Sign Up
21 min read
Published On01 Oct 2025
Introduction
Portland might not have an NFL team, but don’t let that fool you! With the Blazers, Timbers, Thorns, and passionate transplant fans from across the country, this city bleeds sports just as much as any major market. I’ve spent a few Sundays for NFL & NBA games and it’s got solid sports identity with a GREAT sports & bar vibe.
What makes Portland’s sports bar scene special is the diversity. You’ve got everything from old-school Chicago joints to the country’s first women’s sports bar, from early morning soccer havens to late-night UFC viewing parties. The food goes beyond typical bar fare too – we’re talking craft beer programs that rival any in the country and wings that’ll make you forget about whatever chain restaurant you grew up with.
Whether you’re catching NFL Season on a Sunday afternoon, cheering on the Blazers during playoff runs, or watching international soccer at ungodly morning hours, these 11 venues deliver the real Portland sports experience with quality viewing, excellent food and drinks, and crowds that actually care about what’s happening on screen.
We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please comment to help us improve our recommendations and find any hidden Portland sports bars we might have missed!
Northwest Portland
Jerry’s Tavern
Location: Northwest District – 2239 NW Westover Road, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 719-5787
Website: https://jerrystavern.com/
What Makes It Special: Jerry’s feels like it’s been here since 1946 even though it opened in 2024. The old-school Chicago sports bar vibe with leather booths and beer-branded glass lampshades creates instant nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the Midwest. I walked in during a Bears game last season and immediately felt transported to a Wrigleyville bar – that’s how authentic this place nails the Chi-Town atmosphere.
Sports Setup: Multiple flat-screens positioned throughout ensure you never miss a play whether you’re at the bar or in a booth. The setup prioritizes Chicago sports but they show all major games with quality audio that lets you hear the action over the crowd noise. During Bears, Bulls, and Cubs games this place transforms into a little piece of Chicago right here in Portland.
Food & Drink: The wings here are legitimately some of the best in Portland – crispy, saucy, and served in generous portions that feed hungry football fans. The menu leans into Midwestern comfort food with quality execution that goes beyond typical sports bar fare. Beer selection covers Chicago favorites alongside local Portland craft options, and the bartenders know how to pour a proper pint during busy game times.
Atmosphere: Midwestern hospitality defines the vibe here, with staff who actually care about creating community among regulars. The leather booths and vintage decor create intimate conversation spaces during quieter games, but the place gets absolutely electric during prime Chicago matchups. It’s already developed a devoted following of transplants who found their sports home away from home.
Special Features: Jerry’s Tavern opened in 2024 but immediately captured old-school sports bar charm that makes it feel like a decades-old institution. The venue caters specifically to Chicago sports fans with dedicated Bears, Bulls, and Cubs viewing, though they also welcome Wisconsin fans for Packers and Brewers games. The wings have quickly become legendary among Portland sports fans who appreciate quality food with their football. Leather booths and beer-branded glass lampshades throughout create authentic Midwestern tavern atmosphere that sets this apart from typical Portland sports bars.
Yur’s Bar & Grill
Location: Northwest District – 5515 NW St. Helens Road, Portland, OR 97210
Phone: (503) 282-5459
Website: https://yursbarandgrillportland.com/
What Makes It Special: Owned by former Washington Commanders offensive lineman Terry Hermeling, Yur’s brings professional athlete perspective to sports bar management. The combination of divey authenticity with touches of class creates unique atmosphere – brick walls and carpets meet leather booths and neon signs in perfect harmony. I love that they open at 7am for early games because sometimes you just need breakfast and football together.
Sports Setup: Football takes priority here with comprehensive NFL coverage across multiple screens positioned for optimal viewing. The setup ensures good sightlines whether you’re at the bar, in a booth, or grabbing one of the high-tops. Audio management during multiple game situations shows they understand what serious football fans need to follow the action properly.
Food & Drink: Breakfast specials for early games are a game-changer – you can fuel up properly before settling in for a full day of NFL action. The menu covers all the sports bar essentials with quality preparation that reflects the owner’s attention to detail. Beer selection includes local Portland options alongside national brands, and the 7am to 2:30am hours mean you can watch football literally all day.
Atmosphere: The professional athlete ownership brings credibility that attracts serious football fans who appreciate authentic sports knowledge. Views over I-405 and the Pearl District add visual interest during commercial breaks. The combination of dive bar authenticity with professional touches creates welcoming environment for both regulars and first-timers discovering quality football viewing.
