This bustling Fremont nightspot has a terrific street-side patio with outdoor heaters for cold nights, and a seemingly limitless selection of cocktails and beers for hot ones. The crowd is college-age and somewhat rowdy.

Dad Watson's, part of the McMenamins chain, has pretty good grub, a fun selection of board games and an outdoor area that fills up quickly in nice weather.

Watch European soccer matches on the telly while the bartender skillfully pulls a real pint of something dark and tasty for you. The interior is exceptionally green, the waitstaff friendly and the vibe unpretentious.

Good food and a great vibe — worthwhile even if the service isn't always great. We love the margaritas, which you can enjoy from an outdoor deck in the heart of hip Fremont, if you can snag a spot.

Here's a darn authentic Irish and English pub, the kinda place that stays open until all odd hours during World Cup soccer. It's neither too seedy nor too scenester-ish, and rarely too crowded.

In addition to its renowned British-style handcrafted brews, Hale's has delicious fresh pretzels that are made on the premises using brewer's yeast.

Nectar is no "boutique" bar or collegiate hangout, but an intimate venue in the style of Ballard's beloved Tractor or Capitol Hill's Chop Suey. Funk and jam bands, DJs and world beat groups provide its nonstop soundtrack.

Some decent microbrews are on tap at this Deadhead and fratdude-friendly joint just across the Fremont Bridge, but the real kicker is the roomy outdoor patio area in the summer.

An interesting crowd of old-school bohemians and young urban professionals gathers at this fun and unpretentious pick-up bar to sip tasty brews and cruise. Even though it's hemmed in by Fremont office buildings, the patio area is exceptional.

At ToST in Fremont, nearly every dish is served with triangles of spiced and toasted pita. Notable offerings include the Caesar salad, quesadilla and pizzas, as well as its specialty cocktails.