While beer and basketball go together like, well like beer and baseball, there’s often a tradeoff between watching games in a sports bar, which can have a lot of TVs but few craft beers, and going to a brewpub or a serious beer bar which can have a great selection of brews but limited or no access to TVs. To help you plan out where to drink in the March Madness, here’s our list of places to watch the NCAA games and enjoy great beer:

Kezar Pub

A longtime Haight District favorite for serious sports fans to gather, Kezar has over 20 beers on draft including a smattering of local brews. Most seats in the bar have good viewing. The pub’s web site lists the game schedule. 770 Stanyan Street.

Hi Tops

Castro’s addition to the sports bar scene, Hi Tops has a great tap and bottle selection, plenty of high-top tables and stools, well-placed TVs, a second bar in the rear, and you simply can’t go wrong with a place that serves a pork chop on a stick. 2247 Market St.

Note: If High Tops gets too crowded, slip a few doors west on Market Street to SliderBar. This casual restaurant has a super selection of local craft drafts which currently includes four from Almanac. There are a few screens above the bar that will be showing the games.

The Royal Exchange



This downtown Irish-themed San Francisco landmark has 32 beers on taps, American pub food and 17 televisions. It’s open on weekdays only. They also take reservations. 301 Sacramento.