49ers vs. Giants: 10 Best Places to Watch
This Sunday at 3:30pm the 49ers take on the New York Giants at Candlestick for a trip to the Super Bowl. Where will you be cheering (drinking and eating) them on to victory?
Keep out of the chaos (and expense) of going to the game and read on for Funcheap’s picks of the seven best bars to watch the game – many offering cheap drinks, great grub, and, of course, a whole lotta football.
Best Cheap Places to Watch the Game
San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants – 2012 NFC Championship Game
Sunday, January 22 (3:30p)
Free BBQ Blowout & Happy Hour | Elixir
Come watch the Niners and Giants in the NFC Championship game with a full stomach at one of SF’s most historic bars as the Mission’s Elixir is putting on a free All-American BBQ (while supplies last, of course) during the game. Plus $1 off Anchor Steams and Coney Island brews. BBQ starts early for the Patriots vs. Ravens game at Noon.
3200 16th Street (at Guerrerro) | Mission
49ers Free BBQ Game Watching Party | Delirium
Delirium will be a merry bunch with the 49ers v. Giants game on the TV and a free game-time BBQ. There is a two drink minimum to eat BBQ, but with $3 well and $4 drafts it won’t break the bank.
3139 16th Street | Mission
49ers Block Party BBQ in the Mission
Brave the rain (yes it’s rain or shine) at this free block party in the Mission. BBQ pits will be set up along Harrison between 24th and 25th for a potluck BBQ street party along with TVs (and some indoors at nearby bars & restaurants). The party is capped off by a lowrider parade after the game.
Harrison & 24th Street | Mission
Normally a concert venue, the Independent turns into a pop-up giant screen sports bar for an afternoon as they host a free screening of the 49ers vs. Giants NFC Championship Game. The screen is huge (over 14 feet wide) and you can bring your own food! Doors at 3pm, game time 3:30pm. The event is free, but there is a 2-drink minimum.
628 Divisadero | NoPa
One of the few sports bars for the Mission crowd, Giordano’s treats you to plenty of $5 micro-brews and Pittsburgh-style “All-In-One-Sandwiches” stuffed with French fries and Italian meats so you can chow down during the game. With walls plastered in flat screen TVs and a shuffleboard to keep you occupied before and after the game, this is a prime spot to spend your NFL Sunday… unless you’re a Steelers fan in which case you have a long off-season to look forward to.
3108 16th Street (at Valencia) | Mission
When Kezar’s packed, Finnegan’s Wake is your best backup. Loaded with 49ers fans and beasty Bloody Marys, this Irish Pub has long drawn the early crowd with TVs tuned to the game, good drink prices, a pool table, and an outside seating.
937 Cole Street (between Carl St & Parnassus Ave) | Cole Valley
Kennedy’s Irish Pub & Curry House
Stocked with ten TVs switched to the game and an impressive selection of beer starting at $3.25, Kennedy’s has long been a North Beach favorite. Soak up the suds with some Indian cuisine, then stick around after the game for Happy Hour from 5pm till 7pm for buy-one-get-one drafts and $3 Guinness.
1040 Columbus Ave (between Taylor St & Chestnut St) | Nob Hill
Staking out SoMa with some Irish charm, The Chieftan welcomes sports fans with plenty of TVs for 360 degree NFL action no matter which way your head swivels. Arrive early for $5 Spicy Bloody Mary’s and $4 mimosas (till 3pm), or choose from their expansive whiskeys to wet your whistle. Come time for bar bites, there’s plenty of nachos and wings on the menu to keep you satisfied.
198 5th St (between Natoma St & Howard St) | SoMa
As on most NFL Sundays this favorite Rockridge sports bar has free hot dogs including during the NFC Championship, and a fantastic Bloody Mary Bar to boot. The spicy drinks aren’t free but they come with all fixings. Watch the game on their HD screens and if you’re not into the halftime show, you can divert yourself with a game of pool.
5445 College Avenue | Oakland
If a dive bar were going to a dive bar, it would go to the Blue Moon Saloon in El Cerrito. The screens aren’t fancy, but this Sunday for the NFC Championship the owners will hook you up with free food like BBQ chicken, ribs and sides, or sometimes spaghetti – it’s different every week so you’ll just have to come and see. They ask that you pitch in a buck or two, but you won’t get the stink-eye if you don’t. Come, relax and meet some local characters. There’s also a newly renovated patio in the back.
9937 San Pablo Avenue | El Cerrito
