This article was updated on Nov. 08, 2023
Las Vegas has a few monikers: ‘Sin City’, ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’, ‘Lost Wages’ — but the star of the desert now boasts a new one: Sports Central.
Ok, Ok – that one is a little weak, so we’ll keep working on it. But one thing locals and visitors can’t deny is that Las Vegas is home to some of the best sports bars in the country. Which establishments are the best of the best though? Some have swim up bars, others are decidedly local.
No matter what your personal taste though, there’s no denying that the city bleeds for its favorite teams.
Keep in mind, this isn’t necessarily a Top 10 list, but a list of the best in the city in no particular order.
Stadium Swim
Stadium Swim is one part rooftop pool day club, one part sports bar, which equates it to sports bar heaven. Located in downtown’s crown jewel, Circa, Stadium Swim is six pools spread over three levels that offer entertainment, gambling, and sports all in one.
They boast swim-up bars, a live DJ, and poolside table games, plus a 40-foot, 14-million-pixel television screen with the best games and sports betting odds all day and all night.
Get here early because on most (non-Winter) sunny days, it fills up fast. You and your crew are strongly encouraged to make table reservations or chance missing out on this truly unique experience.
Address: Circa Resort & Casino, 8 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Can’t Miss Item(s): Lobster corn dogs, bottle service (c’mon, it’s Vegas baby!)
Born and Raised
Born and Raised is a Las Vegas staple, created by hometown local Scott Godino, Jr. (hence the ‘born and raised’ moniker).
It is the official bar home of the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team and the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels college basketball team. Game nights can lead to a busy atmosphere, but the well-managed staff is always up to the task.
Born and Raised (always shortened to ‘BAR’) has a sister bar in Henderson, but for the authentic atmosphere, go with the original location when you can.
The food is top-notch (the wings? So good.), the service is always on point, and the prices won’t hurt your bank account.
Plainly speaking: this is a true Las Vegas locals bar, and it would be a damn shame if you missed out on visiting it.
Address: 7260 S Cimarron Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89113 (the OG location)
Can’t Miss Item(s): Texas Nachos, Cucumber Mojito
Montecristo Cigar Bar
Truth be told, Montecristo Cigar Bar is a swanky cigar lounge, not a regular sports bar. That doesn’t stop sports fans and cigar lovers from filling the venue for each important sporting event.
From the Kentucky Derby to March Madness, fans can always find what they’re looking for at Montecristo, including premium, superior-quality cigars and spirits. They boast over 1,000 cigars to choose from, or you can bring your own (including a $10 cutting fee). The Humidor is a huge, 400-square-foot climate-controlled wonder that houses brands such as H. Upmann, Padron, and a wide selection of others.
The decor is deep leather and wood, making it one of the classiest joints on the Strip (which is the way you want to enjoy some brandy and a nice cigar), plus their state-of-the-art ventilation system keeps even the non-cigar smokers from choking on fumes.
But you don’t have to be a cigar aficionado to visit the Montecristo Cigar Bar.
Their spirit selection is comparable to the very best in the city, so even if you don’t partake in cigars, you can still sip on a whisky of your choosing and enjoy the game.
Address: Caesar’s Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Can’t Miss Item(s): house Negroni, Dragon’s Breath Mojito
Crown & Anchor (OG location)
Since being established in 1995, Crown & Anchor has become the Las Vegas home to televised live soccer (futbol). They feature games from Europe, South America, the Champions League, and other tournaments and countries throughout the year. If there’s a meaningful match, Crown & Anchor is going to be showing it.
In fact, there are few Vegas experiences quite like being at Crown & Anchor at 3 a.m. when the United States (or Mexico, or Argentina, or Any Big Club) is on the television. The room is usually packed, and the foundation is rocking.
And the World Cup? Please. We won’t spoil it. You need to be here.
Grab some fish and chips, a pint or two, and get ready to experience the best British pub with a distinctive Las Vegas flair.
Address: 1350 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Can’t Miss Item(s): Fish and Chips; pick a pint, any pint
Blondies
Blondies is home to one of, if not the very best, happy hour in Las Vegas.
The all-you-can-drink happy hour for $20 is a legendary addition to the Vegas drink scene. Pair it with over 60 big screens around the bar and grill, throw in some incredibly tasty food, and great service and it’s no wonder why Blondies remains one of the best sports bars in Las Vegas.
It can get crowded, so you may want to reach out and reserve a table as soon as possible.
Address: Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood, 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd #183, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Can’t Miss Item(s): Happy Hour.
Beer Park
Beer Park is a gigantic rooftop bar that offers visitors amazing views of the Strip, including the famous Bellagio Fountains.
Between the outdoor deck and the indoor setting, sports fans are looking at nearly 20,000 square feet of awesomeness. They offer over 100 beer selections, including 36 on draft (many of them from local breweries). Plus, there’s a sports betting window, so you’re never too far from the sports betting action.
When national sports programs air live from Las Vegas, this is the location they often choose. Their staff is always helpful and friendly and the food is incredible because it’s cooked in an outdoor smoker.
Address: Paris Las Vegas, 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Can’t Miss Item(s): Beer Park Cheeseburger, BBQ Pork Ribs
TAP Sports Bar (MGM)
If you can’t be at the games, there’s no better place to be than TAP Sports Bar inside the MGM Grand.
TAP houses 60 HD flat screen TVs, so you’ll never miss a big play; plus, what sports fan wouldn’t want to be surrounded by sports memorabilia from some of the most legendary figures in sports history?
You can call ahead for reservations or chance it with a walk-up, but a word to the wise: after Vegas Golden Knights games and during big sports weekends, it will be packed.
Address: MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Can’t Miss Item(s): TAP Nachos, Carne Asada Tacos
Tailgate Social
Tailgate Social has carved out a place as a can’t miss sports bar that’s off the Strip but close to the action at the newly renovated Palace Station Hotel.
It has more than 30 televisions across a large viewing wall, so you won’t miss a touchdown or homerun. Tailgate Social also amazes with a great beer list, including a number of local selections and a decent happy hour ($5 domestic drafts).
It has become a home away from home for many VGK and Raiders fans who want an elevated sports bar experience.
Address: Palace Station Hotel and Casino, 2411 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Can’t Miss Item(s): Tailgate Nachos, Bacon Cheddar Tater Tots
Raiders Tavern & Grill
The Raiders Tavern & Grill is 3,400 square feet of (gasp!) Las Vegas Raiders gear and memorabilia that is designed to celebrate the rich history of the NFL’s most notorious and polarizing team.
There are TVs everywhere (over 45!), with two bars set to serve up ice-cold drinks, and a friendly staff ready to take your order. While it can get extremely busy, especially during the NFL season when the home team is playing out of town, it’s a must-visit for football fans everywhere, even if you’re not a Raiders fan. But fear not. You can make reservations from the OpenTable app so you don’t miss out.
The menu consists of sports bar fare but also has a great selection of elevated burgers and entrees like their mouth-watering country fried steak or the cajun shrimp and grits.
What may have surprised me the most, though, was the price. You can get a lot of food for not a lot of dough which is rare these days in Las Vegas. That’s what makes me keep navigating my way back to the Raiders Tavern & Grill.
Address: M Resort Spa Casino, 12300 S Las Vegas Blvd, Henderson, NV 89044
Can’t Miss Item(s): Blistered Shishito Peppers, [Old] Fashioned (Charles Woodson handcrafted bourbon, blackberry simple syrup, orange bitters, aromatic bitters)
What about it Las Vegas sports fans? Did we miss any? Which sports bar(s) would you like to see added to the list and why?
