Sports Bars to Watch the Game
Plenty of TVs? Check. Good food? Check. Cold beer? Check. Be sure to check out our list of top sports bars in the area.
Sure, the list of requirements for a sports bar isn't very long, but as with any play, it’s the execution that counts. You can rely on these popular sports bars in St. Pete/Clearwater to deliver an unbeatable sporting event experience year-round.
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Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill, St. Pete
Looking for the best wings in Tampa Bay? You've found them in this iconic spot in downtown St. Pete. The blackened, bone-in wings are hands-down the best around, especially when paired with the sprawling layout of Ferg's, which has no shortage of TVs or fun activities to keep you occupied during halftime, like axe throwing and duck-pin bowling. Plus, it's walkable to Tampa Bay Rays games.
The Original Hooters, Clearwater
A sports bar list wouldn't be complete without THE Original Hooters in Clearwater. The famous establishment now has more than 420 locations in 29 countries, but it had its humble beginnings here back in 1983 when six businessmen collaborated to open the notable wing spot.
Capogna's Dugout, Clearwater
Tucked away in a Clearwater strip mall, you'll find a local favorite pizza joint that could be easy to miss on your way to the beach. Capogna's has both a family dining room and a bar area that is themed to local athletics. The delicious pizza alone puts Capogna's on our list, but it's a no-frills place to kick back and enjoy a game, too.
Abe's Place Tap & Grill, Clearwater
A bit off-the-beaten-path in Clearwater, Abe's delivers with incredible wings and a well-rounded menu, including more than 40 beers on tap. That pairs nicely with a view of a TV from every seat in the place, which is why its motto of "Where the locals go!" rings true.
The Tiki Tavern, Safety Harbor
For this year's Super Bowl, The Tiki Tavern in Safety Harbor plans music from the Frank Dancey Duo from 1 to 5 p.m. as well as drink specials and swag giveaways. But it always has 14 giant HDTVs and both indoor and outdoor seating for sports viewing. You can also listen to music by popular local bands every Thursday (until midnight), and Friday and Saturday night (until 1 a.m.)
Eddie's Bar & Grill, Dunedin & Bay Pines
Tiny Dunedin is known for its home-town charm and great craft breweries, but sports fans also flock here to catch a game at Eddie's, which boasts two large video walls and more than 50 TVs. Craving a hot dog? This is your spot as it serves up Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs (with a bit of a twist: they're served in a poppy seed bun). But you'll also find a huge menu, with handhelds, pub-style fare and even some healthy salads. There's also a kids' menu. Eddie's has a second location in Bay Pines, near Madeira Beach.
Pete & Shorty's Tavern, Pinellas Park
In Pinellas Park, Pete & Shorty's will put that Midwestern comfort food craving to rest as it's dubbed itself an "Iowa Bistro," which comes to life with its shareable slow-cooked Pork Shank, mashed potatoes and gravy. Of course, just like "up north," they celebrate every Friday with a fish fry. Oh, and they have plenty of TVs for the game.
Mutts & Martinis, St. Pete
Let your pup cool off while you catch a game with a cold one! Mutts & Martinis on Central Avenue in St. Pete sports an off-leash saltwater waterpark and splash pool just for dogs, along with nearly 30 70-inch TVs for sports viewing. After Rover's swim, get your fur baby a YoPup frozen yogurt, a cooked beef patty or a Cabone (chicken-wrapped beef marrow bone) for a treat. Humans can enjoy dog-inspired cocktails such as the "Muttgarita," and "Kibbles" such as cheese quesadillas or humus and chips. Note that dogs must be vaccinated and registered to enter Mutts & Martinis, and they'll need to be on-leash in the bar area. Before your visit, read up on all the details on their website.
The Avenue, St. Pete
With 100 TVs, two bars and two patios, you can catch any game while enjoying great food and delicious cocktails at The Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Weekend brunch includes a build-your-own, bottomless bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Enjoy live music by local bands and by several of the best DJs in the city.
Engine No. 9, St. Pete
Looking for one of the best burgers in Tampa Bay while you catch the game? Engine No. 9 in St Pete doesn’t hold back with its more than 20 burger creations, including The Saint, a short rib/brisket patty blend with muenster cheese, bacon, beer batter chicken, crispy potato pancake and creole mustard smothered with gravy. Wow! Giving it even more sports cred, it’s owned by Jason Esposito, who is the son of Tony Esposito and nephew of Phil Esposito, who are both in the hockey hall of fame and helped start the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Thirsty First, St. Pete
Thirsty First has Prohibition-era touches, including dark furnishings and natural-finished wood, but you'll find that the cocktails and menu are very much up to date, despite names harking back to speakeasies in the ’20s. Dishes include Prohibition Tots, one with macaroni is called Tommy Gun Shells, a burger that includes barbeque is called Dillinger’s Cue. The walls have lots of TVs to catch a game.