INSCMagazine: Get Social!

By Kyle Armstrong of ClickitTicket

Few people in the world love sports as much Canadians.  Sure, they are passionate about hockey, but they love all sports, from archery to yachting.

Obviously, a country that loves athletic competition as much as Canada is going to have a slew of great sports bars.  That’s certainly the case with the provinces.  You can’t take a slap shot in the Great White North and not hit a venue that has the game on.

Yet, to make our list of the top 40 Canadian sports bar, the establishment needed more than a love of sport and a television.  They needed an all-consuming passion for sports… and a bunch of televisions.

The following sports bars possess the technology, kitchen, and decor to turn every game into a special occasion.  Our 40 establishments excel at serving food, pouring drinks, and presenting televised sporting events.

The next time your favorite team plays—whether it’s the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Blue Jays, or Calgary Stampeders—don’t watch it at home, or in the basement of your friend’s house.  Watch it at one of the following saloons.

Banff

Elk & Oarsman Kitchen and Bar

119 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B6
(403) 762-4616

Why Elk & Oarsman Kitchen and Bar is a home run: This establishment has style to spare.  The adroit use of river rock and timber make Elk & Oarsman an absolute delight for all your senses.

Elk & Oarsman shoots and scores with: Its rooftop patio.  When open, their patio grants patrons a 360-degree vista that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Menu MVP: Elk Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2005
  • Gorgeous stone fireplace
  • Christmas Day Menu

 

Burlington

Gator Teds Tap and Grill

1505 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7P 3B6
905-336-3133

Why Gator Teds Tap and Grill is a home run: Sports fans are treated to fifty plasma televisions and six 103” projector screens.  All are fed by a dozen satellites.

Gator Teds shoots and scores with: Copious amounts of fun.  This is obviously the place in North Burlington to cheer the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors to victory.  It’s also an exciting live music venue, terrific bar, and astounding grill.

Menu MVP: Gator Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1994
  • Live music every Friday
  • Open for breakfast

 

Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

QB Sports Bar Grill Games

4460 Fairview Street
Burlington, ON L7L 5P9
905-637-9797

Why QB Sports Bar Grill Games is a home run: Dozens of televisions hang on their walls broadcasting sporting events from all over Canada and the rest of the world.

QB Sports Bar shoots and scores with: A game room for kids.  You can watch the big game while your kids play games.

Menu MVP: Chili Nachos

Their Hat Trick:

  • Their Express Lunch is the best value in Burlington
  • David Almdal, kitchen manager
  • Free WiFi

 

Calgary

Atlas Pizza & Sports Bar

6060 Memorial Drive Northeast
Calgary, AB T2A 5Z5
(403) 248-3344

Why Atlas Pizza & Sports Bar is a home run: Their causal and inviting atmosphere appeals to locals and tourists.

Atlas shoots and scores with: An eclectic menu.  Their kitchen produces dishes that will satisfy any hungry sports fan.

Menu MVP: Atlas Special (pizza)

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1976
  • Daily specials
  • The place in Calgary to watch big events like the Stanley Cup Finals and Super Bowl


Interior of Atlas Pizza & Sports Bar. Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Bottlescrew Bill’s & Buzzards

140, 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A3
(403) 263-7900

Why Bottlescrew Bill’s & Buzzards is a home run: Open during every Flames game.  You’ll find this fine establishment on the site of the old Calgary Press Club.

Bottlescrew shoots and scores with: Their scrumptious menu.  Whenever possible, Bottlescrew Bill’s uses locally sourced ingredients.

Menu MVP: Best Chicken Wings Ever

Their Hat Trick:

  • Serves more than 300 beers
  • Enclosed, heated beer garden open year-round
  • Kitchen is open late


Interior of Bottlescrew Bill’s & Buzzards. Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Garage Sports Bar

200 Barclay Parade Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
(403) 262-6762

Why Garage Sports Bar is a home run: High-quality video/sound system, enchanting menu, and awesome staff.

Garage Sports shoots and scores with: Its interactive environment.  After the Flames win, and you’re through with your delicious pub-style meal, continue having fun by playing one of their many pub games.

Menu MVP: Party Platters

Their Hat Trick:

  • 6,000 square feet of sports bar
  • Assortment of pool tables, ping pong tables, and dart boards
  • Hosts groups from 5 to 500
Home & Away

1331 17th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2T 0C4
(403) 455-9789

Why Home & Away is a home run: They are a sports bar that’s dedicated to proud and passionate sports fans.  Home & Away embodies the spirit of Calgary.

