Fresno is known for its committed fans and sports culture with the fan base being dubbed the “Red Wave,” to local semi-professional teams such as the Fresno Grizzlies and Central Valley Fuego.
However, if you are a Fresno resident interested in, or just getting into, watching sports what are the best spots to visit? For most fans, the best spots are a mixture of great food, a healthy amount of TVs and a readily available source of alcohol.
With those criteria being set, here are The Collegian’s top picks for you to visit on game day.
1. Dog House Grill: The “old reliable” of Fresno sports establishments
When it comes to sports-themed restaurants, Dog House Grill sets the standard for those looking to receive fast service and quality food.
Located across Fresno State’s campus at 2789 E. Shaw Ave., Dog House is easily accessible for both students and fans who may want to be near campus on a Bulldog game day. The restaurant requires customers to seat themselves, however, the service is considerably fast when getting your orders.
The atmosphere is typically noisy with a constant flow of people coming and going. The walls are adorned with hundreds of pieces of sports memorabilia and 16 TVs are placed in every possible direction, allowing for a variety of games to be seen and heard at once.
The menu consists of typical barbecue staples, ranging from burgers and ribs to their signature tri-tip sandwich, which serves as their premier item. Prices are a bit steep, but standard for restaurants on this list, with burgers averaging around $8 and other barbecue meals around $16.
Aside from quality food, it has a bar with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. Customers can select from many craft beers, various liquors and mixed drinks averaging around $12.
All these factors culminate in a sports-themed restaurant that is consistently providing customers with a great game-day experience.
Location: 4/4
Entertainment: 4/4
Food: 4/4
Alcohol: 4/4
Value: 4/4
2. Press Box Sports Grill: A Fresno mainstay
Press Box Sports Grill has been a mainstay for Fresno sports fans for the past 15 years, and with three current locations, its success has proved itself. The northwest Fresno location precisely, located at 6022 N. Figarden Dr, has done a great job at delivering on all facets of a sports-themed restaurant. Providing a healthy mix of entertainment, quality food, and a lively atmosphere.
The menu has traditional American food, with an assortment of burgers, salads and pizzas all at a reasonable price ranging from $12-$18 per meal. This is complemented by a fully stocked bar offering mixed drinks, wine and draft beers on tap.
The aesthetic and overall vibe of the restaurant is a classic sports bar, with an abundance of TVs showing various games and a friendly wait staff. Overall, it is a great place for people who are interested in heading to a traditional sports bar setting with their friends or loved ones.
Location: 4/4
Entertainment: 4/4
Food: 4/4
Alcohol: 4/4
Value: 3/4
3. Field House: A casual game day experience
For those looking for a casual, sit-down vibe, Field House is a great alternative for sports fans. Located in northeast Fresno at 2042 E. Copper Ave, The restaurant provides a much more laid-back experience in comparison to Dog House Grill.
The staff is very friendly and attentive, and food is served quickly. The menu offers a variety of food choices, ranging from the usual burgers to items such as tacos and pizza. However, while the portions may be sizable, prices are higher than other restaurants on this list with meal prices ranging from $15-$25.
The alcohol choices are generous, with more than 14 draft beers and big-name brands such as Coors Light and Modelo being offered for $7. This, coupled with an assortment of specialty cocktails, which average around $13, allows customers a lot of choices.
The restaurant’s vibe is much more relaxed than other places on this list, replacing the typical noisy and unruly atmosphere with one that allows fans to watch a game and converse with a friend in their normal tone.
Location: 4/4
Entertainment: 4/4
Food: 3/4
Alcohol: 4/4
Value: 3/4
4. Yukon’s Tavern and Grill: An alternative to your typical sports restaurant
As the most underrated restaurant on this list, Yukon’s Tavern and Grill offers affordable food with a distinct experience. Located in west Fresno at 2731 W. Clinton Ave., the restaurant runs a variety of menu specials throughout the week. These include deals such as their Wednesday special, offering $12 steak bites and $10 western bacon burgers.
The restaurant is also known for its consistent coverage of international soccer games, regularly airing Champions League matches alongside American football on weekends. The menu is limited and consists mainly of burgers and Mexican dishes such as tacos and asada fries.
The bar offers a wide selection of craft beers and mixed drinks and regularly offers deals such as $6 margaritas and $7 patron shots on Tuesday nights. This paired with regular live music nights creates a unique vibe for a sports-themed restaurant when compared to the rest on the list.
This restaurant is perfect for both soccer fans and those looking to support a locally-owned restaurantLocation: 2/4
Entertainment: 4/4
Food: 4/4
Alcohol: 3/4
Value: 4/4
5. Tipzy’s Tacos and Beer: An affordable Mexican option
Located in the heart of Fresno’s Tower District at 920 E. Olive Ave, Tipzy’s Tacos and Beer is a downtown staple at providing quality and affordable Mexican food.
While not sports themed specifically, it still has plenty of TVs to watch games and consistently offers deals for large sporting events such as the Super Bowl. The menu focuses solely on Mexican food, such as the combination plates, which cost around $11.
The bar is limited in its liquor options but offers a variety of mixed drinks. The main focus is, as the name suggests, on beer and offers draft beers as low as $7 during its happy hours (3-6 p.m.).
This location is ideal for people looking to watch a game and grab authentic Mexican food at a cheap price.
Location: 3/4
Entertainment: 2/4
Food: 4/4
Alcohol: 3/4
Value: 4/4