With the start of the MLB season upon us, it's time to head down to Safeco and see the Mariners try and win the AL West (or at least win a game). Before you get in the park, there are plenty of pre-game spots to grab a good beer. Here are some of our favorite watering holes for game day:

The Collins Pub - This is easily the #1 place to grab a good beer on the way to the M's game. They rotate beers so often that chances are what's listed on the menu is no longer accurate. A nice mix of styles, adventurous selections and a knowledgeable staff make finding something interesting a breeze. Great food. The cheese plate is always a treat, as well as the steak salad and Collins burger. If it's nice out, grab one of the four tables out front and yell at fans of the opposing team walking by.

Elysian Fields - The newest location of the well-known Seattle brewery pours all of the house staples, as well some specialty beers brewed on location. They usually have one or two beers on cask, and offer some guest beers (including some schwag macro beers for your friends). The food menu is limited but good. The room is huge, and you should have no problem finding a seat, or at least a bit of standing room. Great place for a group.

Hooverville - We just found Hooverville this past fall, so we've never been there before a Mariners game. But it's a relaxed bar with a solid tap list, great people and plenty of character. We have no idea what this place would be like before a game, but we'll be finding out soon. No food. Their website says they don't open until 2pm every day, so this won't work for most weekend day games (but is fine for opening day!).

Pyramid - To this Seattlest, nothing quite says Mariners baseball like grabbing a pint in the Pyramid beer garden in the sun before a game (must be our Wrigley upbringing). The Mariners must agree, as they recently made Pyramid the official beer of the Mariners. Right across from Safeco with enough room to accommodate an army, you can show up any time and get a beer outside. There are limited beers (Kolsch, Hefe, Amber & IPA?) and dogs/brats/burgers served outside. Full lineup of beers and food available inside, but there is always a line to get to the inside bar on game days. Stick to the beer garden. You can get a beer and be in/out within 15 minutes easy if first pitch is sneaking up on you.

Go M's.

Photo thanks to amatern on Flickr.