Most assume Mesa’s sports bars are just loud, greasy joints with mediocre wings and flat screens. And they’re not entirely wrong. But a new wave is emerging. Beyond the typical game-day chaos, Mesa now boasts spots where craft beers flow alongside elevated pub fare and genuine community spirit. Here are the 12 best sports bars redefining the scene in Mesa, AZ.
Fat Willy’s Crismon & Baseline
$ | (480) 380-6307 | WEBSITE
There’s an unspoken Mesa rule that says any solid sports bar has to nail the basics while throwing in a few surprises, and Fat Willy’s Crismon & Baseline is the latest to prove the point. This sit-down spot in a bustling strip is casual enough to swing by for a burger and a game after work, but also lively enough for a rowdy group outing.
The menu has a mix of bar snacks, tacos, and hefty plates, but your attention should be on the standout items, which interestingly are better the more indulgent they sound (like the chimichanga described as dynamite and huge, or the steakhouse burger hailed as the best since the 90s with crisp bacon and a toasted bun).
The Woodshed II
$ | (480) 844-7433 | WEBSITE
There are just a few things you need to know about The Woodshed II, a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant in Mesa: Order the patty melt with crinkle cut fries, grab a seat near the pool tables to soak in the wall-to-wall sports memorabilia, and take advantage of the happy hour burger and beer deal.
This lively sports dive is the perfect spot to bring your friends after you finish watching the game and briefly show them what affordable, tasty bar food should taste like (with a reasonably priced drink in hand, of course.)
The Draft Sports Grill
$ | (480) 588-8988 | WEBSITE
This bustling sports bar has been a local favorite for years, thanks almost entirely to its prime location in the heart of Mesa. But as soon as you step inside, you’ll forget there’s a busy street outside. From the wide bar, stocked with craft beers and expertly made cocktails, to the bright dining area filled with big-screen TVs, The Draft Sports Grill is ideal for game day, and the menu is filled with classic bar fare that’s perfect for sharing.
Our favorites include the perfectly cooked burgers with hot fries, and the blue cheese buffalo potato chips, but if you need guidance, the friendly servers like Alex are there to help—and more than willing to pour you another drink, too.
Lucky Lou’s
$ | (480) 985-8259 | WEBSITE
First established as a local hangout years back, Lucky Lou’s is the kind of good-at-everything spot every neighborhood needs. The casual space maintains its Cheers-like vibe with a nice patio area, but the food remains as dependable as ever.
From pierogies and rotating daily specials to popular items like the Philly with beef and mushrooms, chicken Caesar salad, and freshly made zucchini, Lucky Lou’s is at its best during laid-back evenings (expect to wait for outdoor seating during peak times), but you can find something good no matter the occasion. The buffalo sauce is tasty, the salad sizes are generous, and dishes like grilled wings, onion rings, and chicken with lemon and capers are served in good portions with friendly staff.
The blackened chicken breast sandwich and fries come highly recommended, and the outdoor seating has easy sidewalk access. Overall, Lucky Lou’s remains a great place to enjoy good food and drinks in a relaxed setting.
The HUB Grill and Bar
$ | (480) 590-0382 | WEBSITE
Much like a championship sports team, The HUB Grill and Bar is a local favorite with a dedicated following. This lively spot offers exactly what you’d want from a sports bar, conveniently located in Mesa with plenty of parking and dozens of TVs. It forms a solid pick for catching any game, with each element offering something distinct, whether it’s the amazing pretzel app with dipping sauces, the must-try smoked wings, or enormous nachos that ensure you won’t leave hungry.
Even if you’re with a group of indecisive eaters, the welcoming vibe and friendly service from the exceptional staff will satisfy everyone, though be prepared for noise and limited accessibility for larger groups.
Diamond’s Sports Grille
$ | (480) 844-3888 | WEBSITE
What this casual spot lacks in polish (it’s tucked into a typical Mesa strip mall) it makes up for with its concept. Diamond’s Sports Grille is part sports bar, part neighborhood hangout, and part reliable weeknight dinner spot. In addition to the buffalo chicken salad and border burger, the friendly regulars and great vibe are a must-experience. The place arrives with plenty of open tables and TVs all around, which turns lively once you settle in with a game on.
There’s seating inside the typical sports bar atmosphere—which we’d affectionately describe as “local favorite functional”—but the shaded outdoor patio offers comfortable al fresco dining, so grab a table outside if you can, though note that smoking is allowed in this area.
