Last call at Maggie McGarry’s is at 2 a.m., after karaoke singers have long lost their voices. But the bar will be hopping Saturday at 7 a.m., when it becomes one of the best places in San Francisco to watch the world’s biggest soccer matches. 

There is one more pivotal match before the World Cup kicks off next month in North America: the UEFA Champions League final. 

The winner of Saturday’s contest between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will determine the best team in Europe. Both clubs are coming off title-winning seasons in their respective leagues, which makes the matchup a genuine toss-up, even though the Parisians are the betting favorites (opens in new tab) because they won the continental title last year. 

Since the match takes place in Budapest, the kick-off time on the West Coast is 9 a.m. 

Viewers at home can tune in on CBS or Paramount+. 

San Francisco is littered with wonderful soccer pubs and sports bars that plan to open early that morning. Heed this warning: If you plan on going, make sure to arrive at least an hour before kickoff to secure a good spot. Even then, it might be standing room only. 

Here are some of The Standard’s favorite places to watch big soccer games.

Danny Coyle’s

668 Haight St. 

This Lower Haight Irish pub draws an eclectic mix of soccer lovers. Most places cater to one or two out-of-town fan bases, but Coyle’s is home to the local fan clubs of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich. 

When the U.S. played England during the last World Cup, and Man U beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final a year later, the place was packed. But there were enough screens around the room to give everyone a good view. Make sure to eat ahead of time, as Coyle’s does not serve food. 

Maggie McGarry’s

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1353 Grant Ave.

At night, this Irish bar in North Beach transforms into a mini live-music venue, with karaoke every Thursday. But every Saturday morning during the Premier League season, Maggie’s is home to the Bay Area Gooners, an Arsenal fan club that’s been gathering since 2006. Look how they turned out last weekend to see the North London club win its first English title in 22 years: 

The Mad Dog in the Fog

1568 Haight St.

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Not far from Coyle’s is an English pub that’s long been a haven for homesick expats and early-adopter soccer fans. Today, the fan clubs of Leeds United (owned by the 49ers) and FC Barcelona call The Mad Dog home on weekends. The Men in Blazers, the popular soccer media company, recently named it the fourth best soccer bar in the U.S (opens in new tab). A plus: There’s food, including all-day breakfast. 

Kezar Pub

770 Stanyan St.

Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park and the Panhandle, this bar and restaurant was streaming soccer long before U.S. media companies started buying television rights. Make sure to marvel at the server and satellite rack by the bar. Claiming to be the “official Northern California bar of the Liverpool FC supporters,” per a banner outside, Kezar is famous for its saucy Buffalo wings. The English breakfast is worth trying on a slower day when it’s not slammed. 

The Chieftain 

198 5th St.

Redevelopment and vacancies have surrounded this Irish pub in SoMa since the pandemic, but it still holds up with a cozy interior that — after a sip of Guiness or a bite of shepherd’s pie — transports you to Ireland. Doors open Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Golden Gate Tap Room

449 Powell St. 

This sprawling mecca in Union Square has huge screens and more than 100 beers on tap. The decor is retro and pays homage mostly to the 49ers, but a couple of trusted soccer nerds have said it’s a reliable (and spacious) place to catch a match if the pubs are overcrowded. Golden Gate Tap Room will open Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the final. 

Paname SF

523 Broadway St.

This new nightclub in North Beach is by no means a soccer joint, but the official PSG supporters club is hosting a watch party there. The Parisian-designed venue is sparse, but reviewers have complimented the quality of Paname’s full cocktail bar. 

Splash Sports Bar at Thrive City

191 Warriors Wy, Suite 102

The sports palace next to the Chase Center opened last year just in time for NBA All-Star Weekend. It’s home to one of the largest indoor screens in the Bay Area, which wraps around the downstairs interior and measures 1,400 square feet. Doors open at 8 a.m.