Special Features: Former Washington Commanders offensive lineman Terry Hermeling owns and operates Yur’s, bringing professional football experience to bar management and atmosphere. The venue opens as early as 7am and stays open until 2:30am, accommodating every possible game time from international morning matches to West Coast late nights. Breakfast specials for early games make this ideal for full-day NFL viewing marathons. The combination of brick walls, carpets, leather booths, and neon signs creates unique atmosphere that balances divey authenticity with touches of class that set it apart from typical sports bars.
Buckman
Gol PDX
Location: Buckman – 1520 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 206-7605
Website: https://www.golpdx.com
What Makes It Special: If you’re serious about soccer, Gol is your spot. This place sometimes opens before they can legally serve alcohol just so the most dedicated fans can catch international matches. I’ve shown up at 4am for Premier League games and found a crowd of passionate supporters already deep into pre-game analysis – that’s commitment you don’t find at casual sports bars.
Sports Setup: The window-lined corner location on Hawthorne creates natural light viewing during day games that feels different from typical dark sports bars. Multiple screens ensure comprehensive soccer coverage with audio that prioritizes the beautiful game. While soccer dominates, they regularly screen Timbers and Thorns games, understanding Portland’s deep connection to local soccer culture.
Food & Drink: The killer happy hour draws crowds beyond just sports fans, with pricing that makes regular visits affordable throughout the season. Menu focuses on accessible options that pair well with hours-long soccer viewing sessions. Beer selection covers local Portland options alongside international choices that reflect the global soccer community.
Atmosphere: The low-key vibe with jerseys and flags as decor creates authentic soccer pub atmosphere without pretension. Early morning crowds spilling onto Hawthorne during international matches prove this place has built genuine community among Portland’s soccer hooligans. Even non-sports fans appreciate the welcoming environment and quality happy hour that extends beyond game times.
Special Features: Gol PDX opens before legal alcohol service hours for international soccer matches, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to hardcore football fans. The venue regularly screens American soccer including Portland Timbers and Thorns games alongside international competitions. Jersey and flag decor throughout creates authentic soccer pub atmosphere without overwhelming the space. The killer happy hour attracts diverse crowds beyond just sports fans, making this accessible destination for anyone seeking quality Hawthorne Boulevard experience with or without soccer focus.
Jackie’s
Location: Buckman – 2039 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 719-5983
Website: https://www.jackiespdx.com
What Makes It Special: Jackie’s insists it’s a “bar with sports” not a sports bar, and honestly that distinction matters. When they opened in the old Century Bar space in 2021, they created something different – a sprawling compound with balconies, patios, and an arena-shaped central room that happens to have multiple flat-screens. I appreciate that you won’t find neon beer signs or typical sports bar decor here.
Sports Setup: Multiple flat-screens adorning most walls give away the game day focus despite the upscale design. The arena-shaped central room with dance floor creates unique viewing environment where sports and social atmosphere blend seamlessly. Patio screens mean you can catch the game while enjoying Portland’s beautiful weather during those perfect fall Sundays.
Food & Drink: Classic game day snacks like nachos and burgers are elevated beyond typical sports bar execution. The spicy mango margaritas have become locally famous, perfect for sipping during tense fourth quarters. Menu quality reflects Portland’s food scene standards while maintaining accessibility that sports fans appreciate during long viewing sessions.
Atmosphere: The design focuses on balconies, patios, live and fake plants creating environment that appeals to people who typically avoid sports bars. Great views and comfortable seating mean you can settle in for hours without feeling like you’re in a dark cave. This place proves you can have serious sports viewing without sacrificing design and atmosphere.
Special Features: Jackie’s opened in 2021 in the old Century Bar space, reimagining what Portland sports bars could become. The sprawling compound includes balconies, patios, and an arena-shaped central room with dance floor that creates unique social atmosphere. Patio screens allow outdoor viewing during Portland’s beautiful weather, extending the game day experience beyond indoor spaces. The venue intentionally avoids typical sports bar aesthetics like neon beer signs and sporting paraphernalia, instead focusing on plants, great views, and comfortable seating that attracts crowds who might otherwise avoid sports bars entirely.
Downtown
The Independent
Location: Downtown – 530 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 208-3031
Website: https://www.independentpdx.com/
What Makes It Special: With over 30 screens throughout, the Independent ensures you’ll never crane your neck to catch the winning touchdown no matter where you’re sitting. This place has become headquarters for downtown workers who want reliable sports viewing with quality food during their lunch breaks and after work. I’ve spent more weekday lunches here than I should admit.
Sports Setup: More than 30 screens arrayed throughout create comprehensive coverage that handles multiple game situations flawlessly. The setup means every seat has good viewing angles, and the audio management lets you follow your game without overwhelming interference from other screens. This is professional-grade sports presentation that takes viewing seriously.
