Michigan bars in San Diego?
August 11th, 2015 at 12:07 PM ^
Been a year since I lived there, but PB Bar & Grill in (you guessed it) Pacific Beach was the bar I always went to. There's one in Encinitas as well that might've become the official one.
August 11th, 2015 at 12:12 PM ^
I live in San Diego, as do a couple other users. PB Bar and Grill used to be the official alumni bar, but we changed last year to Johnny V's (also in Pacific Beach) for reasons surpassing clarity, since Johnny V's kinda sucks. Bigger screens, but food is crappy and it's too spread out to get any kind of atmosphere. Turnout got really bad by middle of year, but I think that was as much due to on field performance as the location. I haven't seen an announcement yet if we're back there this year or if we have a new, less crappy official bar.
What part of San Diego are you looking for? As mentioned above, there is a north county bar (which I've heard also has poor turnout), and there might be a downtown/gaslamp bar, although not sure of that.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:03 PM ^
I'm not aware of any downtown locations (lived there for two years until recently moving to North Park). I've always thought it would be a great area to organize a watch if there was enough interest. I haven't engaged with the club chapter yet though, so I am sure they have their reasons.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:34 PM ^
I'm in North Park, but am open to driving somewhere so any suggestions are welcome.
August 11th, 2015 at 6:30 PM ^
Well there's 4 of us in the North Park/Hillcrest/Mission Hills stretch, maybe we just should pick a bar in that spectrum and lay claim to it?
August 11th, 2015 at 1:25 PM ^
PB Bar & Grill unfortunately shut down recently. I think Johnny V's accross the street is the new spot (not sure why other than it was close to the original spot). Looking forward to watching some games there very soon!
August 11th, 2015 at 2:01 PM ^
Johnny V's isn't a bad spot, but I think they could probably figure out some better ones. Not the biggest fan of the PB area in general, but I assume that's where a lot of young alumni live. I should get more involved with Alumni Association SD Chapter rather than simply complain, but compared to other team game watches around town, it's a little flat, but that likely has something to do with recent team performance.
The club site seems to indicate that they are reconsidering the location this year since it says location TBD and stay tuned. Anyone involved with the club have any info?
August 11th, 2015 at 6:32 PM ^
I'll check in with my parents (who are involved with the club) and report back. Johnny V's had consistently terrible turnout and awful food, so I think another change could only bode well.
August 11th, 2015 at 12:14 PM ^
I can't remember the name but yeah in PB there's a Michigan bar with Michigan stuff hanging everywhere it's right off the beach
I think the street name is Garnet
August 11th, 2015 at 12:16 PM ^
Every bar in PB is on Garnet.
August 11th, 2015 at 3:42 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 12:12 PM ^
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August 11th, 2015 at 12:14 PM ^
I actually had to check Google to find out where the SD Alumni Association watches games now: they used to meet at PB Bar & Grill, but I know that place has closed since I last made it to a bar to watch a game. Anyway, looks like the new place to watch with the club is Johnny V's:
There are plenty of good sports bars in general though, and for the opener you can probably watch the game almost anywhere with a television. I used to head to East Village Tavern and Bowl for games occasionally when I lived downtown, for example:
What neighborhood are you staying in, though?
August 11th, 2015 at 12:16 PM ^
They also mention Tower 13 in Cardiff.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:04 PM ^
East Village Tavern and Bowl is the game watch location for Notre Dame, so you might want to avoid there if that annoys you. Otherwise, it's a great place to watch games. (source: GF is on ND SD Alumni Board, and I have been forced to go several times).
August 11th, 2015 at 3:34 PM ^
Good to know. It's been years since I went there, and it was mostly for watching NFL games. I seem to remember they hosted the UFlorida club too?
August 11th, 2015 at 4:12 PM ^
I don't believe they host any other CFB teams anymore, but I think they might host Duke during basketball season. It's a good place to catch a game and even if there is overlap with ND, since they have a dedicated watching area and will put other games on the 10 or so TVs they have around the rest of the bar. The couple of times I've been there during a Michigan game, I just go to the main bar and watch. They usually have every major NCAAF game on at least one TV.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:32 PM ^
I'm in the North Park area, but I work downtown.
August 11th, 2015 at 3:49 PM ^
These North Park recommendations come with the caveat that I don't know whether they host other college fan bases (see above post on East Village T&B). They have no shortage of TVs or beer selection though:
- True North (LINK) - seemed like it drew a crowd similar to what you'd find in PB. I particularly remember the food being excellent (I think they share the kitchen with Urban Solace next door).
- U-31 (LINK) - I remember it being darker and a little more divey. IIRC they were kind of a 9ers bar, so maybe there will be tangential schadenfreude to enjoy as well.
EDIT: Tried to make links more obvious.
August 11th, 2015 at 4:09 PM ^
I live in North Park now, but haven't during a CFB season so I don't really know if those places host other teams. I would add if you're looking for good places to watch sports in general in NP, the End Zone on University is also great. If you don't mind some short travel to Normal Heights, Triple Crown Pub is pretty cool and has like every sports package imaginable.
August 11th, 2015 at 12:14 PM ^
I would reach out to the local alumni association - they'll be able to give you more up to date info than MGoBlog, especially since these alumni bars have a tendancy to change from year to year.
August 11th, 2015 at 12:15 PM ^
in SD. I would have loved to have one back in the 80's when my wife and I lived there. We used to have to go to these sports bars with satellite dishes in Mission Bay area or Kearny Mesa. Having to sit in a bar-type place at 9:00 in the morning wasn't what I like doing, but since many games started at 12 in those days, what can you do?
