Best Sports Bars in Dallas for Game Day (Cowboys, Mavericks & More)

We’re back with another USA blog ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and this time we’re diving into the legend that is Dallas.

Dallas is known for iconic Texas BBQ, high-end shopping, cowboy culture, and the historic assassination site of John F. Kennedy. But most importantly…

SPORTS.



And, with England taking on Croatia on the 17th June, there’s no better time to talk about one of America’s true sports cities.

Why Dallas is One of America's Best Sports Cities

Dallas was ranked the number one city for sports business and will host nine matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026 (more than any other host city). So honestly, writing a blog about anything other than sports here would feel wrong.

Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan (or married to one), or you’ve never watched a game in your life, the atmosphere in Dallas on game day is something everyone should experience at least once.

There’s just something about grabbing a pint, finding your spot, and soaking it all in. Whether your eyes are glued to the screen or you’re simply people-watching the chaos around you.

So whether you’re visiting Dallas for a full sports weekend, a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, or just squeezing a game into your USA bucket list trip, choosing the right sports bar matters almost as much as choosing the right seats.

And luckily for you, Dallas delivers.

Now, there are plenty of “Best Sports Bars in Dallas” lists online written by AI and generic travel sites… But we wanted to put together something that actually feels useful. Real recommendations. Real atmosphere. And, the kind of places people genuinely talk about after the trip.

Let’s get into it.

Travel Guide

Best Sports Bars in Dallas for Cowboys, Mavericks & NFL Game Days

Frankie's Downtown — Best Sports Bar in Downtown Dallas

If atmosphere is your priority, Frankie's Downtown is the one.

And not fake atmosphere either, real game-day energy from the second you walk through the doors.

Located in Downtown Dallas’ Historic District, Frankie’s has built a reputation as one of the city’s best sports bars, and honestly… it’s hard to argue against it. The awards and reviews simply speak for themselves, they have won “Best Cocktail Bar” in 2020 and 2021, “Best Happy Hour” in 2021, “Best Sports Bar” in 2020 and 2021.

But most importantly “Best Wings” winner in 2021 and 2022. Because let’s be honest, sports bars are nothing without good wings.

Originally opened on McKinney Avenue in Uptown Dallas, owners Bill and Jonnie Katz transformed Frankie’s into one of the biggest sports bar names in DFW before opening the Downtown location in 2015. And they absolutely nailed it.

Massive screens. Loud crowds. Great drinks. A proper game-day buzz. There’s even a hidden speakeasy underneath the venue if you fancy carrying the night on afterwards.

Now let’s talk food.

If you love wings, you need to come here hungry. The buffalo wings are still the standout for us, but the stuffed jalapeño poppers deserve serious attention too.

(Trust us on that one.)

Just one warning, this place gets PACKED during big games, so get there early if you want a decent spot.

Hero by HG Sply Co. — Best Rooftop Sports Bar in Dallas 

Big crowd? Tick.
Big screens? Tick.
Big energy? Massive tick.

Located next to the American Airlines centre in Victory Park, Hero is perfectly placed before or after a Mavericks or Stars game.

It’s a modern sports bar with a slightly vintage feel, think huge HD screens but with classic arcade games, It’s also got a strong beer selection and a crowd that actually cares about what’s happening on the screen.

Which matters more than you’d think.

The rooftop becomes one of the best atmospheres in Dallas during playoff games, especially when the Mavericks are playing. If you show up late, there’s a very real chance you’ll be standing all night.

What makes Hero stand out though is that it still feels lively even outside major game days. Afternoon kickoffs, regular season games, it still has a buzz to it.

If you’re staying Downtown or Uptown, this should absolutely make your list.

Christie’s Sports Bar — Best NFL Sports Bars 

This sounds obvious, but not every sports bar is actually good for watching sports.

Some places have loads of TVs but no atmosphere. Others are full of people treating the game like background noise while taking Instagram photos of cocktails.

If you actually want to WATCH the game properly then Christie’s is your spot.

The screens are everywhere, the sightlines are great from almost every seat, and the crowd genuinely cares about what’s happening.

Especially during NFL Sundays.

Located on Lower Greenville, Christie’s has:

• 60+ TVs
• Three floors
• Proper sports-bar energy

And, the important bit, GREAT food.

The chicken tenders are elite. The quesadillas are dangerously good. And the prices are still reasonable compared to a lot of newer Dallas spots.

