The Best Sports Bars in Philadelphia

The noxious image many people have of the Philadelphia sports fan is highly exaggerated. But do keep in mind that people care very much, and this passion pops off, with occasionally terrifying levels of intensity, at Philly’s many sports bars. More neighborhoody than fratty (at least in most cases), the game-day destinations here also tend to feature great bottle and draft lists. Just don’t wear a Dallas Cowboys jersey to any of these places, including our honorable mentions: Cavanaugh’s, City Tap House, Devil’s Den, Field House, McGillin’s Olde Ale House and McMenamin’s.

  • 1

    The 700

    The upstairs dance-club level of Northern Liberties’ 700 looks like it was furnished via John Waters’ estate sale, but the bottom floor is all about “footy on the telly." What it lacks in newfangled audiovisual tech it makes up for in approachable, engaged regulars who know their soccer.

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    KNOWN FOR

    • cheap date
    • craft beer
    • craft cocktails
    • dancing
    • sports
  • 2

    Brauhaus Schmitz

    Philly’s premier German restaurant and bierhall is cavernous enough to host a swelling crowd, which came in quite handy when Die Mannschaft claimed the 2014 World Cup. But mirthful drinkers pack in for more than just matches. They also congregate around the 30 taps, which pour an awe-inspiring lineup of beers straight from the motherland.

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    KNOWN FOR

    • bar food
    • full menu
    • day drinking
    • sports
    • craft beer
  • 3

    Jose Pistola’s

    Jose’s could pass as a Mexican restaurant with killer craft drafts and a solid list of cocktails. But visit during an Eagles game or Barclays Premier League match and you’ll witness its worth as an unexpected sports bar too.

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    KNOWN FOR

    • cheap date
    • live music
    • bar food
    • full menu
    • craft beer
    • craft cocktails
    • sports
    • singles scene
    • lots of tequila/mezcal
  • 4

    Locust Rendezvous

    There’s a genuine energy bolstering “The Vous,” a true oasis of no-bullshit Center City drinking that comes alive during games and chugs along the rest of the time. Servers and bartenders are incredibly graceful with their mixed clientele, featuring everyone from hardcore boozehounds to your one friend who inexplicably wants a Swedish Fish shot.

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    KNOWN FOR

    • cheap date
    • bar food
    • full menu
    • day drinking
    • sports
  • 5

    Smokey Joe's

    A venerable institution just off University of Pennsylvania’s campus, “Smoke’s” isn’t a sports bar in the traditional sense, though its smattering of flat screens always seem tuned to the game. Much of the athletic identity is centered on the school itself, with black-and-white photos of Quaker athletes wearing tiny shorts. It’s a Philly bar of yore with good, simple food from the guys who run the Pitruco Pizza truck.

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    KNOWN FOR

    • cheap date
    • bar food
    • full menu
    • craft beer
    • sports
    • historic