San Diego pub named top sports bar in U.S. by Yelp reviewers

Shakespeare Pub & Grille, a San Diego dining and drinking staple for more than three decades, has been named the No. 1 sports bar in the country by Yelp.

The widely used consumer review platform released a list of the top 100 sports bars in the U.S., timed to coincide with the start of the World Cup, which already is a big draw for sports-centric bars.

The British-themed eatery, which first opened in 1990, is gearing up for what it said will be popular games Friday when the U.S. will be playing, and also Saturday when Scotland will face off against Haiti. But the latest accolade already has fueled lines out the door.

General Manager Nikkie McEwan-Beatty said Thursday she had to open the pub’s doors earlier than normal after a huge line had formed 2 1/2 hours before the start of the game featuring Mexico and South Africa.

“I think the Mexican fans are really passionate, and with the exposure we had with this recent award, that has also added to the excitement,” McEwan-Beatty said. “I expect it will be a historical event for us this year.”

Described by Yelp as a “A beloved San Diego institution since 1990,” the pub is a magnet for loyal fans, adds Yelp, who gather for “Premier League, Champions League, and even Formula One matches. The pub is famous for its crispy, golden fish and chips - ‘probably the best I've ever had,’” says one Yelp reviewer.

While the pub on India Street has long been known as a go-to destination for viewing soccer games, McEwan-Beatty emphasizes that the bar has always been very all-encompassing when it comes to the airing of different types of sports, as well as the diversity of countries represented.

“I think we got this (top ranking) because of the different sports we have shown over the years and the fact that we feature different countries,” she said. “We’re inclusive of everybody and every country. Our motto is ‘enter a stranger, leave a friend,’ and because of the atmosphere, it’s literally like being in a stadium.”

Hannah Navarra, Yelp’s San Diego community director, said part of the bar’s appeal is its long-standing familiarity among locals.

“San Diegans have known about Shakespeare Pub & Grille for years - it’s the kind of place where you show up at 8 a.m. on a Saturday to watch a Premier League match with a crowd that actually chants,” she said. “With the World Cup kicking off this week, there’s no better spot to experience the energy of the game. Its No. 1 ranking on Yelp’s Top 100 Sports Bars list is a testament to what happens when great food, passionate fans, and an authentic atmosphere come together.”

Yelp, in its release about the top 100 list, noted that the latest sports bar trends include elevated pub food, a variety of men's and women's sports, and a focus on soccer-viewing experiences with “immersive fan atmospheres.”

Yelp was able to assemble its top 100 ranking by first identifying businesses in the sports bar category on the platform that also have a significant number of reviews mentioning relevant keywords. The platform then ranked those spots incorporating several factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM.