25+ Sports bars with beer, bites & plenty of TVs on game day


January 27, 2023
By Tucson Foodie

Nothing says “sports” like being surrounded by multiple televisions, eating fried food, hearing hoots and hollers from people nearby, drinking cold beer, and then getting the food and beer stains out of your shirt the following day.

Here’s a list of locally owned and operated sports bars in the Old Pueblo to catch the game and grab a drink with pub fare.

Barrio Brewing Company

800 E. 16th St.
The bar at Barrio Brewing Company (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Located just south of downtown and across the street from the train tracks, Barrio Brewing Co. is the perfect respite for those looking to get a great craft brew to go with their sports watching.

Great food is offered up along with at least 10 beers and seasonal selections.

More info at barriobrewing.com.

Bob Dobb’s Bar & Grill

2501 E. Sixth St.
Veggie burger at Bob Dobb's Bar & Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Veggie burger at Bob Dobb’s Bar & Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Bob Dobb’s, which shares ownership with Fourth Avenue mainstays The Hut, O’Malleys Bar & Grill, and Corbett Brewing Company, is often seen as a headquarters for all things Chicago sports. You’ll notice Cubs and Bears memorabilia hanging around and mixed in with the University of Arizona Wildcats logos. Plus, their patio is a prime location for people-watching.

 

The Canyon’s Crown Restaurant and Pub

6958 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Fish and Chips at the Canyon's Crown (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Fish and Chips at the Canyon’s Crown (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The British-style restaurant and pub is located on the south side of Tanque Verde before you get to Sabino Canyon and plays host to all sets and styles of soccer hooligans. 15 flat-screen sets are strategically placed throughout the restaurant and pub for your viewing pleasure.

For more information, visit canyonscrown.com.

The Depot

3501 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Photo courtesy of The Depot on Facebook
Photo courtesy of The Depot on Facebook

From the outside, it’s clear to see why it’s called The Depot because there are a couple of train cars attached to the side, which are filled with numerous pool tables. The other half of the building is a dark, yet clean, sports bar filled with TVs in every direction, several beers on tap, and a menu that has weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and Wiener Wednesday.

For more information, The Depot on Facebook

Fini’s Landing / The Landing

5689 N. Swan Rd. • 8195 N. Oracle Rd.
Fish tacos at Fini's Landing
Fish tacos at Fini’s Landing (Credit: Jackie Tran)

This casual, beach-themed restaurant is a great little spot to watch the games on the north side of town. Flip-flops and fish tacos are the norms here but owners and Tucson natives Scott and Fini are huge sports fans.

Fini’s Landing’s new concept, The Landing, is just as fun and located in Oro Valley.

For more information, visit finislanding.com and landingov.com

Frog & Firkin

874 E. University Blvd.
Assorted food at Frog & Firkin (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Assorted food at Frog & Firkin (Credit: Jackie Tran)

This popular University stop has a wide range of eats, drinks, and events to keep you entertained (game or no game). Pull in for a beer with some friends and watch the game (if you can find a seat, it gets packed).

For more information, visit frogandfirkin.com.

Gentle Ben’s

865 E. University Blvd.
Burger at Gentle Ben’s (Photo courtesy of Gentle Ben’s on Facebook)

The building itself is awe-inspiring with a 12-foot carved wooden bear out front to the massive upper deck that is always popping to the vast side patio and also the huge front bar.

The food offered is light years away from traditional bar food with Southwestern cuisine being offered including carne asada and carnitas.

For more information, visit gentlebens.com.

Growler’s Taphouse

8275 N. Silverbell Rd.
Photo courtesy of Growler's TapHouse
Photo courtesy of Growler’s TapHouse

This 3,000-square-foot restaurant features 30 beers on tap and shows all sports on their televisions. The reclaimed wood and Edison bulbs give it more of a microbrewery feel rather than a dive bar.

For more information, visit growlerstaphouseaz.com.

Home Plate

4880 E. 22nd St. •  8579 N Silverbell Rd.
Photo Credit: Home Plate Marana
Photo Credit: Home Plate Marana

There are more than enough big-screen HDTVs at both locations and shuffleboard, pool tables, foosball, video games, and batting cages. From slow-pitch softball to fast-pitch baseball, Home Plate is perfect for the active sports fan as well as the armchair athlete.

Plus, there’s plenty of beer and cocktails to enjoy with their food, which is standard American pub fare with items like Buffalo wings, burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, and sandwiches.

For more information, visit homeplatemarana.com.

Hops Sports Grill

120 S. Houghton Rd. Ste. 174
Hops Sports Grill interior (Photo courtesy of Hops Sports Grill on Facebook)
Hops Sports Grill interior (Photo courtesy of Hops Sports Grill on Facebook)

This locally owned East Tucson sports bar is geared up and ready for the masses. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, food and drink specials are offered on game days, and TVs are aplenty.

