Best Of

Best Sports Bars In Sacramento

August 28, 2014 / 5:00 AM PDT / CBS Sacramento

Finding the best sports bars locally is a tricky thing. Keeping this in mind, this list was put together utilizing a myriad of diverse specifications. Some of those on the list are extremely popular, some have the most, or the best televisions, others have the best specials or display the widest selection of various sporting events. One thing is certain about sports bars and that is that the atmosphere is never stuffy so no matter what your preference, you'll find a good time to be had somewhere in this article. Come along as we journey through different neighborhoods looking for the very best in Sacramento sports bars.

Players Sports Pub & Grill
4060 Sunrise Blvd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 967-8492
www.playerspub.net

Players is a great place to watch a game either with a large group or even by yourself. If it isn't too hot, you can spend your time on the patio. Players has 30 flat-screens and three giant screens to catch all of the action. Players is a neighborhood bar, but has more of a "big city" feel to it. This pub has more to offer than most run-of-the-mill establishments. Food is served late until 1 a.m. With items on the menu like a Signature Steak Sandwich made with 10 oz. of USDA Choice 21 Day Aged New York Steak and a Red Hook Ale Halibut Fillets, something is sure to hit the spot. There are over 20 beers to choose from and the bar has foosball, shuffleboard, state-of-the-art dart boards and a ton of pool tables to add to the fun.

Republic Bar & Grill
908 15th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 822-5152
www.republicsac.com

Republic Bar and Grill is full of the young and vibrant "in" crowd. It is the Midtown hangout for people who want to be seen. Keep in mind that its doors will be closed each Monday and Tuesday. During happy hour (Wednesday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.), Republic offers $5 eats and $4 you-call-it drinks. The Coast 2 Coast food truck is featured in its kitchen if you're hungry. Break in the sports action? Challenge your friends to a ski ball, air hockey or arcade game. Republic also has a game of giant Jenga with 2x4s as blocks.

The Davis Graduate
805 Russell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 758-4723
www.davisgrad.com

The Davis Graduate is pretty much the only good place to watch sports in Davis. The Grad is right across the street from UCD, so it is obviously a popular place for the students there. It has live entertainment, theme nights and even stand-up comedy on a regular basis. The long bar makes it easy to get service, and there is a walk-up counter to order food at. There is an ever-changing list of drink and food specials depending on the event or holiday.

Sports Corner
1030 2nd St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8489

Old Sacramento doesn't make it into many of the "top places" lists, but here is an exception. Sports Corner is a down-to-earth watering hole with a great mix of locals and tourists. Some more notable menu items are the spicy popcorn chicken, chili dogs and a really great happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This spot has over a dozen flat-screen TVs, with various games showing at all times, a great sound system and even a boxing-style punching bag arcade game.

As a hospitality professional Andy Soto has worked every facet of the industry. He currently leads the team at Spectrum Restaurant Consulting. He started writing a hospitality blog in 2009 and restaurant writing for Sacramento Press in 2010. In 2011 Andy became a Sacramento Restaurant Examiner for Examiner.com. His work can be found on Examiner.com.