March 21, 2013 | Story Clubs and Bars
Regardless of allegiances, March Madness is a flurry of buzzer-beaters, underdogs, and overtimes that must be witnessed from one’s favorite bar stool with one’s favorite beer in hand. Here is our list of the top ten bars in which to fret over your bracket for the next four weeks:
If you get bored with the games (the opening round blowouts can do that to a person), take aim at the basketball hoop arcade games, or table shuffleboard until the competition heats back up. Be warned: This is Oregon Duck territory so Oklahoma State fans might want to choose another for today's game. 1390 California St. (at Hyde St.) (415) 932-6715
Polk Street is the place to be on any beer-imbibing night, but self-dubbed "number one stop on Polk St. for all your sporting needs," is a safe bet. Reasonable prices on dental work, too. 1237 Polk St. (at Fern St.) (415) 776-1237
Normally, we would advise you to avoid the Marina at all costs for fear of suffocation via cologne. But for March Madness, you have to be at one of the old favorites: flat screen TV-heavy, Nebraska Cornhusker-loving Final Final. 2990 Baker St. (at Lombard St.) (415) 931-7800
Arguably the best sandwiches in the city, in party-happy North Beach, and Pittsburgh-bred owners going crazy for the University of Pittsburgh's team (opening against Wichita St.). Oh, and beer. Are you here yet? 303 Columbus Ave. (at Broadway St.) (415) 397-2767
Tucked away off Market Street, the bar has a great seating arrangement, space to move around, endless TVs above the bar, and a billiards and arcade section in the back. If you get lucky, you might beat the crowds here. 115 Mason St. (at Eddy St.) (415) 345-8484
Similar to Giordano Bros. in North Beach, Jake's Steaks is all Pennsylvania, all the time. Except they represent the Philadelphia contingent as well, meaning the fans there will be even crazier. Plus, after the games, you're a block from Chestnut Street. 3301 Buchanan St. (at Lombard St.) (415) 922-2211
Not everyone can make it out to the waterfront regions of the city for this event, so if you work or live closer to Nopa and Haight-Ashbury, mosey on over to The Kezar Pub, where it's raining sports (especially for Michigan, a number four seed and definitely a team to watch). 770 Stanyan St. (at Waller St.) (415) 386-9292
And for those of you who don't want to miss the first half of the games after work ends, you can hit up a sports bar right there in the FiDi. Steff's is fully loaded with flat screens and booze, and located just off Market St. Loosen up that tie and get in here before tip-off. 141 2nd St. (at Minna St.) (415) 777-1844
If you are a regular at Giants games, chances are you've stumbled upon this homey hole-in-the-wall, situated a few blocks from AT&T Park. Tons of food, drinks, and tables are closely watched over by TV's seemingly hanging from every angle. 600 3rd St. (at Brannan St.) (415) 392-5311
10. National Corn Dog Day at SoMa StrEAT Food Park
It's National Corn Dog Day this Saturday the 23rd (we know, you've been waiting all year), and the friendly folks at the SoMa StrEAT Food Park are celebrating with a massive gathering of corn dog and PBR-related food trucks, plus the games will be streaming—pretty much heaven on earth. 428 11th St. (at Harrison St.)
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