Baseball writers pick their favorite post-game spots

It seems like every year I get an e-mail or a phone call from an individual or group of guys about to undertake a tour of major league ballparks. Some people try to do all 30 of them over the course of a summer. Others focus on a handful in a region. Others try to catch Brewers games in different stadia. Just about everyone wonders if we are interested in doing a story chronicling their exploits.

Generally speaking, we don't.

Traveling to ballparks is a great way to spend time in the summer. (Trust me -- it's even better when someone else is paying). But, the idea isn't unique. It's been done. If you want to read about your trip, there is always Facebook, Twitter or your own personal blog.

With that said...

I would hope that people embarking on a ballpark tour vacation would try to see some of the other tourist attractions in the various cities. I also hope, as part of the experience, that they would check out some of the wonderful, baseball-friendly taverns that help give each town its own unique flavor. There are plenty of bars where you can debate the merits of a particular double switch over a double scotch on the rocks, so I thought it would be cool to come up with a list.

I enlisted the help of some of my favorite baseball writers to come up with a list of their favorite spots in some cities around the league. The panel included Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, Scott Miller and Danny Knobler of CBS Sportsline, Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, Jim Caple of ESPN.com, Jeff Horrigan, formerly of the Boston Herald, and Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse.

This is an unscientific survey, so we'll eschew the rankings and break it down by city.

ATLANTA
Manuel's Tavern
602 North Highland Ave.
manuelstavern.com
When the Braves were dominating the National League in the 1990s, this friendly bar became a favorite with visiting scribes because of its laid-back atmosphere, tasty food and cross section of clientele. The New York Times Magazine called it "Atlanta's quintessential neighborhood bar" and it was also received props from Esquire Magazine.

BALTIMORE
Pickles Pub
520 Washington Blvd.
picklespub.com
Much like the Orioles' franchise, this once-hot spot is losing a bit of luster but still draws a crowd before and after games.

Sliders
504 Washington Blvd.
A fun place to hang out before and after games.

BOSTON
Cask'n Flagon
62 Brookline Ave.
www.casknflagon.com
Remember when Yogi said "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded?" That's kind of the way writers treat the Cask'n Flagon. But, how can you go wrong when you're right by Fenway and immortalized by Robin Williams in "Good Will Hunting?"

Boston Beer Works
61 Brookline Ave.
Good food. Good beer. A decent atmosphere. This is a place that people might frequent even if it weren't located a short hop from Fenway.

McGreevy's
911 Boylston St.
mcgreevysboston.com
The signs say "Established 1894," but that comes with an asterisk. This bar, owned by Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey and film producer and baseball historian Pete Nash (a former rapper known as Prime Minister Pete Nice) is a replica of the very FIRST baseball bar in America, the Third Base Saloon. It was across the street from the South End Grounds, where the Braves originally played, and just up the street from the Huntington Avenue Grounds, where the Red Sox played. It was called Third Base Saloon because it was the "last stop before home."

The original McGreevy's was owned by Michael "Nuf Ced" McGreevy, the leader of the Royal Rooters. He was called "Nuff Ced" because whenever bar patrons got in arguments, he slammed a shillelagh down on the bar and shouted, "Nuff said!" The Royal Rooters switched allegiances to the Red Sox (Boston Americans at that time) after being slighted by the Braves in one way or another. They're the ones who sang "Tessie" in the stands during the 1903 World Series to distract the Pirates.

That is why Casey, whose band did a popular version of "Tessie" named the bar McGreevy's when it opened two years ago. It's already hugely popular with fans. The collection of memorabilia features originals and reproductions of McGreevy's pictures on the walls, and yes, the new McGreevy's even has on display the original glass portrait of the founder that greeted the likes of the Bambino and George M. Cohan.

CHICAGO
Billy Goat Tavern
430 N. Michigan Ave. (lower level)
billygoattavern.com
It's famous because of the "Saturday Night Live" sketch -- "Cheez-borger, cheez-borger, cheez-borger," but the walls of this place drip with Chicago newspaper history. Writers and editors have been blowing off steam after deadline for decades.

