Fall is the ultimate season for sports fans. Major League Baseball is deep into its “hunt for October,” the NFL and college football seasons are kicking off, and European soccer is underway. With so many games to follow, the excitement can feel both overwhelming and exhilarating, much like a nail-biting primetime matchup.
While St. Pete offers a wide range of attractions and amenities, from art galleries to Italian restaurants, finding a spot that prioritizes the Bucs game can be challenging. However, there are still plenty of great places throughout downtown, the EDGE District, and the Grand Central District to catch all the action.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual supporter, or someone just looking to enjoy the weekend vibes downtown, there’s a perfect spot for you. Here are some of the best sports bars (or at least bars with plenty of TVs showing sports) in the downtown-plus area of St. Pete.
Localz Sports Bar
- What to like: Not only is Localz the only sports bar on Beach Drive (and the newest in St. Pete), this place has more TVs than Best Buy. There is tons of room, very good food, and very friendly staff, with a massive paid parking lot about 30 feet away – 5 out of 5 stars.
- Where to find them: 1 Beach Drive SE
Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern
- What to like: While you can also catch American sports at their designated times, this is the go-to spot for football of the actually-using-the-foot variety. With TVs inside and out, it’s downtown’s No. 1 spot for Premier League and all big soccer games.
- Where to find them: 29 3rd Street North
The Avenue DTSP
- What to like: Other than the excellent burgers? Avenue may have the best TVs per square foot ratio of anyone downtown, and the mix of indoor, outdoor, and bar seating (all with TVs close by) gives you an option no matter the mood.
- Where to find them: 330 1st Avenue South
Steve’s Tavern on The Avenue
- What to like: One of the few remaining dive bars left in town, Steve’s Tavern is a lively gameday spot, and the only one where smoking is allowed is indoors (which is good info to know whether you fall on the for or against side of smoking). Also – cash only!
- Where to find them: 933 Central Avenue
Par Bar
- What to like: The Grand Central District has tons of great spots for food and drink, but there is a dearth of spots to watch a game. Par Bar is the neighborhood destination for sports fans, and you can always count on good food trucks to keep you well-fed (alongside drinks and mini golf, of course).
- Where to find them: 2253 1st Avenue South
Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill
- What to like: Obvious thing is obvious, but there’s nowhere like Ferg’s for gameday no matter what sport. It’s always a party, there are roughly a dozen different bars, you can mobile order from your table, and the food and drink are both good AND affordable.
- Where to find them: 1320 Central Avenue
The Studio Public House
- What to like: The only British pub in the downtown and adjacent area, Studio Pub is a favorite for international soccer, and Chef Mike is churning out some of the best food anywhere in St. Pete. Get the Dragon Vindaloo Curry if you’re feeling feisty (or stick with the classic – fish and chips).
- Where to find them: 2950 Central Avenue
Colony Grill
- What to like: The pizza. My goodness, the pizza. It’s fantastic, though if you don’t like pizza you may want to eat beforehand – it’s the only thing on the menu. Almost half of the massive restaurant is dedicated to bar seating, and there’s not a bad seat in the bar to watch any of the many TVs. I once spent 12 hours here on a Saturday watching games.
- Where to find them: 670 Central Avenue
Engine No. 9
- What to like: Sriracha wings, loaded tater tots, rib-sticking burgers, and personal TVs at every table. If you’ve been to Engine No. 9, you’re already hungry. If you haven’t been – get your appetite ready.
- Where to find them: 56 MLK Jr Street North
The Galley
- What to like: St. Pete’s “legit local pub” is exactly that – the perfect spot for locals to stroll in, order some wings and beer, and sit for hours on end watching game after game. The atmosphere is always lively, the food is always hot, and the drinks are always cold. The Galley is always gameday ready.
- Where to find them: 27 4th Street North
Where’s Jubes
- What to like: Where’s Jubes has some of the cheapest drinks anywhere downtown (especially during happy hour), and their indoor/outdoor setup on the corner of Central Avenue makes it a natural gathering place. Stay for hours, or poke your head in for a quick cocktail and score update.
- Where to find them: 277 Central Avenue
More great spots to catch a game: Angelo’s; Five Bucks Drinkery; Ford’s Garage; Trophy Fish; Three Birds Tavern; Crafty Squirrel; 32 Grand; Oak and Stone; The Local Draught House
ADVERTISEMENT
