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.
Varsity Bar
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
With six locations from Joondalup to Freo and everywhere in between, there's a Varsity Bar for everyone in Perth. We don't like to play favourites, but it would be remiss not to mention the fact that Varsity Joondalup won WA’s Best Sporting Entertainment Venue in 2018 and 2019 and they're strong contenders to take it out again in 2020. Whichever location you end up at, the focus here is on all-things American—everything from major league baseball to competitive fraternity & sorority games like ping pong and Buck Hunter. It doesn't hurt that they're also dishing up some of the best burgers in Perth.
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 (the steak sanga is insane) 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 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.
Fenway
Subiaco
In the spot that was once Paddy McGuire's, Fenway quickly became one of the best sports bars in Perth. Expect 1930s Boston vibes—it's named after the Boston Red Sox' home, Fenway Park—epic burgers, craft beers and an exceptional whiskey selection. But most importantly, the big screens, comfy couches and TAB make it the perfect spot knock back a drink while the big game is on.
Balmoral Hotel
Victoria Park
If you're looking for loads of screens and a beer garden that you won't want to leave, head directly to the Balmoral in Vic Park. There are three bars to choose from and screens aplenty no matter which one you're at, so grab a beer and settle in.
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.
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 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.
The Wembley Hotel
Wembley
While not technically a sports bar as such, the 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 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. It doesn't hurt that the food is some of the best pub grup in Perth.
The Beaconsfield
Fremantle
As a sporting hotspot for Freo locals, it’s not uncommon to find The Beaconsfield 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.
Want more? Here are Perth's best breweries.
Image credit: Varsity Bar