Sports Bars to Watch the Game

Looking for the best wings in Tampa Bay? You've found them 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 random activities to keep you occupied during halftime, like ax throwing and duck-pin bowling. And it's walkable to Tampa Bay Rays games.

Park & Rec has a bit of everything as its personality changes throughout the day. Think of sports bar meets arcade meets club with bar bites and pizzas with a massive selection of beer, including plenty of local pours. Be sure to bring your A-game for lifesize beer pong.

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 had its humble beginnings here back in 1983 when six businessmen collaborated to open the notable wing spot. 

Pete & Shorty's will put that Midwestern comfort food craving to rest as its 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.

This is a local favorite pizza joint in a Clearwater stripmall you would drive by every day without stopping on your way to the beach if you didn't know it was there. 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 the list, but it's a no frills way to kick back and enjoy a game.

A bit off-the-beaten path in Clearwater, but 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!" isn't a lie.

In between the seven craft breweries who call Dunedin home is Eddie's, which boasts two large video walls and more than 50 TVs to catch the game on. Craving a hot dog? This is your spot as it serves up Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs. Bonus: Eddie's also has pool tables, darts and video games.

Looking for one of the best burgers in Tampa Bay while you catch the game? Engine No. 9 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. 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.