10 Top Sports Bars on the UWS

Here’s a detailed yet concise guide to the ten top sports bars on the Upper West Side, with added specifics about atmosphere, menu highlights, and crowd vibes to help you choose their perfect game-day spot.

Blondies Sports
Known citywide for its legendary Buffalo wings offered in varying spice levels, Blondies is a magnet for die-hard sports fans. The atmosphere is high-energy, especially on NFL Sundays and major college games. The bar is studded with numerous big screens, creating an immersive viewing experience. They also offer solid bar snacks and multiple beer options. Reservations for big games are recommended. Delivery and takeout are available for those who want the wings at home.

George Keeley
This cozy, Irish-style pub combines a casual neighborhood feel with a beer enthusiast’s dream — its constantly rotating draft wall offers a wide selection of craft and international brews. It’s a quieter, more relaxed venue than some of the larger game-day bars, making it ideal for fans who want good drinks and steady sports action without overwhelming noise. The staff is known to be friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the welcoming vibe.

The Gin Mill
The Gin Mill brings a collegiate energy with its lively beer pong tournaments, trivia nights, and robust late-night hours. It’s a sprawling venue with plenty of TVs, happy hour drink specials, and a full bar menu. A popular choice for groups, it offers a festive atmosphere that makes watching basketball, football, or hockey feel like a social event. The crowd skews young but diverse.

Bodega 88
This bar stands out with its intimate booths each featuring their own TV, perfect for small groups or solo fans. The Dominican-inspired menu, especially the loaded fries with chimichurri and manchego cheese, adds a unique flavor to game day. Bodega 88 is well-loved for affordable drink specials before 7 pm and a lively yet laid-back environment that feels fresh compared to traditional sports bars.

Jake’s Dilemma
A bustling, no-frills sports bar that blends a classic college-bar ambiance with modern sports coverage—complete with foosball tables, pool, and lots of large screens. It’s a hotspot on game days where raucous crowds gather to cheer on their teams while enjoying hearty bar food and ice-cold beers. The vibe is energetic and informal, appealing to those who want a fun, active night out.

Dive Bar
True to its name, Dive Bar is a neighborhood watering hole offering a welcoming and unpretentious environment. Its menu features substantial pub grub perfect for hungry fans, and the service is fast and friendly. Known for consistently broadcasting a wide range of sports, Dive Bar is versatile — great for watching casual weekday games or major sporting events alike.

Lion’s Head Tavern
Lion’s Head Tavern is cherished for its classic American bar fare, daily drink specials (like dollar beers), and a crew of loyal regulars. It’s a spot where the TVs are always on and the focus is on a balanced experience: good beer, good food, and the big game without a lot of fuss. The crowd is a mix of locals and sports fans looking for a dependable place to unwind.

The Throwback
This newer addition to the UWS is quickly building a reputation for combining nostalgic, vintage bar décor with modern amenities. It offers all the major games on multiple screens paired with comfort food staples like burgers and wings. The Throwback feels both familiar and fresh, making it a a great pick for fans seeking a blend of old-school and contemporary sports bar culture.

Amsterdam Ale House
A long-standing favorite, Amsterdam Ale House features an extensive tap list of craft beers alongside classic pub dishes. The spacious interior and multiple TVs make it easy to catch any game comfortably. It’s especially popular with beer aficionados who appreciate a wide selection without sacrificing the casual, neighborhood bar atmosphere. The bar also caters well to families and groups.

Each of these Upper West Side sports bars delivers a unique flavor and vibe, making the neighborhood a top destination for diverse sports fans—from the casual watcher to the die-hard—or anyone who wants great food and drink alongside the game.