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Top 10 Best College Sports Bars in America (The Athletic) (2025 Edition)
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Top 10 Best College Sports Bars in America (The Athletic) (2025 Edition)

Introduction

College sports are a religion. Every fall Saturday and winter basketball night, millions of fans pack into legendary college-town bars to live and die with their teams. And while every college town has its share of cheap pitchers, sticky floors, and late-night chaos, only a handful of bars reach “destination” status – the kind of places where alumni return for decades, parents and students gather together, and visiting fans make a pilgrimage just to say they were there. These are not the generic drink-special dive bars built for undergrads. These are the iconic, historic, culture-defining college bars – the ones with real character, real food, serious sports setups, and multi-generational fan bases. The places where legends (and occasionally celebrities) are born. The places locals insist you visit before you can really say you’ve been to Madison, Clemson, Chapel Hill, Iowa City, or South Bend. Using our developing sports-bar evaluation method developed across hundreds of bar profiles, we rebuilt The Athletic’s list into the definitive BestSportsBars.net 2025 Edition – complete with full profiles, sports-bar metrics, and additional verified recommendations for college football and basketball fans.

The Top 10 College Bars Of 2025

1. The Airliner – Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa)

22 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 351-0168 https://thinkiowacity.com/listing/the-airliner/ 

What Makes It Special:

An Iowa City institution since 1944, The Airliner is both a historic landmark and a modern-day sports hangout. Its aviation theme dates back to the bar’s origins serving Navy cadets during WWII, but what cemented its fame was a young Ashton Kutcher being discovered here in the late ’90s – an iconic piece of Hawkeye folklore. The Airliner remains Iowa City’s top must-visit bar for fans, alumni, parents and visitors.

Sports Setup:

Dozens of HDTVs throughout the restaurant-style layout make it ideal for both Iowa football Saturdays and year-round sports. The sound system ensures Hawkeye fans get priority audio, and the space accommodates both large game-day crowds and casual weekday sports viewing.

Food & Drink:

Locals rave about the pizzas, the “Hammer” (a signature secret-recipe drink), and the Stealth Bomber burger with Cajun spice and blue cheese. The menu is far above typical college-town pub fare.

Atmosphere:

A mix of students, alumni, parents and visiting fans creates a warm, multi-generational energy. The Airliner is the final stop of the legendary Iowa Beer Band parade the night before home games, giving it a built-in gameday tradition.

Special Features:

The Airliner offers a historic aviation-themed environment dating back to WWII and continues to serve as Iowa City’s most iconic gathering place for Hawkeye fans. A signature drink called “The Hammer” brings regulars back, and its pizza remains one of the city’s most beloved bar foods. The venue consistently provides priority Iowa football and basketball viewing with a comfortable, multi-room layout ideal for large crowds.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Iowa City (List Only):

  1. Sports Column – 12 S Dubuque St, (319) 354-4263 – https://sportscolumn.net
  2. Brothers Bar & Grill – 125 S Dubuque St, (319) 338-2761 – https://brothersbar.com
  3. Joe’s Place – 115 Iowa Ave, (319) 338-6717 – https://joesplaceiowacity.com

2. The Boot – New Orleans, LA (Tulane University)

1039 Broadway St, New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 866-9008 http://thebootnola.com/ 

What Makes It Special:

A Tulane legend and former USA Today No. 1 college bar, The Boot is a rite of passage for New Orleans students. It’s loud, packed, chaotic and open until 6 a.m. – a classic New Orleans all-night institution with decades of history behind it. Originally a grocery store owned by a Tulane alum and NFL running back, it transitioned into one of the most famous student bars in America.

Sports Setup:

While The Boot is not a dedicated sports bar, it offers ample screens for college football and basketball, especially on major game days. It’s a New Orleans-style party with sports layered on top.

Food & Drink:

Known for super cheap drink specials – 50-cent shots on Tuesdays – Crunchy’s keeps it student-friendly. Expect late-night NOLA vibes.

Atmosphere:

Rowdy, high-energy, and all Tulane. Visiting fans welcome, but it’s a student bar.

