The NBA is back in San Francisco. On Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors open up their 2023-24 season with a contest against the Phoenix Suns, featuring former Finals MVP-winning Warrior Kevin Durant.
Durant was an integral part of the Warriors' dynasty during his three seasons in San Francisco, but many fans would say the team's 2022 Cinderella run to the Finals was made sweeter by his absence. Durant's return to the Bay seems ready-made to set off storylines as the two championship favorites meet.
Tickets to Tuesday's game at Chase Center are currently going for close to $140 for standing-room-only before fees via Ticketmaster. A seat in the nosebleeds starts at $150 before fees. Thankfully, you can still get close to the action without shelling out big bucks. The plaza surrounding the Chase Center, known as Thrive City, will broadcast the game on the big screen.
Of course, there are plenty of bars and pubs where you can celebrate the home team with good food, good company and big screens. Read on for an incomplete list of places you can catch the action.
Warriors vs. Suns
Tuesday, Oct. 24
Tipoff: 7 p.m.
Sitting on Divisadero, this restaurant started as a whole-animal meat company and now holds one of San Francisco's last historic wood-fired barbecue pits. Its outdoor patio offers both a sunny seating area and a shaded and heated seating area. Patrons are encouraged to “pig in or pig out,” according to a sign on the premises.
1525 Cortland Ave.
This Bernal Heights gem is also jokingly called “Baby-Bottle,” as the place is sometimes full of parents and their newborns. Over 20 beers are on tap, a couple of large flat-screen TVs hang above the bar, and there are games and plenty of seating.
834 Irving St.
A favorite for Sunset locals, Black Thorn offers a wide variety of spirits, along with its spin on a mint mojito, a cucumber "spajito," made with Effen cucumber vodka. This bar features a heated patio, 20 TVs to catch the game on and two pool tables.
1600 Powell St.
This North Beach establishment offers 20 taps, Irish coffee served with house-made Bailey’s & Frangelico whip and a classic (again, house-made) bloody mary. Outdoor seating is located on the sidewalk, where multiple screens are set up on game night. The menu includes fries, tots, wings, tacos, jalapeño poppers and a grilled cheese with four cheeses. That’s a solid lineup for choosy game-day eaters.
901 Columbus Ave.
This North Beach gem has been open since 1936 and boasts over 21 different microbrews on tap, $7 premium cocktails and two-for-one chips on select beers. It also has six HD TVs, some of which are rolled outside to its parklet. The bar does not serve food, but there are plenty of pizza slices available within walking distance.
100 Connecticut St.
Just under a mile away from the Chase Center, Connecticut Yankee is a great go-to for a post-game drink. It offers a wide selection of draft and bottled beers, and online reviewers rave about its “clam chowdah.”
450 Balboa St.
Chili lime, bourbon maple bacon and ghost pepper—oh my! This inner Richmond taproom has wings galore with over 15 different flavors. Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and rice bowls are also some popular items. You can view the game on large flat-screens whether you are seated indoors or in its parklet. And if beer isn’t your thing, wine will be available. Don't want to cross the park? Foghorn also has an Inner Sunset location.
2020 Fillmore St.
If you’re looking to watch the game with a craft cocktail in hand, Harry’s distinctive selection makes it the perfect stop. Located in the historic Fillmore District, this local favorite offers ambiance (with antique brass and a mahogany bar) as well as an outdoor seating area to watch the game. Outdoor space fills up quickly, however, so make sure to arrive early to get a good spot!
600 Third St.
A stone’s throw away from Oracle Park, this storied tavern comes equipped with a dozen TVs and award-winning chicken tenders. Serious sports fans will appreciate the camaraderie. For those looking to take in the action outside, a wood-paneled outdoor seating area with mounted flat-screen TVs is available on the sidewalk.
201 Columbus Ave.
“Spilling a drink is the adult version of losing a balloon,” the chalkboard reads outside one of the most venerable drinking establishments in North Beach. Patronized by the likes of the late Anthony Bourdain, Mr. Bing’s is an iconic spot to people-watch and catch the game. The outdoor seating area features a street-facing mural of pinup girls, Chinese takeout and the Golden Gate Bridge strung with Christmas lights.
4086 18th St.
Great music, a full bar, frozen drinks and happy-hour specials—what more could you ask for? This small but mighty gay bar in the Castro District features flat-screen TVs inside and a pool table, if you are in the mood to play. But the real party is on the patio, which features another full bar. There are ample benches, tables and stools for seating.
2323 Mission St.
This hip gastropub should come to mind when you hear "Wing Wednesday." Teeth may be the only place in the city that serves 50-cent chicken wings from opening to close. Its "tachos" are also well-known (tater tots done nacho style). Burgers, chili cheese dogs and tacos are also available. Watch the game from its patio or the bar inside.
3200 24th St.
This neighborhood spot in the Mission is the kind of place where everybody knows your name—even if they don’t really. The crowd, particularly during a Warriors game, is hard to beat, and its outdoor parklet is lined with TVs and plenty of seating for you and your friends, although it has a tendency to fill up early on game days. Its menu includes Irish classics, like bangers n’ mash, as well as Irish American drunchies, like its corned beef quesadillas.
1750 Divisadero St.
Located in Lower Pac Heights, this spacious bar offers a tented outdoor beer garden with multiple screens to watch the game. Cocktails will run you about $12-$14, but larger parties may want to consider ordering a “Bathtub”—24 bottles of beer brought to your table in a metal tub of ice.
4054 24th St.
With a motto of “Where the Neighborhood Meets,” the Valley Tavern is a local bar nestled in Noe Valley on 24th Street. It offers over 25 draft beers, some from local breweries, along with a list of cocktails such as its Vodka Raspberry Lemonade. In the back area of the building, the Valley Tavern has a comfortable back patio with benches, space heaters, TVs and lots of greenery. The tavern also partners with Patxi’s Pizza next door, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry while cheering on the home team.