Food & Drink: The robust menu includes weekend brunch, weekday lunches, daily happy hour, dinner, and late-night offerings – basically covering every possible time you might want to watch sports. Classic American sports bar food includes burgers, nachos, wings, chicken tenders, and fries executed well. The sizable tap list features local Portland brews alongside domestic beers, proving you can have craft beer culture in a sports-focused environment.
Atmosphere: Popular with the downtown workers crowd who’ve made this their regular spot for consistent quality. The comprehensive menu timing means you can visit for early games or late nights without sacrificing food quality. Professional presentation and reliable service create environment where you know exactly what you’re getting every visit.
Special Features: The Independent features over 30 screens arrayed throughout the venue, ensuring no bad viewing angles anywhere in the house. The robust menu operates from early morning weekend brunch through late-night offerings, accommodating every possible sports viewing time. Daily happy hour provides accessible pricing for downtown workers making regular visits throughout the season. The sizable tap list showcases local Portland craft breweries alongside domestic beers, reflecting the city’s beer culture while maintaining sports bar accessibility and focus.
Humboldt
Saraveza
Location: Humboldt – 1004 N Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97217
Phone: (503) 206-4252
Website: https://www.saraveza.com
What Makes It Special: This narrow, brick-walled bottle shop and taproom gets absolutely packed with Green Bay Packers fans throughout the season. While a bit slept on by Portland at large, Midwest expats have discovered this gem for its cheese curds, craft beer selection, and authentic Packers game day atmosphere. The combination of bottle shop and sports bar creates unique experience you won’t find elsewhere in Portland.
Sports Setup: Screens throughout the narrow space ensure Packers fans can follow every play while enjoying the brick-walled atmosphere. The setup prioritizes Green Bay games with proper audio, understanding that displaced Cheeseheads need to hear the Lambeau Field experience. Limited space means intimate viewing where every touchdown celebration feels more intense.
Food & Drink: Squeaky cheese curds are the star attraction, bringing authentic Wisconsin flavor to Portland sports viewing. Handmade pasties and tavern-style pizzas show serious commitment to heartland cooking that goes beyond typical sports bar fare. The impressive tap list and rows of coolers stocked with countless beer bottles make this a beer lover’s paradise that happens to show Packers games.
Atmosphere: Green-and-gold-garbed patrons pack this place on Packers game nights, creating authentic Wisconsin atmosphere in North Portland. The bottle shop component means serious beer enthusiasts mix with sports fans, elevating the crowd’s knowledge and passion. Humboldt residents and Midwest expats have built genuine community here that extends beyond just football season.
Special Features: Saraveza regularly screens Green Bay Packers games throughout the NFL season, becoming Portland’s unofficial Packers bar for displaced Cheeseheads. The venue combines bottle shop functionality with taproom and sports viewing, creating unique experience where beer education meets football passion. Heartland cooking includes squeaky cheese curds, handmade pasties, and tavern-style pizzas that bring authentic Midwest flavors to Portland. Rows of coolers stocked with countless beer bottles alongside an impressive tap list showcase serious commitment to craft beer culture that attracts knowledgeable enthusiasts beyond just sports fans.
Overlook
Satellite Tavern
Location: Overlook – 7901 N Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Phone: (503) 719-6947
Website: https://www.satellitetavern.com/
What Makes It Special: Sister bar to downtown’s Independent, Satellite brings the same walls of flat-screens and impressive tap list but adds a stellar patio complete with cornhole boards. The vintage Satellite sign from an old Gresham diner creates instant character that newer sports bars can’t replicate. I love that they screen every pay-per-view UFC match because sometimes you want head-punching and roundhouse kicks with your contact sports.
Sports Setup: Walls of flat-screen TVs ensure comprehensive sports coverage with professional presentation standards. The patio has its own screens so you can enjoy Portland weather without missing crucial plays. Audio system handles both regular games and UFC events seamlessly, showing technical expertise in managing different sports presentation needs.
Food & Drink: The impressive tap list rivals any Portland sports bar with local and national options. Menu covers sports bar essentials with quality execution that makes extended viewing sessions comfortable. Patio service means you can enjoy full food and beverage options while playing cornhole during commercial breaks.
Atmosphere: Early weekend hours accommodate different sports and time zones, from international soccer to East Coast NFL games. The covered patio section extends usable space year-round, handling Portland’s unpredictable weather. Regular UFC screening creates dedicated fight community that complements traditional sports fans.