Fat Willy’s Sossaman & Baseline
$ | (480) 354-0202 | WEBSITE
Nestled right on the golf course with a view of the greens, Fat Willy’s has long been Mesa’s best-kept secret for a casual, satisfying meal. Well, the secret’s out: From their make-your-own omelette for $12 (served with potatoes and toast) to their delicious vegetarian salads, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck spots in town.
The food is always good and the staff is friendly (get cozy in the bar area during karaoke nights), plus, they welcome little ones with open arms, if you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, too.
Blue 32 Sports Grill
$ | (480) 590-3569 | WEBSITE
Blue 32 Sports Grill is rightfully a neighborhood favorite. This consistently delicious sports bar has been serving some of the best burgers and wings in Mesa for years, maintaining its welcoming, Cheers-like vibe throughout. The impressively expansive menu here covers everything from fresh salads to unexpected chef specials, but the atmosphere is what truly stands out.
As soon as you arrive, order the signature Grilled Chicken Sandwich (it arrives quickly even on packed game nights) served with flavorful fries that are crispy and satisfying. We also typically opt for the mouthwatering Monti Cristos and expertly crafted cocktails like the Bees Knees.
R.T. O’Sullivans Sports Grill
$ | (480) 396-9933 | WEBSITE
R.T. O’Sullivans Sports Grill is a lively Irish pub on the Mesa scene that’s smack dab in the heart of sports bar territory. The pub fare here isn’t fancy, but the generous portions and well-executed classics make this one of the best spots for game day on the East Valley, if not all of Arizona.
Fish and chips is the house specialty, but if you want something heartier, try the fantastic Reuben sandwich: stacked corned beef on rye with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, which the friendly servers will tell you is the way it’s done in a proper Irish pub. The Buffalo chicken flatbread with its tangy sauce is another winner.
With horse races on the big screens and an off-track betting machine adding to the buzz, it’s the perfect place to watch football on Sundays, even if the atmosphere gets as loud as a stadium crowd. At around $15-20 for most entrees, you get great food, excellent service, and that lively pub vibe all at reasonable prices.
Fat Willy’s University & Hawes Viewpoint Golf Resort
$ | (480) 373-4444 | WEBSITE
While many might assume it’s part of the golf resort, Fat Willy’s is technically a standalone restaurant (so says its separate entrance). This common assumption is understandable considering it has all the elements of a resort spot: located just off the fairway, always buzzing, and home to a lively bar in the back. Regardless of its exact connection, Fat Willy’s is an ideal spot for a casual, friendly meal with friends or a relaxed outing.
From solid bar classics—get the deluxe chicken sandwich with pepper jack and the crispy onion rings—and breakfast favorites like the Heart Smart Skillet with hash-browns, to cold beers and fun trivia on Thursdays, you’ll have a great time. They also have great service and accommodating staff if you’re looking for prompt attention and good-sized portions on a busy evening.
Simpleton’s Restaurant and Bar
$ | (480) 890-8800 | WEBSITE
A true Mesa original, Simpleton’s Restaurant and Bar is a cozy spot right in the heart of the neighborhood that first opened its doors years ago. Fittingly, the outside is a charming mix of rustic signage and warm lighting, while the inside feels like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s welcoming living room (or are settling in for a night of laid-back fun).
The food isn’t anything fancy—it’s the usual assortment of juicy hamburgers and homemade potato chips—but locals don’t flock here for gourmet cuisine, they come to enjoy the lively atmosphere, sing their hearts out at karaoke on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, drink affordable daily specials, and get their fill of big portions without breaking the bank. Follow their lead.
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (480) 926-8500 | WEBSITE
Meet Mesa’s best option for game-day wings that just so happens to be veteran-owned. Time Out Sports Bar & Grill’s welcoming space is right off the parking lot, and it feels like the neighborhood version of your favorite sports hangout. Expect honey hot wings, fish and chips, and bar snacks that, for the most part, hold up against their chain-restaurant counterparts. We especially love the boneless wings, which beat whatever you’d find at your average sports bar.
Grab a seat on a weekend when the 80s tunes are pumping to make the most of the friendly service and hopefully impress those buddies you’ve been trying to get together with. Just skip the tiny hot dogs—they’re better suited for a baseball game than a proper meal.