Best Sports Bars to Watch the Game

This award-winning spot takes over nearly two blocks in downtown St. Pete and was made for sports fans. Indulge in delicious food, famous wings and a variety of beer and drink options, all in a casual atmosphere with expansive indoor and outdoor seating. With more than 90 TVs, it’s easy to watch your favorite team and stay busy in between games with axe throwing and a virtual sports simulator. 

The Original Hooters opened in Clearwater in 1983, which spearheaded the iconic Hooters brand that now has more than 420 locations in 29 countries. The famous establishment plays to its sports fans with football fall specials and its signature wings and sauces. What’s even better, it’s located just minutes from Clearwater Beach and close to other entertainment venues.

This island-style sports bar in quaint Safety Harbor puts a laidback tiki-twist on the classic pub. Treat yourself to craveable American dishes and handcrafted cocktails with indoor and outdoor seating available. There’s always a game on the big screen TVs (with sound on!) in this backyard oasis. After the game, enjoy live music from popular local bands every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Tiny Dunedin is known for its hometown charm and great craft breweries, but sports fans also flock here to catch a game at Eddie's, which boasts a game room, three large video walls and more than 50 TVs. There’s a large menu, but some favorites are their juicy burgers, award-winning wings with homemade sauce or Nathan's Famous hot dogs with a twist (they're served in a poppy seed bun). Eddie's has a second location in Bay Pines, near Madeira Beach.

Five Bucks Drinkery now brings the party in three locations: its popular downtown St. Pete restaurant, and locations in Pinellas Park and Seminole. Home of the 32oz “Big A$$” drinks along with a long list of beers, cocktails and shots, Five Bucks is a place where every hour is happy hour. Bar food favorites fill the menu as well as comfort dishes like mac and cheese bowls and the Original Mac and Cheese Melt, which was featured on the Travel Channel and Food Paradise. Complete with 75 TVs, this social spot is game-ready when you are.

This upscale sports bar caters to the canines and their human BFFs. Mutts & Martinis on Central Avenue in St. Pete sports an off-leash saltwater waterpark and dry zone just for dogs, along with nearly 30 70-inch TVs so you can keep up with games while your pup plays. Treat yourself to dog-inspired cocktails such as the "Muttgarita," or “Dogtini” and enjoy a special menu during football games. Of course, there’s a “Mutt Menu” for your K-9 companion as well. Note that dogs must be vaccinated and registered to enter Mutts & Martinis and need to be on-leash in the bar area.

Your friendly neighborhood watering hole, The Niagara Tap Bar & Grill in Largo has a great atmosphere and hosts fun events including live music, karaoke and comedy shows. Catch a game as you enjoy a beautiful deck (covered and uncovered seating available) with lots of TVs. Savor the flavors of classic bar fare including chicken wings, Black Angus burgers and hand-tossed pizzas. (The kitchen is open until 2 a.m., 7 days a week.)

Looking to try one of the best burgers in Tampa Bay while you watch 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 the restaurant even more sports cred, it’s owned by Jason Esposito, the son of Tony Esposito and nephew of Phil Esposito, who are both in the hockey hall of fame and are founders of the Tampa Bay Lightning. You even get your own TV at most tables.

This elevated sports bar has taken over the space that used to be Thirsty First (which is relocating to Central Ave.) in the heart of downtown St. Pete. Named after the famous Abbott and Costello baseball comedy, it offers viewing of all college and NFL football games on 21 big-screen TVs. Cheer on your favorite team with game-day drink specials or try out the mouthwatering brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-scratch kitchen knocks it out of the park with menu items that deliver a fusion of Cuban and Southern flavors.

What this tiny establishment lacks in space, it makes up for with exceptional customer service and delectable eats. Locals say this place has the best wings and other favorites include pizza logs (deep-fried egg rolls stuffed with pepperoni and mozzarella) and the Beef on Weck (tender Angus roast beef piled atop a toasted Costanzo’s Kaiser roll). As the name implies, it’s a Buffalo sports bar, but welcomes all fans. Be sure to check their Facebook page to see which games will be broadcasting, and arrive early as seating is limited.

In Tarpon Springs, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a coastal Greek village. Johnny’s is known as the friendly neighborhood hangout with a cozy outside patio and inside bar where you can actually reserve your seat for the game. With 36-inch TVs, there’s not a bad seat in the house, and you’ll find a large food and drink menu, including 34 taps, more than 100 cans and bottles, a full bar and craft cocktails.

Former NBA star and Tampa native Matt Geiger is part owner of this upscale sports restaurant. The warm atmosphere showcases a collection of sports memorabilia, along with 24 TVs, plasma monitors and four giant 5 x 7-foot cinemas. Yes, they have traditional game day food, but the sushi is what’s famous here. Sunday football specials include all-you-can-eat burgers, boneless wings, hotdogs, brats and more for $35 from noon to 4 p.m.

Every night of the week at this popular sports bar is dedicated to a fun theme or event - and game days are no exception. Whiskey Wings takes pride in its daily food and drink specials, family-friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Live music is always on deck and mouthwatering wings, burgers and handhelds are on the menu. Enjoy the game at one of four locations: Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, St. Pete and Largo.

No matter what sport you like to watch, you’ll find it at Localz Sports Bar & Grill. Complete with the NFL Sunday ticket, NHL Center Ice, UFC Fights (no cover!), PGA Tour and more, this place is a winner for sports enthusiasts. With ample seating and 50 TVs lining the walls and bar area, there are great views of the game wherever you are. Happy hour and food specials are offered Monday through Friday, with brunch every weekend.