Sport, Travel

Home > Lifestyle > Travel

13 Best sports bars in Melbourne

By Steve Kavakos - Guide Published: 17 Apr 2023, Last Updated: 24 May 2023

Copy Link

Share

Share this on

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Reddit

Pinterest

Flipboard

Send this by

Email

Messenger

WhatsApp

Copy Link

If you’re looking for a complete list of the best sports bars and pubs in Melbourne you’ll find The Imperial, the Richmond Club Hotel or the The London Tavern Hotel will do the job, at least once during the chaotic Melbourne sports calendar. Melbourne is famous for two things, good coffee and a jam-packed year filled with sporting events. Our team of professional editors and extra commentary experts have tasted and tested the best beer, parmas and sports bars in Melbourne so you and your mates have a day you’ll talk about for the rest of your lives.

Whether it be an AFL showdown between Collingwood and Essendon on Anzac Day, the Formula One Grand Prix or the Australian Open, we’re well aware of the ever-present conundrum of where to cheer on your favourite team on away games or those unfortunate times you didn’t nab tickets (or flights) to the big game. It’s all about a cracking atmosphere, live music, crisp cold lagers and tasty parmas.

Best sports bars in Melbourne at a Glance

Our list of best sports bars in Melbourne goes like this.

• Best Sports Bars overall experience: Richmond Club
• Best Sports Bars for AFL: The London Tavern Hotel
• Best Sports Bars for a big screen: The Governor’s Hall
• Best Sports Bars for parmas: The Auburn Hotel
• Best Sports Bars for groups: The Sporting Globe Richmond

If you don’t want to miss any of the action of your favourite local and international games and sporting events, let’s check out our extensive selection of Melbourne’s best sports bars.

1. The Imperial Hotel Bourke Street

The Imperial first opened its doors in 1858, making it one of the oldest sports bars in Melbourne’s CBD. The incredible rooftop bar, has a scrumptious English food menu filled with bar snacks and an impressive beer and wine list. You’ll find a comprehensive display of live sports from around the globe make the Imperial your old school sports bar in the city. Be sure to try the whole parma, the half parma or the eggplant parma.

Address: 2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone: +61 3 9810 0062
Hours: Sun-Thu 11 am-11:00 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-1:00 am

Check out The Imperial Hotel The Imperial Hotel Menu

2. The Sporting Globe Richmond

With multiple locations across Melbourne and beyond, the Sporting Globe in Richmond is perfect for a box-office UFC event. Even if another sport is on during a UFC extravaganza, there’s plenty screens showing the NRL, AFL, Bledisloe Cup and any other sporting event you might desire. The Richmond location is a sports bar combining top-shelf technology, a loud atmosphere and old school pub food to make for one of the most authentic public sports viewings in Melbourne. We would recommend the Sporting Globe in Richmond for a cracking UFC event, and if Alex Volkanovski is fighting, you’re in for a treat, as everyone loves our Australian champion.

Address: 288 Bridge Rd, Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9428 2656
Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30 am-10:00 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am-1:00 am

Check out The Sporting Globe The Sporting Globe Menu

3. The Great Northern

The Great Northern show NRL, cricket, A-league, EPL and NFL. Plus, if you’d like to watch a particular sporting match, they’ll ensure one of its many televisions, or one of two massive projector screens is showing the big game. If it’s a middle-of-the-night overseas match, this sports bar in Melbourne will open its doors early for you and your mates so you can feel like you’re in the front row at the game. Be welcomed with an unparalleled selection of beers, leafy beer garden and delicious pub grub.

Address: 644 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North VIC 3054
Phone: +61 3 9380 9569
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-12:00am, Fri-Sat 11am-1:00am, Sun 11am-11:00pm

Check out The Great Northern The Great Northern Menu

4. The College Lawn Hotel

Spend your Saturday afternoon at the College Lawn Hotel and catch all the biggest live sporting games on its big-screen TVs. With a main bar, restaurant, live music and a beer garden—this sports bar in Melbourne makes for a fantastic summer viewing experience. We recommend catching a few Australian Open games here, or the AFL and NRL on a nice Saturday afternoon, or Sunday blockbuster.

