Looking for the perfect sports bar in Melbourne to catch live matches with a roaring crowd, an ice‑cold pint, and great pub grub? Whether you’re an AFL tragic cheering on the Collingwood Magpies, a soccer fan chasing Premier League action, a rugby devotee, an NBA night‑owl, or just someone who loves a big‑game atmosphere, this guide has you covered with 25 of the best sports bars in Melbourne. Plus: must‑try food recommendations!
Melbourne Sports Bars – There’s Something for Everyone!
Melbourne’s sports bars cater to every kind of fan, whether you’re chasing wall‑to‑wall screens, a perfectly poured pint, or a pub atmosphere that feels like game day at the MCG.
Looking for a packed bar full of roaring AFL supporters? A relaxed riverside spot with craft beers? Or a sports bar that delivers that full big‑match buzz? Whatever your style, Melbourne has a venue that fits.
From AFL and rugby to Premier League football — with strong local followings for clubs like Liverpool — plus NBA nights and the NFL, these bars serve ice‑cold drinks, hearty pub food, and a memorable match‑day experience.
MELBOURNE 101 — A Quick Guide to Australia’s Sporting Capital>>
Where to Watch Live Sports in Melbourne
Melbourne has hundreds of sports bars, sports pubs, and other spots where sports fans gather to watch sporting events.
It is obviously not possible to list them all. Instead, I’ve listed 25 of the most popular venues for sports fans in Melbourne.
Keep in mind that not all venues show all events. Sometimes they close to host private parties. And for high-profile events, reservations are often required. Meanwhile, sometimes sports bars change ownership or go out of business.
Therefore, always check websites for update-to-date information to avoid disappointment.
College Lawn Hotel (36 Greville Street, Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria) — One of Prahran’s best‑known sports pubs, with live sport shown daily on multiple screens throughout the venue, including AFL, NRL, rugby, football, and cricket. The expansive beer garden is especially popular during big matches, and the pub hosts trivia nights and occasional live entertainment.
Make sure to try their Sunday roast — it’s a neighbourhood favourite that regulars swear by. Their crispy chicken parma is another standout, and the burgers are consistently satisfying.
Cricketers Arms Hotel (69 Cremorne Street, Richmond, Victoria) — A Richmond institution with a long sporting heritage, featuring multiple screens throughout the bar and beer garden showing AFL, NRL, cricket, football, and other major events. The pub’s sports memorabilia and match‑day crowds make it a genuine hub for local fans.
Their steak sandwich has earned a loyal following and remains one of the pub’s defining dishes. The chicken parma is hearty and comforting, while the burgers are a dependable choice on busy game days.
Hickens Hotel (127 Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — Formerly known as the Crafty Squire, the property was rebranded as the Hickens Hotel in 2025 following a complete transformation. It is Australia’s first Carlton Draught bar. The second level of the four-story watering hole is a live sports and entertainment hub with large LED screens and arcade games. The rooftop is perfect for Friday kickoffs.
Don’t miss the cheese and Vegemite garlic bread, sticky honey chicken, hearty pub pies or boozy bread and butter pudding. You’ll find lots of plates designed to be shared with your mates!
Duke of Wellington (2/146 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub, dating to 1837, with the entire ground floor dedicated to sports and screens showing AFL, NRL, NFL, NBA, football, rugby, and more. Upper levels include a cocktail bar, dining room, and rooftop.
Don’t miss the Duke’s cheeseburgers — they’re juicy, simple, and consistently excellent. The 280g Great Southern Porterhouse is a favourite among steak lovers, and the beer‑battered rockling is another dish worth seeking out.
Great Northern Hotel (644 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria) — A Carlton North institution with one of Melbourne’s most famous beer gardens and a long‑established reputation for showing all AFL games live, along with NRL, rugby, football, cricket, and American sports.
Their parma is generous and comforting, perfect for long afternoons in the beer garden. The burgers are hearty and reliable, and the steaks offer a satisfying alternative.
