The 50 Best Sports Bars in America's Best Sports Towns

What do you need to create a sports bar?  Tap a keg and install a television?

What do you need to be a good sports bar?  Several tapped kegs and a bunch of televisions?

It’s easy to create a sports bar, or even a good sports bar, but what’s needed to be one of the best sports bars in America?

Having a large selection of brews, and a bunch of televisions, certainly helps, but it’s not enough. 

To be a great sports bar, you need to create an atmosphere that makes patrons feel like they’re part of something.  You need to make them feel special.  It also helps if you’re located in a great American sports town.

Below are 50 of the best sports bars in America’s best sports towns, all must-visit places.  Yes, the following establishments have a bevy of beer, and tons of televisions, but they also create a welcoming environment.  An environment that’s not only conducive to enjoying the big game, but makes you feel like you’re part of the team.

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan.  The Michigan Wolverines football team won the first Rose Bowl and is one of college football’s winningest programs. They love their sports in Ann Arbor. 

The Brown Jug Restaurant

Wolverines football is all about tradition and so is The Brown Jug Restaurant.  Named after the Michigan versus Minnesota football trophy, The Brown Jug has been an Ann Arbor fixture since 1936.  General manager extraordinaire David Root invites fans, families, and students to the Brown Jug and suggests that you arrive early on game days. You gotta try: Pizza Burger.

Gopher fans enjoy food and drinks with their friends at the restaurant, "The Brown Jug". Photo taken from their Facebook page.

Hot-lanta is a mecca of sports: home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta United FC (MLS).  The city also hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics and two Super Bowls.

Woofs Atlanta

Woofs Atlanta has a first-string menu and 27 televisions to watch your favorite team.  Woofs bills itself as Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, but they can also bill themselves as one of the nation’s top sports bar. They are that good.  Woofs gives back to their community and they are a completely smoke free establishment.  You gotta try: Woofs Nachos.

Atlantic City represents the state of New Jersey, home of the New Jersey Devils (NHL).  It’s also the state where the New York Giants (NFL) and New York Jets (NFL) play.  Although it’s not a sport per se, Atlantic City is the inspiration behind the classic board game Monopoly.

A’Dam Good Sports Bar

Located on the third floor of The Quarter in the Tropicana Casino, A’Dam Good Sports Bar is the place in A.C. to watch the big game, the big fight, or the big race.  AGSB has 26 televisions, four 110-inch mega screens, and one huge 144-inch monster screen.  You gotta try: $5 40oz beers.

Austin is home to the Texas Longhorns, one of college football’s most esteemed programs.  The Longhorns have won 32 conference titles and make Austin a great sports town.

Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill

Austin’s Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill is “Americas Only Sports Breastaurant!” The brainchild of genius restaurateur Doug Guller, Bikinis combines sports, sex appeal, and great food.  In case you still haven’t put it together, when you go to Bikinis you’ll be served by women in bikinis.  It’s sports with a view! You gotta try: Fish & Chips Platter.

Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill from their Facebook page.

Both the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) and Baltimore Orioles (MLB) call Charm City home.  The city is also home to the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s triple crown, and the headquarters of the Under Armor company.

Game

Situated not too far from M&T Bank Stadium, and just ten minutes from Oriole Park, Game has 20 televisions, a media wall, and six video projectors.  Not only can you watch the big game at Game, you can play games too.  We’re talking Donkey Kong, pool, table tennis, skee ball, and dome hockey.  You Gotta Try: One pound steam shrimp for $10 (every Tuesday night, while supplies last).


Outside of Game on 1400 Warner Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Photo taken from Game’s Facebook page.

When it comes to naming the best sports town in America, Boston is always in the conversation.  After all, Beantown is home to the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), and Boston Bruins (NHL).  Let’s not forget the Boston Marathon and the athletic departments of Boston College, Boston University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University.  The city also roots for the New England Patriots (NFL) and New England Revolution (MLS).

Battery Park Bar & Patio

Battery Park Bar & Patio was founded in 2008 and is part of Boston’s Financial District.  Their famous patio, when the weather allows, can accommodate 100 sports fans.  Their awesome general manager Eric Oest invites you to come on over and watch the Pats, Sox, Cs, and Bruins.  As you do, enjoy one of their 16 draught beers, signature wines, classic cocktails, and mouthwatering New England fare. You Gotta Try: Peanut Butter Pie.

