Best sports bars in New York

For a college reunion vibe, head straight to 3 Sheets in the West Village, one of the city’s top sports bars. With its classic college bar feel, complete with board games and plenty of brews, it’s the perfect spot for catching up with friends.

Ideal for large groups, the two-floor setup offers game tables upstairs for beer pong and flip cup, while the bottom floor provides a traditional pub atmosphere with scattered tables and TVs. The service has a friendly, small-town charm, with regulars and staff on a first-name basis.

Frequented by New York University students, the atmosphere buzzes with energy. Just be prepared for loud music, which can either enhance the fun or overwhelm, depending on your preference.

Serving as the home base for notable groups like the Washington State Cougars Alumni Association, the Real Madrid and Dallas Cowboys Supporters Clubs, The Playwright Irish Pub ensures an electric atmosphere during their games.

Even on quiet days, sports are always on the screens, keeping the pub lively with both dedicated fans and casual viewers. The drink menu features a modest selection of cocktails and draft beers. Particularly enticing is the happy hour, running from 4-8PM, Monday through Friday, offering $8 beers, $9 cocktails, and wine—a great deal by NYC standards.

So, you had your heart set on catching a game at Madison Square Garden, but tickets are sold out or too pricey. No worries—just a few blocks away, you’ll find one of NYC’s top sports bars ready to step up to the plate: Smithfield Hall.

With its two bars and an impressive lineup of 26 TVs showcasing basketball, football, hockey, baseball, rugby, cricket, and track and field, this joint has all the makings of your new favorite hangout. While the bar shines with its extensive soccer coverage from global leagues, you won’t miss a beat of any game thanks to the multitude of screens.

And if outdoor viewing is more your style, Smithfield Hall has you covered with a heated seating area boasting eight additional TVs—making it the perfect spot to soak up summertime sports excitement!

If you’re looking for one of the best sports bars in NYC to get loud and have fun, The Stumble Inn fits the bill. The joint has music booming just about every day of the week so it’s a great place to bring a rowdy group of friends. There are beer pong tables and TV’s plastered all over the walls providing generous entertainment. You can easily lose track of time enjoying your company and taking advantage of the drink specials.

Yard House, a prominent sports bar chain across America, expanded to the East Coast in 2010 and now boasts nearly 100 bars nationwide. Despite setbacks from the pandemic, the chain unveiled its first NYC location in Times Square in 2021, showcasing a flashy and spacious venue befitting its iconic surroundings.

With an impressive selection of over 130 beers on tap and a diverse menu featuring everything from blackened salmon to nachos, choices are aplenty. As one of NYC’s best sports bars, Yard House offers ample TVs broadcasting classic American sports like football, baseball, and basketball. Thanks to its prime location it’s one of the busiest sports bars in New York City.

Located just steps away from Central Park on the Upper West Side, All Stars Sports Bar & Grill holds a special place as one of the best sports bars in New York City. Fond memories of rewarding myself with a brew after a run through the park flood back from my healthier days.

Despite its setting amidst towering skyscrapers, this NYC gem exudes the charm of a classic neighborhood joint. The walls full of screens ensure you’re never lacking entertainment as you dig into juicy burgers and crispy fries. When it comes to drinks, All Stars Sports Bar & Grill has you covered with a wide selection, but its claim to fame lies in its legendary bloody Mary.

For years, Mercury Bar in Hell’s Kitchen has held its position as one of NYC’s best sports bars. Its timeless bar fare consistently hits a home run, enticing locals to return time and again. Whether you opt for wings (a must-try), tacos, or a juicy burger, satisfaction is practically guaranteed, with fingers left licked clean by meal’s end.

Catering to diverse tastes, Mercury Bar stands out as a top spot for vegans, offering a commendable new vegan menu featuring plant-based meats and veggie-centric dishes. Plus, with a happy hour running from opening until 8 PM, folks have ample opportunity to snag some great drink deals.

With 17 televisions scattered throughout the joint, entertainment is abundant, showcasing soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Fans of the Penn State Nittany Lions will also find Mercury Bar a favorite. It serves as an official home bar where alumni gather on game days.

The Three Monkeys secures its spot on our list thanks to its standout dish—sliders. With beef, buffalo chicken, and brisket options, each slider is a flavorful, must-try delight that’ll have you planning a return visit before leaving your seat.

The bar, equipped with plenty of TVs, keeps you updated on major sporting events. While game days draw locals, getting a table is usually painless (good news since The Three Monkeys doesn’t take reservations). With two floors and a patio, the seating area remains spacious.