The — A classic Melbourne pub long known for showing live sport, including AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and major international events, across multiple screens. The venue has a strong reputation among locals as a reliable match‑day spot.
Their parma is a favourite and comes in generous portions. The burgers are hearty and satisfying, and the steaks offer a more substantial option for hungry fans.
Hopscotch Urban Beer Bar (4 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria) — A lively Southbank brewpub with riverside views that screens major sporting events, especially AFL and big international matches, on multiple screens. While not a dedicated sports bar, it draws strong crowds for marquee games and offers occasional entertainment.
Their burgers are inventive and full of flavour, making them one of the best reasons to visit. The fried chicken is crisp and addictive, and the tacos add a fun, lighter option.
Imperial Hotel (2–8 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — One of Melbourne’s most sports‑centric pubs, with multiple big screens across three floors and a rooftop Jumbotron showing AFL, NRL, NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, UFC, WCL, UEFA, Champions League, Europa League, and more. The Impy is also Melbourne’s home for supporters of Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Wolverhampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, and Melbourne City FC.
Their schnitzels are famously crisp and satisfying, ideal for settling in during a long match. The burgers and steaks are equally popular, and the shareable bites make great options for groups.
Irish Times Pub(427 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — A classic Irish pub showing live sports daily, including AFL, rugby, football, cricket, and American sports, across multiple screens. The warm, traditional interior makes it a favourite for fans seeking a relaxed match‑day atmosphere.
Their fish and chips is a timeless choice, fried to a golden crunch. The beef and Guinness pie is rich and comforting, while the burgers offer a more casual option.
Kicks(Level 1, 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria) —A true CBD sports bar with multiple screens and projectors, including individual controls at some tables, plus arcade tables, foosball, and a custom pool table. The venue regularly promotes major sporting events and draws a lively crowd.
Their loaded fries are indulgent and perfect for sharing. The burgers are bold and satisfying, and the wings add a spicy, crowd‑friendly option.
London Tavern Hotel (238 Lennox Street, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria) — A Richmond favourite with a covered beer garden and live TV sports screenings that attract strong match‑day crowds. The venue is especially popular during AFL season and offers occasional entertainment.
Their chicken parma is a dependable classic that locals return for again and again. The burgers are filling and flavourful, and the steaks round out the menu with a more substantial option.
Mail Exchange Hotel (688 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria) —A large central Melbourne pub with regular live sports shown on multiple screens, including AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and American sports. The venue also features a cocktail lounge and occasional entertainment.
Their steaks are tender and well‑seasoned, making them a standout choice. The burgers are hearty and satisfying, and the fish and chips remains one of their most popular dishes.
Melbourne Central Lion Hotel (Melbourne Central, Melbourne, Victoria) — A multi‑level CBD pub known for showing live sport daily across numerous screens, including AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and American sports. Pool tables and trivia nights add to the lively atmosphere.
Their chicken parma is consistently praised and makes an excellent pre‑game meal. The beef burgers are juicy and filling, while the fish and chips is a dependable favourite among regulars.
The Metropolitan Hotel (263 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — A CBD pub with multiple screens showing AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and other major sporting events. It’s popular with after‑work crowds and fans catching weekday games.
Their steaks are well‑prepared and consistently praised. The burgers are filling and flavourful, and the fish and chips is a dependable classic.
Mt View Hotel (70 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria) — A four‑level Richmond pub with pool tables, TV screens, and a rooftop beer garden that becomes especially popular during major sporting events. They show AFL and other big matches, though they are not a dedicated sports bar.
Their parma is a reliable classic with generous portions. The burgers are flavourful and satisfying, and the steaks offer a more substantial option for hungry fans.
P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub (Southgate, Melbourne, Victoria) — A Southbank Irish pub with live sports screenings, Guinness on tap, classic Irish fare, and regular live music. The venue shows AFL, rugby, football, cricket, and international sports. Their beef and Guinness pie is rich, hearty, and deeply comforting.