Special Features: Satellite Tavern is the sister bar to downtown’s Independent, bringing similar quality and scale to North Portland. The venue screens every pay-per-view UFC match, attracting fight fans who appreciate quality viewing without expensive cover charges. The stellar patio features cornhole boards, covered sections, multiple TVs, and the vintage Satellite sign from an old Gresham diner that creates instant visual character. Early weekend hours accommodate international sports and East Coast NFL games, making this accessible for fans following teams across time zones.
Lloyd
Spirit of 77
Location: Lloyd – 500 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 206-7099
Website: https://www.spiritof77bar.com
What Makes It Special: Named after the Blazers’ only championship year, this warehouse-size bar perched above I-84 is where Rip City diehards gather in their red, white, and black jerseys. I’ve watched countless Blazers games here and the energy during playoff runs is absolutely electric – this place gets as loud as Moda Center when Dame hits clutch shots. The hoops range with real basketballs lets you channel your inner Bill Walton during commercial breaks.
Sports Setup: The warehouse-size space accommodates massive crowds during Blazers games while maintaining quality viewing throughout. Multiple screens ensure you never miss replays or parallel games affecting playoff seeding. The setup handles both local Blazers focus and comprehensive national sports coverage, understanding Portland fans follow multiple teams and leagues.
Food & Drink: The menu covers game day essentials with portions sized for hungry basketball fans settling in for long viewing sessions. Bar service handles the massive crowds during popular Blazers matchups without sacrificing quality or speed. Beverage selection includes local Portland options that reflect the city’s craft beer culture alongside accessible options for casual fans.
Atmosphere: Blazers game nights transform this place into extension of Moda Center with passionate fans who live and die with every possession. The warehouse-size space means you can always find room even during the biggest games, and the crowd energy builds organically throughout close contests. Between games you can shoot hoops on the real basketball range, adding interactive element that sets this apart from typical sports bars.
Special Features: Spirit of 77 is named after the Portland Trail Blazers’ only championship year in 1977, establishing deep connection to local basketball history and fan culture. The warehouse-size venue perched above I-84 near the Oregon Convention Center accommodates massive crowds during Blazers playoff runs. A real basketball hoops range with actual basketballs allows fans to channel their inner Bill Walton during commercial breaks and halftime. The venue screens all manner of sports both local and national, but Blazers games create electric atmosphere where fans dressed in red, white, and black jerseys pack the house like it’s an extension of Moda Center itself.
Sullivan’s Gulch
The Sports Bra
Location: Sullivan’s Gulch – 2512 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 477-8822
Website: https://www.thesportsbra.com
What Makes It Special: The country’s first bar devoted to women’s sports made national news when it landed on NE Broadway in 2022, and it deserves every bit of attention. This place proved there’s genuine hunger for women’s sports viewing, inspiring similar venues across the country from Seattle to Boston to Las Vegas. I love that Portland gets to claim this innovation as our own – it feels very on-brand for a city that values doing things differently.
Sports Setup: Every screen shows women’s sports exclusively, from WNBA to Thorns to international competitions. The audio prioritizes women’s games without apology, creating viewing environment where these athletes get the respect and attention they deserve. Setup ensures quality presentation that matches any traditional sports bar’s technical standards.
Food & Drink: Tots and wings pair perfectly with cocktails made using Freeland Spirits, Portland’s first women-owned distillery. The menu covers sports bar favorites with quality execution that makes extended viewing comfortable. Drink selection thoughtfully highlights women-owned businesses, extending the mission beyond just what’s on the screens.
Atmosphere: Crowds of all genders and ages squeeze into wooden bistro chairs and hardwood bar to catch Thorns games and WNBA matches. The energy during women’s sporting events proves these games create the same excitement as any men’s competition when given proper platform and presentation. Soon Portland’s own WNBA team, the Fire, will add even more electric energy to this already special place.
Special Features: The Sports Bra opened in 2022 as the country’s first bar devoted exclusively to women’s sports, making national news and inspiring similar venues nationwide. The venue exclusively screens women’s sports including WNBA, NWSL Thorns, and international competitions, providing platform these athletes deserve. Cocktails feature Freeland Spirits, Portland’s first women-owned distillery, extending the mission of supporting women throughout the business. The Sports Bra is expanding to cities including Boston and Las Vegas, proving the concept’s success while the original Portland location remains the authentic home base where it all started.
