Business catalogMinneapolisRanking 2026

Sports bar Minneapolis

Finding the Ultimate Sports Bar in Minneapolis for 2026

Minneapolis is a city with a deep-rooted passion for athletics, making it the perfect place to catch a game. Whether you are looking for a high-energy atmosphere to cheer on the home team or a relaxed spot to enjoy a craft beer while watching a national broadcast, finding the right venue is essential. Our 2026 Sports bar Minneapolis ranking highlights 13 top-tier establishments that consistently deliver on quality, service, and viewing experience.

How to Choose the Right Game-Day Venue

When searching for the best Sports bar in Minneapolis, consider what matters most to your group. Start by evaluating the screen setup; a great sports bar should offer clear sightlines from every seat. Beyond the screens, look for a menu that matches your expectations, whether you prefer elevated pub fare or quick, classic snacks. It is also helpful to check if the venue hosts specific fan clubs or game-day events, as this can significantly enhance the communal atmosphere during major matches.

Understanding Ratings and Reviews

Navigating online feedback can be overwhelming, but it is the most reliable way to gauge a venue's consistency. When reading reviews, look for patterns rather than isolated incidents. Pay attention to comments regarding the speed of service during peak hours and the overall cleanliness of the facility. A high rating is a strong indicator of quality, but the content of the reviews often provides the best insight into the "vibe" of the bar. Does the crowd get loud and rowdy, or is it a more subdued environment? The experiences shared by other patrons are invaluable for setting your expectations before you arrive.

Our Methodology

This curated list of 13 businesses is based entirely on public Google reviews. We analyzed the overall star ratings, the volume of feedback, and the specific sentiment expressed in customer comments to determine which locations truly stand out. By focusing on authentic, crowd-sourced data, we ensure that this Sports bar Minneapolis guide reflects the genuine experiences of local fans and visitors alike, helping you make an informed choice for your next outing in 2026.

Companies ranked
13 Companies
Average rating
4,4 Avg. rating
Edition year
2026 Edition

Updated June 20, 2026

Company ranking

13 places
  1. 01
    4,9(11,460 reviews)Portal score 8,6
    Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis
    609 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403(612) 430-6113Website

    Tom's Watch Bar is widely praised as a premier sports-viewing destination featuring an extensive array of televisions and a high-energy atmosphere. While many guests highlight exceptional service from specific staff members and high-quality food, others report concerns regarding inconsistent food preparation, service fees, and unexpected credit card holds.

    • Plentiful televisions for sports
    • Attentive and friendly service
    • High-quality food and appetizers
    View business profile
  2. 02
    4,8(327 reviews)Portal score 8,3
    A Bar of Their Own
    2207 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404(612) 540-2574Website

    A Bar of Their Own is a highly regarded, community-focused sports bar in Minneapolis dedicated to women's athletics. Customers consistently praise the inclusive atmosphere, attentive staff, and high-quality food and drink offerings.

    • Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
    • Attentive and friendly staff
    • High-quality food and drinks
    View business profile
  3. 03
    4,5(5,629 reviews)Portal score 8,3
    Brit's Pub
    1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403(612) 332-3908Website

    Brit's Pub is a popular downtown destination known for its lively atmosphere, rooftop terrace, and extensive beer selection. While many guests praise the hearty pub food and attentive service, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in food flavor and concerns regarding facility maintenance.

    • Fun rooftop terrace
    • Extensive beer selection
    • Friendly and attentive service
    View business profile
  4. 04
    4,5(1,560 reviews)Portal score 8,3
    Lyon's Pub
    16 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402(612) 333-6612Website

    Lyon's Pub is a popular downtown destination known for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient proximity to sports and entertainment venues. While many guests praise the friendly service and signature prime rib sandwich, experiences with food consistency and drink quality can vary.

    • Friendly and attentive staff
    • Convenient location near stadiums
    • Highly recommended prime rib sandwich
    View business profile
  5. 05
    4,5(791 reviews)Portal score 8,3
    Maxwell's American Pub
    1201 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415(612) 354-7085Website

    Maxwell's is a long-standing, cozy neighborhood pub known for its friendly staff and consistent pub fare. While generally well-regarded for its atmosphere and service, some patrons have noted inconsistencies with music selection and television programming.

    • Friendly and attentive staff
    • High quality pub food
    • Good beer selection
    View business profile
  6. 06
    4,5(908 reviews)Portal score 8,3
    Cuzzy's Grill & Bar
    507 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401(612) 339-6211Website

    Cuzzy's is widely regarded as a welcoming, classic dive bar in Minneapolis known for its affordable, high-quality pub food and friendly service. While the vast majority of patrons have a positive experience, a small minority of visitors have reported dissatisfaction with food preparation and staff interactions.

