Giants baseball is officially back. And unlike other years, heading down to Oracle Park for a home game is going to look a lot different. San Francisco is capping ballpark seating at 22% capacity (about 8,000 fans), and is also requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry, among other restrictions. If you’re looking to eat and drink something in the vicinity of Oracle Park, check out this list. It has 15 great bars and restaurants that are within walking distance of the stadium.
The Spots

Eko Kitchen is a Nigerian restaurant operating out of Merkado in SoMa. The menu has things like smoky jollof rice, asun (spicy roast goat), chicken with roasted red pepper sauce, egusi soup, and puff puffs. If you want to sample a bit of everything, order the Eko Combo. They’re open for takeout only, Friday-Sunday (no walk-ups, pre-orders only).

The instantly recognizable waterfront bar and restaurant on Pier 30 is only a 10-minute walk from Oracle Park. It’s also a great place to drop by when you’re in search of a burger, especially one on a tasty sourdough roll. Get your food, make your way to the back patio, and drink something cold while sitting next to the Bay Bridge in the sun. Red’s Java House is open for takeout and outdoor dining.

You can’t go wrong at Garaje, the Mexican restaurant and beer spot in SoMa. They serve zapatos, a delicious riceless burrito stuffed with jack cheese and fillings like steak, fries, and pico de gallo. They also have a phenomenal craft beer list. Other things you can currently (and should) order for takeout here: burgers, tacos, and carne asada fries.

We end up at 21st Amendment for a lot of the same reasons that we go to Garaje on a game day (or any day, for that matter) - good beer and solid food. The cubano and the burger are both great, and they also have things like tacos, pizzas, wings, and onion rings. You can order for takeout, or enjoy a meal and a drink on their covered parklet.

The big draw of this SoMa restaurant (and the reason we keep coming back) are their perfectly done chicken and waffles. But Little Skillet has a ton of other dishes you need to get to know, too, like a blackened catfish po’boy, shrimp and grits, and a fried chicken combo called The Works, which comes with a mini jalapeño corn muffin and a side of your choice. They’re open for takeout and outdoor dining.

The small batch brewery specializes in ales and lagers with the gluten removed, and what’s on tap tends to change frequently. You can order cans and growlers for takeout at their beer window (Wednesday-Saturday), or sit down with a pitcher or tasting flight on their heated parklet and sidewalk seating area. Black Hammer Brewing even has Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Reservations for dine-in are available here.

The casual Mission Bay restaurant overlooks the water and Oracle Park, which may or may not bum you out depending on how often you used to attend Giants games. The casual spot has plenty of patio space, including a rooftop deck. They also have chicken sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizza, and cocktails daily from 11:30am-6pm, and a Happy Hour from 3-6pm. Also, weekend brunch is from 10am-2pm. You can make reservations online.

Turtle Tower
Turtle Tower is one of our favorite pho spots in the city thanks in no small part to their beef pho. It’s served Hanoi style (without bean sprouts and minimal garnishes), and comes with fat, chewy noodles, tripe, and tender beef. Other options here include banh mi, vermicelli noodles, chao, and rice plates. Turtle Tower is currently open at all three of its locations (SoMa, Civic Center, and the Outer Richmond).

Casey’s Pizza
Casey’s Pizza in Mission Bay is a neighborhood spot that makes great Neapolitan-style pies. Start with the burrata, which comes with crostini and a nice lemony arugula salad, before making your way to the pizza list. They make everything from margherita to pepperoni and arugula to a funghi pizza loaded with mushrooms and fresh thyme. Everything’s available Wednesday-Sunday for takeout or sit-down on their parklet.
If you need to be reminded that you live in a place surrounded by water, head to Mission Rock Resort, a two-story restaurant and bar in Mission Bay. They’re taking reservations, but walk-ins are welcome. And if you want to avoid a wait, find a spot on their ground floor cafe. It’s got bay views, a full bar, and lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus.

The waterfront dive bar is a favorite pre-Giants game hangout spot. And now the Pier 28 ½ spot is a go-to for margaritas, burgers, BLTs, and fish tacos out on their patio. They’re open starting at 11:30am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.

Spark Social is a food truck wonderland located in Mission Bay, and a 12-minute walk from the stadium. Here, you have your choice of options like Al Pastor Papi, El Fuego, Koja Kitchen, and The Sarap Shop, which appear on a rotating schedule. You can simply pre-order online or just show up and order. And if you want to sit around a firepit, under a tent, or at a picnic table in the open field, you can make a reservation or walk up (first come, first serve).

At Woodbury, the drinks are strong and the food is great, especially if you’re looking for a spot to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in far too long. You could start off with a frozen Irish coffee or head straight for the food - their menu includes everything from fried chicken sandwiches to steak frites and fish tacos. They’re open for takeout and delivery, and are also accepting reservations for their outdoor patio.
Giants season or not, Brickhouse makes everything from great salads to an excellent burger. We like the honey-chipotle pulled pork with cheddar and red cabbage coleslaw, but make sure you don’t skip the onion rings. Brickhouse is open for indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout and delivery.