The best sports bars must anticipate all that a hardcore fan loves about a dive: large TV screens, good food, and cold booze. Throw in a hyped crowd who appreciates a good game and you’ve got a cozy dugout, regardless of which side you’re cheering for.
But not every single one of them can keep up with passionate fans like us, so we scoured the sports-crazed streets of Metro Manila and found the best of the best when it comes to giving sports fans what they want.
The Black Boar
While writing this, we were actually tempted to go because The Black Boar is located along Kapitolyo. Unlike other sports bars with rowdy fans, The Black Boar is actually pretty mellow and low-key. If you fancy watching your favorite sports quietly and cheering in the inside, this is the cool spot for you.
Bugsy’s Sports Bar and Bistro
If you’re that sports fan who tries to stay classy as much as you can but break every time Messi hits a goal, then Bugsy’s the place you belong. It may look elegant and stylish with all the chandeliers and leather booths, but Bugsy’s filled with die-hard fans like you. So, go to BGC! Now!
Pig and Whistle Sports Grill
You know you’ve wished you can drink while watching boxing and still eat some Crispy Pata with Fish and Chips. The good news is, there’s a place in Parañaque where that can happen and it isn’t really unattainable. You can just chill and unwind in Pig and Whistle Sports Grill because it sort of feels like your home away from home. Except with booze and putok-batok food.
Howzat
When it comes to major sports tournaments like the NBA Playoffs and the Super Bowl, or even obscure ones like cricket or rugby, Howzat has got it all. They’ve got pool tables scattered around for when you feel like hitting some balls of your own. The best part? They’re open 24 hours from Friday to Sunday. Howzat for a sports bar in Poblacion?
McLaren’s Pub
Not to be confused with MacLaren’s Pub from the hit comedy show, How I Met Your Mother, this McLaren has no “a” between the “M” and the “c.” But it pretty much looks the same as the one you watched illegally on your computers through torrents. It’s this HIMYM bar in San Juan that might steal your heart as a sports and comedy fan.
H&J
Formerly known as Heckle and Jeckle Sports Bar and Restaurant, H&J serves as a round-the-clock hangout spot for expats in Metro Manila. This place in Poblacion often involves a diverse crowd of different nationalities thanks to the variety of sporting events they show there. You might want to practice your English skills before you come here.
Skinny Mike’s
Skinny Mike’s has long been a favorite of football fans in Taguig for its use of HD internet TV to stream live games. They’ve got twenty, yes, twenty 42” LCD TVs and a projection screen to ensure that you don’t miss the action, whatever angle or side you’re on.
WARNING: They get extremely jam-packed on Tuesday nights thanks to their 10-peso wing promo.
Brotzeit
It doesn’t get more international than Brotzeit. It’s a German-inspired pub from Singapore that was brought here to the Philippines. Did you get all that? Good. Of course, they offer the usual specialties like pork knuckles, sausage platters, and their world-famous German beers. If you keep tabs on the Bundesliga, it’s a hell of a tradition here in Brotzeit.