sandwiches, pulled pork sliders, and potato-chip-crusted macaroni and cheese with tomato jam.
One of the Mission District’s most beloved bars is hosting its 10th annual Super Bowl Barbecue Blowout. The event, which is a fundraiser for Share Our Strength, features an assortment of all-you-can-eat barbecue for $10 — with ribs, pork, flank steak, sausages, etc. — all cooked up by Moses Clark and the Cadillac Grill. Also look for special rum cocktails and $4 pints of Newcastle. The bar opens at noon.
The Marina’s ideal spot for game day, the Republic has a new outdoor patio and beer garden with its very own HD flat screen. Inside, there’s a selection of more than 60 American brews as well as a handful of boutique wines. Updated comfort food, such as chipotle hot wings, truffle Parmesan fries and gourmet burgers, are on the menu.
Plan to arrive at Pete’s Tavern early on Sunday — the massive sports bar with plenty of seating opens at 11 a.m. Tables are first-come, first-served, and there’s a $10 cover charge. On tap? Twenty-two wide-screen TVs, pitcher and bucket specials, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
If you want to watch the game with a less rowdy crowd, Presidio Social Club is your best bet. The Har-Bowl will be shown at the bar, and there’s a special menu of Super Bowl snacks. We recommend the spicy Dungeness crab nachos and the cioppino Marys.
Arguably the Lower Haight’s best sports bar, Mad Dog in the Fog is opening early on Sunday morning, at 6:30 a.m., and bartenders predict it will be at capacity by 11 a.m. Expect a limited-edition 49ers pint glass and other novelty Niners swag. And if you have a large group of 20, reserve a “tender table” where you’ll get to pour your own keg of beer.
