Best Sports Bars in Atlanta: Where to Watch the Game, Eat, and Hang Out

Searching for a sports bar in Atlanta can feel overwhelming—there are dozens of options spread across intown neighborhoods and the suburbs, each with a different vibe, menu, and game-day culture. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or just want a reliable spot to catch the next big matchup, Atlanta offers plenty of choices.

This guide walks through how sports bars work in Atlanta, what to look for, and the kinds of experiences you’ll find in different parts of the metro area.

What Makes an Atlanta Sports Bar Stand Out?

Most sports bars in Atlanta share a few common traits, but some details really shape your experience.

Key features many fans look for:

• Screens and sightlines: Lots of TVs, big screens, and clear views from most seats.
• Sound setup: Some bars blast one main game; others keep sound low and use captions, especially if multiple games are on.
• Game selection: NFL, NBA, college football, soccer, and local Atlanta teams are almost always featured. Many bars carry out-of-market packages during football season.
• Food and drink: Wings, burgers, sliders, and nachos are common, with some places leaning more toward full restaurant menus or craft beer lists.
• Atmosphere: Ranges from family-friendly and casual to loud, rowdy, and late-night.
• Location and parking: In Atlanta, this can be the deciding factor—walkable intown locations vs. easier parking in the suburbs.

If you’re planning ahead, it’s helpful to decide what matters most: closest to home, best TV setup, family-friendly, or biggest game-day crowd.

Popular Neighborhoods for Sports Bars in Atlanta

Different parts of the metro area offer different sports-bar personalities. Here’s a quick overview:

Sports Bars Near Atlanta’s Major Venues

If you’re coming in for a Falcons, Hawks, United, or Georgia State game, it’s useful to know what’s near the big venues.

Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Falcons & Atlanta United)

Downtown Atlanta offers several sports-bar-style spots within walking or short-rideshare distance of:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Drive NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

You’ll typically find bars and restaurants clustered around:

• Centennial Olympic Park area near Marietta Street NW
• Most streets between Marietta St NW and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW feature several game-day bars that show pre-game coverage and post-game highlights.

Game days can be crowded, so plan for:

• Arriving early if you want a seat near a TV
• Allowing extra time for parking or MARTA (the GWCC/CNN Center station serves the stadium area)

Near State Farm Arena (Hawks & Concerts)

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Surrounding blocks toward Centennial Olympic Park and Peachtree Street usually have restaurants and bars that switch to a sports-bar atmosphere when the Hawks or big national games are on. Many fans:

• Eat and drink before the game within a 10–15 minute walk
• Return to nearby bars afterward to watch late games or recap

Game-Day Culture: Atlanta Fans and Their Teams

In Atlanta sports bars, you’ll typically see strong support for:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Sundays dominate most screens in the fall.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Soccer crowds are often loud and energetic.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Especially busy during playoff pushes.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Regular-season games run through spring and summer.
• College football – SEC and ACC games are a big deal, especially on Saturdays.

On college football Saturdays, many sports bars around the city assign:

• Main audio to the most in-demand SEC or ACC game
• Side screens to out-of-conference matchups, other major conferences, and sometimes local high school highlights.

If you care about a specific team—particularly an out-of-market NFL club—it’s worth calling ahead to ask:

• Whether they show that team regularly
• If they have an unofficial “team bar” following for certain fan bases

Types of Sports Bar Experiences in Atlanta

Not every sports bar in Atlanta feels the same. Here are a few common styles so you can match your mood to the right place.

1. Traditional Sports Bars

These are the classic spots with:

• Lots of TVs mounted on every wall
• Standard bar food like wings, burgers, and fries
• A mix of draft beer, bottled beer, and simple cocktails
• Often daily specials for game days

They’re usually good for:

• Large groups watching NFL Sundays
• Casual after-work games
• People who want a straightforward, no-frills setup focused on sports

2. Restaurant-First Bars That Show Sports

Some Atlanta restaurants function like sports bars during big games but maintain a fuller, more varied menu:

• You’ll see more salads, shareable plates, and specialized dishes
• TVs are present, but the atmosphere may be slightly quieter or more balanced between diners and fans
• Often better for mixed groups when not everyone is focused on the game

These spots work well for:

• Date nights where one person really wants to track the game
• Families looking for a nicer meal while still catching key plays
• Visitors staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the BeltLine who want food-first, sports-second

3. Neighborhood Bars With Loyal Regulars

Many intown neighborhoods—such as Grant Park, East Atlanta, Virginia‑Highland, and Kirkwood—have local hangouts that:

• Show major games but have a community feel
• Attract regulars from the immediate area
• May host trivia, karaoke, or live music on non-game nights

These are good if:

• You live nearby and want a “your spot” feel over time
• You prefer smaller crowds but still want sports on TV
• You like getting to know the staff and regulars

4. Large Group & Event-Friendly Sports Bars

Some larger sports bars in and around Atlanta are built for:

• Corporate outings and alumni watch parties
• Large friend groups for major events (Super Bowl, NBA playoffs, World Cup)
• Private room rentals with their own screens and sound

If you’re planning a big gathering, ask ahead about:

• Reservation policies for large parties
• Minimum spending requirements for private areas
• Whether they’ll dedicate sound to a specific game for your group

What to Expect on Atlanta Game Days

The experience at a sports bar in Atlanta can shift depending on the calendar.