    • High quality pub burgers
    • Friendly and attentive service
    • Affordable prices
    View business profile
  7. 07
    4,4(703 reviews)Portal score 8,2
    Mac's Industrial Sports Bar
    310 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414(612) 379-3379Website

    Mac's Industrial Sports Bar is frequently praised for its high-quality comfort food, particularly the Reuben sandwich, and its welcoming atmosphere for watching sports. However, experiences with service consistency and order accuracy are polarized, with several customers reporting being ignored by staff or receiving incorrect food items.

    • High quality Reuben sandwich
    • Excellent beer and cider selection
    • Friendly and engaging staff
    View business profile
  8. 08
    4,4(2,079 reviews)Portal score 8,2
    Ray J's American Grill
    500 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414(612) 353-4554Website

    Ray J's is a popular sports bar in Minneapolis frequently praised for its high-quality, large-sized chicken wings and diverse menu of bar food. While most customers report excellent experiences with the staff and atmosphere, some recent visitors have noted inconsistencies in food quality and occasional service delays.

    • High quality chicken wings
    • Friendly and helpful staff
    • Great atmosphere for sports
    View business profile
  9. 09
    4,3(562 reviews)Portal score 8,1
    Jackson's Hole Bar & Grill
    106 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401(612) 343-5930Website

    This downtown sports bar is widely regarded as a welcoming, casual spot for game days and social gatherings. While most guests praise the friendly staff and affordable food and drink options, experiences with service consistency can vary.

    • Friendly and attentive service
    • Affordable food and drink prices
    • Great atmosphere for sports fans
    View business profile
  10. 10
    4,8(183 reviews)Portal score 8,1
    Asher's Bar & Grill
    Street Level restaurant at Beach Club Building, 2730 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55416(952) 582-4337Website

    Asher’s Bar & Grill is highly regarded for its energetic atmosphere, quality food, and exceptional service from the bartending staff. Customers frequently praise the drink selection and the elevated sports bar environment, noting it as a welcome addition to the area.

    • Attentive and friendly bartenders
    • High quality food and drinks
    • Welcoming and fun atmosphere
    View business profile
  11. 11
    4,3(1,435 reviews)Portal score 8,1
    Tailgate Sports Cafe
    6050 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419(612) 861-5600Website

    Tailgate is a popular, energetic sports bar known for its fun atmosphere and extensive menu of burgers and wings. While many guests enjoy the food and environment, experiences are frequently impacted by inconsistent service and reports of understaffing.

    • Energetic sports atmosphere
    • Variety of burger options
    • High quality wings
    View business profile
  12. 12
    4,3(1,393 reviews)Portal score 8,1
    8th Street Grill
    800 S Marquette Ave Unit 107, Minneapolis, MN 55402(612) 349-5717Website

    8th Street Grill Taphouse is a popular downtown Minneapolis spot known for its generous portion sizes and extensive menu of American bar food. While most guests praise the attentive service and casual atmosphere, experiences with food consistency and host stand management can vary.

    • Generous portion sizes
    • Attentive and friendly service
    • Casual sports bar atmosphere
    View business profile
  13. 13
    4,2(1,051 reviews)Portal score 8,0
    Pat's Tap
    3510 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408(612) 822-8216Website

    Pat's Tap is a casual neighborhood spot known for its energetic patio, diverse drink menu, and variety of bar games like Skee-Ball. While many guests praise the friendly staff and quality food, others report inconsistent service, cleanliness issues, and frustration with parking.

    • energetic patio atmosphere
    • friendly and attentive staff
    • variety of bar games
    View business profile

Company comparison

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the best sports bars in Minneapolis?
To find the best spot, look for venues that offer a great atmosphere and reliable screen visibility for your favorite games. Our 2026 ranking features 13 top-rated sports bars in Minneapolis to help you narrow down your choices. You can start by checking out Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis, which currently holds the top spot with a 4.9/5 rating.
What should I look for when visiting a sports bar?
When visiting a sports bar, look for a venue that provides high-quality audio-visual setups and a diverse menu to keep you fueled during the game. It is also helpful to consider the seating layout to ensure you have a clear view of the screens. Our list of 13 businesses highlights the most popular options in the city for 2026.
How should I interpret ratings and reviews for sports bars?
Ratings and reviews are a great way to gauge the overall experience, but focus on recent feedback to see how the venue handles game-day crowds. For instance, Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis has earned a 4.9/5 rating, reflecting high customer satisfaction. Use these ratings as a guide, but keep in mind that individual preferences for atmosphere and food can vary.
What is a practical tip for visiting a sports bar in Minneapolis?
A practical tip is to call ahead or check the venue's website to see if you need a reservation, especially for major sporting events. Since there are 13 businesses in our ranking, you have plenty of options if your first choice is fully booked. Arriving early is also a smart way to secure the best seat in the house.
What can I expect from the sports bars listed in the 2026 ranking?
You can expect a variety of environments ranging from high-energy viewing hubs to more relaxed neighborhood spots. While we have identified 13 businesses in our ranking, please note that the average rating for the category is currently unavailable. We recommend checking the specific profiles of each venue to see which one best fits your game-day needs.

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