Hey sports fans! If you're an Arizona State University (ASU) student or just a Tempe local looking for the best sports bar to catch the game, you've come to the right place. Tempe, Arizona, is a vibrant city with a thriving sports scene, and finding the perfect spot to watch your favorite team can make all the difference. Whether you're into college football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, Tempe has a sports bar for you. Let's dive into some of the top sports bars near ASU, where you can enjoy great food, cold drinks, and an electric atmosphere. Finding a good spot isn't always easy, especially with so many options. Luckily, this guide will make you feel like a local expert. Forget endless searching, you will know where the best places are!

Top Sports Bars in Tempe Near ASU

1. The Handlebar Tempe

When discussing the best sports bars in Tempe, The Handlebar Tempe invariably comes up as one of the top contenders. This place isn't just a bar; it's an experience. Located conveniently close to ASU, it’s a favorite among students and locals alike. The Handlebar distinguishes itself with its expansive outdoor patio, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather while catching a game. The patio is equipped with numerous large-screen TVs, ensuring that you won't miss a single play, no matter where you're seated. Beyond the screens, the atmosphere is always buzzing with excitement, especially during big games. The energy is infectious, and you'll find yourself caught up in the collective enthusiasm of fellow fans. One of the standout features of The Handlebar is its impressive selection of craft beers. They offer a rotating tap list, featuring both local and national brews, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're a fan of hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or rich stouts, you're sure to find something that satisfies your palate. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations and help you discover your new favorite beer. The food menu at The Handlebar is equally impressive, offering a variety of tasty options to complement your drinks. From classic bar snacks like wings and nachos to heartier fare like burgers and sandwiches, there's something for everyone. The kitchen prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every dish is packed with flavor. Don't miss their signature burgers – they're a crowd favorite for a reason. The Handlebar also hosts regular events and specials, adding to its appeal. Keep an eye out for trivia nights, live music performances, and game-day promotions. These events create a lively and engaging atmosphere, making The Handlebar more than just a place to watch sports – it's a community hub. The staff is known for being friendly and attentive, ensuring that every customer feels welcome and taken care of. They go above and beyond to create a memorable experience, whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor. It’s this commitment to customer service that keeps people coming back time and time again.

2. Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

For a unique sports bar experience with an Irish twist, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant is a must-visit in Tempe. Situated in the heart of Mill Avenue, this pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a game with friends. Rula Bula stands out with its authentic Irish décor, creating a cozy and traditional pub feel. The dark wood furnishings, stained glass windows, and Irish memorabilia transport you to the Emerald Isle, making it a distinctive spot to watch your favorite teams. The pub is spacious, with plenty of seating options, including booths, tables, and a large bar area. No matter where you sit, you'll have a great view of one of the many TVs broadcasting live sports events. One of the main draws of Rula Bula is its extensive drink menu. As you might expect from an Irish pub, they offer a wide selection of beers, including Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick's. They also have a variety of Irish whiskeys, scotch, and other spirits, as well as a full cocktail menu. The bartenders are skilled at crafting classic cocktails and can also whip up something special to suit your taste. The food at Rula Bula is a delicious mix of Irish and American favorites. Start with traditional Irish appetizers like potato skins or corned beef egg rolls, then move on to hearty entrees like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, or bangers and mash. They also offer burgers, sandwiches, and salads for those looking for something a bit more familiar. Be sure to save room for dessert – the bread pudding is a must-try. Rula Bula is particularly popular during ASU games, drawing large crowds of students and alumni. The atmosphere is electric, with fans cheering on their team and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow supporters. The pub often runs game-day specials, making it an affordable and fun place to watch the action. In addition to sports, Rula Bula also hosts live music performances, trivia nights, and other events. These events add to the pub's lively atmosphere and make it a great place to spend an evening, even when there's no game on. The staff at Rula Bula is friendly and welcoming, creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all patrons. They are knowledgeable about the menu and drinks and are always happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions. The service is efficient and attentive, ensuring that you have everything you need to relax and enjoy the game. Overall, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant offers a unique and memorable sports bar experience in Tempe. With its authentic Irish atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and friendly service, it's a great spot to catch a game and enjoy a taste of Ireland.

3. Zipps Sports Grill

Zipps Sports Grill is a classic American sports bar that has been a staple in Tempe for years. Known for its casual atmosphere, tasty food, and extensive beer selection, Zipps is a reliable choice for watching any sporting event. With several locations throughout the Phoenix area, Zipps has become a go-to spot for sports fans looking for a comfortable and familiar setting. The Tempe location is conveniently located near ASU, making it a popular choice for students and locals alike. Zipps features a spacious dining area with plenty of tables and booths, as well as a large bar area with TVs lining the walls. No matter where you sit, you'll have a great view of the game. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially during peak hours and big games. One of the highlights of Zipps is its extensive beer selection. They offer a wide variety of domestic, import, and craft beers on tap, as well as a large selection of bottled beers. Whether you're a fan of light lagers, hoppy IPAs, or dark stouts, you're sure to find something that suits your taste. The bartenders are knowledgeable and can help you choose the perfect beer to complement your meal. The food menu at Zipps is classic American pub fare, with a focus on tasty and satisfying dishes. Start with appetizers like wings, nachos, or mozzarella sticks, then move on to entrees like burgers, sandwiches, or pizzas. They also offer salads, wraps, and other lighter options for those looking for something a bit healthier. Be sure to check out their daily specials, which offer great deals on food and drinks. Zipps is a popular spot for watching ASU games, and the atmosphere is always electric during those events. The bar often runs game-day specials, such as discounted drinks and appetizers, making it an affordable and fun place to cheer on the Sun Devils. In addition to sports, Zipps also hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and other events, adding to its appeal as a neighborhood hangout. The staff at Zipps is friendly and attentive, providing excellent service to all customers. They are knowledgeable about the menu and drinks and are always happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions. The service is efficient and prompt, ensuring that you have everything you need to enjoy the game. Overall, Zipps Sports Grill offers a classic and reliable sports bar experience in Tempe. With its casual atmosphere, tasty food and drinks, and friendly service, it's a great spot to catch a game and enjoy a night out with friends.

Other Great Options

While the bars listed above are some of the most popular, Tempe boasts a ton of other great sports bar options. Check out these other spots:

• Fuzzy's Taco Shop: If you want tacos and lots of TVs, this is a great spot.
• Four Peaks Brewing Company: This brewery has a relaxed vibe, great beer, and shows most sporting events.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sports Bar

Choosing the right sports bar can enhance your game-day experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the atmosphere: Do you prefer a lively and crowded bar or a more relaxed and low-key setting? Think about what kind of atmosphere you enjoy most and choose a bar that fits that vibe.
• Check the TV situation: Make sure the bar has plenty of TVs and that they are positioned so you can see them from your seat. The bigger the screens, the better!
• Look at the menu: Does the bar have a good selection of food and drinks? Make sure they offer the types of food and drinks that you enjoy.
• Read reviews: Check online reviews to see what other people have to say about the bar. This can give you a good idea of what to expect.
• Consider the location: Choose a bar that is conveniently located for you. If you're an ASU student, you'll probably want to choose a bar that is close to campus.

Conclusion

Tempe is a fantastic city for sports fans, with a wide variety of sports bars to choose from. Whether you're looking for a lively spot to cheer on the Sun Devils or a relaxed place to catch a game with friends, Tempe has something for everyone. By following the tips in this guide, you can find the perfect sports bar to enhance your game-day experience. So grab your friends, put on your favorite team jersey, and head out to one of Tempe's many great sports bars. Go Devils!