Address: 36 Greville Street, Prahran VIC 3181
Phone: +61 3 9810 0074
Hours: Sun-Thu 11 am-11:00 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-12:00 am

Check out The College Lawn Hotel The College Lawn Menu

5. Crown Sports Bar & Pub

A dedicated Sports bar and pub, the Crown is easily one of the most action-packed sports bars in Melbourne for a major International sporting event. Crown attracts every nationality in Melbourne, and it creates a boiling-point type of atmosphere when the Fifa World Cup is on. It’s also perfect for soccer fans looking for a Premier League match, just be mindful of the passionate Liverpool supporters. The Crown’s Sports Bar has plenty of screens plus TAB facilities. We love the giant screens, bar snacks and one mega screen to ensure you don’t miss a second of any action.

Address: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006
Phone: +61 3 9292 8888
Hours: Mon 12 am-11:00 pm, Tue-Thu 11 am-11:00 pm, Fri 11 am-12:00 am, Sat-Sun 24 hours

Check out Crown Sports Bar & Pub Crown Sports Bar & Pub Menu

6. Richmond Club Hotel

The Richmond Club Hotel is one of the top rugby union sports bars in Melbourne, as well as just about any other sport. It’s got spectacular city views and an ideal laid-back atmosphere for cheering on your favourite team. It’s perfect for a pre-game drink before heading to the big game at the MCG, as it’s a ten-minute walk from the pub to the ground. Likewise, depending on your mood after a match, you’ll take to the streets to celebrate a win or mourn the loss.

Address: 100 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9428 6722
Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-1:00am, Fri 11am-1:00am, Sat-Sun 11am-1:00am

Check out Richmond Club Hotel Richmond Club Hotel Menu

7. Governor’s Hall

If you’re hunting for an NBA watering hole in Melbourne’s South East, this is it.  Tucked away in Hawthorn East, this eclectic recently-opened sports bar is filled with the largest LED screen we’ve ever seen in a pub. You’ll see a woodfire pizza oven serving traditional pizzas like pepperoni and Capricciosa. If you aren’t sure what you’re feeling like and you want a diverse selection of dishes, there’s the trio of dips to vegetarian spring rolls, parmas and fish and chips. You’ll find the NBA streaming on the big screen and a generous outside courtyard for a drink with mates.

Address: 27 Hall Street, Hawthorn East, VIC 3123
Phone: 0419 995 773
Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-late, Sat-Sun 11am-late

Check out Governor’s Hall Governor’s Hall Menu

8. Auburn Hotel

The Auburn Hotel is the AFL sports bar of the East; it’s covered from wall to wall in Hawthorn AFL Newspaper posters but still has a warm and welcoming setting. There’s an extensive food menu and beverage list and unbelievable parmas, with a dedicated night (Wednesday night, parma night) offering traditional parmas and vegan parmas. It’s a local favourite and is perfect for your standard home and away AFL season. Come finals, you’ll need to sneak in early to claim a spot at the front bar where the projector is located.

Address: 85 Auburn Road, Hawthorn East, Vic 3123
Phone: (03) 9810 0032
Hours: Sun-Thu 12 pm-10:00 pm, Fri-Sat 12 pm-12:00 am

Check out Auburn Hotel Auburn Hotel Menu

9. The Swan

The Swan is a staple sports bar and hangout for Melburnians during summer because of its position. It’s a five-minute walk to Chapel Street and is located in central Richmond. You’ll find live music from local bands, pool tables and flowing beers create a unique atmosphere in the heart of Melbourne. It’s a great sports bar for many sporting events, the NRL, AFL and even the Australian Open are all on rotation during the year.

Address: 425 Church Street, Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9428 2112
Hours: Sun-Wed 12 pm-12:00 am, Thu 12 pm-1:00 am, Fri-Sat 12 pm-3:00 am

Check out The Swan The Swan Menu

10. Mt. View Hotel

You may have discovered the award-winning rooftop bar and crafty cocktails at Mt View Hotel, but have you also experienced what was recently voted the best sports bar in Melbourne? Combine everyone’s favourite bar classics with this iconic Richmond drinking venue.

