The Best Sports Bars In Miami

Owned and operated by Mike and Norma Shelow, Mike’s restaurant and Irish pub has been a staple of the downtown bar scene for 16 years. Mike’s has won numerous awards for both quality service and exceptional food. Located on the ninth floor of the Venetia Condominium by the Venetian Causeway, next to the Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel, Mike’s has 20 televisions and daily specials, along with half-price happy hour appetizers. http://instagram.com/p/BLKS6JGBDL8/?taken-at=982657

If you live in Coconut Grove, Miami, then Sandbar Sports Gill is your go-to place for live sports, good food, and fun times. Famous for their fish tacos and infamous for their 5lbs burrito challenge, Sandbar serves Baja California cuisine until 3am every day of the week. Not here to eat? That’s fine, let the bartender prepare you their signature Category 5 Hurricane. After a couple of those you’ll be ready to scream at the TVs, regardless of what game is one. The best part is that you have the option of sitting back and watching every game on HD flat screen TVs or dancing the night away to your favorite music.

American Social, the popular all-American restaurant and bar, opened its doors in Brickell in 2014 and its Fort Lauderdale location in 2012. The beautiful waterfront location is the place to be for happy hour drinks and watching the big games with friends. Both locations are game-day destinations, not just for the impressive menu with stuff like black truffle short-rib sliders and their legendary American Social Mac and Cheese, but also for the extensive collection of TVs, craft beers, and attractive patrons. http://instagram.com/p/BKi8UZLBU0e/?taken-by=americansocial_brickell

There are the type of people that get dressed up on Saturdays and Sunday and want to drink mimosas while they mingle with a crowd of upscale – dare we say fashionable – sports enthusiasts. American Social is that place, and what they’re offering seems to work out nicely for them and we applaud that. Equally deserving of our praise and recognition however, is the tried and tested Tom’s NFL. Less concerned with interior decoration and fabulous location, Tom’s is a throwback, and one of Miami’s last true authentic sports bars. At Tom’s you will find regular people enjoying their sports and not having to worry about excessive prices or a fancy dress code. They love to have fun (there’s karaoke) and will eagerly encourage you to try their award winning wings. Helpful hint: go on Friday for their prime rib! http://instagram.com/p/BJn6kFsDEmH/?taken-at=2832671

What was originally Duffy’s Drafthouse, with four locations in 2001, was rebranded into the immensely popular Duffy’s Sports Grill when Paul Emmett bought the franchise and brought to them his vision of the future. Paul, who sadly passed away last year after a battle with cancer, is the reason Duffy’s has become a community favorite sports bar across the state. We recommend a visit if you’ve never been. When you go to Duffy’s, you can always expect great food, a vibrant atmosphere, TVs everywhere, and plenty of options for rewards and fun events.

Next up on our list of Miami’s best sports bars is Batch Gastropub in Brickell. Catch all the major sporting events while eating locally sourced food and choosing from an expansive drinks list. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Batch certainly goes the extra mile to bring you the ideal sports bar atmosphere, and they have been rewarded with loyalty: happy hour is always popping! Whether you’re in the mood for a brick-oven fired pizza, a gourmet burger or a hearty shepherds pie, there’s no denying that even if the Miami Dolphins are losing (likely scenario), you will forget about your troubles when you take that first bite. http://instagram.com/p/BLpFdIZAXU4/?taken-by=batchmiami

At Little Hoolie’s the motto is ‘where life’s little pleasure become memorable treasures;’ catchy and appropriately befitting for an Irish pub with a drunk leprechaun as its mascot, wouldn’t you say? Located in East Kendall, near The Falls, Hoolie’s is your typical sports bar where you’ll find die hard Miami fans cheering on the Heat, Marlins, Panthers, and Dolphins. College football brings in a more diverse crowd of supporters, including FIU, UM, FSU, and UF fans. Come here for happy hour and weekly specials, live music, and the occasional night of karaoke with friends, just for a laugh. http://instagram.com/p/BJyj9cOB_ic/?taken-at=5307089

Talk about a sports bar with a view! They don’t come much better than Shuckers Bar and Grill, which attracts people from all around the state who want to visit this acclaimed waterfront restaurant and bar with a magnificent view of Biscayne Bay. TVs on one side and the sea to your back will result in the inevitable routine of constantly turning your attention from the big game to the majestic Miami skyline. The food is worthy of the prime location; the oysters, fresh fish, grilled wings and steaks are all great options when you head to Shuckers. http://instagram.com/p/BKa7gDsARgB/?tagged=shuckersbarandgrill
By Laurence Kidd