I know before, some guys gave ideas for sports bars, or places to tailgate. But I can't find the posts. SO where are the good sports bars on campus or places to go tailgate beforehand. I'm sure a lot of people will be wanting to watch Bama vs TAM before going in.

Thanks guys!

hawaiibuck;842172395 said:

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I know before, some guys gave ideas for sports bars, or places to tailgate. But I can't find the posts. SO where are the good sports bars on campus or places to go tailgate beforehand. I'm sure a lot of people will be wanting to watch Bama vs TAM before going in.

Thanks guys!

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Best sports bar is Pappy's on Telegraph--south of campus. Other good ones are Henry's and Kips (both on Durant, also south of campus) and now Build on Shattuck, downtown, west of campus. Multiple places have bars and TVs, especially as you walk up Center Street from BART (I'm thinking of Slice and SliderBar).

However, IMO, the greatest place to see the earlier games and get drinks is usually the dinning room or one of the bars at the Faculty Club (open to the public), on campus.

What time are you heading out? If it's before I am planning to go to the bar, I'm keeping the best ones a secret (as space is limited). just kidding.

The two best patio bars are gone (one burned down, the other is a building being remodeled), which really only leaves Kips and Henrys as traditional Cal pregame spots. Kips is a dump, but it's always crowded when USC and Oregon are in town. Like lines out the door... and it just feels dirty waiting to get in there. Henrys is always crowded, but way more tolerable (if you are over a certain age). Pappys is another spot - I can't vouch for food, but they serve alcohol. Freehouse is a new place near the stadium with a small patio and beer. All are within a few blocks of each other ('southside') and feel college like.

Lots of places downtown (shattuck ave) but I never felt they had great gameday atmosphere. But they do serve beer and that works when everything else is packed.

Anyone know if Ohio State rented Underhill? That's a big soccer field on top of a parking lot and a nice spot (admission might be sold through tOSU alumni association if it's happening). Last year Nevada did their alumni pregame at the faculty club, but I'd think Ohio State might be too big for that location.

Also, if you wanted to get to campus really early (11-12), you could ask for lunch spot suggestions, then move on to a drinking spot later.

A good new place is "Build Pizzeria" at Shattuck and Bancroft. Great restaurant plus they have a full bar running College football games on TV. Much higher quality food and drink than typical college hangout.

Last week they had a draft beer special for anyone in blue and gold and two weeks ago they had a noon gathering of Nortwestern fans.

"Tightwad Hill". Great brews and good food up there.

Berkeley needs a Buffalo Wild Wings.

If I were you I' d try Pappy's on Telegraph. Pappy's.

It is one block from the heart of the Cal campus (Sproul Hall, Sather Gate, Cal Band playing at some time).

From there:

1) You can enter campus at the end of Telegraph then head East (up hill)following Strawberry Creek towards Memorial Stadium (passing the Campanile "Sather Tower", cruise through Faculty Glade and up through the Haas School of Business); or

2) You can head East (up hill) on Durant, pick up a few sausages at Top Dog, check out Henry's if it is not too busy, refuel on drinks at Theta Delta Chi (the Fraternity from "The Graduate") at the top of College and Durant where there is always a patio party and all are welcome, then head up hill one more block to Memorial Stadium.

Then I'd be prepared to be shamed by the California Golden Bears.

Here is a map of the campus and surrounding streets. http://www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/campusmap.pdf

BGolden;842172423 said:

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Berkeley needs a Buffalo Wild Wings.

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And a Sonic, and a DQ, and an In N Out, and a Krispy Kreme, and a Yoshinoya, and a Five Guys, and a ...

BGolden;842172423 said:

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Berkeley needs a Buffalo Wild Wings.

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There is a Red Buffalo at Shattuck and Channing. LINK

Another alternative is The Paragon Restaurant in the Claremont Hotel. Swankier and likely less crowded but depending on your tastes may provide a prettier picture if you are throwing down some bucks on an away game. They have TV's, open at 11:30 and there is paid parking but it is about a three mile walk to the stadium https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl . They may have shuttles.

93gobears;842172465 said:

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Another alternative is The Paragon Restaurant in the Claremont Hotel. Swankier and likely less crowded but depending on your tastes may provide a prettier picture if you are throwing down some bucks on an away game. They have TV's, open at 11:30 and there is paid parking but it is about a three mile walk to the stadium https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl . They may have shuttles.

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Or try this place called Flint's in East Oakland. Best BBQ place ever.

93gobears;842172465 said:

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They have TV's, open at 11:30 and there is paid parking but it is about a three mile walk to the stadium

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According to google maps, it's actually a 1.1 mile walk from the Claremont Hotel to CMS. Same as from Downtown Berkeley BART.

I believe the tOSU alumni are having a gathering at the Greek Theatre on campus 1:30 - 3:30. Various guests including Archie Griffin. Band will perform, perhaps similar to the traditional skull session.

