As I continue to find local venues to enjoy watching Sports, it was just by chance that I stumbled across the Beta Lounge in Downtown Berkeley. I was walking from BART up to the Cal campus when I looked up and noticed an intriguing store front with the door propped wide open and a Happy Hour sign on the sidewalk. I couldn't resist. As I walked in I was pleased to see that there was a Baseball game playing on flat screen by the bar. I was immediately served with a warm welcome and proceeded to the bar to find out what this place was all about.

As close to campus as this is, Beta does not emanate what one would expect. It's an open, comfortable space with works from local artists displayed, couches to relax on, and a nice selection of music playing to add to its ambiance. Though there is always Sports being featured, It is not your local Cal Student Bar, but rather a destination for Restaurant Industry people, Berkeley working professionals, and visiting Alumni.

Beta offers a selection of eight rotating Craft Beers and a fine selection of bottled beer, including some nice strong Belgium Ales. The cocktail menu offers Classics and Beta Originals which sell for $9 to $11. What a great deal, and it gets better. Beta has a Happy Hour,.... Read More.

I am excited to contribute to The Ultimate Sports Guide. I am a long time Bay Area operator of restaurants and entertainment venues and now have begun a journey to find the best places in the Bay Area to watch sports, eat, drink and enjoy.

As I continue to find some of the best venues in the Bay Area to watch sports and enjoy my experience, I visited several locations which did not make the mark. Then a colleague recommended I go to Fort Green in Old Town Oakland. Touted as an Upscale Sports Bar, it really piqued my interest. Fort Green is located at 736 Washington Street and is easy to get to, with convenient parking nearby. This place is pretty. High ceilings, rustic brick and wood décor with a nice bar, and plenty of booths and tables to gather round and enjoy a game. Fort Green offers an assortment of table games to play, a shuffleboard, and Hoop Fever, a really nice basketball game to challenge your friends to, and several large HD flat screens with incredible clarity.

However, what sets Fort Green apart from most places is an amazing display of sports memorabilia: Classic pictures of Ali, Pele, Bo Jackson ("Bo Did Know" -- millennials may need to Google this), and local sports heroes Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and RICKY! It's worth the visit alone just to see this wonderful display of vintage photos.

As I sat at the bar I was greeted by the bartender who gave me a menu and explained what beers were available. He also accommodated my request to put on the British Open. They have a nice selection of local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and a terrific back bar of spirits. The food menu is quite simple, with a selection of appetizers ranging from .... Read More.