NFL Sundays

• Most Atlanta sports bars fill up by early afternoon.
• Falcons games often take over the main screens and audio.
• If you follow another NFL team, some bars adopt specific teams on certain TVs.

Tips:

• Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before kickoff for big matchups.
• Consider MARTA or rideshare if you’re heading to downtown or Midtown; parking can be tight.

College Football Saturdays

From late August through early January, Saturdays in Atlanta are heavily influenced by SEC and ACC schedules:

• Many sports bars open earlier and offer brunch or early lunch menus.
• Local interest is strong in teams like Georgia, Georgia Tech, and other regional programs.
• For rivalry games or championship weekends, some bars operate with standing-room only by kickoff.

Playoff Runs and Big Events

For events like:

• World Series
• NBA or NFL playoffs
• Major soccer tournaments
• March Madness

Some sports bars:

• Take reservations or offer limited pre-paid seating
• Run special menus and viewing parties
• Extend hours where allowed by local regulations

Calling ahead helps avoid surprises, especially if you’re visiting from out of town and have one specific place in mind.

Food and Drink at Atlanta Sports Bars

While menus vary widely, you’ll commonly find:

• Wings (traditional and boneless) with multiple sauce choices
• Burgers and sliders
• Tacos or flatbreads
• Loaded fries or nachos
• Soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks, and other shareables

Drink offerings typically include:

• National and regional draft beers
• Local Georgia craft beers (often from breweries in Atlanta or nearby cities)
• Basic cocktails and mixed drinks
• Non-alcoholic options like soft drinks, tea, and sometimes mocktails

If you have dietary restrictions, many Atlanta bars and bar-restaurants now:

• Mark vegetarian or gluten-conscious options on the menu
• Can adapt certain dishes on request, within reason

Getting Around: Transportation and Parking

How you get to a sports bar in Atlanta can make a big difference in your night.

MARTA (Rail and Bus)

For central neighborhoods, MARTA is often a practical option, especially when events are happening downtown.

Key stations for areas where sports bars cluster:

• Five Points and GWCC/CNN Center – Access to downtown bars and stadium-area restaurants.
• Midtown and Arts Center – Walking distance or a short rideshare to many Midtown options.
• Buckhead and Lenox – Short connections to Buckhead bars and shopping areas.

General MARTA information:
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MARTA)
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Service: 404‑848‑5000

Driving and Parking

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia‑Highland) often rely on street parking and small lots. Availability can be limited on weekends and during big games.
• Buckhead and many suburbs typically have more parking, often in shared lots with shopping centers.
• Some larger sports bars validate parking or share garages with mixed-use developments.

Always check:

• Posted signs to avoid towing, especially around apartment complexes and residential streets.
• Whether there is event-rate parking during major games or concerts downtown.

Family-Friendly vs. Late-Night Sports Bars

If you’re bringing kids or prefer a quieter environment, Atlanta gives you options—but experiences shift as the night goes on.

Earlier in the Day

Many sports bars with full food menus are family-friendly during lunch and early dinner, especially on:

• Weekend afternoons
• Early college football kickoffs
• Day baseball games

Kids’ menus, high chairs, and a more relaxed vibe are common in restaurant-style bars and suburban locations.

Later in the Evening

As the night goes on—particularly:

• Thursday through Saturday
• During big rivalry games
• During playoff runs

Some bars become:

• More crowded and louder
• Focused more on the bar scene than the restaurant aspect
• Less suitable for young children

If family-friendliness is important, consider:

• Calling ahead to ask how the atmosphere changes at night
• Choosing a time earlier in the day to watch the game
• Looking for bars that clearly identify themselves as “family-friendly” or “restaurant with TVs” rather than strictly bars

Tips for Choosing the Right Sports Bar in Atlanta

To narrow down your choices, start with a few questions:

1. Where are you staying or living?

   • Intown: Think about walkable options or quick MARTA rides.
   • Suburbs: Look for neighborhood sports bars with easy parking.

2. What team or sport do you care about most?

   • Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and major college games are widely shown.
   • For out-of-market NFL teams or international soccer, it’s smart to call in advance.

3. What kind of atmosphere do you want?

   • Rowdy and loud: Big group-oriented, standing-room OK.
   • Balanced: Restaurant-style with strong sports presence.
   • Low-key: Smaller neighborhood spot where you can hear your friends talk.

4. Are you bringing a group?

   • Ask about reservations or call-ahead seating, especially for 6+ people.
   • Inquire about minimum spend or time limits if you plan to stay for multiple games.

5. How will you get home?

   • Plan for MARTA, a designated driver, or rideshare if you intend to drink.
   • Be mindful of event traffic downtown around stadiums and arenas.

Local Resources That Can Help

While sports bars themselves are private businesses, a few local organizations can help you plan your trip or night out in Atlanta more broadly:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: 404‑521‑6600
  (Provides visitor information and neighborhood overviews.)

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (for events and neighborhood festivals)
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: 404‑546‑6815

These offices don’t recommend specific sports bars, but they can provide general guidance about neighborhoods, event schedules, and local happenings that might affect traffic and crowds.

In Atlanta, “sports bar” can mean anything from a neighborhood hangout with a few screens to a sprawling, event-ready space packed with fans. By focusing on your preferred location, atmosphere, and teams, you can quickly narrow down the options and find a spot that fits how you like to watch the game.