With the Super Bowl around the corner, followed by March Madness, we rounded up top bars to watch your favorite sports in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County!
Of course, options abound for bars in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, where March Madness games will play on at least one or two TVs. But for those searching for the best spots to watch some or all of the games this year or see the Super Bowl on the biggest screen in the county (reservations recommended), there are some critical criteria to consider: the number of TVs on the walls, the number of beers on tap, and the quality of the food and ambiance.
With this in mind, here are some local options for watching football and basketball in town, plus one where you're sure not to see any – starting with a one-sentence simplification of what makes them stand out.
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) – The place with the most wings (and TVs).
TVs: 65
Beers on Tap: 15-25
Food: Although BWW has all the apps, burgers, and wraps you could want, it's all about the wings! The menu offers three kinds of wings (traditional, boneless, and even cauliflower), hand-breaded and naked tenders, and a whopping 26 sauces, from Sweet BBQ to Blazin' Carolina Reaper. As the website attests: "It's what we do. So, yeah. They're perfect."
Ambiance: There are over 1,200 "B-Dubs" in the U.S.; you can expect the entire sports bar scene at any of them. As Mike, BWW Annapolis's assistant general manager, puts it when asked what makes it the place to be for March Madness: "Wings, beer, sports, and a great atmosphere – what else could you want?!"
Dock Street Bar & Grill – The place with the downtown vibes – and view.
TVs: 8, with 6 downstairs and 2 upstairs.
Beers on Tap: 0. However, Dock Street offers 19 Maryland-brewed bottles, including the Dock Street Pilsner, specially made by Manor Hill Brewery.
Food: As the menu says, "It's all tasty." Some of the most eye-catching selections include bacon-wrapped meatloaf, jumbo lump crab cake and dip, and a whole lot of tuna, from seared sesame and tartare to salad, sandwiches, and tacos.
Ambiance: The saying is "I'll do one" at Dock Street, but that will quickly turn into two, three, or four thanks to the easygoing atmosphere, good vibes, and great Ego Alley views.
Stan and Joe’s - where live music reigns
TVs: 9
Beer on Tap: 15
Food: Featuring an open flame grill to craft delicious burgers and steaks, tacos, and fresh seafood that is delivered daily, Stan and Joe’s menu has all the tasty bites you crave while tuning into a game. If you’re in the mood for something small, they have plenty of bar-style appetizers like crispy pierogi or chicken pot stickers that'll keep your taste buds on their toes.
Ambiance: Come for the frequent local and live music, karaoke or trivia nights, or the spirited specials for NFL and College Ball on the weekends (they like their Steelers at this local pub). They’ve got what you need to enjoy yourself for any game day! Soak up the chill vibes during the day, and party with live music into the evening. Their website outlines all of the rockin’ events they have coming up, so be sure to check it out!
Heroes Pub – The place with the most locals.
TVs: 10
Beers on Tap: 48
Food: Heroes' broad menu offers homestyle pub fare, typical and not-so-typical, from burgers, sandwiches, and subs to crab cakes and steaks. And, of course, tater tots!
Ambiance: Located a little off the beaten path in West Annapolis, Heroes is a tried and true sports bar with pride for its local teams, community, and first responders. It's got dartboards, signed sports paraphernalia, and a jaw-dropping amount of diverse décor from firefighters, police officers, and military members on its walls.
West End Grill – The place with the most local sports fans.
TVs: 22
Beers on Tap: 12
Food: Served until at least midnight every night, the menu includes 14 flavors of bone-in or boneless wings, from Blueberry BBQ to Red Rooster; unique apps such as Reuben egg rolls; and plenty of sandwiches, salads, and entrées.
Ambiance: West End is the place to go if you want to be sure to watch the University of Maryland compete in the tournament alongside fellow Terps fans. It's also a favorite for Caps games, with an official red light siren that goes off after each goal to prove it.
Tacos and TVs at Sports & Social Maryland make for a winning combo!