Boasting over 30 brews on tap, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a game with ample fuel. Despite being a Patriots’ home bar (boo!), the friendly vibe cements The Three Monkeys as one of NYC’s best sports bars.

Small but mighty, Standings in the East Village is one of the best sports bars in NYC. I know I’m not the only one who thinks so, the joint was named the best sports bar on the east coast by Sports Illustrated. There’s something homey about the bar.

Its postcard-size dining area is small enough you can hear most folks’ conversations if it wasn’t for the screaming and yelling at whatever game is playing. There’s no music, just sports and a good time. They have jerseys hanging from the ceiling and chalkboards with stats (usually about the New York Mets) giving it the full local sports bar vibe.

It’s truly a no-frills, straight to the point, cold brew-serving NYC sports bar. During the World Cup, the joint is packed with standing (no pun intended) fans cheering on the home team. Catering to a wide variety of fans, Standings covers the big three sports leagues—the NFL, NBA, and MLB—making it one of the best sports bars in NYC.

For one of NYC’s best sports bars, just look for the Empire State Building and head across the street to Legends. I brought a friend there for a Giants game a few years ago, and he still raves about it. The bar, situated at the foot of the iconic landmark, offers affordable drinks, tasty food, and a cozy dive-bar vibe. What makes Legends even more special is its role as the home of the Football Factory, hosting over 30 supporters clubs for soccer teams worldwide. Check their calendar and visit on game days to experience the lively atmosphere.

I have a hard time putting The Junction into a category, is it a pub? A sports bar? A cantina? Then I remember the drinks are served cold and strong and I think, who cares!

For fast and friendly service while catching the next game, The Junction stands out as one of the best sports bars in NYC. It’s an ideal spot for newcomers to the sports scene, offering a welcoming environment where you can enjoy various games on multiple screens.

Time seems to fly as you engage in banter with the neighboring tables. While the sports draw you in, it’s the helpful staff, laid-back atmosphere, and fantastic drinks that ensure The Junction secures its place on our list of the best sports bars in NYC.

Off The Wagon, another fantastic sports bar in NYC, exudes a lively college-town atmosphere, thanks in large part to the swarms of New York University students who frequent it. During the day, the bar is relatively quiet, with only a few folks taking advantage of the TVs to catch the game.

However, if you happen to visit at night, be prepared to party. The contagious energy at Off the Wagon, one of the best sports bars in NYC, might just have you breaking out in dance moves you didn’t even know you could do!

Among all the sports bars in NYC, Tap Haus 33 stands out as one of the most original, offering a unique self-serve beer experience. It’s like being a kid set loose in a toy store! Here’s how it works: Every Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 PM, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink beer for just $25 per person.

Upon entry, you receive a card to scan before pouring your brew, similar to a hotel keycard. With 40 beers on tap, you have plenty of options to explore. The bottomless happy hour also includes seltzers and ciders, making Tap Haus 33 an excellent choice for those seeking the best value among NYC sports bars.

With 15 TVs broadcasting the most important matches and games, you won’t struggle to find a competitive game to keep you entertained as you sample all the beer!

Stout NYC was founded in 2005 and has four locations peppered near Manhattan’s major transportation hubs. Over the years the bar made a name for itself and is now considered one of the best sports bars in NYC. The joint feels and looks like an upscale neighborhood bar, laid back and friendly.

It’s well suited for after-work drinks or meeting with friends for a casual evening out. There’s a solid selection of draft beers available, most of which come from New York. Plus the food is a step-up from typical dive bar quality. A growling stomach will find its match at this NYC sports bar.

If you need to accompany your beer with some entertainment, Stout NYC has plenty of TV’s playing major sports. All this to say, the easygoing atmosphere and easy accessibility make Stout one of the best sports bars in NYC.

Located on the Upper West Side Blondies has been the talk of the town for a while now serving some of the best buffalo wings in the city. Whether you consider yourself a sports fanatic or not, the wings will have you cheering for whoever is playing in no time.

But for those who take sports just as serious as their food, Blondie’s takes the crown when it comes to best sports bars in NYC. The atmosphere is lively, the food is out of this world and the staff is some of the friendliest in the game.

Everything you love about classic sports bars can be found at Blondie’s. And I’m going to let you in on a little tip! Make sure to snag a seat at the bar if you’re there to watch a game. It’s some of the best seating in the house and you feel like you’re in your own world.