GoTime 9: Top Sports Bars in Seattle

A couple weeks back we decided to highlight our first GoTime 9: Top Wine Bars in Seattle.  Now we are taking on round 2 and this time I went on an investigation of the GoTime 9: Top Sports Bars in Seattle.  I think you’ll be happy to find that each of our Top 9 has something special to offer you aside from a cozy seat to watch the game…

In alphabetical order…

1) Buckley’s

Buckley’s was hands down the most welcoming bar I walked into, from the hostess’ to the management, and this kindness does not cater to Seattleites alone.  Unlike some of their competitors, Buckley’s doesn’t necessarily give exclusive airtime for the hometown heroes.  So if the majority of the crowd wants to watch USC, but you’re a UW fan, you’re kinda outta luck!  Sorry Huskies, but what’s refreshing about this is nearly EVERY sports bar in Seattle DOES play hometown favorites first. So what does that do for the folks looking to watch a different game??  Well they’ve got Buckley’s.

2) Elsyian Fields

Although Qwest Field is literally their next door neighbor the focus at Elysian isn’t as much on the game as it is the beer you drink while watching the game!  They actually brew their own original brewskies ON SITE at each of their lovely establishments in Seattle, which also includes Capitol Hill and Wallingford.  Some of the favorites stay all year round, some get rotated out seasonally, all are strong and original.  I think everyone can agree that the ultimate sports bar experience starts with a good beer.   Elysian’s got you covered.

3) FOX Sports Grill

Somehow with over 30 flat screen TV’s this sports bar maintains class.  It could be the in-house waterfall, or that their meals are pretty spectacular, but indeed, they’ve got class.  A little nugget about FOX that you may not know is they love to host Private Events… There are three different spaces that cater to varying tastes, but my favorite is the wine room!  Remember that class I was talking about?  Who’da thunk that a Sports Grill like FOX would have a gorgeous wine room perfect for any special occasion, or corporate gathering.  See??  CLASSY! – Note to self, FOX Sports Grill is one of the FEW sports bars who often host UFC events – (so maybe this isn’t their classiest feature, but that’s what makes them a Sports bar)!

4) F.X. McRory’s

Stepping into F.X. McRory’s is like stepping back in time, I’m serious, this place just has a different vibe.  In a good way.  F.X. is 31 years young and its focus on what’s important has clearly stood the test of time.  They pride themselves on their wide array of Bourbon (the largest selection in the world to be exact).  Which I think speaks volumes for the vibe I mentioned.  Your grandpa probably drinks bourbon, and you know what, he’d probably love this sports bar.  It’s cool, calm, collected, and most importantly confident.  F.X. hasn’t changed its goal of bringing you the big game and a stiff drink in 30+ years, nor have they stopped bringing in the patrons.  They’ve got good reason here to keep things consistent.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

5) George and Dragon Pub

With the Sounders having made their debut just about a month ago in the rainy city of Seattle, those that can’t make it to a game are probably searching for the perfect spot to catch it on the big screen.  Rest assured you can feed your new soccer addiction at George and Dragon Pub.  This is truly an English Pub all the way down to the English accents and the focus on soccer is apparent – it’s the only sport you’ll see on their flat screens.

6) Montlake Ale House

When you think about sports bars you probably don’t think about rugrats running a muck between your feet.  But what about sports fans who also happen to be parents?  Well we haven’t forgotten about you which is why we included the family friendly Montlake Ale House on our list.  The pictures do it justice better than my words ever could, but basically there is a little kiddie corral where, from 5:30pm – 8:30pm, kids can enjoy one another’s company, while adults have a great view of both the game and their little hooligans.  At 8:30pm the over 21 crowd reclaims the space and you’d never know kids were there with the exception of the toys that remain in said kiddie corral.  This is one of the few spots in the city that really does cater to a couple different crowds, and they do it well.

7) Ram Restaurant and Bighorn Brewery

A U-District mainstay, you gotta love the Ram for being the quintessential sports bar.  What MOST patrons love about the Ram however is their Monday Night Trivia which has been growing in popularity for a couple of reasons.  The special Monday Trivia Happy Hour is an obvious crowd pleaser, but the truth is people keep coming back for the healthy cash prize.  Healthy in the amounts of:  ALL OF THE MONEY USED AS THE BUY-IN GOES TO THE WINNING TEAM!  And there you have it, reason enough to stop in and grab a beer, you could walk away one happy camper.  Get there early, this trivia night is no secret and tables get booked up fast.  The first question is asked at 10pm, I’d recommend a 9:15pm arrival to ensure your team secures a spot.

8) Spitfire

Women will love Spitfire.  They’ll love it because it’s a trendy little restaurant stuck in a sports bars body.  The artwork on the walls and the entire ambiance screams women,  and really so does the menu.  You won’t find any pub grub here (aside from the nachos).  What you will  find is excellent Mexican fare that doesn’t feel like you just downed a ton of grease in the amount of time it took the Seahawks to score a touchdown.  Men will love spitfire too, but for all the reasons any warm-blooded man loves a great sports bar.  Flat screens every which way you look, a gigantic big screen in the back for special events, cold brewski in hand… what more could a man ask for?  How about peacefully watching the game with his lady by his side, enjoying herself as much as he is!

9) Sport

Sport is the Sportiest of all of Seattle’s sports bars.  Their name couldn’t be more spot on.  The entry way is packed with trophy cases full of sports memorabilia and the restaurant is PACKED with televisions.  You may be in awe of their GIANT big screen, or that each individual booth has its own television with programmable channels (never an issue catching the game YOU want to watch here) – but I was in awe of the OUTDOOR TV’s!!  That’s right folks, on the rare occasion you can sit outside in Seattle, Sport is ready for ya!  Also, check out their website for specials going on, they are ever changing and cater to the certain sports that are in season, but there’s always a good deal like… “The Hometown Nine”: For $6 get a Foot Long Hot Dog, A Pint of Coors Light, and a Pack of Collectible Cards! – enjoy your hot dog outside, it’s like you’re sitting at Safeco, minus the revolving roof.

What’s that you say?  Your favorite didn’t make our list?  Let me know what we missed, and check out GoTime.com for a comprehensive list of all of the Sports Bars in Seattle!