It’s that time of year again, where the jerseys come out, the beer mugs are filled and sports fans from all over San Diego shout loud and proud for their football teams at bar and grill flat screens. It’s an honorable tradition and a ritual. And where better to celebrate NFL season than beachside?
Pockets of loyal Patriots, Eagles, Chargers, Packers, Raiders, Dolphins fans and more can be found all over Ocean Beach and Point Loma. Here’s a list of some of the best sports bars (and their affiliated teams) to watch the NFL on the big screens, some of which are offering new drink specials and T-shirt sales. Wonderland Ocean Pub (Patriots and Panthers)
This beachside restaurant on 5083 Santa Monica Ave. is set-up for football fans. They have a surf ’n’ turf-inspired menu that features fresh ceviche, Baja shrimp cocktail and steamed mussels, accompanied by wines, cocktails with bacon and craft beers. There’s live music along with foosball tables, giant Jenga and plenty of TVs scattered throughout the pub. Patriots and Panthers fans are welcome, with Panthers shirts available for purchase at the bar. Arizona Café (Cardinals and Raiders)
For those on the other side, wanting to support the red-feathered mascot, Arizona Cardinal fans can find a home at the Arizona Café, 1925 Bacon St. Their $3 domestic drafts and friendly bartenders are welcoming features to this home away from home for Arizona fans. But Oakland Raiders fans call the bar’s front table “The Black Hole,” and their Raider Nation flag is found there each week during the season. OB Noodle House Bar 1502 (Seahawks)
Wings and fries are not the only fan foods cravings on game day. Sometimes, fresh spring rolls, fried dumplings and Skrewball’s famous peanut butter whiskey shots will hit the spot. Bar 1502, at 4993 Niagara Ave., has it all covered for Seattle fans who are looking to jump on the peanut butter bandwagon and find rare Seahawks camaraderie in SD. Sunshine Company Saloon
(Raiders and Bears)
Celebrate each touchdown with pickle backs and gummies at the largest bar on 5028 Newport Ave. Sunshine Co. is so devoted to beer, even the urinals are made of beer kegs. Established in the ’70s, the jukebox keeps the bar true to its heritage, while still pacifying Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears fans with their four pool tables and many large HD TVs. Mother’s Saloon (Patriots, Ducks and Chargers)
There’s not much more a football fan could ask for than 25 big screen TVs, traditional and boneless wings, nacho “supremes,” and parmesan beer-battered fries, not to mention their extensive craft beers on tap. The saloon on 2228 Bacon St. offers 50-cent wings and $10 Bud Light pitchers for big games. While Mother’s bleeds green for Oregon Ducks on Saturdays, Sundays are for Pats and Chargers. The Harp (Eagles)
A home for Eagles fans and furry friends alike, bargoers can bring a canine companion to this dog-friendly Irish pub at 4935 Newport Ave. With award-winning food, live music and a 24-beer handle selection, all Eagle-raised pups will be celebrating NFL victories too. Catalina Lounge (Packers, Patriots)
The classic rock, cheap drinks and assortment of pool tables makes this cash-only dive bar at 4202 Voltaire St. a vintage hole-in-the-wall spot for a Green Bay “pack.” Bartender Anne’s delicious handmade Bloody Mary’s, several beer specials, and free hotdogs and chips on NFL Sundays keep the “Cheeseheads” happy. Oh yeah, Patriots fans are allowed as well. Winston’s Beach Club (Redskins)
This rad Redskins beach club keeps its energy just as high for football as it does for its live music features. Not only does Winston’s, at 1921 Bacon St., showcase the Redskins playing their NFC East rivals, but also hosts karaoke and even a Girls Night Out. Recognized as a music-fan bar, guests can expect just as much rowdy enthusiasm for Winston’s live bands as for the football games. Raglan Public House (Dolphins)
New Zealand-style burgers are another way to go for game day gourmet at this popular spot at 1851 Bacon St. Plus, Raglan’s happy hour offers half-off appetizers and $5 sangrias. It’s enough to make everyone a Miami Dolphins die-hard. OB Brewery (Rams)
Don’t think we left out Rams fans. This might be San Diego, but there’s a home for the other Los Angeles football here too. For Ram fans looking for a brewpub with a view, OB Brewery is an expansive brewpub for house-brewed beer in a soaring, three-story space, with a large rooftop patio at 5041 Newport Ave. Dirty Birds in Liberty Station
(Ravens)
Dirty Birds, at 2970 Truxtun Road, is known for its variety of wings, burgers, and its 24 rotating draft beer handles. With 34 TVs both inside and outside, football fans can munch on award-winning wings and gourmet pizzas while watching the Baltimore Ravens. Other, non-specific NFL team bars include Harbor Town Pub, Tilted Stick Bar & Grill, Goodbar, Oggi’s, Banzai Bar, the Reunion Pub, Pizza Port, Voltaire Beach House, OB Surf Lodge, Bayside Bar, Paradise Lounge and Grill, Tony’s Martini Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lucy’s Tavern, and Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle.