This may just be the best time of year for hanging out at a sports bar in NYC. The weather is cold, most of us have left our New Year’s resolutions in the dust, and the Super Bowl is looming!
But there’s nothing wrong with that!
Hanging out at a sports bar on game day is vital to our society, and it’s no secret that it’s one of the only things that keeps many of us sane. When game day arrives we need three things: a rowdy place to hangout at, good food in front of us, and an ice cold drink by our side. Here are 10 of our favorite sports bars in NYC for catching the weekend game, no matter what sport it may be:
1. Blondies, Upper West Side
There are a few main criteria you think of when evaluating a sports bar, and one of them is surely its version of the classic food pairing for game-watching: buffalo wings. Blondie’s on the Upper West Side has long been rated as a top spot for the best wings in NYC. It’s also the go-to spot for college alumni clubs including Penn State and Michigan State. We recommend reserving a table for game day!
Where: 212 W 79th St.
2. The Irish American, FiDi
With homey, down-to-Earth vibes, an Irish pub is often the perfect spot to catch a game. Enjoy a pint of Guinness and maybe some shepherd’s pie while you kick back at this cozy local watering hole in the Financial District. They have tons of seating and even a game room with pool, ping pong and foosball if you need to a take a break from the game with your own game.
Where: 17 John St.
3. The Whiskey On Grand, Williamsburg
Where: 524 Grand St. #3503, Brooklyn
The Big Whiskey sports bar was started by three brothers in 2016 with the goal of providing “well poured drinks, tasty food, good music, a comfortable setting and great service.” You’re treated like a star no matter what you order, and with a menu full of options like loaded tater tots and lemon garlic wings, we’re guessing that will be a lot!
4. Break Bar & Billiards, Astoria
Watch sports, and play them too! At the 7,000-square-foot Break in Astoria, Queens, you can watch the game on one of 16 HD TVs and/or play the likes of pool, ping pong, giant Jenga, foosball, card games, and more.
Where: 32-04 Broadway, Astoria, Queens
5. Harlem Tavern, Harlem
You can get a full dinner here as the extensive menu includes entrees like braised short ribs and steak frites alongside hefty burgers, sandwiches, and flatbread options. During Monday-Friday happy hour from 4-7pm the sports bar offers $6 select beer drafts, $9 sangria, $7 house mixed drinks, $10 cocktail of the day, and $8 select red and white wine. Plus, there’s ample outdoor seating. You can also book a table in advance for the Super Bowl.
Where: 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd
6. The Bronx Public, The Bronx
The Bronx Public offers both an extensive drink and food menu, serving up items like quesadillas, tacos, burgers, steaks, and, of course, wings. They even cater to vegans with items like a vegan chopped cheese and a vegan quesadilla! Their drink menu is extensive, their vibes are great, and they’re a perfect game day spot. Just be sure to make a reservation if you don’t want to wait long!
Where: 170 W 231st St, Bronx
7. The Seneca, Ridgewood
This Queens pick comes from the sons of Lon Ballinger, who opened Webster Hall. Right on Seneca Ave, they offer rotating local and imported beer on tap, wine and kombucha, and homemade elevated bar bites like blistered shishito peppers, spicy fried chicken nuggets, and burgers with special sauce.
Where: 582 Seneca Ave, Ridgewood, Queens
8. Joe Broadway’s Billiards & Sports Pub, Staten Island
Voted Staten Island’s best wings with two full bars offering a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, Joe Broadway’s Billiards & Sports Pub is definitely not a bad spot to watch the game. Their wing sauce selection is extensive, offering up flavors like the classic buffalo and BBQ alongside bourbon, sriracha teriyaki, Jameson sweet and spicy, spiced honey, and more.
Where: 2178 Forest Ave, Staten Island
9. Industry Kitchen, South Street Seaport
Industry Kitchen is right next to the East River and boasts unobstructed views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges and Brooklyn Skyline. It’s a step above a typical sports bar, but they’re known for their brick oven pizzas and have three large TVs for screenings.
Where: 70 South St. at Maiden Lane
10. Smithfield Hall NYC, Chelsea
Smithfield Hall NYC is one of New York’s premier sports bars and grills, considered a restaurant/sports bar hybrid. It offers up New American small bites along with late-night cocktails to set the mood on a late night. But when game day comes Smithfield offers up 9 outdoor heated tables with eight TV’s for your viewing pleasure. Inside, there’s two bars with 26 TV’s so there’s no way you’ll miss a second of the game.
Where: 138 W 25th St