New York is home to some of the most popular sports teams in the world – so where better to cheer your team on than in one of the many brilliant sports bars in the city?
A great sports bar has a big screen or two, so if you haven’t managed to snag yourself tickets for the latest baseball game or any for the basketball season New York has plenty to offer in terms of big-screen bars.
So where should you be heading for a beer and a bite and a big screen?
1. The Grayson
My own sojourn into sports bar nirvana led me to the doorstep of The Grayson. A daytime gem for those with hours to spare and a penchant for camaraderie. The intimate space plays host to an amplified atmosphere where every cheer reverberates with shared fervor. While not a sprawling arena, The Grayson compensates with a collective energy that’s downright contagious.
It’s a great spot if you have some hours free in the daytime, and it’s highly recommended for sports lovers. It’s not the biggest bar by a long shot, but it makes cheering all more impactful when you’re all sitting together in this narrow location.
It is great for wasting more than a few hours, and it has plenty of screens, too – try and get there a little early so that you get a decent view and be prepared to sit for hours in The Grayson.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the place:
2. Blue Haven
If ACC Basketball and ACC football are your jam, then this place is 100% somewhere you should go. It’s not overcrowded, but it is popular, so you’ll be in good company with plenty of other sports fans. There are plenty of screens here, but unlike some other sports bars, it lets in a lot of natural light, too, due to its massive windows.
My personal encounter revealed a haven that strikes a harmonious balance between intimacy and camaraderie. The screens abound, but what truly sets it apart are the generous windows that allow the sun’s rays to dance alongside the glow of victory.
If you’re not sold, then the seven-foot TV might be the clincher for you! They have a few locations, so you’re not short of options, and the food is top-notch.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of this lovely bar:
3. Blondies
What sets Blondies apart from many other sports bars is that you can reserve a table in advance – so you won’t have to hope for a good seat; you’re guaranteed one, so long as you book. My own visit showcased an ideal haven for group outings where camaraderie is amplified by touchdowns and slam dunks. But beyond the reservations lies a culinary secret: buffalo wings that dance on the palate like victory songs.
For those who watch sports with more than one or two people and go with a group, Blondies is ideal, and one of the biggest reasons to visit is that they have amazing reviews on their buffalo wings!
Adding another coolness factor to this place is that it is female-owned and has recently celebrated 25 years of Fantasy Football drafts! Now, that is some sports history in the making.
Watch this video to learn more:
4. Break Bar
A sports sanctuary that extends beyond the match, Break Bar turned my night into an epic tale of grown-up entertainment. Between sports bouts, mini bocce courts, towering Connect 4, and lively ping pong tables entice competition of a different kind. Vintage arcade machines whisper nostalgic melodies to those who remember.
An expansive bar and a tantalizing menu laid the foundation for a memorable evening. With a stunning array of screens that would make any sports enthusiast weak in the knees, Break Bar’s fusion of game and play is a testament to the fact that entertainment knows no boundaries.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
5. Stout
Venturing into Stout, a chain with an embodiment of sports devotion, led me to the Financial District’s epitome of screen-studded grandeur. Here, a breath of space dances between patrons, and the soaring ceilings instill a sense of expansiveness. Stout masterfully marries space and screens, ensuring both your beer and personal space remain intact.
As the final whistle blows and the elation or disappointment lingers, Stout’s proximity to a realm of food trucks is a godsend. The cacophony of street flavors harmonizes with the echoes of sports triumphs, creating a symphony of satisfaction.
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So there you have it, dear sports aficionados! NYC’s sports bars stand as fortresses of camaraderie and exhilaration. A journey through these lively enclaves offers a rich blend of shared passion, delectable bites, and that much-needed dose of big-screen action. As the night unfolds and the games weave their tales, remember that in this city of dreams, every sports bar is a chapter waiting to be written.
Perhaps one of the best things about spilling out of a bar after a game is that you have no end of food options, including some of the best trucks around: The Best Food Trucks In NYC – New York Street Food.
