Tacos, BBQ and beer: New spot to tailgate for 49ers games opens this week
There’s a new spot to tailgate for 49ers games that will provide tacos, barbecue, beer, wine and cocktails in a massive space just a short walk from Levi’s Stadium.
Clara’s Junction, an overhaul of what was once a Carl’s Jr., will have its grand opening on Thursday, Sept. 26, when the 18,000-square-foot space will turn on the grills and open the taps just three days before the 49ers host the New England Patriots for a 1:05 p.m. PT game on Sunday.
“Clara’s Junction is a social gathering place for the vibrant and growing community of Santa Clara, featuring games, sports and entertainment, plus a variety of dining options for all groups and occasions,” said Tom Dillon, CEO of Apicii hospitality group.
The indoor-outdoor concept will provide a traditional American restaurant and bar inside while the outdoor area will provide tons of seating, games, TVs, a taco truck, Taz’s Tacos, and The Pit, a live BBQ pit that will host guest pitmasters.
Inside, the menu will feature items by chef Daniel Sharp, who previously cooked at Chez Panisse in Berkeley and the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Los Angeles, as well as abroad in Italy and Mexico. Items will include tuna poke bowls, honey glazed chicken wings and BBQ ribs.
The bar menu will include 20 beers from local breweries and seasonal rotating specials as well as wine and cocktails, including “The Pit Punch” with Firefly sweet tea vodka,
simple syrup, and mint.
Outside, Taz’s Tacos will serve chicken tinga, beef birria and baja fish tacos, as well as other specials. At The Pit BBQ, regional specials like Carolina pulled pork, St Louis style ribs and Korean BBQ short ribs will highlight the menu. The Pit also plans on hosting large format lamb and pig roasts.
Details: Located just a 10-minute walk from Levi’s Stadium and directly across from the Lick Mill VTA light rail stop at 2221 Tasman Drive.
Opening hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Pit BBQ and Taz’s Tacos are available Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and always on game days.
More info can be found on Clara’s Junction’s Instagram page.