Best bars in Baltimore to watch the NFL

For football fans, September means one thing: the start of the football season. There’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family and going out to watch your team play. Whether you’re a Ravens fan or not, East Baltimore has plenty of bars, sports bars, and gastropubs that make for a fantastic viewing experience. Check out our favorite spots to watch a game in Baltimore.

1. Abbey Burger Bistro

When it comes to burgers, Abbey Burger Bistro has a wide selection. You can choose any of the pre-selected options on the menu or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, build your own burger. And we haven’t even gotten to the good part: the restaurant features 12 screens divided between 2 floors with plenty of seating area.

Where: 1041 Marshall St

2. Benders Sports Bar

Looking for an unpretentious bar with great football packages? Benders Sports Bar is right up your alley. This small corner bar radiates an infectious energy year-round, but we can’t deny that it’s extra special when football season is on. The owner is the bartender himself, so you can rest assured that the service will be top-notch, as will the cocktails. Note that Benders only serves drinks–there isn’t a food menu.

Where: 301 S Ann St

3. City Limits Sports Bar

Hailed as one of Baltimore’s Best Happy Hour Spots by CBS, City Limits strikes the perfect balance between drink and bar bites. Come game day, you can enjoy nice, cold beer alongside their acclaimed crispy golden wings. Of course, that’s not all they offer. Their menu boasts an incredible variety of appetizers, salads, all manners of sandwiches and wraps, as well as crowd-favorites such as mac and cheese, quesadillas, and tacos.

Where: 1700 E Fort Ave

4. iBar

iBar is renowned for its American fare and comfort food menu. Even if you’re a regular, there are still countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered on the Special House Menu that the chef creates twice a week. If you’re a fan of wings, iBar’s the only spot in Baltimore where you can get Authentic Buffalo Wings based on the original Buffalo, NY recipe.

Where: 2118 Maryland Ave

5. Magerk’s

You’d be hard-pressed to find a sports bar with more charm and character than Magerk’s Pub & Grill. Sports memorabilia line the walls and endless orders of Philly cheesesteaks, the house specialty, keep the kitchen plenty busy. If Philly cheesesteaks aren’t your favorite, don’t worry: Magerk’s also serves plenty of local flavors. Magerk’s Baltimore location features 14 HD plasma screens for you to catch a game.

Where: 1061 S Charles St

6. Mother’s Federal Hill Grille

Located right in the center of Baltimore’s Federal Hill, Mother’s Grille features a menu that can only be described as chock-full of culinary delights. They make the majority of their meals from scratch and serve appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wings, and desserts. There is no shortage of drink options either: from red wine to bubbly to specialty cocktails, Mother’s Grille has it all.

Where: 1113 S Charles St

7. Turp’s

Turp’s elevated typical pub grub to an art form. They draw their inspiration from Cheers: to make their brownstone bar a place “where everybody knows your name.” Trust us when we say they hit it out of the park. Lauded as one of the best in Baltimore in 2015, Turp’s menu consists of affordable, tasty plates ranging from pasta and pizza to steak subs to wraps. They also run game-day specials that really get you in the mood for the game.

Where: 1317 N Charles St

8. Wiley Gunters

Wiley Gunters is one of the best sports bars in Baltimore. In addition to their multiple HD screens, they also serve over 100 different beers, a full gastropub menu filled with delightful foods, and a full bar. You can also find shuffleboards, foosball tables, and dart boards galore.  

Where: 823 E Fort Ave

East Baltimore’s vibrant sports bar scene has plenty of attractions to draw everyone out. Whether you’re in the mood for a low-key night out or seeking to attend a lively sports hangout, you’re bound to find the perfect destination for you.