The Lodge
21 W. Division St.
Sure, there are plenty of more hip places to go. The areas around Rush and Division are "tourist traps." But, the Lodge has been a favorite for writers, players, coaches and scouts forever. There is no better people-watching spot in the city. Former Bay Area scribes Pedro Gomez and Steve Kettmann were known to take a detour through Chicago on the way to cover A's-Brewers series at County Stadium, just so they could say they had a beer for lunch at the Lodge.

Murphy's Bleachers
3653 North Sheffield Ave.
murphysbleachers.com
There are plenty of bars in Wrigleyville and they all have their charms, but Murphy's, located just steps from the entrance to the bleachers, is a particular favorite among thirst hacks after deadline.

CLEVELAND
Fergie's
2130 East Ninth St.
With a wooden bar and a black and white checkered tile floor, this bar -- located just a few steps from Progressive Field -- has a vintage feel that appeals to scribes who covered games at old Municipal Stadium. They sell gyros and hot dogs and attracts baseball fans and old guys who look like they've been anchored to the bar for 30 years.

DENVER
Blake Street Tavern
2401 Blake St.
blakestreettavern.com
Located two blocks Coors Field, this bar offers craft beers, food, and 20 HD screens.

The Sports Column
1930 Blake St.
denversportscolumn.com
The name itself is a dead giveaway. It's the place to watch games in LoDo (Lower Downtown).

DETROIT
Nemo's
1384 Michigan Ave.
nemosdetroit.com
This was a favorite stop for scribes leaving Tiger Stadium and it's still has a strong baseball presence. The neighborhood isn't great, but you can say that for most of Detroit's downtown.

Town Pump Tavern
100 West Montcalm St.
thetownpumptavern.com
Located in the ground floor of the historic Park Avenue House (formerly the Royal Palm Hotel), The Town Pump Tavern was established in 1996. The space had previously been occupied by a laundromat, go-go bar, and, back in the 1940's, a fine dining restaurant also called The Town Pump. It has a British pub flavor, but is popular with baseball fans.

HOUSTON
B.U.S. bar
1800 Texas St.
There is nothing particularly great about this place. In fact, it's rather spartan with a concrete floor. But, it's right across from the ballpark and the beer is cold and cheap. That alone makes it worth a stop on a muggy Houston night.

KANSAS CITY
The Quaff
1010 Broadway Blvd.
thequaff.com
Though it is located Downtown and not near the ballpark, The Quaff is popular with writers (probably because it's near the Downtown Marriott) and newspaper folk. You'll even catch a few umpires in there after games and you'll catch some intelligent baseball talk.

LOS ANGELES
The Short Stop
1455 West Sunset Blvd.
Just a dive bar down the street from the stadium. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy, but it's actually inhabited by hipsters and off-duty cops.

MINNEAPOLIS
Hubert's
601 Chicago Ave. South
Located just a stone's throw from the Metrodome, Hubert's was a favorite gathering spot for baseball writers seeking a quick postgame pop. Though it may fall out of favor now that the new ballpark is open, writers are creatures of habit and may still drift by for old time's sake.

PHILADELPHIA
Philadium Tavern
631 Packer Ave.
The bartenders are real fans and know their stuff. Chickie's and Pete's across the street is a solid choice, too, but it's a little more upscale.

NEW YORK
Foley's
18 W. 33rd St.
foleysny.com
Owned by an Irishman (Shaun), who is obsessed with baseball, this bar established itself as a Manhattan favorite after the closing of Runyon's, which was named after a legendary sportswriter (Damon Runyon). The vibe is friendly, the beer is cold and there are hundreds of signed baseballs on the wall from players, umpires and -- gasp -- sports writers!

PHOENIX
Don & Charlie's
7501 E. Camelback Rd.
donandcharlies.com
A must-visit stop during spring training, Don & Charlie's has taken over for the venerable (and closed) Pink Pony as a gathering place for baseball executives, writers, scouts and even players. Owner Don Carson, a close friend of Bob Uecker, has a museum-caliber collection of memorabilia to keep you interested while waiting for delicious steaks, ribs and pork chops. The liver pate appetizer alone is worth the trip.

