A sports bar is more than just a place to watch the game. It’s where you go after a tough loss, after celebrating a big win, or (as is often the case these days) after both. And while we can’t say that sports bars deliver better than, say, a quiet pub, when you’re in the mood for wings and camaraderie, nothing else will do. When this is the case, head to any of the 19 spots on this guide.
SideBar
$ | (617) 357-1899 | WEBSITE
Like a secret speakeasy hidden in plain sight or a sports fan’s dream come true, the SideBar experience might seem too good to be true. That’s because you can only truly appreciate it during a big game night, which they host regularly throughout the week. It includes their fantastic pub fare (like reasonably priced burgers and wings paired with cheap domestic drafts), arcade games, darts, and an eclectic atmosphere.
The staff is friendly and attentive, the facilities are clean, and the overall vibe is perfect for anyone looking to watch a game, grab a drink, and enjoy some delicious food without breaking the bank.
PKL Boston
$$ | (617) 315-7265 | WEBSITE
If you want more than just pickleball, consider visiting PKL Boston. This Somerville spot offers a lively experience that includes excellent courts, creative drinks, and delicious food delivered right to your table. Get some juicy burgers, flavorful wings, and tender ribs, too.
Rocco’s Cucina & Bar
$$ | (617) 523-4055 | WEBSITE
Rocco’s Cucina & Bar is actually serving up full-blown Italian comfort, which includes scratch-made pasta, homemade sauces, and the best bar steak in the North End. Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff not included.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (617) 442-7139 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar offers a varied menu with classic dishes like the combo featuring boneless chicken, quesadillas, mozzarella sticks, and chips with spinach dip, all available for dine-in or takeout. That said, our favorite is the boneless wings with the Hot Honey sauce recommended by Diamond—her laser-focused customer service made them absolutely FIRE.
But perhaps even more importantly, the spacious atmosphere and friendly staff create an amazing experience, with the manager checking in to ensure top-tier service.
Bleacher Bar
$ | (617) 262-2424 | WEBSITE
Bleacher Bar is not Fenway Park, but it’s not trying to be. While the stadium experience is full-on excitement with its roaring crowds and ninth-inning drama, the Bleacher Bar atmosphere is more like your favorite neighborhood sports pub. But the view, the sliders, the double patty burgers, and the maple bacon still shine, and make it memorable. And now you can enjoy that direct overlook of the iconic field even when there’s no game.
If you don’t want the classic burger, you can also get other bar bites, as well as drinks, souvenirs, and that lively, friendly vibe.
Tony C’s Sports Bar and Grill
$$ | (617) 666-8282 | WEBSITE
Tony C’s Sports Bar and Grill is situated right at Assembly Row, a shopping district that’s popular with the same crowd. And this Somerville sports bar is featuring Assembly Row’s parking (offered for free – nice perk?) for all diners and visitors. It has huge screens, attentive servers, and a fun atmosphere, and comes with a selection of beers on tap. The menu includes guacamole, burgers, and grilled chicken bruschetta sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients.
While the former manager, Tyrone, is no longer there, many still recall his positive energy. The restaurant stays a solid pick for eating, whether for a date night, quick lunch, or casual outing with friends.
Royal Rooters Club
$$ | (617) 226-6354 | WEBSITE
Royal Rooters Club is one of those legendary spots that you know about even if you’ve never actually stepped inside. Maybe because of its Fenway Park location, or because it’s been serving fans for decades. So, if it’s been on your ‘meaning to check out’ list, now seems like a pretty good time to do it. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Warehouse Bar & Grille
$$ | (617) 936-4383 | WEBSITE
Warehouse Bar & Grille has a solid menu full of American bar and grill classics – from steak and cheese eggrolls to Cajun shrimp tacos to sweet potato tots. They also have a standout signature cheeseburger with bacon. Available for dine-in and takeout.
Olde Magoun’s Saloon
$$ | (617) 776-2600 | WEBSITE
Olde Magoun’s Saloon is another sports bar that also has a very good shepherd’s pie on its menu. It’s crisp, and available with fresh salad and delicious sausage in a pretzel bun. Get it for weekend brunch, or with $5 beer deals.
