Atlanta’s best sports bars pack the crowds in for the big games and events. It’s not just professional and college football; the crowds come out for European soccer, NASCAR races and Braves baseball. There is something about a great sports bar and the fans jumping up and screaming when there is a great play or a game-winning home run. Sports bars not only offer the chance to drink and be social, but for the most part, they offer great food and value for your dollar. Whether it be the fall for football, the summer for baseball or the winter for basketball and hockey, you can’t go wrong with any of these Atlanta institutions.
Rocco’s Pub
1477 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 971-8806
www.roccoschili.com
It’s okay if you make the mistake and call Rocco’s Pub “Rocco’s Chili.” The chili is what this Marietta institution is known for, but this place is so much more than that. While the chili is world class, you have to try the sweet potato chips drizzled in blue cheese. The menu may look like standard pub fare, but don’t be mistaken – it’s very good. Entrees like fish and chips and the “Big Roc” burger are some of the favorites. Rocco’s has just enough TVs to keep track of all those touchdowns and three-point shots.
The Ivy
3717 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 941-3081
www.theivybuckhead.com
The Ivy is an old mansion turned bar and sports bar right in the heart of Buckhead. Twenty-five flat-screen TVs allows for multiple games and tournaments to be watched simultaneously. And The Ivy has one of the best bars in Atlanta, staffed by some of the best bartenders. There is enough room in The Ivy to watch the games with your group, or is offers private covers if you prefer your sports in an intimate environment. The food and drink are first class, as is the entire experience at The Ivy.
Milltown Tavern
180 Carroll St. S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 827-0434
www.milltowntaverncabbagetown.com
Located in the eclectic Cabbagetown neighborhood, the Milltown Tavern is a family-owned bar where you will feel like part of the family. It’s a great place to watch football and baseball, but it will play whatever sports you are wanting to watch. Milltown features jumbo wings, burgers and salads, so you won’t go hungry. A well-stocked bar will quench that thirst. Knowledgeable sports and bar fans know that the Milltown Tavern is a hot spot when it comes to sports bars.
Sweetwater Bar and Grill
2920 Old Norcross Road
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 921-5556
www.sweetwaterbarandgrill.com
Gwinnett County has a lot to offer when it comes to sports bars, but no place has the variety that Sweetwater Bar and Grill offers. Not only is this a great neighborhood bar, but it’s also a tremendous sports bar that offers side activities like poker, billiards, comedy and live music. Check out its website to see what is going on each night of the week, then stop by for a cold beer, a pizza and an order of those cheddar poppers. The NFL package will be shown every Sunday, so don’t miss a minute of the action.
Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Pub
15 Atlanta St. S.E.
Marietta, GA 30060
(678) 290-6641
www.johnniemaccrackens.com
Johnnie MacCracken’s may be a little hole in the wall, but it’s the best spot to watch sports on the Marietta Square. This is a bar and it won’t let you forget that. The beer list includes bottles, draught and Scottish single malts and the food menu is true bar food. Sample the wings, brats and the corned beef and cabbage. While eating and drinking, don’t forget to root on your favorite team. In a word, Johnnie MacCracken’s is “fun.”
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Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta and he loves covering anything Falcons-related. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
