Five Weekly Parties That Make You Feel Like You're At A Raiders Game
Fans cheer during the tailgating scene at Oakland Raiders games. But don't despair if you can't make it to O.co Coliseum or if the Raiders are on the road. Here are five sports bars in the East Bay that can make you feel like you're in the thick of the Raiders action.
Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill
15028 Hesperian Blvd.
San Leandro, CA 94578
(510) 317-0200
www.rickys.com
Among sports bars, Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill is arguably the heart and soul of Raider Nation. In case there's any question about that, autographed Raiders jerseys blanket the walls of Ricky's, considered one of the best sports bars in the country. On the menu are a couple of Raiders-themed items including Janikowski's Polish Cannon, a grilled Polish dog with tomato, pickle and onion served on a sourdough roll, and the half-pound Raiders Burger, topped with pastrami and cheddar cheese. Pre-game appetizers include buffalo wings, stuffed potato skins, fried zucchini, cajun popcorn shrimp, calamari, quesadillas, Santa Fe quesadilla rolls and chili.
McGee's Bar & Grill
1645 Park St.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-3470
www.mcgeesbarandgrill.com
Aside from 13 flat-screen TVs, McGee's Bar & Grill serves up a Sunday brunch that can help feed your football hunger. The brunch menu includes eggs benedict, steak and eggs and omelettes. If you're in the mood to get your drink on during brunch, try a mimosa, bloody mary or vanilla fizz. If brunch isn't your thing, order some appetizers. Among the specialties are clam strips, jalapeño poppers and deep-fried prawns.
Crogan's Sports Bar & Grill
1387 Locust St.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 933-7800
www.crogansbarandgrill.com
Crogan's Sports Bar & Grill bills itself as the "corner watering hole" in Walnut Creek. With 17 TVs, you can whet your appetite for Raiders football. You also can whet your whistle with an assortment of draft beer, bottled beer and wine. On tap in the food department are items like fish and chips, nachos, beef sliders, homemade chili and the Blarney Burger. Breakfast is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays and includes omelettes, breakfast burritos and Belgian waffles.
Grand Oaks Restaurant & Sports Lounge
3701 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 451-5253
www.grandoaksrestaurant.com
The football fare at Grand Oaks Restaurant & Sports Lounge isn't exactly the kind you'd find at the Coliseum. Highlights of the menu include omelettes, prawn scampi pizza, escargot, beef taquitos, chicken nuggets and chicken wings. If you're looking to class up your Raiders pre-game or game-time meal, this is a phenomenal choice. And in case you start feeling a bit out of touch with the tailgating scene, there's plenty of beer on tap.
Halftime Sports Bar
316 14th St.
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 836-4400
www.facebook.com/Halftime-Sports-Bar
Halftime Sports Bar is a new – and welcome – addition to the sports-bar scene in Oakland. For your viewing pleasure, the bar features about a dozen TVs. For your eating pleasure, check out the roasted veggies or the kobe beef meatball sub. With bar games to boot, you can find your own halftime entertainment until the game comes back on.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
John Egan is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
