Grub Guide

Where to Watch the Giants’ Opening Games Against the Dodgers, Whilst Eating

Hi Tops in the Castro is a new entry to the sports bar realm of S.F., and they've got great food.
Hi Tops in the Castro is a new entry to the sports bar realm of S.F., and they’ve got great food. Photo: Andrei Riskin

Baseball season is here, at long last, and while the Oakland A’s are home tonight for their opener against Seattle, the Giants were away today facing the Dodgers (they lost, sadly), as they will be for the next two days, returning home on Friday for their home opener. So! For the devoted fans amongst you, that means two more days of steady baseball watching that may or may not be occurring in your homes. Allow us to suggest a few places where you might enjoy some decent food and drink outside your homes, while also watching our 2012 and 2010 World Series Champs warm up their arms, legs, and swings.

Giordano Brothers: This Pittsburgh, PA-inspired sports pub comes complete with shuffleboard in their Mission location, for passing those really slow innings. And they make a great sandwich, dubbed the All-in-One, because it has French fries stuffed in it. Our favorite is the hot capicola, but there are other meats to choose from too. 303 Columbus Avenue & 3108 16th Street at Valencia

Hi Tops: We’ve already talked up their excellent fried chicken sandwich, but really, everything is damn good here. The ahi tuna burger is like a delicious, spicy, slightly healthier version of McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish; the wings are great, gooey, and spicy; and the burger is a tasty mess too. Wash it all down with a pitcher of beer, and join the LGBT crowd cheering the Giants all spring and summer at this five-month-old sports bar in the Castro. 2247 Market Street between Noe and Sanchez

Kennedy’s Irish Pub & Curry House: We love that San Francisco has an Irish pub with an Indian restaurant attached (there actually is another in the Bay Area, funnily enough: Kerry House on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland), and we’ve got to say their Tikka Masala is really pretty good! Beer, also, goes quite nicely with curry, and sports on TV. 1040 Columbus Avenue

Kezar Pub: A well loved and worn in sports bar in Cole Valley, Kezar is a good neighborhood spot for catching a game anytime. And as many locals will tell you, they do some mean wings. (Not to be confused with the nearby Kezar Bar & Restaurant, which has its own menu.) 770 Stanyan Street

Public House: Traci Des Jardins’s AT&T; Park pub is always a good bet, and it will be a bit more manageable there this week, before Friday anyway. We’re fans of their spicy-sweet pub wings, and their straightforward burger topped with cheddar, avocado, and bacon.

Noir Lounge: This brand new, movie-themed wine bar in Hayes Valley serves frites, flavored popcorn, chicken and waffles, and Dr. Pepper-flavored cotton candy. Also, there are 20 craft beers, and over 50 wines, with 20 available by the glass, and they’ve got a big projection screen in back that they’re christening with Giants baseball today, and likely other days too. 581 Hayes Street

The Taco Shop at Underdogs: If tacos are what you’re after, you may want to check out this place, where Nick Fasanella, originally of Nick’s Crispy Tacos fame, brought his guacamole-heavy taco concept to the Sunset. There’s also a good margarita, and ten flat-screen TVs for viewing the game. 1824 Irving Street

Where to Watch the Giants’ Opening Games Against the Dodgers, Whilst