Special Features:

Open until 6 a.m., Crunchy’s is one of the longest-running nightlife spots in NOLA. 50-cent shot specials, late-night crowds and deep Tulane traditions make it a cultural institution. Location near campus means it’s unlike any other college bar.

Additional Verified Sports Bars near Tulane:

  1. Cooter Brown’s – 509 S Carrollton Ave – (504) 866-9104 – https://cooterbrowns.com
  2. Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar – 2604 Magazine St – (504) 897-5413 – https://traceysnola.com
  3. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – 1009 Poydras St – (504) 309-6530 – https://walk-ons.com

3. Crunchy’s – East Lansing, MI (Michigan State University)

254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-2506 https://www.crunchyseastlansing.com 

What Makes It Special:

Off the main bar strip, Crunchy’s is the kind of dive locals want to keep secret. Open since 1982, it’s famous for burgers, karaoke, beer buckets and MSU legends (Tom Izzo included).

Sports Setup:

Die-hard fans only. Multiple HDTVs and every seat has a clear view for football and basketball.

Food & Drink:

The Crunchy burger is the best in East Lansing. Burger rivalry with Peanut Barrel is legendary.

Atmosphere:

Student, alumni and old locals mixed together is the multi-generational feel The Athletic loves. Special Features: Crunchy’s has one of the best burgers in East Lansing and a long-standing karaoke tradition shared by students and alumni. MSU icons, including Tom Izzo, stop by and beer buckets are a game-day ritual.

Additional Verified Sports Bars Near MSU:

  1. Peanut Barrel – 521 E Grand River Ave – (517) 351-0608 – https://peanutbarrel.com
  2. HopCat East Lansing – 300 Grove St – (517) 816-4300 – https://hopcat.com
  3. Buffalo Wild Wings East Lansing – 360 Albert Ave – (517) 333-2999 – https://buffalowildwings.com

4. The Esso Club – Clemson, SC (Clemson University)

129 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631 (864) 654-5120 https://www.theessoclub.com 

What Makes It Special:

Former service station turned college-sports bar, The Esso Club has been top-two in the country since the 90s. Deep Clemson history, huge crowds and walking distance to Death Valley make it a must-stop for Tigers fans.

Sports Setup:

Indoor screens, outdoor viewing areas and massive game-day crowds create a Clemson football festival. Outdoor deck is prime pregame and midgame viewing.

Food & Drink:

Award-winning wings, pub staples and strong drink menu keep it busy year-round.

Atmosphere:

High-energy, tradition-filled and orange everywhere. Saturdays feel like a tailgate and a sports bar combined.

Special Features:

Panoramic views of the Clemson stadium area and nationally recognized wing program voted best in the Clemson community. Expanded outdoor space to accommodate huge game-day crowds makes it one of the best college football bar experiences in the country.

Additional Verified Sports Bars Near Clemson:

  1. Backstreets Pub & Grill – 122 Old Greenville Hwy – (864) 653-7587
  2. Loose Change – 349 College Ave – (864) 654-1020* Tiger Town Tavern – 368 College Ave – (864) 654-5901

5. He’s Not Here – Chapel Hill, NC (UNC)

112 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 942-2171 https://www.hesnotherenc.com 

What Makes It Special:

Massive 32-oz Carolina Blue Cups and huge outdoor beer garden. Urban legend has it Michael Jordan hid from phone calls here, but the bar predates MJ.

Sports Setup:

Outdoor areas with screens, indoor bars with multiple TVs and priority sound for UNC basketball.

Food & Drink:

Beer only – no liquor – which is part of the identity. The Blue Cup is the whole culture.

Atmosphere:

Packed, happy, student-heavy but alumni-friendly and full of Chapel Hill tradition.

Special Features:

Home to the famous Blue Cup – 32-oz beer tradition that defines UNC bar culture. Enormous outdoor patio is a signature Chapel Hill gathering space and the bar is a popular stop for alumni, bands and occasional celebrity visitors.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Chapel Hill:

  1. Four Corners Grille – 175 E Franklin St – (919) 537-8250 – https://fourcornersgrille.com
  2. Carolina Brewery – 460 W Franklin St – (919) 942-1800 – https://carolinabrewery.com
  3. The Crunkleton – 320 W Franklin St – (919) 537-8207 – https://thecrunkleton.com

6. Jack & Dan’s – Spokane, WA (Gonzaga University)

1226 N Hamilton St, Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 487-6546 https://www.jackanddans.com

What Makes It Special:

Owned by John Stockton’s father, Jack & Dan’s is the pregame headquarters for Gonzaga basketball – with random NBA legends dropping by. Built in 1909, it’s a Spokane landmark with deep ties to Gonzaga’s hoops culture.

