If we’re talking sport, it’s no big secret that us Aussies tend to be pretty mad about it. And even if you’re not, you probably know someone who is, so we’re often on the hunt for somewhere to catch up with our mates and watch a game of some sort.
It’s also no big secret that Perth is home to some pretty great sports bars, ranging from classic TAB types to more upmarket pubs and bars with dedicated sports screens. Basically, there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re chasing AFL, NRL, UFC, or anything in between.
Here’s are Perth's best sports bars.
The Camfield
Burswood
The southern hemisphere's biggest pub, if you're after some atmosphere you're sure to find it at The Camfield. Right next door to Optus Stadium and boasting enough space for 2,500 people, this is the place to be if you can't get tickets to a game at the stadium. Whether you're an AFL, rugby or soccer fan, grab a beer—they've only got 175 beers on tap—at one of their six bars and then find a seat in front of one of the screens. There are 20 of them so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one.
Inglewood Hotel
Inglewood
If you need a sign to show you the Inglewood is a great place to watch sports, just head to their website. Right smack in the middle of the homepage is a button that says, “OK, just show me the sports!” Yep, you’ve definitely come to the right place. These guys broadcast pretty much everything—from AFL, to cycling, to NBA. Grab a seat near one of the many (many) TVs, order up some pub grub and get ready to cheer on your team.
Crown Sports Bar
Burswood
When you’re after non-stop, 24/7 sports, Crown Sports Bar has well and truly got you covered. They’ve got not one, but two bars, TAB facilities and big screens spaced over an impressive 130 metres. Prefer something a little more intimate? Hire ‘The Box’ for a private view of major sporting events, or throw a sports function all of your own.
The Game Sports Bar
Northbridge
With over 35 screens (including four in-booth and three big screens), and sporting events playing seven days a week, you’re not going to miss a second of the action at The Game Sports Bar. Kick back with a beer and if the mood strikes, throw down a bet in the TAB.
The Vic
Subiaco
Sporty good times await, at The Vic’s Main Bar in Subi. With over 15 beers on tap and an extensive selection of food, wine and cocktails, you’ll soon be having as much fun as you would at the actual game. There are plasma screens a-plenty, so get on down for a solid afternoon of footy or cricket.
The Victoria Park Hotel
Victoria Park
The guys at The Victoria Park Hotel show pretty much every sport under the sun. AFL, NRL, rugby, UFC, NBA, cricket.... basically if you can name it, they'll be showing it. They've got four big screens out the back, plus an upstairs area with a big screen for major sporting events, and word on the street is that they do some pretty good pork ribs.
Ocean Beach Hotel
Cottesloe
Head straight to the Public Bar at the Ocean Beach Hotel and stake your claim to a table within prime viewing distance of one of their four big screens, and while you wait for the game to start, have a game of your own at one of the pool tables. With ocean views and all the best from Fox, Sky and everything local, you just know you’re in for a good time.
The Royal
East Perth
Located within walking distance of the Optus Stadium, The Royal has to be one of the best places to indulge in a little pre-game socialising. Can’t make the game? Not to worry, they’ve got nine big screens at the ready so you to catch the action, and sports packages available if you fancy hosting a private event.
The Hyde Park Hotel
North Perth
The Hyde Park Hotel may have undergone some drastic renovations in the past, but a few things have remained constant, including their love of sports, cheap pool tables, and the trusty TAB. Take a seat, place a bet, and get stuck into your game of choice from the 4 plasma screens or projector, with a side of beer of course—there are over 20 draught beers on tap.
Varsity Bar
Nedlands
Despite appearances, Varsity Bar is most definitely a sports bar, but we’re betting it’s unlike any you’ve ever set foot in. The focus here is on all-things American—everything from major league baseball to competitive fraternity & sorority games like ping pong and Buck Hunter. The menu includes all the favourites we know and love from Varsity Burgers in Northbridge, and with student-friendly prices, there are fun times ahead for all.
Patriots Sports Bar
Northbridge
If you can’t spot a screen at Patriots Sports Bar, well, you might be in the wrong bar. With 22 dedicated screens live-streaming the best global sporting events every week, plus three big screens and two private screening booths, you’ll never have to miss a game ever again. Grab a beer and something tasty from the American-style menu, then sit back and enjoy the show.
The Paddington Alehouse
Mount Hawthorn
Better known as the Paddo, this corner pub has been a mainstay of Mount Hawthorn since forever and has won the AHA Best Sports Bar more times than we can remember. It’s no surprise really, what with their 15 HD plasma screens and two mega HD screens all broadcasting live sports on Fox Sports HD (up to four different games at a time!) complete surround-sound awesomeness, and a self-service TAB if you fancy a punt.
The Guildford Hotel
Guildford
Far from your typical sports bar, the revamped Guildford Hotel has you more than covered when it comes to all the big games, with screens positioned all around the bar (how convenient), and a live Foxtel hook up. Catch everything from AFL to Rugby League in their not-so-traditional sports bar setting.
Paddy Maguires
Subiaco
When it comes to sports and good times, Paddy Maguires knows what’s up. Their big screen brings you all the sporting events you could possibly want—live and LOUD—from UFC to Rugby League. Better still, they often run drinks specials for the big games, like $7 pints! Talk about a win-win.
The Wembley Hotel
Wembley
While not technically a sports bar as such, the big screen in The Wembley’s gorgeous courtyard is way too big to go without a mention. Catch all the live AFL action you can handle every weekend, then wrap up the season (hopefully wearing your team colours!) at their epic Grand Final party.
The Northshore Tavern
Hillarys
With a dedicated sports bar and ocean views as far as the eye can see, The Northshore Tavern is where Perth’s northsiders head when a game is on. Into AFL? NRL? You can bet you’ll find it here, along with a classic pub menu featuring ‘Footy Feeds’ specials.
JB O’Reilly’s
West Leederville
Having set up shop in 1993, it’s fair to say that JB O’Reilly’s is in it for the long run. And when it comes to sports they’ve got it all—from rugby, to AFL, to things you might not have even heard of, like hurling and Gaelic football. These guys don’t discriminate and are happy to cheer along with you—no matter what your team colours may be.
Moondyne Joe’s
Fremantle
As a sporting hotspot for Freo locals, it’s not uncommon to find Moondyne Joe’s packed with purple. But if purple’s not your colour, that’s OK too—this is a classic sports bar, and there’s something for everyone—including boxing, UFC, and all the pay per view action you can handle.
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The Wembley | Image credit: Nancy Hanna