Home & Away shoots and scores with: Its menu.  Chef Pigot serves up mouthwatering chow and that includes brunch and kids’ dishes.

Menu MVP: Home Dog

Their Hat Trick:

  • Reverse happy hour Friday through Sunday
  • Free pub games
  • Sponsors local sports teams

Edmonton

Jack’s Pizza Cafe & Sports Bar

6709 Ellerslie Road Southwest
Edmonton, AB T6X 2A1
(780) 752-3232
Why Jack’s Pizza Cafe & Sports Bar is a home run: You can enjoy hockey, basketball, baseball, and UFC on one of their many high-definition televisions.

Jack’s shoots and scores with: A crisp, clean, wide-open floor plan.  It’s an awesome setting to watch the Oilers win.

Menu MVP: Oiler BBQ Bacon Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • Handmade pizzas
  • Kobe burgers
  • You can order online

Gatineau

Restaurant La Station

611 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, QC J8Y 4A6
(819) 777-3333

Why Restaurant La Station is a home run: Family-friendly, memorable menu, top-notch service, and community-minded.

La Station shoots and scores with: “My Station.”  Their membership club offers updates on special events, thrilling promotions, and exciting contests.

Menu MVP: Any of their pizzas

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1994
  • Amazing outdoor patio
  • Arrive before the game and enjoy their world-famous breakfast service


Interior of Restaurant La Station.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Halifax

HFX Sports Bar & Grill

1721 Brunswick Street
Halifax, NS
(902) 404-1404

Why HFX Sports Bar & Grill is a home run: You can watch the big game on one of their 90 LED televisions.

HFX shoots and scores with: A custom app that allows you to listen to any of their televisions through your device.

Menu MVP: Chicken & Waffles

Their Hat Trick:

  • More than 12,000 square feet of sports bar
  • More than 35 brands of beer on tap
  • Conveniently located next to hotels, the Metro Centre, and Citadel Hill
Oasis Pub & Eatery

5661 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS
(902) 422-2227

Why Oasis Pub & Eatery is a home run: No establishment in Halifax has a more conducive atmosphere for watching sports.  Also, no sports bar has a better menu.

Oasis shoots and scores with: Their affinity for UFC.  Oasis is the best place in Halifax for octagon action.

Menu MVP: Burger and wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1949
  • $10 pitchers (ask your server for details)
  • Karaoke every Thursday night

Hamilton

Anchor Bar

120 King Street West
Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1
(905) 308-7888

Why Anchor Bar is a home run: You can order original Buffalo wings and watch the Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors on one of their 80” televisions.

Anchor Bar shoots and scores with: Their enchanting ambiance, superb menu, and wonderful cadre of servers.  If the game turns boring, just peruse their huge collection of sports memorabilia.

Menu MVP: Buffalo Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2013
  • Home of the original Buffalo Chicken Wings
  • Near-perfect pizza

Kelowna

Dakodas Sports Bar, Pub & Grill

1574 Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G2
(250) 860-9500

Why Dakodas Sports Bar, Pub & Grill is a home run: It’s an awesome destination to kick back and relax.  It’s the kind of sports bar where you can bring your best buddy or your best girl… or meet your next best buddy or your next best girl.

Dakodas shoots and scores with: Its monthly UFC events, yummy menu, and can’t-miss drink specials.

Menu MVP: 144 Inch Pizza

Their Hat Trick:

  • Home of Kelowna Comedy
  • $.39 wings on Wednesdays
  • Offers BC Lotto


Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Niagara Falls

Clancy’s Restaurant & Bar

5233 Stanley Avenue
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7C2
(905) 357-4112

Why Clancy’s Restaurant & Bar is a home run: They’re an award-winning sports bar that treats everyone like family.

Clancy’s shoots and scores with: Its friendliness.  Clancy’s is the “Cheers” of Niagara Falls.  In other words, at Clancy’s everyone knows your name.

Menu MVP: Fish Taco Trio

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1981
  • Closest sports bar to the Gale Centre, Casino Niagara, and Fallsview Casino Resort
  • Free WiFi

Ottawa

Hometown Sports Grill

1525 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z1
(613) 733-0808

Why Hometown Sports Grill is a home run: This heralded establishment has a built-in 20′ screen and forty high-definition televisions.

Hometown shoots and scores with: Its size.  Hometown is Ottawa’s biggest fan-friendly sports bar.

Menu MVP: Hometown Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • Accepts reservations online
  • Accepts reservations for parties of 4 to 300
  • Caters
Local Heroes Bar & Grill

1400 Clyde Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2G 3J2
(613) 224-3873

Why Local Heroes Bar & Grill is a home run: Enjoy Ottawa Senators games on one of their two 54” televisions or two 8′ projection screens.