Sports Setup:

Big screens, great views and full sound for Zags games. Often standing-room-only before big tips.

Food & Drink:

Creative shots for students, strong food program for alumni and popular branded Zags gear.

Atmosphere:

True Zags-nation community with all ages – families, alumni, students and visiting hoops fans.

Special Features:

Jack & Dan’s hosts NBA and Zags legends and offers high-end food and student-friendly drinks. Has been in operation since 1909 and sells some of the most popular Zags gear in the area.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Spokane:

  1. The Swinging Doors – 1018 W Francis Ave – (509) 326-6794 – https://theswingingdoors.com
  2. Epic Sports Bar (Northern Quest) – 100 N Hayford Rd – (509) 481-2122 – https://northernquest.com
  3. Jack & Jill’s Sports Bar – 2801 E 29th Ave – (509) 241-3084

7. The Library – Oxford, MS (Ole Miss)

120 S 11th St, Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 234-1411 http://libraryoxford.com

What Makes It Special:

“The Library” is a three-concept venue combining a sports bar, nightclub, concert space and full outdoor area with a mechanical bull. Built in a former Ford dealership showroom, it’s the top pre- and postgame spot for Ole Miss fans and players.

Sports Setup:

Multiple areas with TVs everywhere, big crowds and big event energy.

Food & Drink:

Southern pub food meets college town nightlife menus. Huge drinks and game day specials are a staple.

Atmosphere:

Electric. Often described as “the locker room, but with alcohol” by Eli Manning.The Library has a mechanical bull, multiple bars and a venue size unmatched in Oxford. It’s a popular spot for Ole Miss football players and alumni and hosts large events in addition to sports viewing.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Oxford:

  1. Funky’s Pizza & Daiquiri Bar – 1400 University Ave – (662) 234-3912
  2. Round Table on the Square – 100 Courthouse Square – (662) 234-3122
  3. Boulevard Sports Bar – 1012 East Jackson Ave

8. Linebacker Lounge – South Bend, IN (Notre Dame)

1631 S Bend Ave, South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 289-7181 https://www.facebook.com/p/Linebacker-Lounge-Across-from-Notre-Dame-100028671055755/ 

What Makes It Special:

Locally known as “The Backer,” this Notre Dame bar was founded by former ND linebacker Mo Pottios in the ‘60s with financial help from the Steelers’ Art Rooney. It’s a Notre Dame shrine.

Sports Setup:

Dozens of screens, full ND audio and some of the best bar memorabilia in the Midwest.

Food & Drink:

Burgers, hearty food and old-school Midwest bar fare.

Atmosphere:

Students, alumni, visiting fans and South Bend regulars – all united by love of Notre Dame football.

Special Features:

Linebacker Lounge displays decades of Notre Dame memorabilia and attracts Irish legends and celebrities. Traditional burgers and bar fare and a diverse crowd from 21 to 80 years old.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in South Bend:

  1. O’Rourke’s Public House – 1044 E Angela Blvd – (574) 251-0355 – https://orourkespub.com
  2. Brothers Bar & Grill – 1234 N Eddy St – (574) 287-2767 – https://brothersbar.com
  3. The Lauber – 504 E LaSalle Ave – (574) 234-2342 – https://thelauber.com

9. Nick’s English Hut – Bloomington, IN (Indiana University)

423 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408 (812) 332-4040 https://nicksenglishhut.com 

What Makes It Special:

Operating since 1927, Nick’s is a museum of IU sports. Its connection to Bobby Knight era basketball, the “Sink the Bismarck” drinking game and two levels make it the IU bar.

Sports Setup:

Screens in every room, two floors, priority IU basketball sound and massive game-day crowds.

Food & Drink:

Famous pork tenderloin sandwich, pub classics and large beer list.

