Where to Drink at Bay to Breakers

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It used to be that the only drink preparation you needed to attend Bay to Breakers was practicing a polite request to others for a pull off their keg. Sadly, concepts like "public decorum" and "not urinating on everything in sight" have invaded the race, making it difficult for B2B participants to carry their own booze without risking legal trouble. If you can't or don't feel like coming up with a ten-point system for concealing your race-day tipple, here are a few stops along the route that can provide some needed liquid nourishment:


The Cosmopolitan (121 Spear St.): Situated near the start of the race, the Cosmopolitan is offering quick breakfast bites, orange juice, and (of course) a cash bar for those planning to make the full trek.

The Chieftain (198 5th St.): This Irish pub comes about a mile from the start of the race, and will be offering bloody marys, a special "Hayes Hill" shot, and other delights beginning at 7 am.

Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell St.): Hayes Valley's large event space will be offering $2 beers and a $10 beer-and-breakfast combo from 7-10 am. Its location is fairly early on in the proceedings, making it a good stop before tackling the buzzkill that is Hayes Hill. And if you've got a good group costume, be sure to show it off to the bartender: awesome ensembles win a free round of shots.

Madrone Art Bar (500 Divisadero St.): Once you've conquered Hayes Hill, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way, consider a pit stop at Madrone, which will be offering a great view on the race and plenty of libations. As the race cools down, they'll have a dance party from 2-6 pm, followed by a jazz session from 9 to midnight. As you trudge back from Golden Gate Park, be sure to keep in mind Divisadero's numerous $1-3 beer establishments, which are catalogued here.

ING Footstock (Golden Gate Park, Martin Luther King Dr.): The official race party will offer live music, beer and wine, and a crackdown-free place to enjoy a few drinks near the tail end of the race. It runs from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

Beach Chalet (1000 Great Highway): If you make it all the way to the end of the course, this Ocean Beach institution will have plenty of their house-brewed beer, food, and live music for your delectation.

Pier 23 (Embarcadero between Filbert and Lombard): A traditional B2B afterparty spot, Pier 23 rewards those who manage to catch an elusive Muni back to the beginning of the course. They'll have funk band Hot Pocket Crew, along with drink specials, for a $10 cover.

Sam's in Tiburon: Another popular option for finishers who make it back to the beginning of the course is catching a ferry to Marin. This outdoor restaurant has a great view of the water, plenty of tables, and a relaxed, chill-out atmosphere.

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