No matter what you’re into, these are the best sports bars in Melbourne to get your sporting fix sorted.
Melbourne is regarded as one of the sporting capitals of Australia and the world, and it certainly wouldn’t have that reputation without its share of places to watch a game over a drink and a meal.
Whether it’s a beer, a burger and some basketball, or something fresh with some fries and the footy, Melbourne will be able to cater.
The Best Sports Bars in Melbourne – Personally Tested by Us (because somebody had to…)
The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill, Multiple locations
If you’re familiar with the sports bar scene, you’ll likely be familiar with The Sporting Globe Bar and Grill.
It features eleven locations in Victoria, including Richmond, Geelong and Werribee. With over 50 screens in all of its locations, you won’t want to miss a minute of the action.
Each venue is stacked with plenty of booths on-site that feature screens for patrons to choose whichever sport they like.
The Sporting Globe also features an extensive menu full of delicious foods and the occasional meet and greet or two.
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel, La Trobe Street
This old-style English pub can quench your thirst for sport seven days a week. No matter which team you’re cheering for, the Melbourne Central Lion Hotel will ensure that you’ll have an enjoyable experience.
Its kitchen offers an array of dishes including burgers, pizzas and parmas. What’s a better mix than live sport and delicious burgers?
Silverlake Social, Prahan
Paying homage to California, the Silverlake Social brings a unique twist to sports bars. Pool tables and neon lights are just some of the things in the building that help to make you feel just a little bit like you’re on the US’ West Coast.
While there is a big focus on American leagues like the NBA and the NFL, Silverlake Social broadcasts lots of local sports too.
They’ve also got a selection of beers and wines that you can enjoy, with a menu of American classics.
The Imperial, Bourke Street
It’s one of the oldest pubs in Melbourne, and home to some spectacular views as its rooftop overlooks the city.
The Imperial is a popular destination for fans of the EPL, Liverpool supporters in particular. Although it sees many flock through the door to catch games from across the globe.
There are 21 screens at the Imperial, so even if you aren’t a soccer fan, there is something for every sports fan.
Swan Hotel, Richmond
If you can’t be front row to the action, perhaps the next best thing is to head to the Swan Hotel. This bar is one of the best spots to catch up on AFL, A-League, Cricket, NRL, Super Rugby, UFC and the EPL.
With its location fairly close to Melbourne’s major precincts including AAMI Park and the MCG, the Swan Hotel is a great choice for a casual lunch or even catch-up drinks with friends.
While patrons come to watch sports, they often stick around for the live music that’s featured too.
Turf Sports Bar, Queen Street
It proclaims that it’s Melbourne’s premier sports bar on its website. Though it may be pretty bold, the Turf Sports Bar makes it hard to question the confidence in that statement.
It’s a bar popular with soccer fans, which will undoubtedly mean it’s populated during the FIFA World Cup. Private screening booths, affordable meals and a wide variety of sports being played live make this one of the places to be, regardless of your team’s results.
GG EZ Bar, Queen Street
This may be an unconventional choice depending on who you ask. But Australia’s first dedicated e-sports bar is the place to be if streams of League of Legends and Overwatch are more your thing.
The venue’s post-apocalyptic aesthetic makes the GG EZ Bar stand out as one of the more exciting options for sports bars in Melbourne.
With the huge popularity of e-sports, it’s no surprise either that the menu consists of meals inspired by South Korean cuisine.
The GG EZ bar also features a monthly Super Smash Bros tournament that sees participants win prizes.
Crown Sports Bar, Southbank
You’d be forgiven if you weren’t aware of a sports bar that features inside the Crown complex. But right on level one sits one of the best places to catch live sports. It also is one of the most affordable sports bars on this list.
From NBL to F1 and everything in between, the Crown Sports Bar will have sports fans feeling like a kid in a candy store.
A range of snacks are available to purchase including nachos and Texas chilli fries to enjoy while you’re watching your favourite teams play.
Bakers Arms Hotel, Abbotsford
Formerly a bakery before a change of owners back in 2002, this humble little sports bar is the go-to destination for sports bars.
With a history that dates back over 100 years, the Bakers Arms Hotel is perfect to settle in and watch your favourite team play on the big screen.
It features dozens of screens that showcase both local and international events. So whatever you feel like watching, the Bakers Arms Hotel will likely have it on.
Precinct Hotel, Cremorne
If you’re in Cremorne or are looking for a new place to get your sporting fix, then the Precinct Hotel is the place for you.
This place has a wide variety of food dedicated to Modern Australia, which is described as being a fusion of Asian and Italian cuisine.
It also had a selection of drinks that you can pair with meals. For the sport side of things, the Precinct Hotel broadcasts a wide range of sporting events both locally and across the globe.
That’s it for our guide to the best sports bars Melbourne has to offer. And while there’s plenty more solid drinking spots in the city, these ones should at least give you and the crew some direction on where to go watch the next big game.
Any Melbourne sports bars you think we missed? Let us know on the socials!
