The start of fall semester means three things: new classes, greek rush, and football season. Among them all, the latter tends to draw the most anticipation and excitement. Maybe it’s the thrill of the game, maybe it’s luring sea of blue and gold, or maybe it’s the pregame rituals. Whatever it is about football season, it’s got all of Berkeley watching. Already welcoming the season with a 2-0 record— beating Northwestern 31-24 and Sacramento State 55-14— the California Golden Bears show promise in making major waves in the Pac-12 for the first time in years. With 6 more home games to look forward to, the thrill of carefree Saturdays among friends and libations is enough to get us through the week (Boulder- 9/27, University of Washington- 10/11, UCLA- 10/18, University of Oregon- 10/24, $tanFUrd- 11/22 and BYU- 11/29). Whether you’re a season-pass holder pledging to attend every game, someone who prefers watching half the game at the stadium and half somewhere else, or watching the game by television with a few friends and a few beers is more your scene, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Berkeley sports bars so you can catch every minute of the game in any style you please:
1. Pappy’s
Even if you’re not a student of Cal, you’ve heard of Pappy’s. Named after the legendary coach Pappy Waldorf, Berkeley’s head football coach from 1947-56 wracking in 67 career wins, Pappy’s Bar and Grill pays homage to Cal football in delicious burgers and deliciously discounted beer. Not to mention large flatscreen televisions and vintage retired Cal jerseys line the walls for the ultimate sports atmosphere. With countless deals for students and fans alike, Pappy’s has all the makings for the ideal Game Day hang spot. 2367 Telegraph Ave.
2. Henry’s
Located below Durant Hotel, Henry’s boasts vintage class. Wood and gold accents, and Oski art on the walls create an authentic Cal experience, perfect to get together with a larger group or small gathering and get your school spirit on. 2600 Durant Ave.
3. Kip’s
Kip’s blue and gold decor invites fans to pregame like a true Golden Bear. The dozens of beers on draft and televisions facing every direction guarantees good times on Game Day. 2439 Durant Ave.
4. Barclay’s
Roll on to College Ave. for a pregame drink with friends and check out this hidden pub. If you’re looking for a getaway from frat row for a little quiet before the game, Barclay’s down-the-road location is your go-to spot. 5940 College Ave.
5. Beta Lounge
Beta Lounge is a well-kept secret in Berkeley, but their happy hour prices claim to be the best in town. Between 4 and 9 p.m., Beta Lounge offers discounts on beer, wine and well-drinks every day of the week— inviting Cal fans to drop by after the game for a cheap drink in good company. 2129 Durant Ave.
6. Triple Rock
Not only known for their amazing microbrews and Thursday Monkey Heads special, Triple Rock serves up delicious food and creates the ultimate screening experience on Game Day. 1920 Shattuck Ave.
7. Free House
Free House boasts the perfect location to grab a gourmet burger and beer and head over to Memorial Stadium just a short distance away. 2700 Bancroft Way
8. Café Durant
We all know and love Café D for their cheap tacos and Coronaritas on Taco Tuesday. But Café D on Game Day is equally as fun. Engage with the central fan base while enjoying a $10 bucket of 5 Coronas on the patio overlooking Durant and Telegraph. 2517 Durant Ave.
9. Slider Bar
Slider Bar creates the ultimate sports atmosphere with Bay Area team gear decorating the entire bar— from 49ers banners on the ceiling to Oakland A’s artwork on the windows to Cal basketball posters, and everything in between. Not to mention their signature slider burgers in every flavor make for the ideal pregame or postgame snack. 2124 Center St.
10. Sliver
With featured pizza each day of the week, and a fully stocked bar offering sweet deals like $18 pitchers of sangria, Sliver invites Berkeley residents to enjoy custom bites and savory drinks on Saturdays as they screen the game. 2132 Center St.
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