Boston Ale House
$$ | (617) 477-3298 | WEBSITE
Since Boston Ale House has the best wagyu burger in Somerville, we’re delighted to report that it’s available with a short wait time. And in keeping with its perennial status as one of the area’s most family-friendly spots, it’s in high demand and can take a few tries to get a table on trivia nights. But when the burger is this good and the portions are this generous, it’s worth it.
Parlor Sports
$ | (617) 576-0231 | WEBSITE
The atmosphere is by far the best thing at Parlor Sports. It’s a welcoming spot where fans can catch their favorite games, including futbol and basketball, with friendly staff led by Garvey who are accommodating and sweet. The bartenders make it a great place to watch events like The Bachelor with friends, creating a respectful and community-oriented vibe where they’ll reserve seats and find TVs for specific teams. Available for watching games with limited but accessible seating options.
Bullpen Kitchen and Tap
$ | (617) 247-3353 | WEBSITE
Bullpen Kitchen and Tap is a popular Fenway Park sports bar that offers a great atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and a true baseball experience. So what the hell are we talking about it here for? Because they serve awesome fries and a Tito’s transfusion, and you can get them at reasonable prices with comfortable seating and plenty of TVs. The staff is attentive and accommodating, making it a quality choice for groups attending Red Sox games.
Bullpen provides an enjoyable and old-school Boston vibe for both pre-game and post-game gatherings, with friendly bartenders and door staff. It’s never too crowded after a Sox game, unlike other spots on Lansdowne Street. The place is described as a true hidden gem with a small outdoor seating area featuring picnic tables. Customers praise the great atmosphere, polite staff, and delicious menu items.
Lazy Dog Sports Bar
$ | (781) 477-1988 | WEBSITE
Lazy Dog’s steak tips are what we imagine our grandparents ate in the ’50s, and are available for pickup and delivery. So order from here, and reflect on the fact that if our country got through the era that brought us Joseph McCarthy and The Donna Reed Show, we can probably get through anything.
Jake n JOES Sports Grille – Woburn
$$ | (781) 305-7050 | WEBSITE
Jake n JOES Sports Grille has some of the low-key best sports bar food in Somerville, and now they’re available for watching games with friends. You can get their chicken bacon pizza GF with cauliflower, chicken sandwich, or a burger. All are solid, but the best one is the more manageable burger. It has a single patty, with just the classic toppings. This allows the perfectly cooked and well-seasoned meat – a.k.a.
the best part of the food here – to shine through, especially when paired with one of their flavorful cocktails that have a perfect balance of bold flavors and subtle twists.
Pete’s Grille Inc
$ | (617) 471-9714 | WEBSITE
The vibe at Pete’s Grille is unpretentious, so honestly grabbing a seat at one of their worn wooden tables where you can just be yourself isn’t the worst idea in the world. This is due to their genuinely welcoming staff and the chef who treats everyone like family – but it’s that very warmth that makes the homemade food here so special. Everything is prepared with care, so the flavors feel comforting and familiar, but also somehow taste freshly made.
This spot is cash-only, but there’s an ATM on site, and you can also enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights (which makes the place even more inviting).
Orleans Restaurant
$$ | (617) 591-2100 | WEBSITE
Orleans Restaurant is known for having creative pub fare that actually tastes good. You’ll find things like the breakfast burger with fries, or the phenomenal Cajun Jambalaya, topped with spicy seasonings and fresh seafood. And now their long list of comfort classics is available to-go, along with beer and booze.
A.T. O’Keeffe’s
$$ | (617) 936-3927 | WEBSITE
One reason we really like A.T. O’Keeffe’s is that they make their own fish batter. This includes the crispy coating that their signature cod fillet comes with, along with their shepherd’s pie crust. Also worth noting – they have an amazing Reuben available with corned beef and sauerkraut, also for dine-in and takeout.
Shine Square Pub
$$ | (617) 945-7115 | WEBSITE
This Porter Square spot has a solid menu, and some of the best things on it are their sliders. And all of them – from the blackened chicken to the BLT – are available for watching the game or hanging out.
City Streets Restaurant
$$ | (781) 647-2489 | WEBSITE
City Streets Restaurant’s varied menu – from the Thai chicken salads to the surf and turf special to the French Onion soup – is available for casual dining or bar seating. But be warned, this place is festive. And since you’ll be catching games in the sports bar atmosphere, it’s your responsibility to enjoy the good prices. In other words, if you’ve ever considered eating a family meal while watching sports, now’s the time.