The Best Sports Bars in Melbourne to Catch a Game

Sure, we all own TVs that are perfectly capable of broadcasting our favourite sports. However, there's nothing quite like soaking up the ambience at your favourite sports bar, surrounded by fellow fans, cheering for every goal or try. With big screens, electric atmospheres, and ice-cold drinks on hand, it’s the ultimate way to experience the thrill of live sports.

Whether you're watching the tennis or the AFL, these sports bars have good food, great beer and immaculate vibes, these are the best sports bars in Melbourne to do so at.

Harvey's Sports Bar & Grill

This new St Kilda sports bar is serving up great food alongside big screens to watch your favourite sports. Screening everything from Formula One to soccer and UFC, Harvey's offers the perfect spot to catch every game while enjoying mouth-watering burgers, loaded fries, and ice-cold drinks. With its lively atmosphere and dedicated sports-loving crowd, it's a must-visit for any sports fan.

On the menu you'll find an array of delicious wood fire smoked BBQ snacks, including corn, vegetables and barbecue wings.

169 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

College Lawn Hotel

This local beer garden and sports bar is tucked away in the quieter streets of Prahan—offering a relaxed escape from the city's hustle. But don't be mistaken, people flock to the College Lawn Hotel, especially when there's a game on. With a spacious outdoor area, plenty of big screens for live sports, and a menu filled with classic pub favorites, it’s the perfect spot for casual catch-ups, game-day gatherings, or a laid-back Sunday session.

36 Greville Street, Prahan

Hopscotch

Located in Southbank, Hopscotch is a sports bar in Melbourne that’s perfect for watching live games while enjoying stunning riverside views. With multiple screens, a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, and a menu packed with delicious bites, it’s the ideal spot for sports fans and social gatherings alike. 

4 Riverside Quay, Southbank

Turf Sports Bar

Turf Sports Bar is one of the best sports bars in Melbourne by far. This traditional pub has an elevated feel and bustling atmosphere. Seriously, there's no other place we'd rather watch a live game of AFL!

Serving up pub classics including char-grilled steaks, thin crust pizza, beer battered fish and chips and small bites to share, this pub is a go-to spot for great food and even better vibes. With multiple big screens and a lively crowd, it’s also the ultimate destination for sports fans looking to catch every play while enjoying a hearty meal and a cold drink.

131 Queen Street, Melbourne

London Tavern Hotel

Richmond is Melbourne's home of sport, so there's no place better to go to watch a game with fellow footy fans (or tennis, or whichever sport you fancy) than this action-packed 'burb. But if you're not planning on heading into the stadiums, the London Tavern Hotel is the next best thing. Opening in 1936, this historical building has been a go-to for sport lovers for nearly a century.

With its classic pub atmosphere, and plenty of screens showing live games, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the game-day energy.

238 Lennox Street, Richmond

The Rising Sun Hotel

Home of the Sydney Swans, the Rising Sun Hotel is a must visit, especially if you're watching an AFL game that involves Sydney. Here you'll find a range of flavourful seafood dishes including salt and pepper calamari, chorizo and garlic prawns, as well as the infamous South Melbourne dim sims from the market. There are steaks and pub classics aplenty, cocktails and beer on tap to refresh you on hot summer days. It's one of the best sports bars in Melbourne.

2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne

Great Northern Hotel

The Great Northern Hotel is a beloved Melbourne institution known for its unbeatable atmosphere and dedication to live sports. With over 20 big screens throughout the venue, you’ll never miss a moment of the action. Pair that with an extensive craft beer selection and a menu featuring classic pub fare, and you’ve got the ultimate spot for sports fans and social gatherings alike. Plus, with a $30 Sunday roast deal every week, this is the place to be to watch the afternoon footy. Grab your mates and head here for a guaranteed good time!

644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North

Duke of Wellington Hotel

The Duke of Wellington is one of the best sports bars in Melbourne not only because it's a stunning elevated pub and rooftop bar, but because it's our city's oldest pub. With multiple rooms to get cosy in (we love the velvet green booths and gallery wall) and watch your sport of choice, there's plenty of room to fit all the fans! 

Dig into classic pub fare and like burgers, parmas, and share plates while enjoying the buzzing atmosphere. Whether you're catching the game on the big screens or soaking up the rooftop views with a cold drink in hand, the Duke of Wellington promises an unforgettable sports bar experience.

2/146 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Got your sports fix with our article on the best sports bars in Melbourne and want to see what else our city has to offer? Check out what's happening across Melbourne this month, or  check if your chosen pub to watch your favourite sport is dog friendly, so you can bring your best bud along, too!