The best sports bars in Miami to catch the next big game

With gastropub smack in its name, there’s no surprise here that Batch stayed true to that theme, with chef-y versions of American fare in a trendy space absolutely overflowing with TVs. The Brickell location (there are also locations in Delray, West Palm and Ft. Lauderdale) serves cocktails on tap and drink specials nightly, including a ladies-drink-free deal from 10pm to 1am Fridays.

Sneakerheads have a place to hang at this Wynwood sports bar. But even those not interested in kicked-up kicks and games on the TVs, the food at Grails is also worth the trip, full of elevated versions of bar food classics.

Time Out tip: If you’re here only for the footwear, don’t miss the signature cocktail served in a Jordan-esque sneaker cup you get to keep when you hit the bottom.

A Brickell favorite, American Social is where you’ll find decent food, drinks and views. The waterfront American Social is basically everything that was not annoying about America’s gastropub trend of yesteryear. On game day (especially for college football), American Social is buzzing.

Time Out tip: This is also a great place to go if you don’t really care much at all about what’s on the TV. There’s plenty to keep you occupied other than the scoreboard.

A modern sports bar with two locations in Downtown and Bayside, Black Market is a little sleeker than your average, smoky neighborhood sports den. But that’s certainly not a bad thing. Black Market sports a young, fun crowd and reps Miami teams hard. The bar serves some ambitious cocktails alongside your normal cold beer and there’s plenty of shiny flatscreen TVs.

Time Out tip: The menu hits all the bar food favorites, like fried pickles and nachos that can be smartly subbed for fries.

While yes, the game will be on all the big screens in every corner of the place, there are also lots of other reasons to hit this always-busy spot, which has several South Florida locations. They typically keep the music on instead of the droll sports announcers, making the place feel more like a party than a serious game-watching affair (a good compromise if you’re bringing along someone who doesn’t keep track of the downs and blocked shots).

Time Out tip: The food is good too, including a selection of $12 burgers on Mondays.

This South Beach bar near Española Way feels like a laidback neighborhood spot despite its proximity to some of the area's most touristy locales. The welcoming atmosphere, ample seating and modern, cushy digs make Mickey Burkes an ideal spot to post up while the game's on. They're screening all the NFL and college games on the big screen every Saturday and Sunday this season.

Time Out tip: From 11am to 3pm, you can also score bottomless bloody marys and mimosas. 

Mike’s is an insanely random absolutely-no-frills Irish sports bar on the ninth-floor rooftop of a random Miami apartment building. It’s weird—but in all the right ways. Miami locals with a pension for the odd and dive-y absolutely love Mike’s. In a rapidly developing chunk of Miami, it remains a defiant ode to sticky sports pubs, fried food and easy-to-pronounce beer. Where else in Miami can you find a first-class view with a working-class atmosphere?

You know how Floridians have an undying love for Publix? Flanigan’s is kind of like that for South Floridians. This local chain and its wings, burger and ribs have a special place in all of our hearts. The specials here are awesome. They rotate each day from wings to shrimp to prime rib and more. Plus, there’s just a familiarity about this place that we love. It feels like slipping underneath a warm blanket that smells slightly like a deep fryer.

Do a little jig: this landmark pub is the Irish heart of Miami, with plenty of boozing and bonhomie. If you ask us, soccer is just better with a pint in hand, and you can score pretty good deals on them during matches, like five Harp Lagers for $25. With a cool modern space, plenty of screens and seating in the heart of Coral Gables, this spot is also great for catching other big sporting events, from baseball to boxing and more. 

Oh, Sandbar. This reliable, boozy joint is occasionally overrun with thirsty college kids. Most days, though, it’s got your average sports bar crowd, who are there to enjoy the beer and fish tacos. If the Hurricanes are playing, you’ll certainly be surrounded by fellow drunk people rooting for the same team.

This cool Downtown dive bar is less hipster-y than Over Under and less of a raging party spot than Mama Tried. It's got darts and a pool table, plus a long bar lined with TVs that play sports. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual at first glance. But closer inspection reveals some creative touches and vintage finds hiding in the eclectic decor. Lost Boy’s cocktails are simple but really good, and the post-work and game-day crowds are usually a good time.

Formerly known as Tom’s NFL, this is a true locals’ spot out west, right next to the airport. Don’t come to Tom’s in search of elevated bar bites or spicy/sour craft beers. Here, it’s beer, wings and football.

Time Out tip: Not only are there regular beer specials, but a Bud, Yuengling or Shocktop will set you back just $4.50, a pretty unheard-of price point in the 305.

Regatta Grove is a great place to catch a game if your party of friends includes anyone who might not be as interested in the game as you are. TVs wrap around the open-air venue's large central bar, so you won't miss a minute of the sports action if you don't want to. But this lively Coconut Grove spot is also perched on the water with very pretty views of Biscayne Bay. You can also reserve a table in advance if you're rolling with a larger group.

Time Out tip: Perks for people with varying tastes continue on the food front, too. Regatta Grove has multiple food concepts to choose from, including pizza, fried chicken, tacos and burgers. 

This Coconut Grove spot is a notorious UM hangout. But locals dig the budget-friendly dive too. Inside, there’s plenty of nautical wood, stuffed fish on the wall and TVs for viewing. This is a bar with a personality that doesn’t particularly care about impressing you—but is more than happy to get you drunk.

A local sports bar with seven outposts in South Florida, Sports Grill is pretty much as advertised: sports and a grill. Why make it complicated? There’s always a bargain at Sports Grill, including $3.05 margaritas and $2 tacos⁠ on Mondays, $7 Buffalo chicken sandwich⁠es on Tuesdays and free meals for kids on Wednesdays.

The sign out front says it all: air conditioning, beer and cocktails. What more could you want in perpetually hot Miami? Perhaps a chilled spot to watch the game? Aside from its eclectic music programming, Gramps in Wynwood has also been known to host watch parties for soccer matches and usually has the football games on, too, depending on the day and time. There aren't a ton of screens, just a couple of smaller ones over the bar. But for bigger events they'll roll out the projectors and large screens for better viewing inside and out on the patio.