Local Heroes Bar & Grill shoots and scores with: Its bright interior and super-approachable staff.  Both make it hard to hangout at Local Heroes and not smile.

Menu MVP: Chicken Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1991
  • Daily specials
  • Voted best bar, and best wings, in Ottawa numerous times


Game night at Local Heroes Bar & Grill.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

The Prescott

379 Preston Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 4N1
(613) 232-1136

Why The Prescott is a home run: Sports on television, vintage charm, and exceptional service.

The Prescott shoots and scores with: Its rich history.  “If these walls could talk” is an overused phrase but appropriate for the Prescott.

Menu MVP: Prescott Square Pizza

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1934
  • Founded by Antonio Disipio
  • Live music, murder mystery performances, comedy magic shows
The Senate Tavern on Clarence

33 Clarence Street
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5M4
(613) 695-5523

Why The Senate Tavern on Clarence is a home run: Welcoming façade, tons of sports memorabilia, exposed brick, and gorgeous woodwork.

The Senate shoots and scores with: Its commitment to sports, especially the game of hockey.

Menu MVP: Peanut Butter & Bacon with Apple Slaw

Their Hat Trick:

  • Provides a shuttle to every Ottawa Senators home game
  • Daily specials
  • Can host your next party or event
Sens House

73 York Street
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5T2
(613) 241-5434

Why Sens House is a home run: Fans can enjoy exciting Ottawa Senators action on their 9′ by 16′ projector screen.  Also, supporters can enjoy every Senators game on their 80” high-definition flat screens.

Sens House shoots and scores with: Its devotion to Sens nation.  This renowned sports bar is owned by the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Venues.

Menu MVP: 1LB Chicken Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2014
  • 5,000 feet of sports bar
  • Hosts Dueling Pianos every Saturday night


Sens House during NHL Playoffs.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Tailgators

1642 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K2G 4A1
(613) 224-0249

Why Tailgators is a home run: Not only do they have a fantastic menu, they also lay claim to thirty-five LCD screens and two giant 22′ high-definition televisions.  Oh yeah, they also offer live music and ping pong.

Tailgator shoots and scores with: Its pool tables and leagues. Tailgators usually has between eight and fifteen pool leagues operating at one time.

Menu MVP: Touchdown Platter

Their Hat Trick:

  • 43 pool tables
  • 6 foosball tables
  • Golf simulator

Penticton

Barley Mill Brew Pub & Sports Bistro

2460 Skaha Lake Road
Penticton, BC V2A 6E8
(250) 493-8000

Why Barley Mill Brew Pub & Sports Bistro is a home run: Their staff is both professional and cordial.  They have an on-site sports memorabilia museum and you can tour their brewery.

Barley Mill shoots and scores with: Its concentration on UFC and live music events.  Check out their website for a schedule of who’s fighting and who’s performing.

Menu MVP: Barley Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • $4 hand-crafted lager
  • Okanagan wine
  • 5 minutes from Skaha Lake

Regina

Press Box Sports Bar

909 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4R 2P6
(306) 924-0111

Why Press Box Sports Bar is a home run: Their staff is exceptional, and their atmosphere is perfect for viewing major sporting events with your pals.

Press Box shoots and scores with: A penchant for local sports teams.  Press Box supports the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Regina Rams, Regina Pats, and Regina Red Sox.

Menu MVP: Taco in a Bag

Their Hat Trick:

  • $3.99 steins—every day, all day
  • Bring in your sports team and get a free pizza (with purchase of six alcoholic beverages)
  • Thursday night poker


Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

St. Catharines

The Beach Sports Bar & Grill

290 Glendale Avenue
St. Catharines, Ontario L2T 2L3
(905) 680-0625

Why The Beach Sports Bar & Grill is a home run: Surf all the big games on their twenty high-definition televisions.

The Beach shoots and scores with: Its sponsorships of local teams.  In particular, the Brock men’s Badgers hockey team and the Brock women’s basketball team.

Menu MVP: Build your Own Burgers

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2010
  • The “Bud Hockey Light” shines every time the Leafs score a goal
  • Free WiFi
Kully’s Original Sports Bar

223 St. Paul Street
St. Catharines, ON
(905) 684-1771

Why Kully’s Original Sports Bar is a home run: Exposed brick, dark wood, and delightful victuals you’ll rave about.

