The Ultimate Sports Fan Bucket List: Bars & Restaurants You Must Visit in the U.S.
Whether you’re chasing iconic food, electric game-day vibes, or a deep connection to sports history, these legendary establishments across America are must-visits for every true sports fan. Here’s a curated list of the most famous and beloved sports bars and restaurants, from coast to coast.
🏈 1. Lambeau Field’s 1919 Kitchen & Tap – Green Bay, WI
Why go: Located inside historic Lambeau Field, this upscale sports bar serves Wisconsin favorites like cheese curds and bratwursts with craft beer.
Must try: Cheese curds, beer flights, and the brisket sandwich.
🍔 2. McSorley’s Old Ale House – New York, NY
Why go: One of the oldest bars in America (est. 1854), McSorley’s oozes sports and Americana history.
Must try: Light or dark ale served two at a time, and their cheese & cracker plate.
⚾ 3. Sluggers – Chicago, IL
Why go: Located across from Wrigley Field, Sluggers has batting cages upstairs, making it a true baseball bar experience.
Must try: Beer bucket and deep-dish pizza.
🍗 4. Anchor Bar – Buffalo, NY
Why go: The birthplace of Buffalo wings and a must-stop for any NFL fan watching a Bills game.
Must try: Original Buffalo wings, of course.
🏀 5. Stats Brewpub – Atlanta, GA
Why go: A modern sports bar with a self-serve beer wall and over 70 TVs.
Must try: Chicken & waffles, and local craft beer from their in-house brewery.
🎯 6. Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum – Kansas City, MO
Why go: Part sports bar, part museum with over 10,000 pieces of memorabilia—perfect for Chiefs and Royals fans.
Must try: BBQ burger and the local Boulevard beers.
⚾ 7. Foley’s NY Pub & Restaurant – New York, NY (Note: temporarily closed but legendary)
Why go: Known as “the bar with the most baseball memorabilia,” it was a favorite of MLB players, umpires, and fans.
Must try: Baseball-themed cocktails and Irish comfort food.
🥃 8. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Nashville, TN
Why go: While better known as a honky-tonk, it’s a famous pre-game/post-game stop for fans headed to Titans or Predators games.
Must try: Local whiskey and hot chicken.
🍻 9. Cask ‘n Flagon – Boston, MA
Why go: Across the street from Fenway Park, it’s as much a part of Red Sox history as the Green Monster.
Must try: Lobster roll and Sam Adams beer.
🏒 10. Xfinity Live! – Philadelphia, PA
Why go: Right in the heart of Philly’s sports complex, this massive bar has a stadium-like feel on game days.
Must try: Cheesesteaks, crab fries, and giant beer steins.
🏀 11. The Bungalow – Santa Monica, CA
Why go: A West Coast celebrity hangout with TVs, vibes, and a laid-back sports crowd—especially during Lakers, Rams, and Dodgers games.
Must try: Spicy margaritas and Baja tacos.
⚽ 12. The Globe Pub – Chicago, IL
Why go: Arguably the best soccer bar in the U.S., it opens early for Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup matches.
Must try: Full English breakfast and Guinness on tap.
🏟 13. The Ainsworth – Various Locations (NYC, Nashville, Las Vegas)
Why go: Sleek sports lounges known for their upscale bar food and game-day glam.
Must try: Gold-dusted chicken wings and signature cocktails.
🥩 14. St. Elmo Steak House – Indianapolis, IN
Why go: A favorite of Colts fans and sports legends alike, this is where sports and fine dining meet.
Must try: Famous shrimp cocktail with fire-horseradish sauce.
🍕 15. The Sports Column – Denver, CO
Why go: Steps from Coors Field and a go-to for Rockies and Broncos fans. Rooftop bar + TVs everywhere.
Must try: Green chili burgers and pitchers of beer.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a legendary pre-game spot outside a stadium or a historic bar dripping in sports lore, these establishments are a rite of passage for every sports fan. Plan your trips, follow your teams, and make sure to check these places off your list.
Got a favorite I missed? Let me know and I’ll keep the list growing.