There is also a gathering at Pedro's Cantina in SF Friday night.

Look up your alumni website or Buckeye Bash for more info.

Or, come watch our band on the Sproul Hall steps at 2:30.

Best alternative is to get invited to tailgate or just join one.
Our usual friends bailed a few years back and so my wife and I bought sandwiches and a couple bottles of wine and looked for place to hang out near stadium. Ended up at Campanille and hung out with Cal crew team crowd having a party there as I knew one of guys involved (he coached my kids soccer team a few years earlier). Had a great time meeting some new people and joining their festivities.

So my advice to you is bring some decent vino or other booze (more than enough for just yourselves) and some sort of food and make some new friends.
We tailgate every week at Lower Hearst and most of us have more than enough to share with other Bear Fans.

ColoradoBear1;842172482 said:

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According to google maps, it's actually a 1.1 mile walk from the Claremont Hotel to CMS. Same as from Downtown Berkeley BART.

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What?! Google lied to me? Damn you Sergey!!!!

93gobears;842172488 said:

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What?! Google lied to me? Damn you Sergey!!!!

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For many years, the Claremont was thought to be less than a mile from campus. This was important because years ago, alcohol could not be served within a mile of campus. Some enterprising (and thirsty students) checked the distance and found it to be a little over a mile from campus. They got free drinks for life from the Claremont once they started serving liquor.

:woohoo

SonomanA1;842172511 said:

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For many years, the Claremont was thought to be less than a mile from campus. This was important because years ago, alcohol could not be served within a mile of campus. Some enterprising (and thirsty students) checked the distance and found it to be a little over a mile from campus. They got free drinks for life from the Claremont once they started serving liquor.

:woohoo

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Good Knowledge.

Go Bears!

93gobears;842172488 said:

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What?! Google lied to me? Damn you Sergey!!!!

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furds!

67OxHBear;842172484 said:

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I believe the tOSU alumni are having a gathering at the Greek Theatre on campus 1:30 - 3:30. Various guests including Archie Griffin. Band will perform, perhaps similar to the traditional skull session.

There is also a gathering at Pedro's Cantina in SF Friday night.

Look up your alumni website or Buckeye Bash for more info.

Or, come watch our band on the Sproul Hall steps at 2:30.

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Buckeye bashes are fun for 20 minutes, then very boring. Goes from pep rally to please give money rant very quickly

2334 Stuart St
( between Telegraph Ave and Ellsworth St)

hawaiibuck;842172395 said:

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I know before, some guys gave ideas for sports bars, or places to tailgate. But I can't find the posts. SO where are the good sports bars on campus or places to go tailgate beforehand. I'm sure a lot of people will be wanting to watch Bama vs TAM before going in.

Thanks guys!

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Triple Rock is a place that hasn't been mentioned. It is at University & Shattuck -- near the Downtown Berkeley BART station and a couple blocks from campus. It is NOT a sports bar, but it has a few TVs which are typically tuned to the big game(s). I think they have the best microbrews in town (I favor them over Jupiter) and, in my opinion, very good bar food (burgers, etc). It will probably be busy, although I usually go in the evening, and not on gamedays. I believe they have an upstairs patio, although I've never sat up there (surprisingly...).

NeverOddOrEven;842172917 said:

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Triple Rock is a place that hasn't been mentioned. It is at University & Shattuck -- near the Downtown Berkeley BART station and a couple blocks from campus. It is NOT a sports bar, but it has a few TVs which are typically tuned to the big game(s). I think they have the best microbrews in town (I favor them over Jupiter) and, in my opinion, very good bar food (burgers, etc). It will probably be busy, although I usually go in the evening, and not on gamedays. I believe they have an upstairs patio, although I've never sat up there (surprisingly...).

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You answered one of the questions that I was coming to ask, which was which berkeley station to get off the bart at. So thanks!

MY other question was, do any of you use an app for the BART? If so, which one do you recommend?

hawaiibuck;842172928 said:

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You answered one of the questions that I was coming to ask, which was which berkeley station to get off the bart at. So thanks!

MY other question was, do any of you use an app for the BART? If so, which one do you recommend?

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re iphone app, I use Embark iBart (that's what it says on my screen at least). It seems to be the official app. I use the free one that is not a "live update" of train status, but bart trains are on time probably 90+% of the time anyway.

you have two good choices - Downtown Berkeley bart or Rockridge. Honestly, it depends on where you want to go and where you are coming from. If you are staying in the city, you will should have four choices of trains, Richmond bound (to go direct to Downtown Berkeley), Dublin and Fremont (both requiring a transfer), and Pittsburg/Bay Point, which would go direct to Rockridge, or if you wanted to go to Downtown Berkeley, a transfer to a Richmond bound train.

A lot of people coming from the eastbay get off at Rockridge station and walk the 1+ mile (or hop on a shuttle, but I like to walk) and there are some bars along the way. Otherwise, downtown berkeley would have more bar opportunities, and is a bit shorter of a walk (although more uphill, but also more scenic if you walk though campus, which is great).