With beers flowing and the game on, what more could you need? Oh, snap, a kid’s play area — they have that, too.

For more information, visit hopssportsgrill.com.

Jeff’s Pub Sports Bar & Grill

112 S. CAMINO SECO
Karaoke at Jeff's Pub (Credit: Jeff's Pub)
Jeff’s Pub (Credit: Jeff’s Pub)

If you’re hungry, get one of the burgers with meat ground by Dickman’s Meat and Deli. It’s also one of the few places in town that offers steak fingers, but be aware that the kitchen closes at midnight.

Three pool tables are also available in case you need a break from the televised sporting events

For more information, follow Jeff’s Pub on Facebook.

Louie’s Pub and Louie’s Cantina

746 E. Fort Lowell Rd. • 8060 E. 22nd St.
Louie's Cantina
Louie’s Cantina (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Good vibes are what you’ll find at both locations. When it comes to music, hip-hop, and country music coexist in peace. The original Louie’s Pub, found near the corner of Fort Lowell Road and First Avenue, opened in 2017 and Louie’s Cantina made its debut over on the east side in 2022. Both have their own style but are equally as fun when it comes to rooting for your favorite team.

Read our September 2022 article, “Louie’s Cantina: Owners of ‘Louie’s Pub’ bring the vibe to the east side.”

For more information, visit Louie’s Pub on Facebook.

Midtown Tavern

3620 N. First Ave.
Photo courtesy of Midtown Tavern on Facebook
Photo courtesy of Midtown Tavern on Facebook

Multiple screens, pool tables, poker nights, darts, a jukebox, and they even have live betting on-site (just keep walking near the back of the building past the restrooms). You can always count on Midtown Tavern to host a UFC fight and other special events in that realm.

For more information, follow Midtown Tavern on Facebook

Monsoons Tap & Grill

6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261
Monsoon's Tap & Grill (Photo: Monsoon's)
Monsoon’s Tap & Grill (Photo: Monsoon’s)

With an awesome menu, cold beers, and plenty of TVs to watch, this northwest side bar and restaurant is a must-visit for all sports fans. For fans of local beer, Monsoon’s usually keeps a handful of local craft brews on tap from nearby spots like Button Brew House.

For more information, visit monsoonstapandgrill.com.

Mulligan’s Bar and Grill

9403 E. Golf Links Rd.
Cowboy Burger at Mulligan's Food Sports Drink (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Cowboy Burger at Mulligan’s Food Sports Drink (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Mulligan’s has always been a hidden neighborhood sports joint but they’ve stepped up their kitchen game in recent years. Especially their burgers.

For more information, visit mulliganstucson.com.

Nancy’s Boondocks

3306 N. 1ST AVE.
Photo courtesy Nancy's Boondocks
Photo courtesy Nancy’s Boondocks

It’s hard to miss this spot when driving by because there’s a bottle of wine in the parking lot the size of a T-Rex from the Jurassic Park films. Aside from their TV screens, pool tables, dart boards, beers, and fun bar food, they also have live music on certain nights.

For more information, follow Nancy’s Boondocks on Facebook

The Neighborhood

3940 E. 29th St. • 61 E. Congress St.
Drinks and wings at the Neighborhood
Drinks and Hot and Sweet BBQ wings at the Neighborhood (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

The televisions often display music videos and telenovelas but they’ll also play sports when the time is right. Their michelada is a beast and worth its own trip — snack on the massive array of garnishes while watching the game.

If you’re downtown, you should definitely check out their new location on Congress. Sure, it turns into a dance party on most nights but they’ve got an array of TVs that’ll keep you occupied on game day.

Photo courtesy of The Neighborhood DWTN
Photo courtesy of The Neighborhood DWTN

For more information, visit yourneighborhoodbar.com.

No Anchovies

870 E. University Blvd.
Upstairs at No Anchovies (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Upstairs at No Anchovies (Credit: Jackie Tran)

After their last upgrade, the two-story University joint now features over 60 big-screen televisions. The giant Jenga and Connect Four help kill time during commercial breaks.

While they built their reputation on pizza, don’t miss out on their loaded tots and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread.

For more information, visit noanchoviesaz.com.

O’Malley’s Bar & Grill

247 N. FOURTH AVE.
(Credit: O'Malleys Bar and Grill)
(Credit: O’Malleys Bar and Grill)

O’Malleys may be known for its nightlife, but they also serve food. With burgers, sandwiches, and salads, guests have a large number of options to choose from. Plus, they’ve got a nice patio that still has a great view of the games on TV.

For more information, visit omalleysonfourthtucson.com.

