HAIGHT-ASHBURY. Fifteen televisions and great satellite reception ensure that there's always a game or match on the tube at this neighborhood sports bar. Regulars thrill to everything from football to rugby, and brief distraction is afforded by pool tables and dart boards. If you're hungry, the menu consists of basic bar food like hamburgers and wings. Plus, Kezar offers a variety of draft beers to wash everything down. On weekends, a hearty Sunday brunch regularly pulls in patrons.

HAIGHT-ASHBURY. Given its colorful name, there's little doubt that this place serves up a good time. The Brit-style pub offers heaping helpings of beer, soccer, and other sports, and once in awhile, it presents live musical acts. One of the place's biggest draws, though, is the twice-weekly trivia quiz, which pits folks against each other for fun and prizes. Pub food comprises the menu, and additional perks include a great social scene, happy hour deals, and a much-loved weekend breakfast, British-style.

INNER SUNSET DISTRICT. Billing itself as "a friendly pub," this neighborhood hangout does indeed have a relaxed, "come as you are" ambience. It boasts nine large-screen TVs, pool tables, dart boards, a terrific jukebox, sports memorabilia, and a great bar staff. When the game's on, it's especially pleasant, and you'll want to kick back with a draft beer (among the selections: Death & Taxes Dark Beer, Mucky Duck Pale Ale, and Stella Artois) and root alongside other sociable fans. The place also serves a kicking Bloody Mary. The one drawback is that the Duck can be fairly smoky, but if you're cool with that, it's cool with you.

NORTH BEACH. If you're in the mood for a stout ale or a tasty pint of Guinness, O'Reilly's should be your first stop. At happy hour, folks jockey for position at the bar, sipping favorite brews and munching appetizers. The outdoor patio is ideal for warm weather dining and drinking, or perhaps just enjoying a terrific Irish coffee. The food menu includes standards like steak and kidney pie and shepherd's pie. You'll also find live, traditional Irish music Tuesday to Thursday nights. Smart casual dress.

RICHMOND DISTRICT. Nominally an Irish pub, this casual establishment serves a number of entertainment needs. DJs spin music to dance by, live bands play, and pool, darts, and video games are there for the masses to enjoy. You'll also find a dozen international brews on tap, and happy hour (weekdays from 4pm till 7pm) makes drink prices even more affordable. Even so, sports reign on a variety of TVs, including two big-screens and three HDTV plasma screens. The breadth of programming means you can catch everything from Nascar to horse-racing, along with hurling, Aussie rules rugby, soccer, golf, boxing, and more. Although there's no cover, certain televised sports events may incur charges from $10 to $20. Casual and often rowdy.