Top Philadelphia Sports Bars

Play Video Eagles Watch Party. Photo courtesy of XFINITY Live!

Date August 7, 2024

Top Philadelphia Sports Bars

Philadelphia is known for the passion of its fan base.

From football to rowing and everything in between, Philadelphians show up for their teams. Visitors may not initially understand this bond but grab a drink at any of Philadelphia’s best sports bars and you’ll instantly feel the heart of the city. Whether you’re in town for a convention or a championship, visit these top Philadelphia sports bars to get the true fan experience.

Center City

Center City stands out as the primary destination for travelers, housing the city’s grandest hotels, restaurants, bars, and, of course, sports bars. Cheer on your favorite team at these Center City staples.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Address: 1150 Market St.

The most awarded brewery east of the Mississippi, Iron Hill Brewery is a Pennsylvania staple. The Philadelphia location is steps away from the Pennsylvania Convention center and features its own craft brewery. Try the Philly Phavorite IPA to fit in like a local.

A large sign made of orange letters reads Iron Hill Brewery. The sign hangs across a building. The sidewalk in front of the brewery is clear. Off in the distance is Philadelphia City Hall.

Cavanaugh’s

Rittenhouse: 1921 Sansom St.
Headhouse: 421 South 2nd St.

Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse is just steps from Rittenhouse Square and is always busy, no matter what game is on. Invite your friends, family, and coworkers, as guests can watch games from two levels, with seating for 190 people.

Southeast of the Rittenhouse location is Cavanaugh’s Headhouse, where it’s always gameday. This pub bar and grill houses seven different rooms for watching sports, socializing, or private parties.

A bar is shown, there are barstools surrounding it. There are several TVs hanging above the bar. A large American flag is hanging from the ceiling. There are open booths off to the right, along the wall. There is a set of stairs leading to the second floor to the left of the bar.

Photo courtesy of Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse.

Tradesman’s

Address: 1322 Chestnut St.

There’s nothing better than watching a game with BBQ and a beer. Tradesman’s  answers that call, serving some of Philadelphia’s juiciest brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. And with ample seating on two levels, you’ll have plenty of space to hang out and watch a game after a full meal.

A large TV on a wall to the left hangs over a large bar. There are several bar stools pushed up against the bar. There is a set of stairs in the far left leading up to a balcony. The ceiling is glowing with blue lights. The overall feel of the bar is rustic with a lot of brown and metal accents throughout.

Photo courtesy of Tradesman’s.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

Address: 1310 Drury St.

Step back in time at Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, McGillin’s Olde Ale House . The Center City institution features a roaring fireplace and a unique collection of innkeepers’ licenses from 1860, displayed above an antique mahogany bar. Visit on gamedays to enjoy food and drink specials as you watch the action on TVs and high-definition projector screens.

A large sign hangs outside of a building. The sign reads McGillin's Olde Ale House Est. 1860 in bright reddish, orange letters. There are two American flags hanging off the building behind the sign. In front of the sign, there is a green, white, and orange flag that reads Philadelphia Phillies with a green shamrock in the center.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

Tabu Philadelphia

Address: 254 S. 12th St.

Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar is the only place in the city where you can pregame an Eagles game with a drag show. A one-stop nightlife spot, Tabu highlights include a fun draft beers and cocktail menu, infamous tater-tots, and DJ dance parties — all in the heart of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood.

City Tap House

Address: 100 N. 18th St.

Enjoy craft beer, authentic brick oven pizza, and elevated American pub fare at City Tap House. This rustic bar’s dining atmosphere features reclaimed barn wood and repurposed steel, a 15-foot multi-screen, and an open view of the kitchen.

A large TV hangs above a bar that is fully stocked with glasses and bottles of alcohol. There is a large counter shown stretching across the front.

Photo courtesy of Morrissey, City Tap House.

Bar-Ly Chinatown

Address: 101 N. 11th St.

Bar-Ly Chinatown Philly is located steps away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and is proudly the only sports bar in Chinatown. With a large selection of rotating draft beer, Bar-Ly is an excellent location to watch your favorite team. Plus, enjoy tasty cocktails, juicy burgers, sizzling fajitas, and an underrated sports bar food: pan-fried dumplings.

SPIN Philadelphia

Address: 211 S. 15th St.

Sometimes it’s hard to sit still during a close game. Other times, you want to get in on the competitive action. The city’s only table tennis-focused bar, SPIN Philadelphia, offers professional Olympic ping pong tables and a VIP private ping pong lounge space. Catch a game there, then slam the winning serve on your friends.

An industrial interior space with brick walls, dark wood floors, and ping-pong tables.

Photo courtesy of SPIN Philadelphia

Ladder 15

Address: 1528 Sansom St.

The building that once housed Engine 4 of the Philadelphia Co., is now an upscale bar with premium drink selections and sleek industrial décor. Ladder 15 offers weekday happy hour specials and is open daily for lunch and dinner. Share coconut shrimp, crab quesadillas, or house-made guacamole on game days as you cheer on your favorite team.