Cask N Flagon

Across the street from Fenway Park, the Cask N Flagon might be the most famous bar in Boston next to Cheers.  If you can’t make it to Fenway Park or the TD Garden, the Cask is the next best place to watch the game.  They have a great menu that pleases the entire family.  One more thing, you’ll love the décor if you’re a Red Sox fan.   You Gotta Try: One of their signature cocktails like the Apple Jack Delight or the Sangria Flora.

Brooklyn is a special place for sports fans. The Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and New York Islanders (NHL) play their home games at Barclays Center in Prospect Heights.  You can’t mention the borough without mentioning the Brooklyn Dodgers.  The Dodgers played in Brooklyn from 1884 to 1957.

Banter

Banter is the place to go in Williamsburg if you’re into soccer.  Sorry, if you’re into “football.”  Tip back a pint and enjoy a savory pie while you watch the EPL or the Champions League.  The atmosphere at Banter is exciting.  You’ll feel like you’re right on the pitch.  Remember, Banter opens early for big matches. You Gotta Try: $3 Carlsberg Lager (during happy hour).

Chicago Bears (NFL).  Chicago Bulls (NBA).  Chicago Cubs (MLB).  Chicago White Sox (MLB).  Chicago Blackhawks (NHL).  Chicago Fire (MLS).  Wrigley Field.  Solider Field.  Need we say more?

Joe's on Weed Street

Joe’s bar encompasses 20,000 square feet and is found near Lincoln Park.  It boasts 120 televisions and several high definition video projectors.  After the game is over, stick around for some cool tunes.  Keep the young sports fans at home.  Joe’s is a 21 and over club.  Their drink and food menus are very impressive.  You Gotta Try: Wings.

Slugger's Bar

Slugger’s Bar stepped into the batter’s box in 1985.  Since that time, Slugger’s Bar has given Cubs fans an alternative place to watch the Good Guys play.  Located in Wrigleyville, Slugger’s has more than 30 televisions.  On their second floor, you can play arcade games, pop-a-shot basketball, and/or air hockey.  They also have batting cages. You Gotta Experience: Dueling Pianos.


Midseason fun at Sluggers in Chicago.  Photo taken from Slugger’s Facebook page.

Cleveland has some of the best sports fans in the nation, even with their recentWorld Series loss to the Cubs.  These faithful fanatics continue to cheer for the hard luck Cleveland Browns (NFL) and Cleveland Indians (MLB).  Fortunes can change, just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers.  They rallied to win the 2016 NBA Champions.  It was Cleveland’s first major championship in more than 50 years.

Dive Bar

Cleveland’s Dive Bar has 42 beers on tap, a bunch of televisions, and a live DJ every Thursday through Saturday.  In our introduction, we failed to mention the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Well, the Dive Bar never forgets the college football powerhouse.  In fact, they were voted the "Best Place to Watch a Buckeyes Game" by Scene Magazine.  You Gotta Try: Dogfish Head Romantic Chemist (subject to availability).

Texas A&M University is stationed in College Station, Texas.  The Aggies have three national championships in football and the men’s basketball team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament more than a dozen times.  Texas A&M popularized the concept of the “12th Man.” 

The Tap

Aggies fans pour into The Tap before and after games.  After all, The Tap is less than a mile from campus and Kyle Field.  The Tap claims that they’re “nothing fancy” but they are the place to go to watch Texas sports teams, imbibe cold beers, and nosh on a delicious repast.  We doubt you’ll visit The Tap just once.  Their vibe is just too good to only experience once.  You Gotta Try: Chicken Diablos.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and Columbus Crew SC (MLS) are the city’s two main professional sports team. The city’s most popular sporting organization, however, is the athletic department of the Ohio State University.  In fact, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team is one of the best in nation.

Coaches Bar and Grill

General manager Pat Leonard has taken Coaches Bar and Grill to astonishing heights.  He has assembled a top-notch staff, created a delicious menu, and installed more than 50 televisions.  On Friday’s, after the big game has ended, stick around for karaoke.  You Gotta Try: Their homemade potato soup or homemade beef chili.

The Dallas-area is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and their majestic home field, AT&T Stadium.  While America’s Team gets most of the attention, Big D sports fans also root for the Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas FC (MLS).