PITTSBURGH
Park House
403 E. Ohio St.
parkhousepgh.com
Philly scribe Paul Hagen opines: "The picture of Honus Wagner sitting on a Pirates travel trunk is a good enough reason to go all by itself." There is also a cool painting of a bar behind the bar.

SAN DIEGO
Bully's East
2401 Camino Del Rio South
bullyseastsd.com
Located in Mission Valley, a short drive from the old Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium, Bully's became a favorite among writers and umpires, many of whom still make the trek out of loyalty even though the ballpark is downtown. The beer is cold, the prime rib is outstanding, but the baseball talk is even better.

SAN FRANCISCO
Double Play
2401 16th St.
This bar harkens to an earlier time. It sits across the street from the long-demolished Seals Stadium, where the Pacific Coast League Seals entertained fans for decades and spawned the careers of many a San Francisco-born Yankee, including Joe DiMaggio.

Lefty O'Doul's
333 Geary St.
leftyodouls.biz
Named after pitcher Lefty O'Doul. Food, drinks, a piano bar and a great baseball atmosphere.

Momo's
760 2nd St.
sfmomos.com
On the surface, this place seems a bit chic and trendy for humble hacks, but it is located next door to the ballpark and attracts a fun crowd before and after games.

SEATTLE
There were a few places mentioned, but ESPN's Jim Caple -- who covered the Mariners for years -- created the definitive list.

Hooverville
1721 1st Ave. South
hoovervillebar.com
Not an especially great place for baseball talk but a great, unpretentious bar very close to the stadium where club staff often go after a game. Very convenient, cozy, excellent selection of beers and good prices. Stays open late. It's my preferred place.

Jimmy's on First
1046 1st Ave. South
A new bar that has opened across the street from Safeco. Local radio shows frequently do shows form there post-game. Not a great atmosphere yet, but give it time.

FX McRory's
419 Occidental Ave. South
fxmcrorys.com
The grande dame of Seattle sports bars, it isn't nearly as popular anymore -- it can close surprisingly early due to lack of business -- but still a good place to go and talk ball. Great scotch/whiskey/bourbon selections.

Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South
pyramidbrew.com
Right across the street from the park. Excellent beer, not bad food. It's packed before the game with fans (and often a local radio show is broadcasting from there). Excellent place for ball talk, but closes way too soon after games, so don't count on going there then.

Slugger's Bar & Grill
538 1st Ave. South
sluggersbar.com
A narrow, tunnel-like bar across from the football stadium, so it's convenient. It was essentially Seattle's first sports bar and is still dedicated to baseball. Great place for ball talk, but it can be cramped. And because it's narrow, few seats face each other. It stays open relatively late.

ST. LOUIS
Missouri Bar & Grill
701 N. Tucker Blvd.
There are plenty of glitzier places, but this is a staple among baseball writers and St. Louis journalists. Post-Dispatch writer Rick Hummel has seemingly hosted visiting scribes at the Grill since the Cardinals and Brewers played in the ‘82 World Series. It's great for writers, umpires and scouts, because it serves food late and pours drinks until the 3 a.m. closing time.

Mike Shannon's
620 Market St.
shannonsteak.com
Located in the heart of Downtown -- across from where Busch Stadium used to be -- Shannon's is operated by the popular Cardinals broadcaster and features great steaks and seafood and an outdoor deck that gets packed before and after games. One panelist said, "The food is a bit pricey for writers, but it's a good spot."

ST. PETERSBURG
Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill
1320 Central Ave.
fergssportsbar.com
An institution in the area, Ferg's captures a mix of fans and regulars amid a great sports pub atmosphere.

TEXAS
Humperdink's
700 Six Flags Dr.
Just down the road from The Ballpark in Arlington, this place offers good food and plenty of TVs.