By: Aishah French By: Aishah French | April 20, 2023 | Food & Drink
Football is to Americans as New York is to foodies: popular for a reason. New York is home to the Giants and the Jets, but that doesn’t mean our fans are Giants-Jets loyal. You’ve got a lot of players to keep an eye on, so we’ve got your back. We’ve scouted the best bars to round up some friends, finger food, and a round of cold drinks to watch one of the spiciest aspects of major league sports. What’re you waiting for? Gather your team and get your head in the game!
See also: The 24 Best Pubs In NYC
524 Grand St. 3503, Brooklyn / 347.725.4386 / Website
If you’re looking for a casual bar for a big group of friends, The Whisky on Grand is a good pick. Friendly to avid football fans, passive onlookers and sporty-bar-vibe enjoyers, it’s clear this spot knows it's good at being a classic sports bar. Keep an eye on their Instagram, where they post viewing parties and specials.
Multiple locations / Website
With 16 HD TVs, dart boards, finger-licking wings and the best view of passers-by, Blue Haven lovers might call it Blue Heaven. Try stopping by during the week between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to take advantage of their $10 lunch specials. Got a big appetite? They even have a food challenge for those who dare: finish their foot-long chicken & biscuits plate in under 30 minutes, and your meal is free!
12 Ave. A / 212.388.1464 / Website
What happens when you like football but your buddy likes boxing? Round up your friends and throw on your favorite merch, cause this spot may be your friends’ next favorite. Locals may know this Irish pub as the hockey lovers’ go-to, but it's also a hot hub for Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears fanatics. Kelly’s also features UFC and MMA fights for martial arts lovers! It’s open 365 days a year so you can get your sports fix anytime you feel the itch.
236 W 54th St. / 212.586.2080 / Website
Right in Hell’s Kitchen is a two-level jungle fit for three kinds of animals: the sporty type, the partygoer and the foodie. But what makes this location special is its private patio beer garden open for parties year-round. As the sun goes down, the music is turned up. They host comedy nights on the terrace every night with just a $10 entry fee.
Multiple locations / Website
Stout is there to catch you on your way back from a long day at work. With locations scattered throughout the city stationed near the busiest clusters of commuter traffic, each outpost offers a satisfying sports break any time you need one. From $1 oyster Mondays, and $25 bottomless brunches to $35 two-course group lunches, there’s something for every mood and occasion.
168 Orchard St. / 212.477.7771 / Website
Who let the dogs out? This sizeable old-school bar doubles as a nightclub, attracting a young and energetic crowd. Their 23 TVs and projectors are set to play the hottest matches while you bite into their beloved stuffed burgers or bacon egg and cheese sliders. They have a special deal every day to feed your boozy cravings at a good price, from half-priced espresso martinis to all-night happy hours. Even if drinking isn’t your game, the kitchen is open and taking orders through the night.
14 E 33rd St. / 212.889.9889 / Website
Calling all beer lovers: welcome to Midtown Manhattan’s first self-serve sports bar and your new favorite adult arcade. You read that correctly! Enter this sleek hub packed with sports lovers and curious new-experience seekers, all sitting together around a long wooden table. The walls are lined with TVs and 40 self-serve taps set with revolving beers and ciders. Load a Tap Haus card and you’ll be able to drink what you want, however much you want, right when you want it.
2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd / 212.866.4500 / Website
Hearty comfort food and a beer garden? Say less. Right on the crosshairs of 116th and Frederick Douglass Boulevard is the red-umbrella forest of the Harlem Tavern. Its menu scrolls for days, but the crowd loves the truffle burger. Happy hour is every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
86 N 11th St., Brooklyn / 646.956.3146 / Website
When the sun comes up and the shades flip on, bring your friends to TailGate! This outdoor bar, or adult playground, has everything from lawn games to DJ sets and, of course, beer and sports. If you’re a dog lover, prepare to see some of the cutest sports fans in New York. Although they love the Gators and Wolverines, there’s room for fans of all NY sports. Keep an eye out during football season for Big Game Sunday, where they host their very own epic watch party of the Super Bowl!
216 W 238th St. / 718.601.0204 / Website
Bronx Alehouse is a casual scene that has specials scheduled for every night of the week. If you’re the best darts player at every outing, try dart night every Monday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Or if you’re a fan of trivia, stop by on a Tuesday to exercise your fun fact database. Members get special offers on beer club night every Wednesday, with up to 50% off on draft beers.
212 W 79th St. / 212.362.3311 / Website
This buzzing Upper West Side sports bar is a long-time favorite for locals. If it isn’t known for the incredible crowd it brings together, it’s known for its buffalo wings! There are plenty of tables, but we recommend reserving ahead of time for busy nights. Be sure to check this out if you’re a Spartans fan, as it's a proud Michigan State Alumni Bar. Plus, it’s woman-owned!
304 Bowery / 212.253.7030 / Website
Sláinte! This one is for those of you looking for the best and fresh in-house pub grub. This spot has been a neighborhood favorite for almost 20 years, serving feel-good dishes like the cajun chicken sandwich or the crispy beer-battered fish and chips. Come by on a Tuesday night for $15 fish and chips and live traditional Irish music.
43 E 7th St. / 212.420.0671 / Website
This one is for those of you that are in it just for the sports. Its ceilings are dripping with memorabilia from player bobbleheads to news clippings. Walls are plastered top to bottom with pennants, bringing an authentic sports-loving vibe. If you come by during baseball season, get ready to see a whole lot more blue, white and orange (Mets lovers!).
329 Lexington Ave. / Website
Add this stop on your next trip near Grand Central. The Junction is a classic sports bar serving up bar snacks and plates loaded with the best comfort eats. They're best known for their burgers and sandwiches like their grilled cheese and tomato soup or their signature Junction hamburger. We recommend trying their shepherd's pie, a bar favorite for frequent patrons. Walk-ins are standard, but be sure to call ahead for reservations if you plan on bringing a big group.
16 1st Ave. / 212.510.8726 / Website
Bricks, wood and barstools are just the beginning to this sports bar. The Grayson boasts more than 40 televisions and several projection screens playing all major league sports games. The space converts into a nightclub at night from Thursday to Sunday, running parties to close at 4 a.m.
Why watch the draft alone when you can be surrounded by fellow fans? Whether you’re a hardcore fanatic or just a lover of the vibe, consider one of these spots for your next sports sesh.
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