Where to watch the game in Boston

Watching the Bruins or Celtics, go to Sullivan's Tap. Watching the Sox, Cask 'n Flagon or Loretta's Last Call. Early soccer, Phoenix Landing. None of these promise a seat, so call ahead or get there early on a big night.

Bruins and Celtics: near TD Garden

Sullivan's Tap on Canal Street calls itself the pre- and post-game spot. Time Out's pitch is cheap drinks. In our Beer Index its typical listed beer is $10, so check the menu against that pitch.

The Alley on Pi Alley downtown is the backup. Time Out says games are shown on a huge screen. Ask what is on before you go, because the write-up also mentions Red Sox games. In our Beer Index a typical beer here is $6.50.

Red Sox: around Fenway

Cask 'n Flagon sits in the shadow of the Green Monster. Time Out says Sox fans of every age pack the sprawling interior. Time Out calls the sidewalk patio a must for people-watching around a game.

Loretta's Last Call on Lansdowne Street lists its location as Steps from Fenway Park. On Fridays it is open 4 PM to 2 AM. In our Beer Index a typical beer here is $7.

The Kenmore in Kenmore Square lists Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM. Its kitchen closes at 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday. In our Beer Index a typical beer here is $7.25.

For food after the final out, Tasty Burger Fenway is praised for a retro vibe and reasonable prices. Hours vary by day and season, so check its page.

In our Beer Index, the typical listed beer around Fenway is $8, across 5 bars, against $9 citywide. Pour sizes are mostly not stated, so read the menu.

Soccer: early matches and big tournaments

Phoenix Landing in Central Square is, per Time Out, one of New England's most popular soccer bars. The space gets packed on weekend mornings, so for a morning kickoff, go early.

The Haven in Jamaica Plain is a Scottish pub that Time Out calls a European sports headquarters, particularly for soccer. Expect a pub, not a stadium bar.

Neighborhood pubs for a big game

• The Corrib Pub in Brighton: Time Out likes it for watching a big game.
• Cathedral Station in the South End: it calls itself a gay sports bar, open to everyone.
• Dani's Queer Bar on Boylston Street: its site lists no-cover events including watch parties. Our Beer Index lists a typical beer at $8.

Game-night tips

• Eat before the late innings. Cathedral Station lists its kitchen as Monday to Sunday, 5pm to 10pm, and a long game can run past a kitchen close.
• Check the schedule. Start times for baseball, hockey and soccer change.
• Prices are as listed. Our Beer Index numbers are read from menus, so game-day pricing may differ. Where a bar has listed prices, its typical beer is quoted above and its source is on the bar's page.
• Know the ride home. See getting home after last call.