Brisbane's Ten Best Bars For Watching Sport

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Maybe you love sport so much you'll watch as many types on as many screens as possible. Or, maybe you're not much of a fan — but you still love a pub filled with sports-watching patrons. Either way, a decent sports bar is a great place to grab a beer and hang out for a few hours. You'll sit, you'll chat to your mates, you'll knock back a few beers and you'll soak in the vibe.

Brisbane has more than a few options. If you've ever ventured anywhere in south-east Queensland around State of Origin time, you'll know that we love our competitive endeavours. We've teamed up with the Hahn Brewers to bring you this list – ten places to head whenever the next big match of whatever game takes your fancy comes around.

THE PINEAPPLE HOTEL

If you can pick a good sports bar by the number of patrons inside its walls when a game is on, then consider the Piney a winner. Just down from the Gabba, you'll find the Woolloongabba pub packed whenever the Brisbane Lions are playing — and even more so before and after each game. Its close proximity is certainly a main attraction; however, if you're after a decent meal, so is its restaurant. Sit down for a steak, or stay in the main area for a $10 lunch or daily dinner deal.

THE CAXTON HOTEL

AFL fans have the Piney within walking distance of the Gabba. On the other side of the city, Suncorp Stadium's Caxton Street location means that rugby league and soccer fans have plenty of options. You can't go past the place that shares its name with the road its on, though. One of the city's oldest licensed premises, it's also the go-to pre- and post-match spot. Getting there early before a game is recommended, because — unsurprisingly — The Caxton is usually overflowing with people.

BARCADIA BAR AND KITCHEN

Walking up Oxford Street, you can tell when you're getting close to Barcadia. Or, to be exact, you can hear the Bulimba bar. Yep, it's noisy. That's a sign of people having a good time, though — and when it comes to watching energetic folks run around a field, court or track, that's exactly what you want. Plus, their food menu is filled with ideal watch-and-eat options, including five types of wings, make-your-own tortillas, cured meat platters and wagyu spring rolls.

THE DEFIANT DUCK

Three words: live sports streaming. That's just what you want to hear when you're searching for somewhere to watch your favourite kind of sport — and that's just what The Defiant Duck offers. And American-style food, too, including mac 'n' cheese croquettes, toasted reuben sandwiches, glazed cola beef ribs and chilli dogs.

THE FLYING COCK

Need to get your sports fix in the Valley? Head to The Flying Cock. As well as boasting a name you're not going to forget, the Brunswick Street venue boasts a heap of other drawcards: screens, food and booze being chief among them. And while they often host sports-focused shindigs for big occasions, you don't just need to venture in their direction when a grand final is on. Drop in for whatever game is on on a Sunday, and grab a hot chicks special. Yes, it includes chicken.

BUFFALO BAR

American sports fans, Buffalo Bar has you covered. Don't worry, they also like other kinds of sporting activities; however watching a game of American footy while eating a Big Texan burger might just make you feel like you're in Friday Night Lights. This is a venue that held a festival dedicated to all things US just a few months back, after all. Our tip: treating yourself to dessert is a great way to either celebrate or commiserate, depending how your team fares. Who doesn't want a dish called a Snickers Mess?

BREAKFAST CREEK HOTEL

Steak. Sports. What else do you need? We really could end our description of Breakfast Creek Hotel here, because we're sure you've been there; but hey, when a place is great, why not keep singing its praises? Brekkie Creek's beer garden is a particularly ace spot to watch summer games, should you like cricket. If you're keen on eating as well, booking a table is a good idea. In fact, if you want to soak in the busy vibe during peak times, that's good advice regardless of appetite.

THE FOX HOTEL

Screens? The Fox Hotel has them, and then some. In fact, it has multiple levels filled with multiple bars sporting multiple themes to match its multiple screens (just try saying that a few times quickly). Expect to see all the standout games at the South Brisbane watering hole, all the small ones as well, and just about everything in between. Like many of Brissie's big places, The Fox also hosts a nifty Melbourne Cup function, if horse racing is your sport of choice.

THE REGATTA

Standing at The Regatta in Toowong, you're certain to comment on the view. Now, you could be talking about the 142-year-old pub's riverside location or your line of sight to the nearest sports-playing television. Both are great, and both are worth the trip to the city's inner west. Plus, while you watch your favourite team kick a few goals, hit a few runs or dunk a few baskets, you'll be standing on the site of another momentous achievement. Yep, this heritage-listed haunt was the site of a protest back in 1965 by two ladies rallying against the fact that they weren't then allowed inside. Now, the Regatta's Merle bar is named after one.

PIG 'N' WHISTLE

Take a map of Brisbane's inner-city and surrounding suburbs, throw a dart at it, and it'll likely land near one of the six Pig 'n' Whistle pubs around town. If you're in the vicinity of the CBD, you can walk to the chain's Queen Street Mall, King George Square and Riverside spots; otherwise venture to the Valley for Brunswick Street's venue, head over the river to West End's newest addition, or journey to the western suburbs to the OG Indooroopilly pub that started it all. At each, you'll find big screens and a big menu of British fare. That's all any sports fan could ask for — and likely a packed-out place with a buzzing atmosphere.

Sign up to Hahn Brewers and settle down for a drink this weekend.