The fish and chips is crisp and traditional, while the burgers provide a more casual match‑day option.
Prince Alfred (619 Church Street, Richmond, Victoria) — A stylish Richmond pub with a buzzing beer garden that screens AFL and major sporting events. The venue is especially lively during big games and hosts occasional entertainment.
Their parma is a favourite among locals and perfect for a pre‑match meal. The burgers are satisfying and full of flavour, while the salads offer a lighter alternative.
The Rose (406 Napier Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria) — A beloved Fitzroy pub known for AFL screenings, especially Fitzroy/Brisbane Lions games, along with other major sports. The venue’s relaxed, neighbourhood feel makes it a favourite for match‑day gatherings.
Their parma is a dependable classic with a loyal following. The burgers are juicy and flavourful, and the steaks offer a more substantial option for hungry fans.
Silverlake Social (198 Chapel Street, Prahran, Melbourne, Victoria) — A Prahran bar inspired by American dive bars, with screens showing US sports, plus pool tables, arcade games, and American comfort food. The venue is known for its lively, sports‑friendly atmosphere.
Their buffalo wings are a signature item and one of the best reasons to visit. The burgers are indulgent and satisfying, and the loaded fries are a favourite among late‑night sports fans.
Sporting Globe Bar & Grill Richmond (288 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne, Victoria) — One of Melbourne’s most comprehensive sports bars, with more than 50 screens, including private booths with touchscreen TVs, this is Melbourne’s Official Sports Bar of the National Football League (NFL). Plus: AFL, European football, Rugby League, UFC, and boxing. The venue also offers augmented darts, trivia, and live music.
Their signature wings are legendary among regulars and ideal for sharing. The burgers are bold and satisfying, and the ribs are slow‑cooked and full of flavour.
TGI Fridays Melbourne Central (Melbourne Central, Melbourne, Victoria) — A lively American‑style bar and restaurant that screens major sporting events, including NFL, NBA, UFC, and big international matches, across multiple TVs throughout the venue. While not a dedicated sports bar, it draws strong crowds for marquee games and offers a fun, energetic atmosphere.
Their Jack Daniel’s glazed ribs are a signature item and one of the most popular dishes on the menu. The burgers are indulgent and satisfying, and the loaded potato skins remain a nostalgic favourite.
The Waterside Hotel (508 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — A multi‑level pub with screens throughout the venue showing AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and major international sports. The rooftop and courtyard areas draw strong crowds during big matches.
Their parma is a standout and perfect for a pre‑game meal. The burgers are juicy and satisfying, and the steaks offer a more substantial option for long match days.
The Wharf Hotel (18–38 Siddeley Street, Melbourne, Victoria) — A riverside pub on the Yarra with multiple screens showing AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and major international sporting events. The spacious outdoor terrace makes it especially popular during summer matches, and the venue hosts occasional entertainment.
Their fish and chips is crisp, generous, and one of the best dishes to enjoy by the water. The burgers are flavourful and filling, and the pizzas offer a great option for sharing with friends.
Young & Jackson (Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria) — A historic Melbourne landmark with screens showing AFL, NRL, football, cricket, and major international sports across multiple levels, including the famous Chloe Bar. While known for its heritage, it remains a reliable spot for watching big games and draws strong crowds during AFL season.
Their parma is a favourite among regulars and a dependable match‑day choice. The steaks are well‑prepared and satisfying, while the burgers offer a more casual option for fans on the go.
Final Thoughts: Where to Watch Sports in Melbourne
Melbourne’s sports bars offer unmatched excitement for fans catching live action.
Whether you’re looking for great sports bars, a high‑energy venue for game night, or a relaxed spot with good food and drinks, this Best Sports Bars in Melbourne guide has you covered.
From AFL and cricket to rugby and basketball, these venues deliver the ultimate match‑day experience. Grab a seat, order a pint, and enjoy the thrill of live sports with fellow fans.
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