Guides / Spots

The Top 10 Bars to Watch the Big Game

Kevin Gallardo

almost 2 years ago

It's that time again. The buzz is in the air. Our teams are coming back to Toronto, and it's been almost two long years that we haven't been able to see our boys in blue and red come back and play in front of the home fans. The Blue Jays are in a fight for the playoffs as well, so the time is perfect to check out a sports bar and take in the game with a few cold ones and some delicious food. Check out the rundown of 10 sports bars to watch the big game. This list spreads across the city, so no matter what, you can find a place to catch history, no matter how big or small the game is.

22 Front St W

The Bottom Line

This sports bar/steakhouse and burger restaurant claim that they're Toronto's classiest sports bar. It's not uncommon to take in a game besides a pro athlete, as The Bottom Line is an upscale sports pub that attracts all patrons getting ready to take in a game or a concert at the nearby Scotiabank Area. Park yourself in one of the upholstered leather booths and pick your drink from the wine cabinet. You deserve to feel a little more upscale tonight.

36 Wagstaff Dr

Left Field Brewery

The only place on this list that allows you to bring your own food, Left Field Brewery cares about their beer and their baseball. Check out their craft beer while watching the game on their big screen, and pick up a few cans to bring home too. Even the dog can get in on the action, as the dog-friendly brewery lets you catch the game with your furry friend by your side.

1280 Dundas St W

The Dock Ellis

A great, casual, no-fuss sports bar located in the Dovercourt neighbourhood, The Dock Ellis is a spot where you can get your eat and drink on while playing games as well. Their selection of draught beers is fantastic, and the selection of inventive bar snacks keeps the entertainment going. Once the game is over, startup a game yourself at the pool table, foosball table or shuffleboard.

667 King St W

Wheatsheaf Tavern

Formerly The Wheat Sheaf, Wheat Sheaf Tavern is commonly regarded as the oldest bar in Toronto. Open since 1849; they recently went through a major revamp that has brought new energy to the location. With enough TVs to watch the big game regardless of where you're sitting and residing in one of the best locations in the city (King and Bathurst), you have easy access to sports, live music and great food.

146 Front St W

The Loose Moose

Around since 1989, The Loose Moose has become a mainstay in the Toronto pub scene. The menu has been updated and the venue has been revamped, so it might look slightly different since you last took in a game there but you'll be satisfied with the long list of beers available and their inventive cocktails. Minutes away from Scotiabank Arena, The Loose Moose is easy to get to and easy to have a good time.

1100 Queen St W

The Dog and Bear

Situated on Queen Street W, right in between Trinity Bellwoods and Ossington, lies Dog and Bear, an institution that's equal parts English pub and sports bar. The place gets loud whenever the Jays, Leafs or Raptors are on, and they even showcase other big-time sporting events as well. Go for the sports and the beer, stay for the wings. The only tough part is getting a table, so get there early and enjoy the friendly service and atmosphere.

15 York St unit a

Real Sports Bar & Grill

The hub for all things Leafs and Raptors, RS (the now rebranded Real Sports) is a stone's throw away from The Scotiabank Arena and Jurassic Park. With a massive display screen that reaches 39ft tall (the largest display screen in a North American sports bar) and 199 other screens littered across the space, it's fairly easy to watch what you want when you want to. The draught beer selection is large, the venue is spacious at 25,000 square feet, and the dining options are award-winning.

255 Bremner Blvd

The Rec Room

The ultimate playground for adults, The Rec Room combines everything we loved as kids; games, good food, and sports. With a 40,000 square foot venue, you are free to spread yourself out and take in all the attractions. Steps away from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Scotiabank Arena, The Rec Room is a fantastic place to set up shop and watch the game or celebrate the big win after the game ends.

100 King St W

King Taps

Do you like beer? How about live sports? Do you happen to live/work in the Financial District? Kings Taps is the spot for you, with craft beer selections as far as the eye can see and enough TV screens all around you that they'll be playing the important sports games and all of Drake's music videos. The food menu is large, with all the regular bar food options that go great with their 'game day' combos, and there's lots of space. Two levels with two patios mean that you can rest assured on game day that you'll most likely have a table with great food and great drink.

165 E Liberty St

Brazen Head Irish Pub

The destination for all things TFC and rugby, the Brazen Head has been a fixture in Liberty Village for a while now. It's easy to understand the appeal of the Irish pub, from having the only rooftop patio in the surrounding area to the wide selection of beer and lots of TVs. They probably already have what you want to watch on, but they'll be happy to satisfy your request. For the best experience, follow the crowd of crazed TFC fans after a game and experience Brazen Head at its best.