Though the weather still says summer, it’s time to dust off your jersey because football season is here! America’s Finest City is one full of transplants, drawn here by the 75-degree weather, the gorgeous beaches, and the abundance of food and craft beer. The result is a melting pot of sports fanatics from all over America that makes football an exciting sport to watch with a crowd. We understand the importance in having a variety of local beer, great food, and a thrilling atmosphere so whether you’re in North County or Downtown–we’ve gathered the top spots to cheer your team on.
7 Mile Kitchen
Named after the seven miles of adjacent Carlsbad coastline, 7 Mile Kitchen offers hand crafted pizza and gourmet burgers by Executive Chef Julian Quiñones. The restaurant keeps the ball rolling with a selection of San Diego’s favorite brews. Don’t pass up this Carlsbad gem which boasts three flat-screen TVs, outdoor seating and stunning coastal views, all of which make it the perfect spot to watch the game and relax with friends and family before or after the game. If you’re looking to pair a burger and one of their ten craft beers on tap, their elevated burger menu alone will have you doing a touchdown dance. Happy hour is offered daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They’ve got you covered with an assortment of $5 and $10 small bites plus $2 off draft beer, well drinks, wine by the glass, and specialty cocktails, and half off house blonde beer and house wine by the glass. Bonus Points: Celebrate Monday night football with happy hour from open until close.
Bier Garden Encinitas
Take in the ocean air on the back patio at the Bier Garden Encinitas and enjoy the rustic, coastal vibes with a brew in your hand. Located on the historic 101 in Encinitas, this local favorite offers 25 rotating ‘biers’ on tap. If your team is playing early, they open at 9 a.m on Saturday and Sunday for drinks ONLY and brunch begins at 10 a.m. Unleash your inner carnivore with their Meathead Bloody Mary ($15) loaded with a juicy chicken wing, meaty pork riblet, and beef slider. If it’s after 2 p.m., trade the bloody for $5 pints of Latitude 33 Lager while the games are on and order the appetizer trio full of wings, ribs, and sliders! Their happy hour runs every day of the week from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offers $2 off craft beer, libations, house wine, and select smalls. Bonus Points: On Monday nights, enjoy half off select bottles for Monday Night Football.
The Corner Drafthouse
Be the MVP this season and bring your friends along to this Bankers Hill gathering spot. The Corner Drafthouse is ideal for beer connoisseurs and football fans alike. The brewpub offer 70 of the best craft beers on tap. They are known for their wide selection of brews, but people come back for the massive burgers and comforting fare like their buffalo cauliflower and chicken lollipops. Inside, you’ll find seven flat-screen TVs, so you won’t miss a single fumble! Bonus Points: Stop in any day, weekends included, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $2 off craft beer, libations, house wine, and select smalls.
Duck Dive
September means college football is back and Duck Dive is the official home of the Nebraska Huskers! All season long, stop into the beach bar for specials like $5 Red Beers, Red Heads (Templeton Rye and ginger beer), Black shirt shots made with Fernet Branca and Red shirt shots – Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey and cranberry. Duck Dive will also have $6 Runzas, a popular game-day bite for Big Red fans, consisting of bread pockets with a filling of beer, cabbage, cheese, onions and seasonings.
Draft Republic
With two locations in San Diego, Draft Republic is a great spot to kick off the party, whether you head to La Jolla to watch on their 100-inch projection screen or enjoy the game in Carlsbad on one of 50 TVs. It doesn’t get much better than feasting on the 1/2-pound Draft Republic Burger layered with American cheese and house-made pickles, paired with a local IPA on draft. Guests can also participate in their own game day action with Draft’s variety of table games, including foosball, billiards, shuffleboard and ping-pong.
Coaster Saloon
What better way to celebrate game day than by going the whole nine yards with an ocean view, Texas-style bbq, and a vast selection of beers on tap at Coaster Saloon. Located in Mission Beach across from the Belmont Park Rollercoaster, football fans can catch game day deals on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays with $4 drink specials, $6 eats and more. Catch every kick-off and tackle on one of their many flat screens, and cap things off with a game of foosball or jenga.
Del’s Hideout
This family-friendly establishment serves up slow-smoked Southern BBQ classics, burgers, and hearty sides to enjoy while watching the big game or playing one of a retro arcade game. Del’s tailgate specials include $3 pulled pork sliders, $6 quarter-pound polish sausage and sauerkraut, and $4 Bud Light drafts.
barleymash
Get your football fix and your wing fix at Barleymash located in downtown. The Oven Roasted Beer-Brined Chicken Wings are calling your name. Take your pick of sauces with options including whiskey-buffalo, mango-mojito chili and bourbon bbq. Spice up the experience up with habanero jelly!
Barrel Republic
Wear your favorite team gear and head to Barrel Republic in Pacific Beach to enjoy a 10% discount on all your food and drinks. With plenty of huge 4k TVs and a giant screen streaming all the action, there’s no excuse to not get in on the action.