Sports & Social Maryland- and the Biggest TV of them ALL!
TVs: 40 HDTVs, a 47-foot big screen, and a 100-foot media wall
Beers on Tap: 7 beers on tap with seasonal rotations
Food: There is something for everyone here at Sports & Social! Try their truffle mushroom flatbread or crispy kataifi shrimp to start, and follow with one of their delicious handhelds, like the Waygu Meatball sandwich. The food options are as exciting as the games and are sure to please. The food goes perfectly with a beer tower to really get the good vibes rolling!
Ambiance: Sports & Social is a wild atmosphere with cheering fans and laid-back hangouts that get the gameday spirit buzzing all around. The 100-foot media wall gives everyone the best seat in the house for watching or using the betting kiosks to test your luck. One thing is certain: this is a unique viewing experience you'll only find at Live! Casino.
Dark Horse Annapolis
Dark Horse
TVs: 27
Beer on Tap: 10
Food: A variety of delicious bar eats awaits you, along with sandwiches and fresh dogs from Binkert's German Meat Products out of Baltimore. With tempting Maryland classics like their "Big, Hot Pretzel" or the "Chesapeake Dog" smothered in crab dip, you will find their menu hard to resist! Or, if you're feeling really hungry, order a hearty burger, wings, or a cheesesteak to pair with your drink while you watch the games unfold. The sweet and savory delights here will ensure you have a good day, even if your team doesn't!
Ambiance: Open until 2 am, 7 days a week, Dark Horse is casual with a rustic vibe. They offer handmade cocktails and wines to go along with their beer selections. Come early and stay late; the relaxed atmosphere works for any mood! Their outdoor seating is perfect for the warmer days that spring will bring. Whether you come for an intimate dining experience, live music, karaoke, or gameday parties, Dark Horse has all you need.
Meet RAR Brewing's first bar and restaurant outside of Cambridge, MD!
Chessie's Wharf
TVs: 4
Beers on Tap: 38
Food: Chessie Burger has arrived from Cambridge, bringing some of their most beloved dishes like wings, burgers, and small bites. Their new Annapolis location also has exclusive options you can't miss. There's a wide variety of food options, each perfect for pairing with an ice-cold drink.
Ambiance: With a blend of their Taproom and LabRaRtory elements nestled in their new and vibrant West Annapolis location, Chessie's Wharf is a fun and electric new addition to your favorite game day bars. Kick back and drink one of the 38 beers on tap, or switch it up with a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and seltzers. With so many delicious choices, you can't go wrong!
Miller's Ale House- Close 2nd when it comes to TVs!
TVs: 60+
Beers on Tap: 35+
Food: Do you know what sounds good while watching your team? Miller's Ale House fan favorite, legendary chicken "zingers." Miller's Ale House also has an array of options that are sure to please, like their hearty burgers, pasta, steaks, and sweet treats. They cater to comfort and cravings, a slam dunk for any fan!
Ambiance: The lively atmosphere makes Miller's a chill place for casual dining or grabbing drinks with friends. With over 60 TVs and an array of on-tap beverages or cocktails, like their strawberry lemonade or the Basil Hayden smoked cinnamon old-fashioned, Miller's sets the perfect scene for cheering on your team. Their distinct garage door windows and expansive bar make Miller's an ideal group dining destination!
Galway Bay – The place with no TVs.
TVs: 0
Beers on Tap: 12, highlighted by Irish standards from Guinness, Smithwick's, and Harp.
Food: A blend of Maryland seafood and traditional Irish fare, the menu includes everything from oysters on the half shell and crab dip, balls, and cakes to shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, and bangers and mash.
Ambiance: Galway is the place for those looking for a great bar that guarantees a game-free experience. A downtown Annapolis institution since 1998, the bar offers an authentic pub experience with plenty of Irish food, drink, and live music. Just like March Madness, it's even back to celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year – you'll need a reservation, though, so get the details and check out the menu here.
This article was updated in January 2024 by Caroline Sterling.