Time Out Tavern

On their website, the Time Out Tavern bills itself as the “best sports dive in Dallas.”  Be warned though, you might spend all your time there looking at the sports memorabilia on the wall and not watching the big game or hanging out with your friends.  You’ll always have a good time at the Time Out and their drink menu is definitely Texas-sized.  You Gotta Try: One of their three varieties of Balcones.

Press Box Grill

Press Box Grill is a family-owned sports bar that has 36 beers on tap, a gigantic food menu, and a 112" high definition television.  Press Box Grill is proud of their Lone Star State heritage.  They support Texas any way they can, including dedicating 24 of their 36 taps to Texas-brewed beers.  You’ll find the Press Box Grill in downtown Dallas in the historic Wilson Building.  You Gotta Try: Loaded Cheese Fries.


Press Box Grill is located at 1623 Main Street in Dallas, Texas.  Photo taken from Press Box Grill’s Facebook page.

Texas Truck Yard

The Texas Truck Yard is the most unique establishment on our list.  After all, there are few bars that dare to bill themselves as a come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground.  As for sports, all the pertinent games are on televisions inside the Truck Yard’s bar.  Later in the day, when the Sun has gone down, the Texas Truck Yard plays games outside on their big screen.  You Gotta Try: Cheesesteaks.

Daytona Beach is a mecca for motorsports.  It’s home to the headquarters of NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the Daytona 500.

Neptunes Sports Pub & Café

Swim over to Neptunes Sports Pub & Café for fantastic food and refreshing beverages.  There’s plenty of televisions to catch the big game or the big race.  In between contests, try your luck at pool, or get your picture taken next to a statue of Neptune.  You Gotta Try: Surfer’s Taco.

The Denver Broncos (NFL) have won multiple Super Bowls and Colorado Avalanche (NHL) have won multiple Stanley Cups.  On top of that, Denver sports fans also have the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Colorado Rapids (MLS) to support.

Stoney's Bar and Grill

Stoney’s Bar and Grill is an awarding-winning sports bar.  Their accoutrements include 31 televisions and two 120-inch projection screens.  This Colorado-themed establishment is inside a newly renovated building that features 150-year-old barn wood, brick walls, and a ski gondola.  Stoney’s might be the greenest bar on our list.  They also host live music acts. You Gotta Try: Mac and Cheese Spring Rolls.

Detroit is one of just 13 metropolitan areas that supports franchises in the four major sports leagues.  All but one, the Detroit Pistons (NBA), plays within the city limits.  These four sports teams (Lions, Pistons, Red Wings and Tigers) have won more than a dozen-and-a-half championships.  Most of those titles were won by the Detroit Red Wings (NHL).  That has earned Detroit the nickname of “Hockeytown.”

Bookies Bar & Grille

Bookies Bar and Grille has been satiating Detroit sports fans for more than a decade.  Visit Bookies to enjoy their amazing happy hour menu and terrific game day specials.  Watch Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, and Pistons games on their 16-foot HD projection screen or one of their many televisions.  If the game goes awry, step out onto their spacious rooftop patio. You Gotta Try: Bookies All-American.   

You can’t have a list of the best sports towns and not include the home of the Cameron Crazies. The Cameron Crazies are fans of one of the best men’s college basketball programs in the nation, the Duke Blue Devils.

Tobacco Road Sports Café

The Amra brothers say that their establishment is not a sports bar.  That makes sense, since it’s the Tobacco Road Sports Café and not the “Tobacco Road Sports Bar.”  Nonetheless, The Tobacco Road Sports Café is fueled by passions for food and sports.  Televisions deliver the big games while the Amra brothers deliver a menu featuring fresh, locally-sourced food.  You Gotta Try: Demon Deacon Pasta.


Tobacco Road Sports Café is located at 280 S Mangum St. in Durham, North Carolina.  Photo taken from Tobacco Road’s Facebook page

Whenever you hear a sportscaster utter the phrase: “the frozen tundra,” they are referring to the cathedral of professional football, Lambeau Field.  Lambeau Field is home of the legendary Green Bay Packers, arguably the most popular franchise in the NFL.

Stadium View Bar & Grille

Standing in the shadows of Lambeau Field is the Stadium View Bar & Grille.  This award-winning sports bar is the go-to-destination before and after Packers games.  After all, it’s located on Holmgren Way.  Established in 1992, Stadium View is renowned for its attentive customer service, unique atmosphere, and scrumptious menu.  You Gotta Try: All you can eat fish fry (Fridays).

