Jean Lee 
There’s always a sport to watch, and here in Jersey City, there’s always a bar to watch at. With crisp beers, drool-worthy pub grub, and (usually) numerous TVs, Jersey City locals have their fair share of spots to cozy up on a barstool and tune into an exciting game. We’ve done the research — a.k.a., the very hard task of coordinating game days with friends —and have you covered with the best sports bars in Jersey City. Keep reading to see the list.
The Brightside Tavern | 141 Bright Street
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We’ve called this spot “Jersey City’s best-kept secret” before, and to this day, that still rings true. One could easily mistake Brightside Tavern for another neighborhood tavern selling burgers and wings, but hidden inside are two whole floors of “party rooms” with big screens, game tables, dart boards, and mini basketball hoops.
Dorrian’s Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
Dorrian’s has been a Manhattan staple since 1960, when Irish immigrant James “Red Dog” Dorrian first opened in the Upper East Side. In the 50 years since it opened, the bar has expanded to Jersey City’s Newport neighborhood, owned by James’ son, Jimmy. The Jersey City location maintains all of the neighborhood charm of its NYC counterpart, with plenty of TV screens and an expansive food menu to boot.
Read More: A Guide to Brunch Spots in Hoboken — By Category
Ed + Mary’s | 174 Coles Street
A place like Ed + Mary’s turns into your home away from home, as a cozy, family- and dog-friendly spot with delicious food and drinks. There’s outdoor and indoor seating, with plenty of TVs streaming the hottest games of the season. Plus, the bar hosts a book club and other fun events for any non-athletic-enthusiast friends.
Grape Vine Tavern | 657 Newark Avenue, #2303
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Hidden in plain sight, this bar holds Jersey City’s first liquor license. It’s a favorite spot for locals to grab a beer, and you can count on Grape Vine Tavern to always have a game on.
Halftime Bar & Grill | 746 West Side Avenue
This sports bar is home to a friendly and inviting staff, along with fun games you can play at the bar. In the warmer months (think baseball season or early football season), cool off with the frozen cocktails.
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue
Walking in, you’re struck by the classic bar wrapping around the room. There is a place for everyone to enjoy food and drinks with friends (or flying solo). A large TV at the end of the bar will always have a game turned on, and don’t worry, the tavern doesn’t play team favorites.
Hudson Hall | 364 Marin Boulevard
This Biergarten is the spot for the best of both worlds, as it also runs as a smokehouse, so you can enjoy some of the best smoked meats Jersey City has to offer while watching some good Sunday football. The rustic space offers Eastern European inspiration as well as huge TVs and large tables to accommodate bigger groups.
Lucky 7 Tavern | 322 2nd Street
Lucky 7 Tavern has been a downtown fixture for years, primarily known for its steady stream of jukebox tunes (we mean that literally — there is a jukebox) and Southern BBQ. There are 7 flat-screen TVs to turn to on game day, and there are usually happy hour deals to indulge in.
McGinley Square Pub | 755 Montgomery Street
With a 110-inch projector showing big games, this fan-favorite has a fun atmosphere, good burgers, and exciting cocktails to enjoy while cheering on your team. Patrons can even let their own competitive spirit fly by playing games, including checkers, Jenga, and darts, provided by the pub.
New Park Tavern | 575 West Side Avenue
You could easily miss this diamond in the rough from the front, but it checks all the boxes for a classic sports bar. Inside, there is plenty of room to spread out and catch your team, especially if you are a Dodgers fan. They even have outdoor seating in a private back area with a projector (weather permitting).
O’Haras Downtown | 172 1st Street
O’Hara’s Downtown has ample indoor (and outdoor) seating for you to enjoy a game or maybe two. The extensive food and drink menu is perfect for watching a doubleheader on a Saturday afternoon (or any day of the week). There are so many wing sauces to choose from, and the Parmesan garlic is a can’t-miss.
Ringside Lounge | 475 Tonnele Avenue
As soon as you walk inside, you can tell this place is a place where you can watch sports of any kind. Several TVs hang from the walls right next to a stunning collection of sports memorabilia. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has his own mural in the back and is even known to swing by the joint on occasion, the most recent sighting being May 2021. If you are looking for good vibes, great Portuguese cuisine, and fun drinks, look no further than Ringside Lounge.
The Hutton Bar & Grill | 225 Hutton Street
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This delicious restaurant + bar has both indoor and outdoor seating covered, complete with outdoor TVs. The ambiance of the outdoor space, with hanging lights and a large tree in the middle, makes it a great spot for sports fans and brunch lovers alike.
Villa Borghese III | 475 Washington Boulevard
You might think this Italian restaurant is only for pizza, but Villa Borghese III (also known as VB3) can hold its own as a true sports bar with televisions everywhere. The center bar gives off a chic city lounge vibe, but screens above and behind you make this the perfect place to hunker down for a game any day of the week.
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive
This restaurant and beer garden has multiple TVs in each of its seating rooms and in the outdoor section too. Enjoy a giant pretzel and Oktoberfest beer (brewed year-round), or maybe one of the specials of the month. While Zeppelin Hall is only open from Thursday to Sunday, the picnic bench-style seating makes for the perfect weekend outing with friends and family. There are even fire pits outside for the colder temperatures.
See More: A Guide to Dive Bars at the Jersey Shore
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