Sports bars are great places to get you and your mates together whilst watching some of the key matches or sporting events on the big screen, from football and rugby to boxing and racing. Many of the sports bars in Manchester boast high-tech TV screens, tasty grub, countless beers on tap, comfy seats and a lively atmosphere for a slice of escapism from real life and allow you to immerse yourself into the world of sport. Whether you’ve not got tickets to watch your favourite team play live or you’re looking to sit on the edge of your seat besides your living room sofa, here are some of the best sports bars in Manchester to check out.
1. Portland MCR
Like your game with a side of grub? Portland MCR certainly won’t disappoint. Not only the home of live sports, but absolutely whopping burgers, too, guests can tuck into an epic American menu packed full of plates such as cheese-smothered hot dogs, buffalo chicken, and even their huge 10-stack beef burger at Portland MCR, which is never a bad thing.
📍 Portland MCR, Portland St, Manchester M1 3HU.
2. BOX Bar
One of Manchester’s biggest dedicated sports bars, BOX Bar is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere. Even if you’re not cheering on your own team, you’re sure to enjoy their classic bar grub (crowd-pleasing with plenty of burgers and pizzas, of course), alongside cocktail steins, spacious bar area for both seating and standing, and plenty of big screens to watch the must-see matches on.
📍 BOX Bar, 125 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY.
3. The Brotherhood
The Brotherhood is an industrial-style American sports bar that can be found just behind Albert Square, not only screening live football matches, but boxing, rugby and more. Enjoy beers and cocktails while watching the match, as well as wings, nachos, burgers, and other American classics, all within this truly sport-loving environment.
📍 The Brotherhood, 2 Mount St, Manchester M2 5WQ.
4. The Director’s Box
One of the most central sports bars in Manchester, The Director’s Box shows nearly every sport you can name on their high definition TV screens. Plus, the bar isn’t just here for live games, as it’s also got a cool selection of craft beer, along with a range of small plates, sharing dishes and hearty grub as well as a bottomless brunch offering should the result be worth celebrating.
📍 The Director’s Box, 37 Booth St, Manchester M2 4AA.
5. Sixes
Fancy something a little bit different? Sixes Social Cricket is the perfect spot to gather with mates – not only because you can watch the games unfold (which is not just cricket) in their sports bar complete with pool tables and plenty of seating, but because you can take on your mates with a game of social crickets afterwards. Take on the simulation and bat your way to glory after your team has won the match.
📍 Sixes Social Cricket, The Corn Exchange, New Cathedral St, Manchester M4 3TR.
6. The Shack
One of the NQ’s long-loved laidback bars, Shack NQ will have plenty of screens to enjoy the match on this season – including private booths with their own screens to enjoy with mates. There’s plenty of beers and booze on offer to enjoy during the match, alongside pool tables, beer pong, darts and more that are perfect for playing in-between game highlights.
📍 The Shack, 69 High St, Manchester M4 1FS.
7. Bierkeller/Shooters
One of the Printworks’ thriving venues, the Manchester Bierkeller frequently screens live sports – with over twenty screens, three projector screens and a massive LED superscreen to accommodate sports fans. Enjoy cold beers, steins and pitchers, as well as 8-pint beer towers, stein cocktails and more.
📍 Manchester Bierkeller, The Printworks, Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS.
8. Tib Street Tavern
A popular spot when the football’s on – particularly on Derby Days – Tib Street Tavern can be found nestled down the Northern Quarter’s curious Tib Street, offering proper pub vibes with screens at every turn. The atmosphere is absolutely buzzing with football fans, with two floors for fans to spread out across and find a spot to watch the match.
📍Tib Street Tavern, 74 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LG.