August 11th, 2015 at 12:33 PM ^
A few years back I was down in SD visiting my UM buddy and roommate in MoJo. We decided to hit PB B&G for a throwaway blowout game against a D1-AA opponent, figuring we'd probably take off after our first TD in the 3rd Q to go up 42-0. Well of course that didn't happen....
What made that experience even more special was that the OSU bar was right next door. So heading into the 4th Q when they realized we were in a dogfight they nicely started migrating over to enjoy the moment with us. One guy in a crappy white wife beater literally went table to table challenging every Michigan fan to a fight. He'd just walk up to a table and yell, "fuck you motherfuckers! I'll kick your fucking ass!". I am not kidding, somehow the few wires that he had in his head were crossed up to the point that us losing that game triggered a fight response from him. It was really weird. And of course the understaffed staff didn't send a bouncer over to stop him at all.
Then the cherry on top was when we walked out of the bar dozens of buckeye fans had created a tunnel to cheer and clap and in some cases escort us to our cars.
It was a nice little Saturday at the PB Bar & Grill that September morning in 2007.
August 11th, 2015 at 12:35 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 1:27 PM ^
I was there too but was in a back area and didn't have to experience the wife beater guy. Still had the infinite sadness and the buckeye greeting on my departure from the tools at moondoggies. Don't think I ever went back after that.
August 11th, 2015 at 1:37 PM ^
I was sad when Moondoggies closed (it's reopened now under a new name IMS). The atmosphere and dynamic of having the Michigan bar next door to the Ohio State bar led to some truly hilarious saturday mornings.
I wasn't there for the above game (thankfully), but remember a game against like, Minnesota or somebody random like that a couple years ago when some drunk OSU frat boys wandered in and started talking shit, eventually spilling/throwing (I couldn't tell from my seat which) a drink on an older lady. The 50+ guy at her table immediately jumped up and threw a full nelson on the guy, some other older fans started giving him body blows, and the old guy literally dragged him out of the bar while other fans held back frat bro's buddy. It was hilarious.
August 11th, 2015 at 1:41 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 12:34 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 12:49 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 3:42 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 12:51 PM ^
Dive Bar: Catalina Lounge in Point Loma
Frat Atmosphere: Johhny V's (although full disclosure that's where I will be)
Old People and expensive drinks: The Patio on Goldfinch
North County with pathetic attendance: Tower 13
That's where there will be Michigan fans for sure this fall.
August 11th, 2015 at 1:30 PM ^
I did the Patio once this year since I live a few blocks away. The owner is a UM grad I believe. Total non-atomsphere though.
August 11th, 2015 at 1:32 PM ^
I wouldn't say The Patio is really a Michigan bar. The owner is a Michigan alum (and a friend of mine), but there's usually like two or three tables of Michigan fans and rarely audible sound on the TV. The majority of the patronage isn't there for football. I like The Patio and go there a lot for non-football breakfast, but it's not a particularly good Michigan viewing bar.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:09 PM ^
How's the Catalina Lounge for gamedays? I was never aware of a Michigan bar in Point Loma. I checked out Johnny V's a few times and certainly didn't have a bad time, but I irrationally try to avoid dealing with that area in general (despite it never really being all that bad).
August 11th, 2015 at 3:37 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 12:58 PM ^
Not to highjack the thread, but is there a listing somewhere of Michigan bars across the country? I'm living in the Bay Area now and would love to at least find a bar that has Big 10 Network, let alone going to an actual Michigan bar.
August 11th, 2015 at 2:15 PM ^
If you are in San Francisco proper, there are a couple I've been to.
The Blue Light
In the Marina, so kinda fratty, but energetic vibe and solid Michigan turnout. Good food as well. Nachos!
Kezar Pub
West part of Upper Haight across from Kezar Stadium, near Golden Gate Park. Great buffalo wings and tons of TVs with other Big Ten games. It's also a great place to watch the Red Wings play.
Both places serve pitchers.
Supposedly, The Taco Shop at Underdog's does Michigan games, but I've only been here a couple times and the turnout isn't very good at all. Great food, though.
August 11th, 2015 at 6:56 PM ^
I live in Berkeley, but glad to come into the city for a Saturday to watch football. Thanks for the recommendations! Last time I ventured to find a Michigan bar I accidentally stumbled into a Notre Dame bar....after we lost 31-0.
August 11th, 2015 at 1:15 PM ^
I am looking for the same thing in the Mile High City - Any help is appreciated!
August 11th, 2015 at 1:44 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 2:34 PM ^
Thanks for all the replies, everyone! This was very helpful.
GO BLUE
August 11th, 2015 at 3:55 PM ^
I have 3 TV's on the wall and another I can situate on the deck from the swinging arm the monitor is on!!!!
I live on Rose Canyon where the 52 meets the 5, it's way cheaper than going to a bar!!!
I can't believe PB Bar & Grill closed down, I lived in PB for 20 years.
August 11th, 2015 at 10:04 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 5:01 PM ^
I hit up the Lumberyard a few times on gameday. There are usually quite a few Michigan fans there, and during the big games they sing Hail to the Victors after touchdowns!
August 11th, 2015 at 6:14 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 6:19 PM ^
August 11th, 2015 at 6:34 PM ^
Alumni club switch to Johnny V's last season for reasons. I think PBBG is full on shut down now, but not certain.
November 28th, 2016 at 1:08 PM ^
It's been a few years since Pacific Beach Bar and Grill was the UM bar and Moondoggies was the OSU bar right next door. Both are now closed. Johnny V's does a great job with decorating the entire place with Maize and Blue. The staff wears UM gear, and no other games are played on any TVs for the duration. They play Hail to the Victors at commercial and I would estimate 100 or so faithful fans show up for every game. Johnny V's is located at 945 Garnett between Cass and Bayard.
See you there!
-Chris Stout