2014 World Cup spectators in San Francisco have plenty of options to soak in the one-month stretch of soccer in Brazil. This year’s global fútbol madness begins June 12th when host country Brazil opens against Croatia, the United States plays its first match against familiar Ghana on June 16 and the tournament culminates with the championship final scheduled for July 13th. Check out our top spots to watch the World Cup this year. Plan on arriving early for prime viewing, many of these locations will be packed for big games.

Public Viewing at Civic Center
CIVIC CENTER
San Francisco’s Civic Center plays host to World Cup fans with a large screen for outside public viewings for several matches, including scheduled U.S. games and the final on July 13.

McTeague’s Saloon
1237 POLK STREET
Home of San Francisco’s chapter of U.S. team supporter group American Outlaws, McTeague’s was packed beyond standing room only for the team’s 2014 World Cup debut. Expect more of the same with additional U.S. matches and other big games.

Mad Dog In The Fog
530 HAIGHT STREET
A longstanding hub for sports in the Lower Haight, Mad Dog in Fog draws a good crowd even when it’s not top national soccer clubs competing for bragging rights at at the World Cup. Large flat-screen TVs line the walls and there’s an outdoor patio to enjoy some post-game fresh air with a pint. A food menu offers pub fare with a few UK favorites (Fish and Chips and Bangers and Mash) and the beer selection is heavy on international offerings and craft beer. Visit the bar’s website for daily updates on the viewing schedule.

The Kezar Pub
770 STANYAN STREET
Kezar draws big crowds at all hours for World Cup action. Located on the edge of the Haight, adjacent to the eponymous stadium and former home of the 49ers, Kezar offers tons of flat-screens and a full TV schedule posted on its website. The building’s facade is small enough to overlook but this pub has a serious sports heritage. A full menu offers treats like corn dogs made in spicy jalapeno batter, onion rings and calamari.

The Phoenix Bar & Irish Gathering House
811 VALENCIA STREET
Located in the heart of the Mission District, this friendly neighborhood Irish sports bar on Valencia and 19th has lots of tables, nine large HD flat screen TVs and a jukebox. Bloody Mary’s are popular and the bar also offers nightly drink, happy-hour pint and dinner specials. The kitchen is open until 1am, with traditional food options, such as Irish breakfast, soda bread and Shepherd’s Pie. More common comfort snacks like chicken wings, potato skins, onion rings and sliders are also on the menu.

Hi Tops
2247 MARKET STREET
Decorated in a metro athletic 1970s high school gymnasium theme with playful references to locker rooms and masculinity, Hi Tops is Castro’s first and only gay sports bar. It is located on Market Street with covered wrestling and jock theme decor and daily changing specials and $3 well drinks. A full menu of standard fare bar snacks ranges from fried-chicken sandwiches and corn dogs to buffalo wings (25 cents on Mondays) and warm pretzels.

Green Sports Bar
2239 POLK STREET
This popular hangout in Russian Hill offers the classic sports bar experience with a no frills atmosphere and sports photos and memorabilia covering nearly every surface. Major games are on TVs throughout the bar, along with a pool table, jukebox and video games for halftime entertainment. The front section windows are open to the street for those looking for a little fresh air at game time. Eighteen beers are on tap and there’s a selection of menus for visitors to order from various Polk Street restaurants nearby.

Valley Tavern
4054 24TH STREET
This Noe Valley neighborhood favorite is decorated with local artwork and walls covered with 15 TVs. There’s also a back patio with a TV to avoid missing crucial World Cup moments. Valley Tavern has 39 beers on tap, spicy Blood Mary’s with pepper vodka and other specialty cocktails. Food options include hot dogs, cheeseburgers and cheap wings. Patrons have the option to also order Paxti’s Pizza next door and eat it at Valley Tavern.

Bus Stop
1901 UNION STREET
Less bro-y than surrounding bars in Cow Hollow, the Bus Stop on Union Street offers 17 big screen TVs and inexpensive drinks. Often known for its weekly trivia night with a dive bar atmosphere, the menu has great happy hour and daily drink specials. No food is served but Bus Stop allows customers to bring in their own eats. It is a good spot for groups and has the standard pool table and jukebox combination, along with Big Buck Hunter shooter video game.

Pete’s Tavern
128 KING STREET
Across the street from AT&T Park, Pete’s offers a hot SoMA sports bar scene with plenty of television screens along the high ceiling, a huge U-shaped bar in the middle and an upstairs seating area. It is a good place for large groups because of the large tables and booths. There’s an assortment of food options, including burgers and chicken wings. It’s best to try to get on the guest list in advance to avoid a long wait, especially if the Giants are playing a home game.

Jillian’s
101 4TH STREET
Located at the Metreon near Moscone Center, Jullian’s offers a massive 50-foot HD TV video wall. There are also 10 regulation-sized pool tables in a pool hall area. A back room can be rented out for large groups or company events. Tart margaritas top the drink list with grub options, including mac and cheese, a Cuban sandwich, or fettuccine alfredo.

The Taco Shop At Underdog’s
1824 IRVING STREET
Mexican food connoisseurs should consider carne asada burritos and carnitas “Nick’s way” tacos from Underdog’s in the Sunset as a tasty approach for soaking in the World Cup action. Renown recipes concocted by Nick Fasanella, the founder of Nick’s Cripsy Tacos, can be ordered at Underdg’s, a self-described fusion experiment that combines a modern taqueria with a sports environment. Hooting and hollering is commonplace at the compact hangout, which makes for an entertaining atmosphere. $2 tacos and beers are available on Tuesdays or take advantage of the $1 margaritas during happy half hour on Fridays.

Written by Carlos Olin Montalvo

Follow me @carlosolin

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