On the Rocks

7930 E. Speedway Blvd. #170
Chicken Fingers at On the Rocks (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Chicken Fingers at On the Rocks (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

On The Rocks is a bar, yes, but it is also a family place. It’s just a nice change of pace at a place along that stretch of east side territory. Having an honest bar with honest drinks and food inviting neighbors of all varieties is a presence bearing longevity in any circle of service.

Read our August 2022 article, “On The Rocks: An east side bar with seriously good eats.”

For more info, visit ontherockstucson.com.

Playground

278 E. Congress St.
PG Signature Tostidos Locos (Photo by SWOON Media)
PG Signature Tostidos Locos (Photo by SWOON Media)

The fresh and talented team in the kitchen is going to be headed up by Executive Chef Griffin Armstrong of Little Love Burger and HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery notoriety. Speaking of the kitchen, it has doubled in size thanks to construction crews.

Playground’s remodel also includes new furnishings to the interior bar, rooftop bar, and bar cinema areas.

Read our November 2022 article, “Playground is reopening with a new executive chef, menu & playful renovations.”

For more information, visit playgroundtucson.com

Putney’s Pitstop Sports Bar and Grill

6090 N. Oracle Rd.
Photo courtesy of Putney's Sport Bar on Facebook
Photo courtesy of Putney’s Sport Bar on Facebook

TVs, shuffleboard, pool tables, beer, and bites. This place on Oracle Road has it all for hardcore sports fans. There’s even a lounge area for when you need to relax or an outdoor patio equipped with cornhole.

Red Garter Bar & Grill

3143 E. Speedway Blvd.
Andy's Junkyard Burger at Red Garter Bar & Grill (Photo by Mark Whittaker)
Andy’s Junkyard Burger at Red Garter Bar & Grill (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

If you are a bar that serves food and has mozzarella sticks on your menu, they better be at least decent. For fans of mozzarella sticks, the Red Garter is the stadium for your new favorite fried team. The mozzarella sticks are crispy, perfect, gooey, and more than just decent. They are decadently delicious.

Read our October 2022 article, “Rockin’ burgers & decadently delicious bites at Red Garter.”

Risky Business

8848 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • 6866 E. Sunrise Dr.
Photo courtesy of Risky Business on Facebook
Photo courtesy of Risky Business on Facebook

Risky Business has plenty of TVs to keep you busy during game time, and also works as a great place to take the family to lunch or dinner. They’ve even got a kid’s menu to keep the little ones satisfied.

For more information, visit riskybusinesstucson.com

Rusty’s Family Restaurant

2075 W. Grant Rd.
Rusty's Family Restaurant & Sports Grille (Photo credit: Rusty's)
Rusty’s Family Restaurant & Sports Grille (Photo credit: Rusty’s)

This west-side gem is an anomaly. It attracts all walks of life with families in the restaurant eating classic Italian dishes on the right while off to the left is the sports bar with a second-level pool hall.

There are several big-screen TVs available for the masses and a good beer selection of both macro and craft beers including several local Arizona options. The food in the bar includes standard nachos, hot wings, burgers, and sandwiches but it’s always tasty and fair-priced.

For more information, visit rustystucson.com.

The Station Pub & Grill

8235 N. Silverbell Rd. # 105
Photo courtesy of The Station on Facebook
Photo courtesy of The Station on Facebook

If you live out in Marana and love sports bars, chances are you’ve been to The Station, which is located next door to an actual Fire Station. Aside from the cold beers and tasty bar food, the interior walls are covered in servicemen and women’s patches to “exemplify The Station’s gratification for our homegrown heroes.”

For more information, visit thestationtucson.com

Trident Grill & Pizza Pub

2033 E. Speedway Blvd. • 2910 N. Swan Rd. • 250 S. Craycroft Rd. • 2912 W. Ina Rd. • 446 N. Campbell Ave. #100 (pizza pub location)
Bar at Trident Pizza Pub (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bar at Trident Pizza Pub (Credit: Jackie Tran)

If you’ve been in Tucson for any amount of time, you’ve most likely heard about Trident Grill, either at the original location at Speedway and Campbell or the other spots on Swan just south of Fort Lowell, on South Craycroft, and on Ina and Shannon. And don’t forget about the sister restaurant Trident Pizza Pub.

For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.

Union Jack British Pub & Restaurant

1800 E. University Blvd.
Photo courtesy of The Union Jack on Instagram
Photo courtesy of The Union Jack on Instagram

There’s a lot to choose from on the menu like the Full English Breakfast, which comes with two sausages, two pieces of bacon, two eggs, black and white pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, and a piece of toast.

Plus, if you’re an early riser, they’re open before 7 a.m. on certain days depending on what time the games are on.

Read our October 2022 article, “The Union Jack is now open on Main Gate Square.”

For more information, visit theunionjackbar.com.

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