The Houston Rockets (NBA) won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.  Their 1995 run might be the greatest championship run of all-time.  Other professional sports teams in Houston include Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB), and Houston Dynamo (MLS).  The city also hosts the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park, or “The Park,” is much more than an exalted sports bar.  It’s also a live music venue and a lounge.  The park boasts 45 televisions, a super patio, and a hookah lounge.  Check out their website for a list of events; there’s always something going on at Prospect Park.  For example, Tuesday is poker night.  You Gotta Try: The Best Damn Wings.

Indianapolis is known for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500.  Oh yeah, they are also known for the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and Indiana Pacers (NBA).  What many people don’t know, is Indianapolis has earned the moniker of "Amateur Sports Capital of the World."

Average Joe's Sports Pub and Grub

It’s appropriate that Average Joe’s Sports Pub and Grub is situated in the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World."  The sports bar is dedicated to weekend warriors; to athletes who didn’t make it professionally but still have the passion.  Bring in your own personal sports memorabilia (something you don’t want back) and Average Joe’s will display it.  How cool is that?  You Gotta Try: Average Joe’s Daily Specials (for example, Saturday is $1.50 tacos).

Ardent sports fans living in Kansas City root for the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), and Sporting Kansas City (MLS).  They also support the Missouri Mavericks, a minor-league hockey team.

The Blue Line Sports Bar and Restaurant

Interestingly, The Blue Line Sports Bar and Restaurant is a hockey-themed bar and the only one of its kind in the city.  A lack of an NHL team hasn’t stopped The Blue Line from becoming one of the best sports bar in the city.  It’s a welcoming place where you can watch the game, drink some beer, and meet hockey fans.  You Gotta Try: Pork Carnitas Tacos.

Buffalo may have the best sports fans in the nation.  How else do you explain the fact that the Buffalo Bills (NFL) have suffered through years of futility and still have a legion of supporters?  The same can be said of their NHL team, the Buffalo Sabres.

The Press Box

Thank you for the latitude as The Press Box isn’t located in Buffalo.  It’s in the adjacent town of Lackawanna, New York.  We weren’t going to let geography stop us from celebrating The Press Box.  The cozy sports bar invites you to watch Bills and Sabres game.  While there, grab a bite to eat.  Your taste buds will signal touchdown.  You Gotta Try: Press Box Loaded Curlies.


You’ll find The Press Box on Abbott Road in Lackawanna, New York.  Photo taken from The Press Box’s Facebook page.

Los Angeles has it all.  The City of Angels is home to the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS), and two Pac-12 teams (USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins).  The city has also hosted two Summer Olympics.

Goal Sports Café

Goal Sports Café subscribes to more than half-a-dozen TV sports packages including two for soccer and one for the UFC.  Furthermore, the only way you can improve on their entertainment system is to go to the game.  Quite simply, Goal is the best place to watch sports in L.A.  You can find this awesome sports bar on West 3rd Street between Orlando and Sweetzer.  You Gotta Try: GOAL Taco.

Churchill Downs opened in 1875 in south Louisville.  That same year, it hosted a little race called the Kentucky Derby.  The University of Louisville fields competitive teams in both football and basketball.  Of course, the city, like the rest of Kentucky loves its college basketball.

Rootie's Sports Bar & Grille

Every sports bar on our list has a great dish, but Rootie's Sports Bar & Grille may have the greatest.  That’s because they are “home of the best wings!” Their mouthwatering charcoal-grilled barbecued chicken wings come slathered in Rootie’s Famous Gourmet Barbecue Sauce.  The bar is also known for their gourmet blue cheese dressing.  You Gotta Try: Rootie’s Famous Wings.

Sports fans in Milwaukee vociferously support their beloved Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) and Milwaukee Bucks (NBA).  They also wear cheese heads and root for the Packers.

Champion's Pub

Champion’s Pub is a family-owned, neighborhood sports pub.  Spend time watching the big game, conversing with friends, and playing games like cribbage, shuffleboard, and Silver Strike Bowling.  You can also relax on their covered deck.  Don’t worry, there’s a television out there so you can still watch the big game.  Of all the sports bars on our list, Champion’s might be the quietest.  They want you to talk about the big game not shout over it.  You Gotta Try: Zombie Dust (it’s a beer).