Address: 68-70 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9428 3973
Hours: Sun-Thu 12 pm-11:00 pm, Fri-Sat 12 pm-1:00 am

Check out Mt. View Hotel Mt. View Hotel Menu

11. The London Tavern Hotel

As far as old style English pubs go, it doesn’t get more original than the London Tavern Hotel in Richmond. This is the venue known to host the famous AFL Grand Final Day and finals series. This is Melbourne’s premiere sports bar, you go here for the culture, atmosphere, smell of parmas and taste of beer. You’ll walk through the bustling pub and bathe in a sea of scarves, and you’ll hear graphic descriptions of supporters disagreeing with an umpire’s decision. This is our favourite sports bar for big games and atmosphere, and the massive projector amongst the beer garden helps when you want to watch the game.

Address: 238 Lennox Street Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9428 6050
Hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-late

Check out The London Tavern Hotel  The London Tavern Hotel Menu

12. The Precinct Hotel

Across the road from sporting and entertainment areas, Richmond’s historic Precinct Hotel has all the hustle and bustle of a vast courtyard showing World Cup games and giving Aussie sports enthusiasts precisely what they want, shorter bar lines and incredible pub meals like parmas and steaks. It’s easily one of the best sports bars to watch major sporting games because of its size and different bar sections.

Address: 60 Swan Street, Richmond, VIC 3121
Phone: +61 3 9429 1633
Hours: Mon-Sat 12 pm-3:00 am, Sun 12 pm-10:00 pm

Check Out The Precinct Hotel  The Precinct Hotel Menu

13. The Castle Hotel

This Belgian beer bar in North Melbourne is one of the liveliest and few rugby union pubs in Melbourne. If its wide selection of Belgian beer doesn’t get you drooling, its comprehensive menu of share plates, classic pub meals like the Castle beef burger and contemporary gourmet dishes like spicy jalapeno poppers certainly will. And if that weren’t enough, The Castle Hotel sports bar just underwent refurbishments to make it the most action-packed venue to support your team.

Address: 56 Courtney Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051
Phone: +61 3 9348 9692
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 am-11:00 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am-1:00 am, Sun 12 pm-11:00 pm

Check Out The Castle Hotel The Castle Hotel Menu

Key Things to Consider for Best Sports Bars In Melbourne

The key factors to keep in mind when deciding where to go:

• Location – How far will are you willing to travel?
• Value – Is it value for money?
• Venue – A great atmosphere is essential.
• Food & Drink – A strong pub menu and assortment of beers make a sports bar.

How Man of Many Chose the Best Sports Bars In Melbourne

With an editorial team full of sports enthusiasts, Man Of Many has had the unique opportunity to directly sample and experience sports bars from the best venues in Melbourne. As expert journalists who guide people between competing products and services, we have provided our independent opinion in formulating Man of Many’s selections. Our editors have taken into account location, food and drink and atmosphere while also making a concerted effort to highlight a few venues outside of the CBD. You can review our editorial policy here surrounding how we maintain our independence in our editorial reviews.

Alternatives to Sports Bars In Melbourne

If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Melbourne, we’ve got you covered with some of the options listed below. You can also check out our list of the Best Brazilian BBQ in Melbourne or, if you don’t feel like heading out for food in Melbourne you can look to go fishing or find 100 other fun ideas in Melbourne.

You’ll also like:
34 Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
49 Best Bars in Melbourne For a Good Night Out
19 Best Outdoor Dining Experiences In Melbourne
8 Best Paintball Venues in Melbourne

General FAQ

Where can I watch the Superbowl in Melbourne in 2021?

Sporting Globe, KICKS Melbourne, TGI Fridays or Beer Deluxe.

Where can I watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne in 2020?

Imperial Hotel, The London Tavern, The Hawthorn Hotel, College Lawn Hotel or Royal Standard Hotel.