Kully’s shoots and scores with: Its artistic flair.  Of all the entries on our list, none has more elegance or refinement than Kully’s.

Menu MVP: Kully’s Famous Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2014
  • Kitchen stays open until 2am
  • Official home of St. Catharines Jr. A lacrosse team and partners with Niagara Rec Sports
Sports on Tap

2606 Lorne Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7J 0S6
(306) 683-8921

Why Sports on Tap is a home run: Here you’ll find tons of televisions including a couple measuring 168”.

Sports on Tap shoots and scores with: Live off-track betting.  It’s the only sports bar in Saskatoon where you can put money on the ponies

Menu MVP: Gorilla Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • Pool tables
  • Ping pong tables
  • Pinball machines


Sports on Tap during NHL Playoffs.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Surrey

Sawbuck’s Pub

Sawbuck’s Neighbourhood Pub
1626 152 Street
Surrey, BC V4A 4N2
(604) 536-6420

Why Sawbuck’s Pub is a home run: Their alluring atmosphere and pleasant staff positively enhances every sporting event.

Sawbuck’s shoots and scores with: A comfortable neighborhood feel.  Even if you’re not a sports fan, Sawbucks will make you feel at home.

Menu MVP: Perogies and Chorizo Skillet

Their Hat Trick:

  • More than 20 beers on tap
  • Menu includes British and international fare
  • Live music

Toronto

The Ballroom Bowl

145 John Street
Toronto ON M5V 2E4
(416) 597-2695

Why The Ballroom Bowl is a home run: It checks a lot of boxes for fun-loving sports fans.  You can enjoy the big contest, play pub games, and rock out to live music.

The Ballroom Bowl shoots and scores with: Bowling and live music.  See their website for a schedule of bands.

Menu MVP: Bacon Wrapped Onion Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Over 23,000 square feet of sports bar and pub games (10-pin bowling, ping pong, bubble hockey, foosball)
  • Books deejays as well as live musicians
  • Next store to Much Music


Interior of The Ballroom Bowl.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

The Craft – Brasserie & Grille

107 Atlantic Avenue, Liberty Village
Toronto, ON M6K 1Y2
(416) 535-2337

Why The Craft – Brasserie & Grille is a home run: Watch the game while enjoying a pint from the largest selection of craft beer in the T.O.

The Craft shoots and scores with: Everything they craft!  This classy establishment has been praised by food critics for just about everything they do, including brunch, burgers, and beer.

Menu MVP: Shrimp Po Boy Tacos

Their Hat Trick:

  • 120 craft beers
  • 4 Prud’Homme beer sommeliers
  • Executive chef Richard Chambers
The Dock Ellis

1280 Dundas Street West
Toronto, On M6J 1X7
(416) 792-8472

Why The Dock Ellis is a home run: It’s designed for sports fans who want something special to eat, and refreshing to drink, while they root the Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors to victory.

The Dock Ellis shoots and scores with: Its cool and hip air.  Come to Dock Ellis if you’re attracted to chic dive bars and those who enjoy them.

Menu MVP: Triple Blanched French Fries

Their Hat Trick:

  • Kitchen open until 2am
  • Jack Daniels-themed pool table
  • Foosball


Interior of Dock Ellis.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

The Fill Station

2282 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M4E 1G6
(647) 748-9233

Why The Fill Station is a home run: Their causal atmosphere and cold brews never disappoint.  It’s a sharp-looking sports bar that fun and comfy.

The Fill Station shoots and scores with: Their epic party room.  Located on the second floor, their coveted party room offers space for 60, a big screen projector, and a killer surround sound system.

Menu MVP: Nacho Station

Their Hat Trick:

  • “Only sports bar in the beach”
  • Daily drink and food specials
  • Free WiFi
The Football Factory

164 Bathurst Street
Toronto, M5V 2R3
(416) 368-4625

Why The Football Factory is a home run: It’s the place to go if you’re a soccer fan in The Six.  The Football Factory broadcasts matches from all over the world.

The Football Factory shoots and scores with: It’s wonderful array of quality dishes and beverages.

Menu MVP: The Factory Wrap

Their Hat Trick:

  • 100% devoted to soccer and only soccer
  • If there’s enough interest, they’ll open for a match, regardless of the day or time
  • Offers brunch and kids menus
Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant

963 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6H 1L7
(416) 531-7818

Why Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant is a home run: As they say on their website, “[Hurricanes] show every game played.”

Hurricanes Roadhouse shoots and scores with: Their Canadian cuisine.  It’s their specialty.