Minneapolis is shared by the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), and Minnesota Wild (NHL).  The city also loves roller derby.  Minneapolis lays claim to three nationally competing roller derby leagues.

Huberts Sports Bar and Grill

How is this for a location?  Huberts Sports Bar and Grill is just 918 feet from the home plate at Target Field.  Located inside Target Field, Huberts is pretty much the only sports bar Minnesota fans need.  The bar employs 40 televisions, that’s ten for each of the city’s four sports teams.  Huberts’ menu has all your favorite bar food and their drinks will leave you refreshed. You Gotta Try: Deep Fried Lucy.

"Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?"  It may not be grammatically correct, but it’s widely chanted by New Orleans Saints fans.  In fact, “Who dat” is sometimes used a noun to describe Saints fans.  The city also says “Who dat” to the New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).

Cooter Brown’s

Cooter Brown’s was established in 1977.  Visit this fine establishment to watch Saints and Pelicans games on their 17 televisions.  Their menu is anchored by amazing hamburgers and po’ boys, but everything from their kitchen is spectacular.  Wash your meal down with a pint from their massive inventory of nearly 500 quality beers.  You Gotta Try: Raw Louisiana oysters.


A Saturday during March Madness at Cooter Brown’s.  Photo Taken from Cooter Brown’s Facebook page.

New York City supports two franchises in every major sport league.  Included among those ten teams are the iconic New York Yankees (MLB), New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL), and New York Giants (NFL).  The city’s Madison Square Garden is the world’s most famous arena.  Every year, sports fans attend tennis’ U.S. Open and the world’s largest marathon, the New York Marathon.

Finnerty’s

Finnerty’s is found in New York City’s East Village but it’s home to Bay Area sports: San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Jose Sharks.  The World Series trophy has visited Finnerty’s twice (2011 and 2013).  Known for their courteous staff, Finnerty’s allows you to choose from over 400 beers and you can watch sports on more than two dozen televisions.  You Gotta Try: Happy Hour (weekdays from 1pm to 8pm).

Standings Bar

Owned by Gary Gillis, Standings Bar is an intimate establishment that offers great beer and sports on its eight televisions.  Standings has all the major sports packages so you won’t miss one hit, pitch, dunk, or slap shot from your favorite team.  You’ll find Standings in the heart of NYC’s East Village.  The bar was established in 2005.  You Gotta Try: Free pizza every Friday night at 8pm.

The Orlando Magic joined the NBA in 1989.  They reached their first NBA Finals in 1995.  O-Town’s MLS team is the Orlando City SC.  Camping World Stadium hosts three annual college football bowl games.  Orlando is also home to several prominent athletes including Tiger Woods, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kaká.

Orena Sports Bar

Orena Sports Bar is found less than a half-a-mile from the Orlando Orange County Convention Center.  It mightg be conveniently located for tourists, but it’s 8,000 square feet of sports bar attracts a lot locals.  OSB turns their big screen televisions to all NFL, Big 10 college football, MLB, and NHL games.  During halftime, or intermission, beat your buddies at pool, darts, or table tennis.  You Gotta Try: Chicken wings.

When talking about the best sports town in America, Philadelphia must be in the conversation.  After all, Philly is one of only three cities that has their NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL teams play within city limits.  Philadelphia also has a MLS team but they play in nearby Chester.  The city of Brotherly Love also loves college sports.  Philly is home to five major college basketball programs and one Division I FBS football team (Temple).  Every year, they host the Penn Relays and the Collegiate Rugby Championship.  The city frequently hosts the annual Army-Navy college football game.

Field House

The Field House is a 12,000-square foot space situated inside the Philadelphia Convention Center.  Executive Chef Pete DeAngelis has put together a terrific menu of unique American pub fare.  Enjoy his gastronomical masterpieces as you watch the Philadelphia Eagles or the Phillies for example on one of the Field House’s 35-plus televisions.  Do you like beer?  The Field House serves 40 local draughts.  You Gotta Try: Snacks (double smoked bacon popcorn, fried pickles, loaded tots, etc.…).

Founding Fathers

The foundation of the Founding Fathers is chef Andrew Maloney.  His menu is sophisticated, but highly appropriate for the big game. Throw in twenty beers on tap, an amiable staff, and 13 televisions, and you have an upscale sports bar that’s classy but still has a “where everyone knows your name” vibe.  You Gotta Try: Super Fries.