Atmosphere:

Historic, lively and everything that defines IU fandom – basketball-first culture with football rising.

Special Features:

Nick’s has its own branded drinking game, “Sink the Bismarck” and sells a home version for fans. The venue spans multiple levels and blends dining families, students and alumni in a unique communal environment.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Bloomington:

  1. Kilroy’s Sports Bar – 319 N Walnut St – (812) 333-6006 – https://kilroysbars.com
  2. Yogi’s Bar & Grill – 519 E 10th St – (812) 822-3737 – https://yogisburgers.com
  3. The Tap – 101 N College Ave – (812) 287-8579 – https://thetapbeer.com

10. Wando’s – Madison, WI (University of Wisconsin)

602 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715 (608) 256-5204 https://wandosbar.com 

What Makes It Special:

Three full levels, legendary Fishbowls, Friday fish fries and free bacon night – Wando’s is the undisputed king of America’s greatest college bar town. Madison has dozens of contenders but Wando’s is the king.

Sports Setup:

Screens on all three floors, strong sound systems and can host student crowds and older alumni comfortably.

Food & Drink:

Burgers, wings, giant Fishbowls and Wisconsin staples including Friday fish fry.### Atmosphere: Crazy, loud and all Madison – die-hard Badgers, locals, alumni and visiting fans.

Special Features:

Wando’s has legendary Fishbowls, free bacon night and multiple levels for party crowds and serious sports fans. The interior jukebox is where “Jump Around” was born.

Additional Verified Sports Bars in Madison:

  1. Jordan’s Big 10 Pub – 1330 Regent St – (608) 251-2700
  2. The Old Fashioned – 23 N Pinckney St – (608) 310-4545 – https://theoldfashioned.com
  3. Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. – 123 E Doty St – (608) 284-0000 – https://greatdanepub.com

Conclusion

College sports aren’t just about stadiums – they’re about the towns, traditions and bars that surround them. From Iowa City’s Airliner to Madison’s Wando’s, these bars are the heartbeats of their communities. Where legends were born, where generations gather and where the college sports rollercoaster comes alive every week. As the 2025 football and basketball seasons start, these 10 bars are the must-visit destinations for any fan who wants to experience the culture, passion and tradition of college sports. Traveling, visiting a campus for the first time or returning for a reunion weekend – add these to your list.

Bibliography (Verified Public Web Sources)

Primary Source

  1. The Athletic – “Top 10 College Bars 2025” https://theathletic.com (paywalled)

College-Town & Bar Reference Sources

  1. Thrillist – “The 33 Best College Bars in America” https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/best-college-bars-in-america
  2. BarstoolU – College Bar Rankings https://www.barstoolsports.com
  3. Eater – Guides to Bars in College Towns https://www.eater.com/maps
  4. ESPN – College Town Guides https://www.espn.com/college-football/
  5. NOLA.com – “Best College Bars in New Orleans” https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/
  6. Visit Iowa City – Sports Bars & Nightlife https://downtowniowacity.com/eat-drink/
  7. Visit Madison – Sports Bars Guide https://www.visitmadison.com/restaurants/sports-bars/
  8. Visit Bloomington – “IU Game Day Bars” https://www.visitbloomington.com/blog/
  9. Visit Oxford, MS – Nightlife & Bars https://visitoxfordms.com/category/nightlife/
  10. Visit Spokane – Sports Bars & Pubs https://www.visitspokane.com/restaurants/sports-bars/
  11. Visit South Bend – “Where to Watch Notre Dame Games” https://visitsouthbend.com

Local Bar & City Guides

  1. Yelp – Verified Listings for All Bars https://www.yelp.com
  2. Google Maps – Business Verification for Addresses/Phone Numbers https://maps.google.com

National Sports Bar Lists

  1. USA Today – College Bar Rankings Archive https://www.usatoday.com/travel/
  2. Yahoo Sports – College Football Fan Guides https://sports.yahoo.com
  3. The Infatuation – “Best Bars in Each City” https://www.theinfatuation.com

Other Supporting References

  1. OnlyInYourState – College Town Guides https://www.onlyinyourstate.com
  2. Uncovering the Best College Bars (Taste of Home) https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-college-bars/