Thanks to everyone who turned up at Maggie McGarrys. We had a small but loyal group of Bay Area Gooners for the weekend match against Liverpool. Despite a congenial atmosphere, the only person in a Liverpool kit departed at half-time. Unfortunately, the pictures came out a bit blurred (impaired photographer methinks), so you’ll just have to take my word for it.
The report from Mad Dog In The Fog was that they got a good turnout, which was split down the middle in terms of Arsenal and Liverpool supporters.
Seeing as these seem to be the only two options for pubs that open early and show the matches, it would be great to hear from Bay Area Arsenal supporters about a few things:
1) Do you have a preference between the two pubs?
2) Do you know of any other pubs that open early and show the matches?
3) Which upcoming Arsenal matches would you most be inclined to turn up at a pub to watch?
You can post your answers in this thread or email me if you prefer.
Personally, I like both places and have no vested interest in either, but while Mad Dog has built up a solid reputation as the place to watch footie, I’m inclined to support Maggie McGarrys in their infancy, because people turning up for the matches will make it worth the owner’s while to keep showing them, thus giving Bay Area Gooners another alternative for match viewing.
As to next weekend’s Arsenal-ManUre match-up, Patrick at Maggie McGarrys has vowed to show it live at 5:45 PT with a possible replay later. No word yet on Mad Dog’s schedule for the match. Regrettably, your Arsenal America San Francisco Branch Manager will be unable to attend.
Maggie McGarrys
1353 Grant Street
Between Vallejo & Green
San Francisco, CA
Tel: 415-399-9020
Mad Dog In The Fog
530 Haight Street
Between Fillmore & Steiner
San Francisco, CA
Football Hotline: 415-442-7994
For more information, contact: Mark Barbeau sanfran@arsenalamerica.com
12 Responses to “S.F. Branch: Arsenal-ManUre and other future meet-ups”
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October 29th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
I wish i could have made it on Saturday. A little too much party on Saturday night had me at home at 5:30AM. Tried my best, but was resigned to watching the game at home - with a heavy hangover.
Personally, I like mad dog because every time i have been there, there is a good turn out. I remember watching a Chelsea v. Arsenal FA Cup match (JAR with 2 goals that day - brilliant) at 4AM and there were 30 people there. 60-40% to Chelsea fans, but it makes for a good atmosphere when you got both parties screaming. I don’t know the policy of this other pub, but Mad Dog has a lot of games for which they will charge you a $10 cover. Also, does this other pub serve food?
October 29th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
To answer irakli:
Maggie McGarry’s does not have food, though personally I have not had particularly pleasant experiences eating the Mad Dog food. I supplied donuts for the group on Sunday and they don’t seem to mind you bring in your own food.
They also do not charge at the door, though they ask you to spend at least $10 during the match.
I’d agree Mad Dog currently has the edge in fan atmosphere, but with a little effort, we could potentially have another lively spot for footie viewing. Surely, S.F. (and the Bay Area) must have enough footie fans for this!
October 29th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I cannot judge McGarry’s since I have never visited. I am approaching this with an open mind and would welcome giving this a fair shot.
In fact, maybe we could make an Gooner stronghold? Make the pub our own!
October 30th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Having patrick as the bartender and fellow gooner at McGarry’s seems to make it perfect for an Arsenal bar. Arsenal games have brought the biggest crowd in the last couple of weeks. Im diggin it.
October 30th, 2007 at 10:19 am
i havent been to northbeach in about 5 years just because its a nightmare to find parking. how is the parking at that hour?
October 30th, 2007 at 11:28 am
If the other two venues don’t work out let me know. I go to the Abbey Tavern for Celtic games which usually coincide with Arsenal’s games. They’ll have the game on tape at 8am on Saturday if someone wants to sleep in a bit.
No food but parking is easy in the Richmond
October 30th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
To answer coach_ed: I don’t know. I walk over from Nob Hill.
I’d think it would be better than usual in the early A.M. because there are serveral streets in the area like Broadway where they don’t allow you to park on Friday or Saturday nights, which might make for more spaces the next morning.
Can anyone who drives in offer a more astute opinion?
October 30th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
I’m not sure if it came across, but there were only gooners at Maggie McGarry’s. If people want to establish a gooner pub/bar, then it seems like this would be the place. I’ll be back on Saturday…
October 30th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
oh, also coach_ed: I drove, and found parking a couple blocks away in about 3-5 minutes of circling. No biggy. Just gotta be a little persistent or get there early and take a spot at washington square park (i think that’s the spot there).
October 30th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I ended up at Kezar Pub on Sunday morning at 9am and it was full of fans - about a 50-50% split between Liverpool and Arsenal. Kezar serves food and it was quite good. They have a back room with about 8 TVs - two were showing the Arsenal match and the sound was up loud enough to hear the commentary. The crowd was very into the game, the atmosphere was nice, and the service was great. Parking wasn’t too much of a bother, and for Sunday games it’s great since all the meters on Haight are free (and probably open that early).
Kezar Pub (not to be confused with Kezar Bar - seriously) is right across the street from Kezar Stadium. Here’s the info: 770 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117 ยท 415-386-9292.
I want to meet up with the group to watch us stick it to United - name the place and I’m there!
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
newbie here… and I am looking forward to watching tomorrow’s match at Maggie McGarry’s early in the morning. I’m just hoping they open the Guinness taps before kick-off…
November 2nd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Just checked the football hotline for Mad Dog and Kezar. Both are showing the match live at 5:40am with reshows at noon (Mad Dog) and 2pm (Kezar). Anyone planning on the live show at Kezar?