7 Best Sports Bars in Grand Rapids, Michigan (2025 Edition)

Back To Blogs
banner image
Grand Rapids

7 Best Sports Bars in Grand Rapids, Michigan (2025 Edition)

8 min read

Published On13 Oct 2025

Introduction

Grand Rapids has quietly become one of the Midwest’s best sports-watching cities. With Michigan football fever running deep, Detroit Lions fans fired up, and college rivalries dominating Saturdays, the city’s sports bar scene has stepped up its game. Whether it’s NFL Sundays, March Madness, or late-night hockey, locals here don’t just watch — they live the games.

Over the past few seasons, the city’s best game-day experiences have extended across some great sports bars. Some spots deliver stadium-level viewing setups, while others feel more like home. From massive multi-screen setups to cozy neighborhood joints, this list rounds up the best Grand Rapids sports bars heading into the 2025 NFL season.

We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list — please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations and highlight any hidden sports bars we might have missed!

🏆 The Score (Top Pick for 2025 NFL Season)

Location: North Grand Rapids – 5301 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Phone: (616) 301-0600
Website: https://www.thescoregr.com

What Makes It Special

If you love sports, you already know The Score. It’s Grand Rapids’ crown jewel of sports viewing — a full-blown experience rather than just a bar. I’ve been here on NFL Sundays and during March Madness, and the energy feels like a mini arena. With over 70 HD TVs covering every wall, even the most obscure games get airtime.

Sports Setup

Simply put, this is the most complete setup in West Michigan. Over 70 TVs, multiple viewing zones, and a game-day sound system that hits every corner. Whether you’re following RedZone, college football, or hockey, they’ll find your game and put it on. Staff know how to balance simultaneous broadcasts so no fan feels left out.

Food & Drink

They serve elevated pub fare with a Michigan twist — huge portions of wings, burgers, pizza, and an extensive tap list highlighting local breweries like Founders and Perrin. Game-day specials keep fans happy through doubleheaders, and service runs like clockwork even on packed Sundays.

Atmosphere

Think high-energy without the chaos. Locals mix with visiting fans, and the crowd builds fast as kickoff approaches. Patio seating in warm months lets you catch games outdoors, beer in hand, with giant TVs lining the space.

Special Features

The Score delivers 70+ HDTVs across multiple zones with RedZone coverage, surround sound for featured games, and large outdoor patio screens. The bar also offers Michigan craft beer rotations, weekly trivia, and private event space for fantasy football drafts. Game-day energy here is unmatched anywhere in Grand Rapids.

Big E’s Sports Grill

Location: Multiple Grand Rapids Locations (Downtown, Holland, and Grandville)
Phone: (616) 608-3000
Website: https://bigessportsgrill.com

What Makes It Special

Big E’s is Grand Rapids’ go-to chain for reliable game-day viewing. Clean, spacious, and built for fans who want a good seat and cold beer, this place always delivers. When I’m downtown for a late Lions game, this is my backup bar when The Score’s packed.

Sports Setup

Each location boasts dozens of HDTVs covering every major league package. RedZone, NHL Center Ice, NBA League Pass — all available. The sound system keeps things immersive, and staff are quick to switch channels when requested.

Food & Drink

Expect a modern American menu with everything from signature burgers to healthier salad bar options (a rarity in sports bars). The beer list includes local and national favorites, and happy hour deals make pregame gatherings affordable.

Atmosphere

Bright, lively, and family-friendly, Big E’s suits fans who want professional service and a big-bar feel. It’s the “safe bet” for large groups that want guaranteed game coverage and consistent food quality.

Special Features

Multiple Grand Rapids–area locations with reliable sports coverage and big-screen setups. RedZone and full league packages. Spacious layouts, family-friendly environment, and solid craft beer lineup.

Garage Bar & Grill

Location: Downtown – 819 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 454-0321
Website: https://garagebarandgrillgr.com

What Makes It Special

Garage Bar & Grill is the neighborhood hangout that always punches above its weight. Even on non-game days, it feels like a local gathering spot. Come playoff time or Sunday afternoon, the energy ramps up and you’ll see jerseys from every team in the state.

Sports Setup

A mix of large wall-mounted TVs and smaller bar screens give good views from nearly every seat. The patio has outdoor screens for summer games, making it one of the few downtown spots with both indoor and outdoor viewing.

Food & Drink

Their burgers are some of the best downtown, and their bloody marys and loaded fries have earned cult status. The menu hits the sweet spot between quality and value.

Atmosphere

Casual and local — no corporate vibe here. You’ll find everyone from downtown workers to longtime regulars crowding in for kickoff. When the weather’s good, the patio buzzes like a tailgate.

Special Features

Garage Bar offers multiple viewing zones including patio TVs, award-winning burgers, game-day drink specials, and a lively local crowd that feels like family.

Bob’s Bar

Location: Midtown – 725 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 774-0512
Website: https://bobsbargr.com

What Makes It Special

Bob’s feels like “Cheers” for Grand Rapids. This is where locals know your name — and your team. I’ve popped in here midweek and found someone watching mid-conference MAC football. That’s dedication.

Sports Setup

Several well-placed TVs across the bar ensure coverage from every seat. They might not have the largest screens in town, but they make up for it with reliability and staff that actually know what games are on.

Food & Drink

Classic Midwest bar food with all the comfort favorites — burgers, fries, sandwiches — and affordable beer pitchers. Bob’s keeps it simple and consistent.

Atmosphere

The best word for Bob’s is community. It’s small, friendly, and authentic, with loyal fans who show up win or lose. Great for catching a game without the crowds or noise of bigger venues.

Special Features

Neighborhood sports bar vibe with consistent game coverage, local crowd energy, and fair prices. Bob’s hosts trivia nights, team-viewing events, and NFL Sundays with classic bar food and good beer.

Brick and Porter

Location: Downtown – 47 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 551-1744
Website: https://brickandportergr.com

What Makes It Special

Brick and Porter is where you go when you want a quieter, more refined sports bar experience. It’s a polished downtown gastropub that still respects the game.

Sports Setup

Multiple HDTVs in strategic spots throughout the restaurant ensure good sightlines. They don’t blast the sound like a stadium — it’s more of a “watch and chat” setup ideal for smaller groups.

Food & Drink

Their burgers and craft cocktails are a step above typical bar fare. The beer list features Michigan’s finest brews, and the kitchen takes pride in presentation and flavor.

Atmosphere

Low-key and stylish, with a professional crowd. Perfect for watching the game without the chaos, or for fans who want to eat well and keep tabs on the score.

Special Features

Downtown gastropub offering high-quality food, Michigan craft beers, multiple HDTVs, and a relaxed environment perfect for game watching and dinner alike.

Other Great Sports Bars in Grand Rapids

These spots offer solid sports viewing, good drinks, and dependable service — just without full profiles:

Conclusion

From massive setups like The Score to local legends like Bob’s Bar, Grand Rapids proves it’s more than just a beer town — it’s a sports town. Each venue brings something different: The Score’s high-tech command center, Garage Bar’s neighborhood warmth, and Brick and Porter’s classy calm.

No matter your game — NFL, NBA, college football, or March Madness — you’ll find a screen and a fan base waiting here in Beer City USA.

This is our initial list based on local reviews and verified data. What’s your favorite Grand Rapids sports bar? Drop a comment below and let us know what hidden gems we should include in the next update!

Bibliography