The Valley Tavern

"This Noe Valley spot is an excellent option if you want to drink outside—and they are also serving Patxi’s Pizza, so you can enjoy a slice of deep dish with your beer, wine, or cocktail. The back patio has tons of picnic tables on multiple levels, and it almost feels like you’re in someone’s cool, semi-private backyard. Just note that groups here are limited to six max." - julia chen 1

"On the inside, Valley Tavern is a pretty standard bar, but it’s the back patio that makes it one of the best places to drink outside in SF. Viewed from the inside, it just looks like a tiny porch with a few seats, but once you head out back, it opens up into a multi-level space where groups of people can each have their own private area. On a nice day, it’s a great spot to come with some friends, get a few beers, and sit and watch whatever game is playing on the TVs outside. They let you carry food in too. photo credit: Emma Shepler" - Will Kamensky

"If you can’t decide whether you’d rather be outside today or watching a game, tell everyone to meet you at Valley Tavern in Noe Valley. The back patio is one of the best in the city—it has multiple levels to it, each with a large picnic table and TV so your friends can feel like they have their own private patio while everyone watches the game. But because of San Francisco weather, you might wind up inside, which recently got a facelift. Sit in one of the U-shaped booths for prime sports watching—they look up to the large TVs and sort of feel like being in a theater." - lani conway, julia chen 1, will kamensky

"Thirty-nine beers on tap, a grill on the back patio, and plenty of viewing room inside all contribute to Valley Tavern's elevated status as a comfortable neighborhood sports bar. There are 17 televisions inside and an additional six on the tiered outdoor patio, so you'll have no problem getting to watch your particular game." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff

"When it comes to great, low-key Noe Valley drinking spots, all roads lead to Valley Tavern. Aside from having a huge beer selection and really friendly service, this bar is also outfitted with a beautiful garden patio that’s miraculously never really overcrowded. It’s split between multiple levels and is one of the city's most chill backyards with plenty of heat lamps, picnic tables, and TVs to watch a game on." - julia chen 1, lani conway