The understated sophistication of the Founding Fathers.  Photo Taken from Founding Fathers’ Facebook page.

South Philly Bar & Grill

South Philly Bar & Grill is a wonderful place to watch the big game—every table has great sightlines to the establishment’s army of televisions.  The bar is located at Philadelphia’s most famous intersection, 9th and Passyunk.  That should sound familiar as it’s home of Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks.  South Philly has received numerous accolades including best sports bar in Philadelphia.  You Gotta Try: Ken's cheese steaks.

Phoenix hosts two annual college football bowl games and is home to one of Major League Baseball’s spring training leagues (Cactus League).  Meanwhile, Phoenix International Raceway is a favorite track of NASCAR.  If that’s not enough, there’s the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).

Half Moon Sports Grill

There are two “Half Moons” in Phoenix.  Windy City Sports is in central Phoenix in the Biltmore area.  The original location is the Half Moon Sports Grill found in north Phoenix in the Moon Valley area.  Both have plenty of televisions to watch the Cardinals or D-backs games.  The menu for Windy City Sports focuses on Chicago inspired cuisine while the Half Moon Sports Grill serves traditional game day cuisine.  You Gotta Try: Their award-winning wings (at either location).

Portland, Oregon is the largest city in the United States with just one franchise in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.  Yet, the teams they do have are passionately supported.  The Portland Trail Blazers sold out 814 consecutive home games between 1977 and 1995.  The Portland Timbers have sold out every home game since joining the MLS in 2011.

McGillacuddy's Sports Bar

All the sports bars on our list have televisions.  It’s pretty much a prerequisite.  McGillacuddy's Sports Bar, however, has 32" televisions at all their booths.  If that wasn’t enough, they also have 11 big screens.  Throw in their great food and wonderful staff, and you may never want to leave.  That’s why we agree with their website, McGillacuddy’s is “the best in burgers, ballgames & beers.” You Gotta Try: All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast (every Saturday and Sunday).

San Diego emerged from the 1960s as a bona fide sports town.  The San Diego Chargers (NFL) were founded in 1961 and the San Diego Padres (MLB) starting playing in 1969.  The city has hosted several Super Bowls and annually hosts two college football bowls.  Fans also support the athletic programs of three NCAA Universities.  The most prominent of these programs belongs to the San Diego State Aztecs.

True North Tavern

Not too far from North Park’s University Avenue, you’ll find the laidback sports bar known as True North Tavern.  This establishment boasts 25 televisions that have the capability to show all major sports packages.  True North has two full-service bars, two outdoor patios, 30 taps, pool tables, and a sincere, service-oriented staff.  You Gotta Try: Famous Original Loaded Tots.

1919

You know that team that plays tough, smash mouth football?  Well, 1919 is the sports bar equivalent.  They are a throwback.  The 7,000 square-foot sports bar combines history with great food and refreshing drinks to create memories.  They have more than 25 televisions and you can listen to the sound of any game on your smartphone.  You Gotta Try: Suicide Burger.


1919 is found at 560 5th Ave in San Diego, California. Photo taken from 1919’s Facebook page.

The City, and the surrounding area, root for several professional sports teams including the San Francisco Giants (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), and Golden State Warriors (NBA).  On the collegiate level, there’s the California Golden Bears, Stanford Cardinal, and San Jose State Spartans.

Players Sports Grill & Arcade

Players Sports Grill & Arcade is a sports bar on three different levels.  One, you can watch just about any sporting event you want on one of their 35 televisions.  Two, you can enjoy more than 85 games in their exhilarating arcade.  Third, you can sit in their Luau Lounge, sip an inventive Tiki cocktail, and watch the sail boats go by on the San Francisco Bay. You Gotta Try: Hot Chicken Wings.

Seattleites that support the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) are called “12s.”  The official supporters group for the Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) is called “Sounders FC Alliance.”  Those who call the Seattle Mariners (MLB) their favorite team are gluttons for punishment.

Quality Athletics

With a Pioneer Square address, Quality Athletics is a full service sports bar and restaurant.  The numerous televisions provide the sports while Chef Seth Richardson provides the delectable victuals.  The bar also features a slushy machine, a sno-cone machine, and a garden on the roof. You Gotta Try: Seahawks Sunday Brunch (available during Seahawks home games only).

