There are undeniable truths about living in Glendale. You will get stuck in stadium traffic this week. Probably at the outlet mall too. And you have to drive to Phoenix for a major concert or museum. But thankfully there is no shortage of great bar & grills in Glendale. While eating around the city, we found a lot of sports memorabilia, a concerning amount of Cardinals jerseys, and service that outshines the rest of the Valley.
Ric’s On 95th Sports Grill
$ | (623) 594-0900 | WEBSITE
There is a certain fantasy of sports bar living: you’re surrounded by massive screens showing every game imaginable, and the hardest decision of the night is which flavor of wings to order. Ric’s On 95th Sports Grill is the place to live out this fantasy. And if you’re prioritizing just one visit to this lively establishment, make it a karaoke night. The open space has so many TVs your eyes might be sore the next day.
The bar situation isn’t quite as stunning as the atmosphere (a few more reasonably priced drinks would help), so strategy is key. Camp out in the main dining area away from the small loud section to maximize your enjoyment, which is about $25 per person for wings and pizza.
Willy’s Bar
$ | (623) 486-2525 | WEBSITE
In a city full of polished bars, Willy’s Bar is a refreshingly unpretentious spot that takes its drinks and atmosphere seriously. This is a dive bar, so we’re talking strong cocktails, cold beers, and bags of chips. But when the TouchTunes jukebox starts playing something peculiar along with the regulars on any given night, this place turns into a hangout. And it’s probably the only reason you might see a diverse crowd from all backgrounds gather in one room (other than to watch the game).
Don’t mind them. They’re just here to shoot pool and see what a Big Blue Van in a frosted mug tastes like. The bar doesn’t serve food, so bring your own if you want to eat at a simple table under the glow of the TVs.
CHEERS TAVERN
$ | (480) 336-3486 | WEBSITE
In Glendale, a lot of bars try to be everything to everyone with generic pub grub and forced fun. When done wrong, this leads to forgettable nights with mediocre food and awkward vibes. But CHEERS TAVERN is the best example of what happens when this approach goes right. Fried pickles, Irish food on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday specials, and karaoke all live at CHEERS TAVERN. Somehow, they do justice to all of it. The experience plays with flavors, entertainment, and atmosphere.
Quick and delicious, plentiful and clean, welcoming and vibrant meet—sometimes all in one visit. We get if a place like this makes you raise an eyebrow. But give CHEERS TAVERN a chance to prove you wrong.
Times 3 Sports Grille
$ | (623) 561-3200 | WEBSITE
Glendale is known for its sports culture, housing 85% of the die-hard Cardinals fans, and its obsessive commitment to game-day rituals. But it’s also where you’ll find some very welcoming bar and grill restaurants, like Times 3 Sports Grille. This local spot is located in a friendly neighborhood and staffed by servers so attentive that it borders on family-style care.
This is the perfect place to go for a post-game celebration (the wings are game-winning-touchdown good), a casual lunch (get the triple decker club), or a place to bring out-of-town relatives (who are craving local flavor). Get the swatchos if you like a generous platter, and the cheesecake because it’s the kind of comforting dessert this place does best.
Charley’s Place
$ | (602) 439-1668 | WEBSITE
Burgers and the word “vibrant” don’t normally exist in the same neighborhood bar. But it’s a fitting description for this spot’s well-prepared burgers, which are a testament to flavor and simplicity. A lot of the experience here is like that, partly because these folks keep everything clean and affordable. The tender steaks and tasty bar food are also great, and they have a good beer selection that won’t make you sheepishly check your wallet.
Bring someone who will gently tell you your turn is up at the pool table while joining you on another round of drinks. This place is not a hidden gem, so prepare for a friendly but lively weekend crowd if you’re not just there for the arcade games.
The 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife
$ | (623) 842-1053 | WEBSITE
When you need a spot for a rowdy group of friends who want to watch the game (and don’t mind shouting over the music) or a weekend night when you’re trying to get everyone out of the house and actually talking to one another, head to The 44. It’s the kind of place where beers come in frosty pitchers—which your buddy from work will absolutely love. But the atmosphere is the most electric and fun part of the venue.
The 44’s entertainment spans two different rooms, with live music ranging from national acts on the main stage to karaoke with friendly hosts starting Thursday nights. It’s a full collection of activities, but the heart of the place is unmistakably the party vibe. So lean into the lively array of darts, pool tables, great sound system, and lighting.
Bar Louie – Westgate Entertainment District
$$ | (602) 609-5500 | WEBSITE
Bar Louie’s Buffalo Flatbread is crispier and more flavorful than typical bar snacks, with a noticeable kick from the buffalo sauce. It’s a lively full-service restaurant with plenty of indoor seating and an extensive menu that includes drinks, appetizers, and entrees—all served in a bustling entertainment district. Just look for the crowds heading to concerts at State Farm Stadium or the Final Four, and you’ve found it.
Go early if you want quicker service during busy events, as orders may take longer when the restaurant is packed. But the attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere make the experience enjoyable regardless of the wait (especially with their fantastic drinks and friendly service).
Jimbo’s Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (602) 298-1500 | WEBSITE
The team behind this sports bar started out serving $6 breakfasts with eggs, bacon, and cocktails to hungry regulars. Now, they’ve got their own spot with sports memorabilia, bar seating, and plenty of family-friendly tables. They offer quick service for anyone dining in, and Jimbo’s excels with its straightforward bar food that lets the excellent onion rings and potato skins shine. If you’re planning on securing a booth on Wednesday night for Bingo, arrive a bit early.
That lively atmosphere that started with the bartenders still shows up on weekends for Glendale’s finest quesadilla and burgers.
Padre Murphy’s
$ | (602) 547-9406 | WEBSITE
Here’s where you’ll find the best (and only) sports bar and grill in the neighborhood. The staff make you feel so at home, you’ll be tempted to stay the night watching games on the TVs. Please don’t. The bartender hustles about the dining room dropping off plates flanked with garlic fries next to spinach dip piled high. The server might stop by the table to ask how hungry you really want your French dip before she starts cooking it. She’s not wrong to inquire.
Those homemade chips aren’t for the meek, so wash it down with a cold beer. There’s no parking out front, but there’s a lot around the corner on Main and 3rd.
Kimmyz On Greenway Rock & Roll Bar & Grill
$ | (602) 938-9330 | WEBSITE
Karaoke is the headliner at this neighborhood bar and grill. But Kimmyz’s huge portions and friendly staff are the real reasons to come. Stick to classic bar food, order yourself some wings with celery and carrots, and bring friends who are down for a fun night out. Just know you might have to elbow your way through the crowd to get a turn at the pool table. Kimmyz is more laid-back (and louder) than your typical quiet pub.
But it can get just as packed on Monday nights with the karaoke DJ, so come early and prep those vocal cords for some rocking out.