Barfly Jason Genegabus

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Nothing can beat beer and baseball

The Barfly knows the appeal of enjoying a cold one while kicking back for a game -- as well as some of the top spots to do just that

LOOKING for a respite from the daily grind? The boys of summer are back, and you don't need to wait for the weekend to watch some baseball on television. In Hawaii, Major League Baseball games air on ESPN every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, and Dodgers and Angels games air regularly on FOX Sports Net. The time difference means night games on the mainland air during the afternoon here -- perfect for an extended lunch break or early pau hana during the week!

Here are five of my picks for catching a game:

Murakami Stadium

University of Hawaii – Manoa Call: 944-2697 or visit hawaiiathletics.com/sport.html?p=6

Murakami Stadium is the gold standard for boozing at a ballpark, since it's the only place in Honolulu where you can legally drink alcohol while watching a game in person.

Prices haven't gone up too much in the five years since I last wrote about this place; cheap seats cost just $7 (comparable to most cover charges in town and less than the price of a movie ticket), and you can always migrate to a better seat without much hassle.

While I miss paying $5 for a 32-ounce beer like I did in 2003, I'm still willing to spend $6.50 for the opportunity to sit outside with a cold one as the Rainbows do work on the diamond. The team's next home games are scheduled for the first and third weekends in May.

Murphy's Bar and Grill

2 Merchant St. Call: 531-0422 or visit gomurphys.com

This downtown mainstay is probably your best bet if you work in the area and want to get away from the office for a few hours. Parking is an expensive hassle, with the only affordable alternative being municipal lots that are located blocks away.

But Murphy's makes it worth the trip, often showing multiple out-of-market games in addition to normal cable offerings on its half-dozen traditional TVs and LCD screens. And there aren't many things that go better with a beer and the game than Murphy's signature Blarney Burger ($9). Just keep in mind that the kitchen closes after lunch at 2 p.m. and doesn't reopen until 5 p.m.

The Shack Mililani

95-221 Kipapa St. Call: 627-1561 or visit theshackmililani.com

While you can't go wrong with any of the Shack's three Oahu locations, there aren't many other options in Mililani.

More than two dozen people were packed into the bar here at 4:30 p.m. last Wednesday, but not all of them were paying attention to the Yankees and Red Sox on the big screen. Our bartender was efficient, but clearly more interested in her college textbooks than cultivating tips from customers.

Still, the Shack Mililani is a good pick if you live in the neighborhood and don't want to drive into town. Domestic bottles are affordable at $3.50 each, and an extensive menu is available.

Boardriders Bar and Grill

201 Hamakua Drive #A Call: 261-4600

After five-years in business, this Windward side watering hole is best known for its weekend ragers with live music and 20-something crowd.

Visit during the day, however, and you'll find a room that serves as the perfect getaway from the sun and heat outside. With only a handful of customers, the air conditioning works great. Multiple 27-inch TVs hang from the walls and serve as personal viewing screens while you sip on a domestic draft ($3) or 24-ounce "bomber" ($6) from the bar.

The kitchen at Boardriders opens at noon, with sandwiches and pizzas available along with typical fried items. Parking is plentiful in the lot outside.

Therapy Sportsgrill

Koko Marina Call: 394-8200

The newest bar on this list, Therapy Sportsgrill is a great place to catch a game if you have money to spend.

Sure, it's possible to just be a bar jockey and sip on $4 drafts of Pabst Blue Ribbon while watching a game. Just don't look at the menu, and try not to stare as servers bring out food!

It's hard to avoid the sushi here, with two dozen different rolls to choose from in addition to nigiri and chirashi offerings. The best stuff ranges from $10 to $20, which can lead to a pricey tab if you're not paying attention.

Flat screens line the walls, but I still prefer to sit at the bar for an unobstructed view of the televisions and faster service. Crowds are virtually nonexistent on Sundays, making Therapy a great place to watch ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" with a late brunch and a couple of drinks.