Rest easy diehard sports fans. Life isn’t just about surfing and hanging out at the beach while pondering the meaning of life around here. Santa Cruz is home to a number of great spots for gathering with friends, knocking back a few cold ones and watching a rousing game on a big screen TV. Many of these places also offer outstanding food selections to pair with those delicious craft beers. In each neighborhood throughout the county, you can find a spot to get (a little bit) rowdy and cheer on your favorite team.
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KC’s Sports Bar and Lounge
Downtown Santa Cruz
The game is definitely on at KC’s Sports Bar. In a local newspaper poll, they were voted the best place to view games on TV. This top spot features 25 TVs, and with an occupancy of 125, plenty of seating. It’s recommended that you arrive early during big events because of its popularity among locals. They offer specials during game time. Their back patio has a TV as well. Pictured: KC chalk board via Facebook/KcsSportsBarSantaCruz.
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99 Bottles
Downtown Santa Cruz
A Santa Cruz standby, 99 Bottles doesn’t disappoint when it comes to game time. With seven TVs, 45 brews on tap and 200 bottled, locals have been frequenting this fun and funky pub for years. They feature classic pub food with locally sourced ingredients such as meats from El Salchichero and Farmhouse Culture kraut. Try all 99 of the highlighted beers on their extensive list, and your name will be engraved on a metal plaque to add to their wall. Pictured: Wall of champions via Facebook/99-Bottles-of-Beer-on-the-Wall.
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Seabright Brewery
Seabright
A pioneer in brewing in Santa Cruz, Seabright Brewery is a great choice for catching the game after a day at the beach. With TVs inside and a big screen outside on their dog-friendly patio, seating options abound. Don’t miss their happy hour, which features half price appetizers and their daily specials, including Neighborhood Night on Tuesdays. Enjoy their house-crafted beers, local wines and a full bar paired with tasty treats including calamari and fish tacos. Pictured: Seabright Brewery via Facebook/SeabrightBrewery.
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Britannia Arms
Capitola Village
Country English pub meets California casual, Britannia Arms in Capitola offers ocean vistas to pair with your game viewing. Enjoy beer on tap and 5 big screen TVs along with a blend of English pub fare and California comfort food – from corned beef and hash to burgers and fries to hot wings. If you love England and the beach, and crave a British pint along with hearty food and a good game, don’t miss this spot on the Esplanade right off Capitola beach. Pictured: Britannia Arms via Facebook/britanniaarmscapitola.
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Bittersweet Bistro
Aptos
The Tavern Bar at Bittersweet Bistro offers a high-end option for game viewing. Scoot on up to a beautiful bar and enjoy their “Nightly Nibbles” food and drink specials, from 4-9 p.m. daily. From Pasta Party Wednesday to Fish n’ Swish Friday, Bittersweet will have you noshing away on delicious delights during game time. These tasty treats are paired with a stein of beer or a glass of wine for under $10. Keep it classy in South County with Bittersweet! Pictured: Nightly Nibbles via Facebook/bittersweetbistro.
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Parish Publick House
Westside Santa Cruz
With the feel of a European pub and an extensive selection of beer, both on tap and bottled; Parish is a favorite among locals on the Westside for watching a game. Not only that, but they offer some of the best pub food around. Top choices among regulars include their wings, burgers and fish-n-chips. People can be found gathering here any night of the week for great beer, tasty food and good company in the perfect pub atmosphere. Pictured: Parish interior via Facebook/Parish-Publick-House.