When you're gearing up for a game at Petco Park, every true fan knows the night doesn’t begin at the ballpark—it starts with the pregame. And there's no better launchpad for your epic San Diego night than Time Out Sports Tavern.
Located just a short walk from Petco Park, Time Out offers the ultimate pregame destination for baseball lovers, beer enthusiasts, and anyone who knows that the best memories happen before the first pitch is even thrown.
Downtown San Diego has no shortage of bars, but Time Out stands out for a few simple reasons:
No cover charge ever (seriously, never)
Fast service, so you won't miss the opening pitch
Affordable happy hour specials that let you ball out without breaking the bank
Tons of TVs so you can catch pre-game analysis while sipping a cold one
Vibrant energy with a crowd that’s just as hyped for the night ahead
It’s a natural gathering point for Padres fans, out-of-towners, and Gaslamp locals all rolling into the evening full of excitement.
1. Roll in Early for Happy Hour
Hit their Downtown San Diego Happy Hour specials to start strong. Whether you’re after sliders, loaded nachos, or a tower of wings, Time Out delivers both quantity and quality. Pair it with a craft beer or signature cocktail to get your momentum going.
2. Get in the Game Spirit
Multiple big screens mean you can keep tabs on other games around the league or catch pre-game coverage from Petco Park itself.
3. Fuel Up Without Slowing Down
Unlike sit-down restaurants that kill your vibe with long waits, Time Out’s menu is built for speed. Grab a plate, a pint, and still have time to stroll to Petco before the national anthem plays.
Petco Park is literally minutes away by foot. No rideshare. No stressing about parking lots. Just a smooth, easy walk through one of America’s most beautiful downtowns.
This is key because bar crawls should never involve wasted time. At Time Out, you’re fueling up and moving out fast. Perfect if you want to squeeze in a few more stops before first pitch.
The bites at Time Out aren’t your typical “bar food.” Here’s what pregamers swear by:
Loaded tater tots (a must)
Buffalo chicken sliders
Street tacos you’ll definitely wish you ordered more of
Fresh pretzels with house-made beer cheese
Quick to order, quick to eat, packed with flavor. Exactly what you want when you’re pacing yourself for a long night of baseball and brews.
Start light or start strong—it’s your call:
Local IPAs and craft brews on tap
Specialty cocktails like the Timeout Mule and San Diego Sunset
Shot specials if you're taking it up a notch before heading to the game
And yes, the bartenders here know exactly how to keep it moving fast when the crowd heats up. No waiting, no frustration, just full glasses and good times.
Some pregames feel rushed. This one feels relaxed and rowdy all at once.
Come in early enough and you might even be tempted to hang back after the game too—because when the night’s still young and the drinks are still flowing, Time Out turns into a post-game party hub with music, laughter, and people rehashing every big moment from the night’s matchup.
Not headed to a Padres game? Time Out still delivers for major nights like:
NHL Playoffs
NBA Finals
MLB All-Star Game
NFL Draft and Regular Season Kickoff
Indianapolis 500 Weekend
With wall-to-wall TV screens, surround sound, and fans everywhere, it’s basically Petco Park energy without the stadium seating.
If you’re serious about making your San Diego night unforgettable, starting at Time Out Sports Tavern isn’t optional—it’s essential.
From the first drink to the first inning, from pregame buzz to postgame victory shots, Time Out isn’t just a bar. It’s your official headquarters for everything you love about Downtown San Diego nights.
👉 Ready for the full Downtown party experience? Don’t miss what comes next—read No Cover? No Problem! Downtown’s Best Party Vibe Awaits and discover why Time Out Sports Tavern is the heartbeat of San Diego nightlife.