-edit- I should have added; if not on a direct richmond bound train (and perhaps they don't run on the weekend anyway - I don't live in the city so I don't know for sure on that point, but the website will tell you the exact schedule) you will need to transfer in Oakland to hop on a richmond train. for whatever reason, i've found that on gamedays, these trains are not exactly on time, and they will often run more trains than the schedule shows. It's frustrating because usually the transfer times are coordinated so there's not much waiting, but on saturday's, the trains seem to not be synched up right. In any event, if you are early and are not worried about the crowds, bart is the way to go.

Try Jupiter. Pizza and bear and a nice patio. Downtown Berkeley, near BART. Patio will be full by 1:30pm.

hawaiibuck;842172928 said:

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You answered one of the questions that I was coming to ask, which was which berkeley station to get off the bart at. So thanks!

MY other question was, do any of you use an app for the BART? If so, which one do you recommend?

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I second:

Downtown Berkeley

Embark iBART

hawaiibuck;842172928 said:

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MY other question was, do any of you use an app for the BART? If so, which one do you recommend?

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My crappy iPhone usually runs out of batteries half the time I go to a large sporting event followed by going out.

Make sure you memorize the last train leaving berkeley - 1230am for everywhere but walnut creek/pittsburgh/baypoint or millbrae (you have to get on the 12:08am for that one). That (and a watch) has saved me some $$$ a couple of times.

ColoradoBear1;842172974 said:

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My crappy iPhone usually runs out of batteries half the time I go to a large sporting event followed by going out.

Make sure you memorize the last train leaving berkeley - 1230am for everywhere but walnut creek/pittsburgh/baypoint or millbrae (you have to get on the 12:08am for that one). That (and a watch) has saved me some $$$ a couple of times.

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Stop texting and posting on FB so much then. Or carry one of those extra lipstick looking battery packs. I know you may be seen as a metrosexual, but at least you will have your iPhone fully charged. Substance over form.

KoreAmBear;842172977 said:

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Stop texting and posting on FB so much then. Or carry one of those extra lipstick looking battery packs. I know you may be seen as a metrosexual, but at least you will have your iPhone fully charged. Substance over form.

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But I need to read BI to see if a penalty or anything like that is BS since they don't show replays.

Actually the real problem is that ATT gets jammed up and I can't get anything in a stadium and walk out with a zonked battery. Should just turn it off.

I'm still going to blame apple. form over function in this sucker.

ColoradoBear1;842172981 said:

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But I need to read BI to see if a penalty or anything like that is BS since they don't show replays.

Actually the real problem is that ATT gets jammed up and I can't get anything in a stadium and walk out with a zonked battery. Should just turn it off.

I'm still going to blame apple. form over function in this sucker.

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Turning it off it the best solution, or airplane mode until after the game in my opinion. I think the webpage continues to load even when the phone is locked and it just kills the battery at the stadium even if not "using" it in my experience.

NeverOddOrEven;842172917 said:

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Triple Rock is a place that hasn't been mentioned. It is at University & Shattuck -- near the Downtown Berkeley BART station and a couple blocks from campus. It is NOT a sports bar, but it has a few TVs which are typically tuned to the big game(s). I think they have the best microbrews in town (I favor them over Jupiter) and, in my opinion, very good bar food (burgers, etc). It will probably be busy, although I usually go in the evening, and not on gamedays. I believe they have an upstairs patio, although I've never sat up there (surprisingly...).

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Seconded. Some of their beers are very strong too in case you are in need of a rapid buzz...

Vandalus;842172992 said:

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Turning it off it the best solution, or airplane mode until after the game in my opinion. I think the webpage continues to load even when the phone is locked and it just kills the battery at the stadium even if not "using" it in my experience.

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Can turn off cell data usage so you get only calls and texts. I turn it off during my hikes while still leaving my GPS app on during hikes (it still looks for satellites but doesn't access cell towers for data). Saves a lot on battery which is essential on long hikes (but again, I have that extra batter in my pack just in case).

You guys have been so helpful. Let me ask one more question. When using the bart, do I have to use a different ticket card for each color train? And when just going arouns the city using the buses or rail cars, are there ways to buy tickets for that too, or just pay each time you get on.

hawaiibuck;842173328 said:

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You guys have been so helpful. Let me ask one more question. When using the bart, do I have to use a different ticket card for each color train? And when just going arouns the city using the buses or rail cars, are there ways to buy tickets for that too, or just pay each time you get on.

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One Bart ticket to rule them all.

Awesome. And should I get a 3 day pass then? Reading that seems to make the most sense

For the mini and rail cars that is.

And when I arrive at the powell street bart station, I was gonna walk 2 blocks to a chipotle (haven't had it in nearly 2 years) and then 2 more blocks to the marine hotel on sutter..is that a safe walk? I mean are most streets safe to walk on, in town?