There’s no better place to watch a bowl game than at a sports bar (unless you’re actually at the game, of course). There are fervent fans cheering for your team, which means plenty of people to air high-five, as well as a good number of rivals to boo if the game goes south.

With the Rose Bowl on its way, here are eight sports bars worth checking out on game day. Whether you want to go “sports-chic” or “classic tavern,” these bars will surely help make the game worth watching.

JAKE’S BILLIARDS

38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 568-1602; www.jilliansbilliards.com

 Jake’s Billiards was voted Pasadena’s best billiard, best karaoke bar and second best place for a burger. That’s a lot of awards.

As one of the last pieces of the “old” Old Town Pasadena remaining (because much of it has been remodeled), Jake’s Billiards is part classic watering hole, but also part modern sports bar, with its new flat screen TVs just in time for game viewing.

Jake’s will be showing the Rose Bowl game, featuring drink specials and offering team trivia games with prizes. There’s nothing like sports trivia to help you get in the competitive mood.

THE VAULT BAR AND GRILL

2675 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 683-3344;

www.thevaultpasadena.com

 This is not the place to go if you’re the type to roll out of bed and head straight for the nearest pub in your ’SC pajama bottoms and “We’re No. 1” foam hand. The building was originally built as a bank (hence the name) and has now been turned into something that can only be described as “sports bar chic.”

Its stylish décor and diverse wine selection make it a sophisticated destination, and draw a young, well-dressed crowd. Their lunch menu includes all the classics – buffalo wings, chicken strips and popcorn shrimp, as well the more upscale fillet minion skewers and sushi plates.

Be prepared for ample polos, ties and dress shirts on game day.

GORDON BIERSCH

41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena

(626) 449-0052; www.gordonbiersch.com

 The setting couldn’t be better at Gordon Biersch. Located in a centralized Old Town Pasadena courtyard, Biersch is friendly and casual, but also a great place to get quality food and drinks.

Its expansive bar offers fresh brewed German-style lagers, as well as wines and spirits and a “made from scratch menu.” Their Mushroom Swiss Burger and Crispy Artichoke Hearts are personal favorites.

On game day, Biersch plans to have numerous drink specials, and it’s also a popular spot to stop before heading over to the game, so you’ll be surrounded by plenty of spirited fans.

MCMURPHY’S TAVERN

72 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena

(626) 666-1445; www.mcmurphystavern.com

 McMurphy’s provides a sports-centric tavern setting oriented for a young, hip crowd. On New Year’s Eve, the bar will turn into one big dance party, but on New Year’s Day it will be back to sports again.

McMurphy’s boasts award-winning chicken wings, Nacho Mamma’s Nachos and most important, their all-day breakfast burrito. Or, if you are feeling thematic, opt for some Irish stew. As far as drinks go, get a Guinness, and top the night off with an Irish coffee.

LEO’S ALL SPORTS BAR

2941 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta

(818) 249-5858; www.leosallstar.com

Leo’s All Sports Bar is everything a sports bar should be – Citysearch.com didn’t rate it the best sports bar two years in a row for nothing. It embraces its “All Sports” name with athletic décor, neon beer signs and a total of 20 TVs, one of them being a giant 104-inch projection screen, big enough to take up an entire wall.

Not to mention, the bar has a truly neighborhood feel, and there’s a good chance in an hour or two everyone will know your name. Leo’s has everything from ceviche to ahi tacos, so all will be satisfied.

Q’S BILLIARDS

11835 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

(310) 477-7550; www.qsbilliards.com

 As one of the best singles bars in Los Angeles, Q’s Billiards offers two perks for one destination – plenty of members of the opposite sex and plenty of sports. Q’s is a local hangout for (attractive) UCLA and USC students and alumni, so there will be many collegians to make the atmosphere exciting on game day.

With its two floors, there’s ample room for viewing, but the best spots have to be the booths located around the bar, which have their own personal flat screens. The menu at Q’s is basic, but serves its purpose – to fill you up on plenty of tasty, greasy food. During half time, you can take a break and play a game of pool, lounge with other fans on the plush couches upstairs or even grab a beer next door at Cabo Cantina.

TONY P’S

4445 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey

(310) 823-4534; www.tonyps.com

Walk in to Tony P’s and you’ll think you’ve stepped into a typical dockside grill. Walk a little further in and you’ll enter sports mecca – a room set up strictly so you can immerse yourself in all things athletic.

The seating is arranged so that every chair points to the televisions, so there’s never the odd man out with the bum seat. Tony P’s will of course be showing the Rose Bowl game, and while you’re watching, try one of their signature drinks.

The local favorite is Tony P’s Dockside Mai Tai with Captain Morgan’s spiced rum, Parrot bay rum, Whaler’s dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and a dash of grenadine. Afterward, you can head over to the restaurant for a (hopefully) celebratory meal right on the water.

SONNY MCLEAN’S IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT

2615 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica

(310) 449-1811; www.sonnymcleans.com

 Sonny McLean’s is dedicated to all things Boston – the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Patriots and yes, even the Boston Bruins, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be dedicating Jan. 1, 2008 to the Rose Bowl.

The bar has pub charm, without being headache inducing, and their long wood tables make for great places to meet fellow fans and become insta-friends. It features pretty much every beer you can think of, and topping the list, of course, is Sam Adams.