The Blue Jays are returning to the Rogers Centre this Friday, but unfortunately lots of us won't be seeing Tulo, Bautista, Pillar and company in the flesh. If you slacked on getting tickets - or were just too plain broke - there are a few alternative places to root for the home team. Be prepared for all the beer drinking antics a baseball fan could ask for.

Here are my picks for where to watch the 2016 Blue Jays home opener in Toronto.

Steam Whistle Brewing
Steam Whistle Brewing loves to throw parties and the home opener is more than worthy of one. On Friday, the brewery will transform into a baseball lover's paradise, complete with a batting cage, DJ, $4.00 cans and bottles and game-style eats by the Food Dudes and Mama Raty.

Left Field Brewery
It should come as no surprise that Left Field is celebrating the home opener as the brewery itself is baseball themed. If you can't sweet talk your way into the Rogers Centre (and, sadly, you probably can't), post up at the east side tap room and watch the game. Bonus: it's teamed up with Big House Pizza for those who need more sustenance (check the special game day menu here).

Real Sports Bar
If you want to be surrounded by hundreds of fans, make your way to this sports bar mecca equipped with 114 beer taps, 200 HD televisions (one of which is 39 feet tall) and 25,000 square feet of space to cheer on the home team.

The Craft Brasserie
If your idea of a seventh inning snack is steak frites as opposed to soft pretzels, this Liberty Village beer bar could be the answer to your prayers. They have a staggering 120 beers on tap, the largest in the city, all of which are more exciting than the ones you'd pay $10 for at the Rogers Centre.

Prohibition Gastrohouse
This pub at Queen and Broadview has all the booze and beer options you could ask for. If you head here before game time, you can also take advantage of "Hooch Hour" pricing (between 5-7 p.m.).

Round the Horn
This newish Roncy bar is a good place to catch the game on the west side. Local craft beer brands dominate the menu, and baseball-approved snacks like popcorn and hotdogs are plentiful.

The Contender
This Dundas West sports bar has plenty of space, loads of TVs and plenty of beer to keep Jays fans happy. The sports memorabilia lining the walls and concession stand-style fare won't make you miss the horrid food options from inside the dome.

Folly Brewpub
This Littly Italy pub is a far cry from the Rogers Centre in the best ways possible. Instead of plastic seating and beer throwing fans, you'll find a menu stacked with eats like tempura battered haddock and a top-notch selection of whiskies and brews to indulge in while you watch Bautista not break rules when sliding into second base.

Tallboys
If you call Bloorcourt home, head to Tallboys for this year's home opener. The bar has 70 varieties of Ontario craft beer to pair with traditional pub fare. There's also a large projection screen - perfect for welcoming back the boys of summer.

Opera Bob's Public House
This well-loved watering hole near Dundas and Ossington is where to go to congregate with hard core Jays fans. It doesn't hurt that they have all the necessities for the occasion - cheap pints, decent food and big screens.

What did I miss? Add more places to watch the home opener to the comments.

Photo via the Toronto Blue Jays on Facebook.