Game on! 10 sports bars for watching the big game

Now that the Lynx, Vikings and Gophers all are in full swing, it’s time to scout out where to watch the game as we cheer on Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Justin Jefferson and celebrate the return of Adam Thielen.

While you might not be willing to change out that lucky jersey, it’s never too late to try something new. Perhaps a change of scenery is in order. Luckily, there’s no shortage of sports-centric bars popping up on the Twin Cities food and drink scene. Here are 10 to watch:

Pegged as the Midwest’s first sports bar exclusively showing women’s sports, the family-friendly Seward neighborhood hangout features bar fare such as burgers and chicken wings that uses the same dry rub recipe from when the space was Tracy’s Saloon (mains $11-$15). Healthful food as well as vegan and dairy-free options are also available, as are mocktails that share space on the cocktail menu.

A Bar of Their Own made its mark by featuring only women’s sports across its dozen screens. Count on it as the home base for Lynx, Frost, Aurora FC, Vixen and Gophers games, as well as countless other college and semiprofessional games. Pro tip: Ten parking spots are available behind the bar on a first-come basis.

2207 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., abaroftheirown.com

Think sports bar emphasizing inclusivity with a side of nostalgia. The spot also aims to draw regulars with its moderately priced menu. All food items are $13 or less and drinks range from $4-$13. Highly recommended: the double-patty smash burger ($8) and twice-fried chicken wings ($12).

For game watching, 13 screens (including an 86-inch screen in the middle of the bar) let you in on the action while local teams take priority — Vikings, Lynx, Timberwolves, Frost, Wild, Twins, Aurora and Loons among them. Score a spot in the dugout-style bench seats for the ultimate viewing experience.

There are high-end sports bars, then there’s the crème de la crème. When it comes to culinary luxe, no place in the sports bar world flexes it more than this 50th and France spot from chef Daniel del Prado and business partners Carla and Spencer Jones. Oysters, caviar and fries, fancy burgers and lobster shrimp rolls (mains $15-$26) are ready to be paired with craft cocktails or a well-curated selection of domestic and European wines. Flat screens throughout the restaurant mean you can watch the game, but it’s more background noise than main event.

3717 W. 50th St., Mpls., dextersmpls.com

Just launched in August, this new sports-themed bar and event space with an “industrial-chic” vibe joins the food and drink lineup at Mystic Lake Casino. Three giant state-of-the-art video walls include a curved 42-foot-wide centerpiece. VIP rooms with triple screens are also part of the viewing options.

A special game-day menu features nachos, wings and sliders, but the housemade foot-long pretzel sticks shouldn’t be missed. As the name implies, special care is taken with the beer selection, with 17 domestic and 21 craft beer offerings — and there’s even a decorative keg wall. Stick around after the game for live music.

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW., Prior Lake, mysticlake.com

Screens wrap along the bar and into the dining area with Minnesota sports taking precedence. Bar and grill food such as pretzel bites, wings, sliders, tacos, pizza and ribs are the name of the game (mains $10 to $33). On Sundays, an all-day menu of specials features $3 draft beers and $5 Bloody Marys.

731 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/parlay.mn

The Minnesota grown, family-friendly sports bar chain now has a Blaine location. Part of the National Sports Village development next to the National Sports Center, it’s a place to enjoy the game in shiny new digs. Pastas, pizzas and plenty of taps are among the offerings. If you’re feeling like something fancier before or after the game, you don’t have to go far. There’s a steakhouse and seafood restaurant on the second level.

2190 105th Av. NE., Blaine, theblainepizzapub.com

It’s come one, come all at this spacious, modern sports bar with nightlife energy. Belly up to the sprawling wraparound bar or perch at one of the barrel high tops or lounge seats with indoor turf flooring and neon pink lights. Order from menu items such as tacos, smash burgers and fried chicken buckets cranked up a notch as well as fancier fare such as tuna poke and rib-eye (mains $16-$35).

411 Washington Av. N., Mpls., therabbitholemn.com and @therabbitholempls

In the same building as the new Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar, the Stable is its entertainment counterpart. With a stage and a 330-square-foot LED video wall among the screen options, the newly opened place goes full force in hopes of becoming a major sports watching and live music destination. The outdoor space is as much of a draw, thanks to a sprawling patio that overlooks Canterbury Park while outfitted with several screens for watching the game in the open breeze.

The Stable menu emphasizes handhelds, such as Oklahoma smash burgers, fried bologna sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs and shrimp rolls. Or, while not a sports bar, head to Boardwalk next door for a menu that emphasizes Coastal style fare and more (raw oysters, Maryland-style crab cakes, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, steaks and chops). The sizable drink menu includes original craft cocktails as well as wines, beers and NA cocktail options. It’s also worth noting that a Sunday brunch menu was recently added.

1125 Shenandoah Dr., Shakopee, boardwalkmn.com

While not exactly new (it opened in 2022), it’s worth mentioning. This grand and sprawling 600-person-capacity venue accommodates large groups with an expansive bar, high-tops, communal tables and bench seats. Part of a national chain co-owned by local Tom Ryan, the Minneapolis location also has a Topgolf Swing Suite for playing interactive simulator golf as well as non-golf games.

More than 80 screens ensure that everyone has a view of the game. Tuning into the home team is the priority, though there’s a wide range of matches playing across the board at any given time. When looking for parking, it’s worth noting that Tom’s Watch Bar is located on the first floor of the Minneapolis Marriott City Center, which has a ramp.

609 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.; tomswatchbar.com.

Although only a few weeks old, this sports bar sets out to make you feel right at home, like it’s been there all along. That’s because the garage-themed bar is casual and inviting, with plenty of screens and cushy bar stools to perch. And the garage doors, vintage decor and “food truck” service window add a touch of playfulness, as does the backyard with bench seats and high tops dotted throughout. Look for a casual menu that includes pizzas.

16309 Main Av. SE., Prior Lake, bit.ly/YTGarageSports