The Dock at Kingston Foreshore, one of Canberra’s most recommended sports bars. Photo: Ben Appleton.
Whether you’re a fan of NRL or AFL, MMA or UFC, NHL or Premier League, heading to a lively sports bar with a group of friends can be a fantastic way to catch the action.
We understand just how passionate some Canberra locals are about their favourite sports teams. And we also understand just how much fun it can be getting a group together, heading to a local sports bar, and watching the game unfold on the big screen. Add a couple of burgers and beers, and you’ve got yourself a proper good time.
Canberra is lucky enough to have plenty of bars and pubs that always have sports up on the screens and even host game nights for pay-to-play events – but how do all these venues compete with one another? In this article, we’ll give you a few ideas of what makes a great sports bar, as well as a list of some of Canberra’s favourites.
What makes a great sports bar?
Not sure what, precisely, you want out of a sports bar? We’ve got you covered. Keep an eye out for the following must-have characteristics:
- Access to all the best sports channels. This one’s pretty obvious. The best Canberra sports bars give you access to all the sports channels you could want – both on free-to-air and cable TV.
- Big screens – and lots of them. The best sports bars show all the action on a big, high-def screen. What’s more, there should be enough screens so that every seat in the house has a great view.
- Plenty of sound. Watching a sports game in a bar without sound can be frustrating. The best bars make sure that everyone can hear the commentary, while still keeping the TVs quiet enough to allow conversations to flow.
- Excellent menu. When you stick around to watch a game from start to finish, chances are, you’ll get hungry. The best sports bars serve up a tasty menu of finger foods and mains.
The best sports bars in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Without further ado, it’s time to introduce the top sports bars in Canberra, according to the locals.
The Tradies
A lot has changed since The Tradies first opened their doors in Dickson in 1964, yet this community club remains proudly true to their roots. The Canberra institution is more than a watering hole for locals or rest-stop for weary travellers - it's a home away from home.
A hotspot for sports fans, The Tradies' Lounge is a perfect venue for patrons to kick back in with friends and enjoy a variety of local, national and international sports on the mega screen.
The Lounge also hosts live music, raffles and community events on the regular, all just steps away from a fully equipped bar.
"I play music at venues all around the country and this place has some of the nicest people on staff," Matt Dent says on Google.
"Great little private area in The Winehouse, sports bar with really nice relaxed seating areas, great restaurant and a cafe with all day meals. Wonderful place."
Bleachers Sports Bar
A sports bar for sports fans, Bleachers is a go-to. With 24 big screens showing live sports from 16 channels from lunchtime until late, this lively local hotspot is the perfect place to catch a big game. Their dedicated team serves up an indulgent range of authentic burgers and a killer collection of beers. Just remember, seating is on a first-in-first-serve basis – no reservations.
David Wenn left this Google review for Bleachers, “Friends and family go to Bleachers to watch game days, have never had a bad experience. Brian and his team go out of their way to make sure things go smoothly, great good and drinks, excellent customer service.”
Edgar's Inn
A local favourite for Ainslie residents and a great destination away from the bustling CBD, Edgar’s is open for brekky, lunch, and dinner with live sports playing in the evening. With a delicious menu of pub classics and a great range of beers and cocktails, take a break from the city crowds and head over to Edgar’s next time you want to catch a game!
Happy customer Mirko Milic wrote this Facebook review of Edgar’s, “One of the best secrets in Canberra. Highly recommended. Great food and great service.”
The Alby
The Basement, at The Alby, is the ultimate sports bar. The action never stops, with three, 85-inch, high-definition tvs, plenty of sound, live footy and more. Sports enthusiasts also try their hand at Australia’s first Duckpin Bowling, shoot pool and play the pinball machines. The menu features popular bar snacks, pizzas and amazing burgers.
Simon Brain wrote on Google, “Lots of screens down stairs with all the sports. Arcade games music. Great bar food and pizza. Pints of great beer on tap.”
The Mawson Club
The Mawson Club in Canberra is all about supporting local sports – as a proud supporter of local junior and senior participants in the Canberra Regional Rugby League, rugby really is at the heart of this venue. Boasting a classy bistro dining area, refurbished bars, a cocktail lounge and a cosy fireplace, The Mawson Club is a great destination for your next game night.
As ‘Local Guide’ Cameron Louis writes in this Google review, “Awesome food and awesome staff! Very friendly with great kids’ room. Can’t rate highly enough.”
The Dock
The Dock Kingston, with stunning views of the lake at Kingston Foreshore , has buzz and a friendly vibe. This popular pub offers live acoustic music and sports showing on 10 massive tv screens. The menu features share plates, pizzas, salads and mains. Fourteen beers are on tap and The Dock has local wines and ‘Signature Docktails’.
On Google, James Arvanitakis wrote, “The Dock is an awesome bar with great service, great food, nice selection of beers and awesome staff situated on the lake.”
Looking for recommendations for your next night out? Check out our articles on the best pubs, the best cocktail bars and the best restaurants in Canberra for some great ideas.
Your experience with sports bars in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you ever been to one of the sports bars listed above? Did we miss your favourite? We’d love to hear about it. Share your honest thoughts and feedback below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports bar?
A sports bar is a bar whose major attraction is that they always have sports playing. The decor may be sport-themed and the venue will often host game nights for big sporting events, and might be sponsoring a local team.
Do I have to pay to watch a pay-to-play sporting event at a bar?
Different venues have different policies for attending pay-to-play events, and will advertise ahead of time - for example, there may be a booking fee or a minimum group bill. Whatever their specific policies are, it's always good etiquette to buy a drink and some food when the sporting event is not free to air!
Can sports bars play every sport?
Not necessarily. Some bars will only play certain sports, such as rugby or AFL, or won't have access to certain pay-to-play events. If you're looking for something specific, check out the sports bar's website or call ahead to find out if they're going to be playing your favourite sport.
Can I ask the staff at a pub to put on sports for me?
Usually, yes. If you see a TV screen with nothing playing, it's always worth asking the staff if they can change it to a sports channel. However, bear in mind that at many venues only the manager is allowed to change the TV, so the person you ask might not be able to. That being said, as long as the staff are able to control the TV and you're not asking for a pay-to-play event, they should be able to put something on for you!
Are sports bars family friendly?
Sometimes. Taking the kids to the pub to watch a game of footy can be a fun family night out, but whether or not it works out depends on the venue itself, how big the crowd is and what kind of sport is playing. Try looking for quieter pubs out of the center of town, ones that have a good kids' menu, and maybe avoid going on nights when a pay-to-play event is showing as the crowd can become quite big and rowdy for major sporting events.
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