ATLGuide
The 10 Best Sports Bars In Atlanta
photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker
Atlanta is a sports city. We know loyalty to our A teams is occasionally rewarded (the Braves 2021 World Series win). But we're probably more accustomed to heartache (the 28-3 Falcons score is still burned in our memories). Despite the high probability of sorrow as an ATL fan, we always rise up on game days. And if we're not watching the action live in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park, or State Farm Arena, we'll be in one of the following sports bars because it's always better to watch a game with a cold beer, a basket of wings, and fellow fans who won't judge us for using expletives.
THE SPOTS
It's all about the options at this new Old Fourth Ward sports bar. You can either sit in the elevated viewing area, at one of the high-top tables near the dartboards, around the horseshoe-shaped bar, or out on the covered patio. Once you get to your chair, you’ll have five flavors of good-sized wings to pick from: mild, hot, teriyaki, barbecue, and lemon pepper. We’ll save you decision-making time. The latter soaks best in Big Game’s crispy-but-not-too-hard wing skin.
photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker
Even with Hudson Grille just across the street, the Midtown Taco Mac isn't worried about competition. That's because it knows it’s got history (locals have wiped their chins at area Taco Mac locations since ’79), a booth-filled dining area, and a whopping 17 wing flavors on its side. If you’re in the mood for some heat, their fried Cajun Voodoo Magic wings will bring it on like a 10-piece cheer squad. And thanks to their solid wings and several TVs positioned around the space, the Mac is always a hot spot on game days.
photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker
Hudson Grille has six metro locations, including this Midtown option across from Taco Mac and a few others that serve as Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos bars. And all their venues have earned a reputation for being a straightforward stop for watching a game or pro fight while getting a decent bite to eat. On your next visit, skip the thick, almost-ketchupy Maker’s Mark BBQ wings and, instead, go for sweet and spicy ones with a slight mustard zip that’ll leave you smacking. But since there are so many TVs and projector screens in here, nobody will ever hear you.
photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker
Stats’ open, brick-and-steel feel works for a quick bite before tipoff at State Farm Arena down the street or a giant birthday party in one of the impressive event spaces. Trust us, we’ve done both here. The one thing that rang true on both occasions was how quickly folks ran through the mild buffalo wings. Just plump enough. Just fiery enough, too. These handheld treats are a perfect starter at a perfectly placed downtown sports bar.
photo credit: Amisha Nair for Bites and Bev Media
Just down the street from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this Castleberry Hills barbecue spot has been the place for sports fans to congregate on game days and for hungry folks to gather just about any day (they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Plus, it's owned by former MVP quarterback Cam Newton, so the tone is set with ESPN-glued TVs, a full bar, and a generally festive energy. As far as the food goes, just know Smokey Stallion’s MVPs are the tender rib tips and ranch-sprinkled Dirty Bird wings.
Woof’s is unique because it’s the only LGBTQ+ sports bar in the city. But you don't have to be in the queer community to cheer here—all sports fans flock to this bar near Armour Yards. Their square bar in the center of the room is surrounded by TVs and university flags on all sides. A second adjoining room houses a pool table and dart boards. The cozy, small-town bar feel is enhanced when the place is packed with fans thirsty for a victory. And a menu that offers a little bit of everything from tacos to seafood to salads (and very good burgers) ensures everyone can get at least get a win when it comes to food.
This Little Five joint is serious about soccer, which they more often refer to as futbol. Come on a game day for Atlanta United, and it’s often standing room only. TVs on every wall, including their massive patio space, ensures you won’t miss a goal. A healthy selection of beer, wings, and bar bites fuels up rabid fans who need a timeout. And when your team brings home a win, you won’t mind the trek back to your car if you didn’t get a spot in the world’s smallest parking lot.
East Atlanta Village isn’t exactly synonymous with sports. But over the last few years, Midway has established itself as a bona fide sports bar. Stroll in on a Sunday and you’re likely to see a Ravens fan cheering at the bar next to a Falcons fan crying into their basket of wings. When our ATL teams come up short, we take a breather outside on the massive covered patio. But this place is not just for football fanatics. We’ve witnessed a full house, watching everything from Premier League games to lacrosse. A large beer menu and handhelds, like solid chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks, means Midway has all the necessities to enjoy a few hours of screaming at the TV.
A quick drive from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and a quicker walk from Georgia State’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium, this Summerhill spot works for any game day revelry or big sports rivalry. Though the clubby feel (loud music, a metal detector, hookah smoke) won’t be for everyone trying to enjoy the action, the spot does enough to keep plenty of fans happy—since good spirit (and good spirits) is especially needed during those always-tense conference matchups. There are roughly 20 TVs on the wall and nearly 10 wing flavors on the menu—most being a variation of the phrase “hot as hell.” It’s great that 656 Sports’ lightly lemon-flavored sweet tea is the perfect way to wash down the heat.
photo credit: Tabia S. Lisenbee-Parker
Most of the area J.R. Crickets locations are worthy places to watch a game (we even ranked the best locations). And that's largely because Atlantans can't picture a better sports duo. Sure, there's Shaq and Kobe or Jordan and Pippen, but Crickets' lemon pepper wings and game days are iconic. And since the original location on North Ave. in Midtown stays open to 2am, we'll head straight here to order a 10-piece Dirty Bird (a wild mix of mild, barbecue, and lemon pepper sauces) and fries to celebrate after a win and watch game highlights.