Lucy’s Philly

Address: 1720 Chestnut St.

Lucy’s Hat Shop has transformed from a casual, neighborhood bar into Lucy’s a vibrant sports haven. It is now adorned with Phillies jerseys and lined with screens showcasing your favorite games all day, every day.

South Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers play at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, approximately three miles south of Center City. On game days, the area becomes a mini neighborhood, with fans tailgating and barbequing. Head there to get the true Philadelphia fan experience. Or celebrate with locals at iconic South Philadelphia bars.

Xfinity Live!

Address: 1100 Pattison Ave.

Can’t get a ticket to the game? Be near the action at Xfinity Live!, the ultimate entertainment center in the heart of the Philadelphia Sports Complex. Gather with true fans around the huge 24-foot-wide outdoor TV screen or watch the 32-foot HD TV inside. You can also opt to dine at one of the many restaurants on-site, including 1100 Social, PBR Philly, Victory Beer Hall, or the NBC Sports Arena.

Cannons shoot green and white confetti into the air. There is a crowd of people celebrating, Many are wearing green jerseys and shirts. A large screen in the center of the indoor space shows a celebration a a coach is interviewed on camera. Fans throughout the space are seen cheering.

Photo courtesy of Xfinity Live!

Live! Casino & Hotel

Address: 900 Packer Ave.

Within walking distance of Xfinity Live! and the sports complex is the Live! Casino & Hotel. This betting house features Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue, and social lounge, with a giant 52-foot LED screen. Here, you’ll never miss a minute of action. Sports & Social Philly is also home to the FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge, allowing fans to bet as they watch games live.

The carpet is a bright red with gold and black lines. A large space is shown with a sign reading Sports & Social Philadelphia. There are gold lights throughout the space. A TV hangs above a bar where there are barstools around either side. Beyond the bar in the front, there are several more screens with various sporting events being shown.

Sports & Social Philly. Photo courtesy of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

Chickie’s & Pete’s

Address: 1526 Packer Ave.

Also near the stadiums is Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar. This institution has been around for decades, pleasing sports fans with their game day bar service and signature dishes. Crabfries® — crinkle-cut fries tossed with crabby seasoning and served with a creamy sauce — are a Philadelphia favorite.

Garage: Passyunk and Fishtown

South Philadelphia: 1231 Passyunk Ave.
Fishtown: 100 E. Girard. Ave.

Both Garage bars are iconic spots for watching a game or playing one of your own. Garage Passyunk, in South Philadelphia, has large flat-screen TVs, drink specials, and a local who will tell you why the ’93 Phillies should have won it all.

At Garage Fishtown you can choose from over 400 beers or, when the game really gets going, whiskey and pickle back shots. Discouraged by the outcome of the game? Distract yourself with skeeball, pinball, or pool, available at both locations.

Brauhaus Schmitz

Address: 718 South St.

Looking for a spot with more of a European vibe for Philadelphia Union games? Brauhaus Schmitz has a German pub feel, and it comes alive when soccer is on. The menu features authentic German fare, including potato pancakes, meat and cheese boards, and schnitzel sandwiches. The beer list offers rotating drafts and bottles, including some traditional German sips that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.

There is a large crowd of people standing outside on the sidewalk in front of a building with a sign that reads Brauhaus Schmitz. There are blue and white balloons tied to either side of the entrance. The doors are wide open.

Photo courtesy of Brauhaus Schmitz.

Old City, Northern Liberties, and Fishtown

Discover the lively atmosphere and camaraderie at sports bars east of Center City in the historic Old City neighborhood and the artsy Northern Liberties and Fishtown neighborhoods.

Craft Hall

Address: 901 N Delaware Ave.

Philadelphia’s largest indoor restaurant, and one of the city’s most family-friendly dining options, Craft Hall is also a top destination on game days. Adults can enjoy special menu items and beer specials as they watch the action on either a projection screen or TV. Have kids? They can play on the indoor pirate ship playground, while you watch the game.

P.J. Clarke’s

Address: 601 Walnut St.

Across from Independence Hall, P.J. Clarke’s is a go-to for its large raw bar, happy hour specials, and famous burgers. Inside the historic Curtis Building, the menu features an old-fashioned white chocolate martini and a rum tum tum, which are perfect complements to watching a game.

Mac’s Tavern

Address: 226 Market St.

Housed in a building from the 1600s, Mac’s Tavern is owned by Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” fame. But you won’t find the same shenanigans here. Instead of rum ham, they serve some of the best chicken fingers in the city, with house-made honey mustard sauce. Catch a game every Sunday — just don’t end up like the “It’s Always Sunny” gang after the Super Bowl.

Looking for more places to eat and drink during your stay in Philadelphia? Visit our food and drink page for more must-try destinations.

Top Philadelphia Sports Bars