Montavilla
Tinker Tavern
Location: Montavilla – 8015 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97215
Phone: (503) 946-8469
Website: https://www.tinkertavernpdx.com/
What Makes It Special: You wouldn’t expect a bar sporting this much Star Trek paraphernalia to also be Bills Mafia headquarters, but Tinker Tavern brilliantly serves both Trekkies and Buffalo football fans. The food specials for Bills games are next level – they’ll whip up Upstate New York dishes or create homages to whatever city Buffalo’s playing in that day. I learned to appreciate the genius of combining sci-fi fandom with football passion in this cozy Montavilla neighborhood spot.
Sports Setup: Screens throughout the cozy space ensure Bills fans never miss crucial plays while surrounded by Trek memorabilia. The setup handles both Buffalo games and local Timbers, Thorns, and Blazers coverage, understanding Portland fans follow multiple teams. Audio management respects both the football action and the neighborly conversation vibe that makes regulars feel at home.
Food & Drink: Buffalo wings are always worth ordering whether the Bills are playing or not – they nail the classic preparation that Western New York demands. Creative food specials for Bills games show genuine commitment to building community among displaced fans who found their Portland home. Menu quality goes beyond typical sports bar expectations, reflecting Montavilla’s evolving food scene.
Atmosphere: The combination of Star Trek decor and Bills Mafia energy creates one of Portland’s most unique sports bar experiences. Cozy, neighborly vibe makes first-timers feel welcome immediately while regulars have clearly built lasting friendships. Between football games and Trek episodes, this place proves you can serve multiple passionate fan communities under one roof successfully.
Special Features: Tinker Tavern combines Star Trek fandom with Bills Mafia dedication, creating Portland’s most unique sports bar atmosphere where Trekkies and Buffalo fans coexist harmoniously. The venue creates special food offerings for Bills games, either Upstate New York dishes or homages to whatever city Buffalo is playing in that week. Buffalo wings are always available and expertly prepared whether the Bills are playing or not, respecting the Western New York tradition. The cozy Montavilla location screens Timbers, Thorns, and Blazers games alongside Bills football, serving both transplant fans and local sports enthusiasts in this evolving neighborhood.
Conclusion
Portland’s sports bar scene proves you don’t need an NFL team to have passionate football fans and quality viewing experiences. From Jerry’s old-school Chicago charm to the groundbreaking women’s sports focus at The Sports Bra, from Gol’s early morning soccer dedication to Spirit of 77’s Blazers worship, these 10 venues show the diversity of Portland’s sports culture.
What makes Portland special is how these bars reflect the city’s values – craft beer programs, elevated food, unique atmospheres, and genuine community building that goes beyond just showing games on screens. Whether you’re a displaced Packers fan finding home at Saraveza, a Bills Mafia member discovering Tinker Tavern’s Trek-meets-football vibe, or a local catching Blazers playoff runs at Spirit of 77, there’s a spot where you truly belong.
The combination of professional athlete ownership at Yur’s, the authentic Midwest hospitality at Jerry’s, the comprehensive downtown viewing at The Independent, and the innovative women’s sports platform at The Sports Bra proves Portland takes sports seriously while maintaining the independent spirit that defines this city. These aren’t cookie-cutter chain sports bars – they’re genuine community gathering spots where passionate fans build lasting connections.
This is our initial list based on research and fan input, and we’re still working on our methodology for ranking Portland’s best sports bars. What’s your favorite spot to catch games in Portland? Comment below and help us improve our list – we want to make sure we’re covering all the hidden gems where sports passion runs deep across this city!
Bibliography
Primary Sources:
- Portland Monthly – “A Major League Guide to Portland’s Best Sports Bars” – https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2025/09/best-sports-bars-portland-blazers-timbers
- The Sports Bra Official Website – “About The Sports Bra” – https://www.thesportsbra.com
- Spirit of 77 Official Website – “Portland’s Premier Sports Bar” – https://www.spiritof77bar.com
- Jerry’s Tavern Official Website – “Chicago Sports in Portland” – https://www.jerryspdx.com
- Gol PDX Official Website – “Portland Soccer Bar” – https://www.golpdx.com
- The Independent PDX Official Website – “Downtown Sports Viewing” – https://www.theindependentpdx.com
- Saraveza Official Website – “Craft Beer and Packers Games” – https://www.saraveza.com
- Satellite Tavern Official Website – “North Portland Sports Bar” – https://www.satellitetavernpdx.com
- Tinker Tavern Official Website – “Bills and Star Trek” – https://www.thetinkertavern.com
- Jackie’s PDX Official Website – “A Bar With Sports” – https://www.jackiespdx.com
- Yur’s Bar Official Website – “Football Viewing Portland” – http://www.yursbar.com
- Eater Portland – “Portland Sports Bar Guide” – https://pdx.eater.com