Menu MVP: All Star Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Pub games and trivia
  • 18 beers on tap
  • Chef Mike McGuire


Enjoying drinks, food and sports at the Hurricanes Roadhouse. Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

The Keating Channel Pub & Grill

2 Villiers Street
Toronto, ON M5A 1B1
(416) 572-0030

Why the Keating Channel Pub & Grill is a home run: Plenty of sports on television, mouthwatering grub, and a staff that always goes the extra mile.

The Keating Channel shoots and scores with: Its location and décor.  Situated on the Keating Channel, their patio is an urban oasis.  Inside, you can relax in their elegant restaurant/bar.

Menu MVP: Taste of The Orient Stir-Fry

Their Hat Trick:

  • 6,000 square feet of sports bar
  • 275-seat waterside patio
  • Pool tables
Rally Sports Bar + Smokehouse

1660 O’Connor Drive
Toronto, ON M4A 2R4
(416) 551-7356

Rally Sports Bar + Smokehouse is a home run because: They’ve strategically placed 40 high-definition televisions throughout their establishment.

Rally Sports Bar shoots and scores with: It’s flexibility.  If it’s a sport, and it’s televised, you can watch it here.

Menu MVP: Tuna Taco

Their Hat Trick:

  • 7,000 square feet of sports bar
  • Slow, southern-style, smoked-wood barbeque that’s made from scratch
  • Huge selection of beer


Raptors game at Rally Sports Bar + Smokehouse.  Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

Real Sports Bar & Grill

15 York Street
Toronto, ON M5J 2Z2
(416) 815-7325

Why Real Sports Bar & Grill is a home run: They broadcast all the big games on 199 high-definition televisions.  They also have a 39′ high-definition screen.  No wonder ESPN crowned Real Sports the number one sports bar in North America.

Real Sports shoots and scores with: Fans of the Leafs, Raptors, Toronto FC, and Marlies.  Real Sports is the “authentic” bar, as well as apparel store, for all those franchises.

Menu MVP: 15 Layer Lasagna

Their Hat Trick:

  • 25,000 square feet of sports bar
  • Over 120 draught taps
  • 10 award-winning wing flavors
The Right Wing Sports Pub

2497 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4P 2H6
(647) 352-7825

Why The Right Wing Sports Pub is a home run: Watch the Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors seize victory on one of their 20 high-definition televisions.

The Right Wing shoots and scores with: Their atmosphere, service, and menu. If you’re not into sports, traipse downstairs and enjoy their huge game room.

Menu MVP: Stadium Nachos

Their Hat Trick:

  • Billiards, darts, foosball, and table tennis
  • Oodles of wings flavors
  • Gourmet burgers

Vancouver

Malone’s Social Lounge & Taphouse

608 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1V8
(604) 684-9977

Why Malone’s Social Lounge & Taphouse is a home run: A quality sports bar that caters to fans and hipsters.

Malone’s Social Lounge shoots and scores with: Their immense selection of craft beer—38 rotating taps.  It’s the best such assortment in the Great White North.

Menu MVP: Thyme Garlic Brined Chicken Wings

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 1998
  • Head Chef A.J. Jackson
  • Great events like 90’s Night and Rewind Saturdays


A great view of the place. Photo courtesy of sports bar’s Facebook page.

One Under Vancouver

476 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 559-4653

Why One Under Vancouver is a home run: This bar promotes and celebrates the great game of golf.

One Under shoots and scores with: Its passion for golf.  Bring your foursome to this Financial District haunt for eats, drinks, and golf.  If you’re not a golfer, don’t worry.  One Under is not a good bar spoiled.

Menu MVP: One Under Old Fashioned

Their Hat Trick:

  • 5000 square feet of golf Nirvana
  • Six golf simulation bays
  • Cool skee-ball machine
Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery

560 Smithe Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9
(604) 689-4460

Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery is a home run because: They have sixteen high-definition televisions and two 106” projection screens.

Red Card shoots and scores with: Terrific service, and a delicious menu.

Menu MVP: Red Devil Pizza

Their Hat Trick:

  • Patina-rich wood and brick
  • Karaoke on Tuesdays and half-priced wings on Wednesday
  • Ideal host for your next fundraiser
Score on Davie

1262 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
604) 632-1646

Why Score on Davie is a home run: It’s an urban sports bar that’s has a bit of an edge, but is still fun and inviting.

Score on Davie shoots and scores with: Their unwavering support for the Vancouver Canucks.

Menu MVP: Score Burger

Their Hat Trick:

  • Established in 2007
  • NFL Sunday Brunch
  • Individual-sized specialty Caesars

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