Catch Every Play at Tucson's Best Sports Bar & Grills
By Stacey Gregory
Photography by Evan Zavitz
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The University of Arizona Wildcats or just looking for a great place to catch your favorite pro or collegiate team, these bars combine the excitement of the game with lively atmospheres, fantastic food, and plenty of screens to ensure you never miss a play.
FROG & FIRKIN
Frog & Firkin isn't your average sports bar. Located in one of The University of Arizona's oldest buildings dating back to 1904, stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time. The pub oozes historic charm, creating an unforgettable atmosphere to catch all the action of your favorite sports teams.
Join fellow fans at this sports lover's paradise, where fans gather to cheer on their teams and indulge in inventive pub fare. The menu is a winning lineup of inventive variations on traditional English pub classics, fresh salads, legendary deep-dish pizzas, and more. An impressive roster of over 200 craft beers with over 30 selections on draft includes crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, and everything in between. The spacious indoor area seamlessly transitions into a dynamic open-air deck and a sprawling patio, providing the ultimate spot to watch college and pro sports.
// 874 E. University Ave.
520-623-7507 | frogandfirkin.com
BARRIO BREWING CO.
Barrio Brewing Co. is Arizona's oldest brewery, pouring its first pint in 1991. Today, Barrio is beloved throughout the state. When you’re in Tucson, this Arizona institution’s industrial taproom just outside downtown and beside the train tracks is the perfect spot to cheer on The University of Arizona Wildcats or your favorite college or professional team with friends.
Barrio boasts 11 TVs and three projectors spread across the main area and the legendary IPA room. No matter where you grab a seat, you'll have a prime view of every play. Plus, their menu is a dream team of eats designed to pair perfectly with their craft brews. From legendary wings to Sonoran Dog and classic bar fare, Barrio Brewing’s approachable, full menu has something for everyone. Be sure to try their best-selling wings, the staple being their tequila-cilantro wings—and don’t miss Taco Tuesday. This brewery goes beyond brews, with a full bar slinging classics and their own signature creations, including the popular Barrio Margarita, Monsoon Rain, and the tropical Pineapple Express.
// 800 E. 16th St.
520-791-2739 | barriobrewing.com
HOPS SPORTS GRILL
As the name suggests, Hops Sports Grill is all about sports. This locally owned East Tucson favorite is a Red Sox and Patriots-friendly bar boasting 16 televisions strategically placed around the restaurant. No matter where you sit, you'll find a great view of professional football with NFL Sunday Ticket, college football, basketball, and baseball games.
Beyond the game, Hops Sports Grill is all about fresh, delicious food made from scratch. Their kitchen doesn't rely on microwaves, so expect some extra love (and sometimes a slightly longer wait) when things get busy. Their menu features all the classic game day favorites–wings, juicy burgers, loaded nachos, and more—perfect for sharing with friends. Should game time come a little early, expect the doors to be open and breakfast burritos on the menu. Plus, they boast 39 beers on tap and a full liquor bar to satisfy your thirst. And if you're looking for some fresh air, head out to the spacious patio where you won’t miss a play—the giant outdoor television screen includes four additional TVs, plus a cleverly designed cooler tent to keep things comfortable no matter the season.
// 120 S. Houghton Rd., Unit 174
520-300-5898 | hopssportsgrill.com
O'MALLEYS BAR & GRILL
When looking for the perfect spot to catch a game on Historic Fourth Avenue, look no further than O'Malleys Bar & Grill. This Tucson institution has been serving up good times since 1991 and boasts 35 65-inch televisions. Whether you're cheering on the Wildcats, catching the NFL on Sundays, or following another team, O'Malleys has you covered.
Fuel up for the game with their fun and innovative menu featuring delicious eats like loaded mini corn dogs. Choose from Chicago-style, Sonoran-style, or chili cheese and delight your taste buds with this unique twist to a classic bar food. Should game time come early, O'Malleys offers $10 mimosa buckets with orange juice, and their signature Fruit Loops shot or Cinnamon Toast shots are cereal-flavored favorites. With 28 beers on tap, including eight local Arizona brews, you will surely find the perfect draft to quench your thirst. In between cheering, unwind with some free pool or shuffleboard, or challenge your friends to a giant checkers match on the patio (they have both a north and south patio for your lounging pleasure!).
// 247 N. 4th Ave. | 520-623-8600
PUTNEY'S PITSTOP SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Established in 1977, the family-owned Putney’s Pitstop Sports Bar & Grill is a go-to spot for catching all the action in Northwest Tucson. Boasting over 30 TVs, you’re sure to find whatever professional and collegiate baseball, basketball, and football game you’re looking for here. The newly added 100-seat patio offers the perfect outdoor setting to enjoy the game-day atmosphere. Inside, the walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of sports memorabilia, from NBA, NFL, and NHL banners to University of Arizona Wildcats posters. You’ll even find a framed Pete Rose autographed article commemorating his record-breaking 4,192nd career hit.
Putney’s full kitchen churns out some of Tucson's best wings and burgers. Its refined, typical sports bar menu features mouth-watering fish tacos made with red snapper, barbecue, sandwiches, and more. The brunch menu includes all-you-can-drink mimosas for early games, while the full bar can serve just about any beverage you crave.
// 6090 N. Oracle Rd.
520-575-1767 | putneyspitstop.com
RED GARTER BAR & GRILL
Since 1969, the Red Garter Bar & Grill has been a cherished local gem in Tucson. It offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere where you can catch all your favorite sports games. Don’t let the windowless building keep you from coming on in—this place is renowned for its friendly servers and bartenders, tasty burgers, and some of the coldest beer in town, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a game with friends. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, or any other sport, you can watch it on one of their many high-definition televisions.
The burgers are made with 100% fresh Angus beef, hand-pressed, and cooked to order, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious. The extensive menu includes a wide array of sandwiches, salads, and appetizers sure to please every palette. Should you get restless during game delays or your team isn’t exactly performing at their best, you can take a break and play pool or step outside on their expansive patio.
// 3143 E. Speedway Blvd.
520-325-0483 | redgartertucson.com
TRIDENT BAR & GRILL
Watching a sports game at one of Tucson's three Trident Bar & Grill locations is more than just a casual outing; it's steeped in camaraderie and local pride. Established by a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Nelson Miller, Trident Grill is named after the special warfare insignia donned by all Navy SEALs. A deep-rooted love for the Arizona desert and the vibrant culture of the Southwest is married with East Coast flavors and the energetic spirit of Tucson to deliver an impressive experience.
The menu is infused with east coast specialties such as Old Bay-dusted peel-and-eat shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops, lump blue crab cakes, and a clam chowder made from a cherished family recipe. Complemented by oversized sandwiches and grass-fed burgers, these offerings quickly became favorites among locals. The Trident Grill isn’t just about great food; it’s a place where veterans and sports enthusiasts gather to share a beer, hearty laughter, and the thrill of the game. What’s more, their dedication to the local military community is evident through the grill’s support of numerous military charities as well as local high schools, animal shelters, and intramural sports.
// tridentgrill.com