Rookies Sports Bar & Grill

Despite their name, Rookies Sports Bar & Grill are veterans at the whole sports bar thing.  They love sports and they endeavor to serve their customers the best locally-sourced food and best-tasting beers.  They like to call themselves a rock and roll sports bar with Midwestern charm.  Rookies is also kid-friendly, a quality you don’t find a lot in sports bars.  You Gotta Try: Shrimp Po Boy.

South Bend is one of the nation’s best sports town for one reason and one reason only.  They are home to the greatest college football program of all-time, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Tap House on the Edge

Tap House on the Edge is found on the edge of Notre Dame University's campus.  It’s the labor of love of owners Phil Schreiber and Jeff Morauski.  They took a bar that was part of a chain and transformed it into a top-notch destination.  Tap House has 23 taps, a trendy but affordable menu, and an atmosphere that highlights not only the Fighting Irish but other sports.  You Gotta Try: Bite Your Face Burger.

When pundits talk about great sports towns, St. Louis is almost always in the conversation.  To fully understand why St. Louis is a venerated sports town, just attend a St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) or a St. Louis Blues (NHL) game.

DB's Sports Bar

If the following anecdote doesn’t make you want to visit this sports bar, then nothing will.  Every Sunday, during this NFL season at DB’s Sports Bar, if the Los Angeles Rams lose you’ll get half off your bill. DB’s Sports Bar is proud to offer great food, cold beer, and the lovely DB’s Girls.  The establishment also offers a shuttle, via a golf cart, to downtown sporting events.  You’ve Gotta Try: Honey Habanero Glazed Shrimp.


Patrons participate in a toast at DBs Sports Club. Photo taken from Db’s Facebook page.

Tallahassee may not be the first name that comes to your mind when the topic of America’s best sports towns is brought up, but it does deserve mention.  After all, the city is home to the athletic programs of Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

The Pockets Pool & Pub

Here are some of the things you’ll find at The Pockets Pool & Pub: four big-screens; 40 televisions; four electronic and six cork dart boards; six mini-bowling lanes; smoke filters that allow you to smoke cigars; and more than 17,000 square feet of sports bar.  One more thing, Pockets has 24 pool tables.  You Gotta Try: Pockets Philly Sub.

Raymond James Stadium is the home turf for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL).  The venue has also hosted several Super Bowls.  Tampa’s other professional sports team is the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL).  Across the bay, in St. Petersburg, are the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB).  The city also supports the athletic programs of the University of South Florida.

Hattricks Tavern

As you’d expect from a sports bar named Hattricks Tavern, all Lightning games (as well as Bucs games) are screened here.  Founded in 1997, and located in downtown Tampa, Hattricks attracts locals and tourists.  Both groups are drawn to their tantalizing menu of traditional pub food, a large selection of local and craft beer, and an amazing wait staff.  You Gotta Try: Chicken Wings.

Peabody's

Established in 1998, Peabody’s is family owned and operated.  Within their 15,000 square-foot entertainment complex, you’ll find 11 pool tables, 14 electronic dartboards, Golden Tee machines, an internet accessible jukebox, and four bars.  As for watching the big game, they have 70 televisions and several 10-foot big screens.  You Gotta Try: Peabody’s Famous Wings.

The district is home to the Washington Redskins (NFL), Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), and D.C. United (MLS).  Another popular sports team is the Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball team.

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Nellie’s Sports Bar is positioned in Washington’s historic U Street Corridor in a building that was the former photography studio of Addison Scurlock.  The bar takes its name from the great and great-great grandmothers of co-owner Doug Schantz.  All the big games are shown here.  The bar stages wildly fun events and offers can’t-miss drink specials.  You Gotta Try: Drag Brunch.

Public Bar

Public Bar is part lounge and part restaurant, but it’s all sports bar.  Its staff is knowledgeable, polite, and attentive.  The atmosphere is casual but with a good positive energy.  This is a neighborhood bar that’s worth a drive across town.  Public Bar has three levels with nearly 50 televisions.  The main floor houses Washington’s largest HD projector screen.  Can we say 240 inches?  You Gotta Try: Happy hour on their rooftop deck.


You’ll find Public Bar on 18th Street near Dupont Circle.  Photo taken from Public Bar’s Facebook page.