For example, the Cheese quesadilla was around $14 and the wings are around $15.95 per pound (around 7-8 per order, so $2 per wing).

Want a little trinket? They also sell hats, hoodies and merch, which actually make pretty cool souvenirs from the trip.

City Tavern — Best Dallas Bar for Football Fans 

Located on Elm Street in Downtown Dallas, City Tavern has become one of the best spots in the city for watching international football.

And yes — we’re still calling it football.

This might be a USA blog but we are UK travel agents, and calling it Soccer just feels like blasphemy.

Compared to places like Hero or Frankie’s, City Tavern feels more relaxed and laid-back. Think dive bar energy, cheap drinks, pub grub and a mix of locals and tourists all squeezed together watching games.

The happy hour is also dangerously good:

• $5 house wine
• $2 off Texas spirits
• $2 off Texas beers

Monday to Friday from 4pm–7pm.

And while we’ve spoken a LOT about wings in this blog…

The onion rings here deserve their own paragraph.

Seriously.

Where to Stay in Dallas for Sports Weekends

Dallas is BIG. Distances between stadiums, bars and neighbourhoods can quickly add up, so choosing the right area can make your entire trip smoother (and save you a small fortune in Ubers). Especially if you’re visiting for a sports weekend.

If you’re coming primarily for sports, here are the areas we’d actually recommend.

Downtown Dallas.

Best Area For Sports Bars & Nightlife.

Downtown Dallas is the city’s central hub and probably the best all-round option if you want the full Dallas experience. Think skyscrapers, rooftop bars, museums, lively nightlife and endless hotel options all packed into one area.

This is where you’ll find:

• Great walkability

• Plenty of bars & restaurants

• Easy transport links

• A lively atmosphere day and night

It’s especially good for:

• First-time visitors

• Sports weekends with friends

• Foodies

• People wanting nightlife after the game

And importantly… Frankie's Downtown is here, which is still our number one sports bar in Dallas.

If you want that “busy city, game weekend, beers flowing everywhere” atmosphere, Downtown is your spot.

Uptown Dallas.

Best Area for Couples & Relaxed Stays

If Downtown feels a little too full-on, Uptown gives you a slightly calmer version of Dallas while still keeping you close to the action. Located just north of Downtown, Uptown is stylish, walkable and full of tree-lined streets, trendy restaurants and mid-rises and townhouses.

It feels:

• More relaxed

• More polished

• Slightly more upscale

We’d especially recommend Uptown for:

• Couples

• Families

• Longer stays

• Travellers wanting nicer restaurants & cocktail bars

Think of Uptown as the “stay here if you want sports weekends and a good night’s sleep afterwards” option.

Both Uptown and Downtown are really well connected to Victory Park and the American Airlines centre, making it easy to catch a Mavericks or Stars game without needing a car.

Arlington.

Best Place to Stay for Cowboys Games at AT&T Stadium

If your trip is built entirely around a Cowboys game or a major stadium event, Arlington honestly makes the most sense.

Located around 20 miles west of Downtown Dallas, Arlington sits right between Dallas and Fort Worth and is home to:

• AT&T Stadium

• Globe Life Field

• FIFA World Cup 2026 matches

Staying here saves you from expensive late-night Uber rides not to mention heavy post-game traffic and stressful transport planning. Which becomes VERY important after a Cowboys game when thousands of people are all trying to leave at once.

Arlington is especially good for:

• NFL weekends

• Sports-focused trips

• One or two-night stays

• Fans attending events at AT&T Stadium

It’s also only minutes from DFW Airport, making arrival and departure much easier if you’re flying in specifically for a game weekend.

If you’re building the trip entirely around sports, Arlington is probably the smartest option.

You can also check out more on the area via Visit Arlington.

Final thoughts

There’s just something different about Dallas on game weekends.

The combination of massive stadiums, rooftop bars, passionate fans and all-day sports culture gives the city an atmosphere that’s hard to explain until you experience it yourself.

Even if you’re only visiting for a few days, you’ll notice quickly that sports are part of the city’s identity here.

Our biggest advice?

Build the weekend around the experience itself and stay near the action. Make sure you plan game-day transport early and ,please please don’t overbook your schedule because leaving time for the bars before and after the game will really MAKE the experience.

Because in Dallas, game day usually lasts a lot longer than the game itself.