February 3, 2025

The Best Places to Watch Sports in Winston-Salem

From cozy taprooms to high-energy hubs, these sports bars deliver big screens, bold flavor, and good vibes on game day.


No matter the season, there’s always a big game to watch. Luckily, Winston-Salem has plenty of great spots to catch all the action—whether it’s a Sunday NFL showdown, a college basketball buzzer beater, or a heated World Series matchup. Beyond the big screens, these sports bars and taprooms deliver ice-cold brews, bold flavors, and fun extras like pool tables, interactive games, and even free popcorn.

Here’s a look at over 17 top places to watch the big game in Winston-Salem, starting with our “Starting Five” (i.e. the best of the best, in our humble opinion). Game on!


 

Fans at Fiddlin Fish Brewing

If we were forced to choose a single spot to watch a big game in Winston-Salem, that spot would likely be Fiddlin’ Fish — and for good reason. The spacious downtown brewery offers eight 60” TVs (including two on the patio) and two massive 150” projector screens that make every seat the best in the house. They turn on sound for major matchups, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

Vibes-wise, the brewery offers a relaxed, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of open space and a shelf full of board and card games for a little friendly competition. Enjoy a pint, a tasting flight, or a pitcher of one of their 12 beers on tap, and grab a bite from The Outpost, their resident food truck, serving creative bar food classics. With outdoor seating, food truck fare, and an unbeatable sports setup, Fiddlin’ Fish is perfect for a casual hangout with friends or a family-friendly game-day experience.


 

A single pint glass of beer on the bar top at Foothills Brewpub.

Downtown’s original brewery, Foothills on Fourth Street, is a game-day hotspot in downtown Winston-Salem, combining stellar beer, delicious food, and an unbeatable sports-watching setup. With numerous TVs flanking the bar and a massive 106-inch screen offering theater-quality video, you’ll never miss a moment of the action. The booming audio system kicks things up a notch during big games, creating an electric atmosphere in a cozy, chic setting.

As for food, guests can dive into their celebrated pub menu, featuring crowd favorites like crispy fried pickles, fish 'n' chips, and some of the best wings in town. (If you like dry rub wings, you won't find any better.)  And don’t forget the beer—Foothills has been a craft beer leader for over two decades, with signature brews like Jade IPA and People’s Porter, plus seasonal delights like the iconic Sexual Chocolate.  

(BONUS: Foothills Tasting Room off Stratford Road is another great option with multiple TVs, cornhole, and a regular rotation of food trucks.)


 

Small Batch soccer gameday

Fittingly known as Winston-Salem’s “soccer bar,” Small Batch is a must-visit for sports fans, particularly fútbol enthusiasts. Located in the heart of downtown’s Twin City Quarter, right across from the Marriott Hotel, this former nano-brewery opened in 2014 and has grown into a brewery, bar, and full-service restaurant over the past decade.

With a lineup of handcrafted beers brewed daily, a seasonal cocktail menu, and a creative food selection featuring everything from burgers to indulgent mac and cheese, Small Batch pairs game-day excitement with unforgettable flavors.

You’ll get the “soccer bar” vibes as soon as you walk in the door. The bar is decked out with Premier League flags and memorabilia, showing love for all teams (though the owners are Liverpool fans). It airs every Premier League and Champions League match, complete with English breakfasts and Irish coffees on weekend mornings. With plenty of seating, multiple TVs, and a big screen, it’s also a hotspot for Carolina Hurricanes hockey games and World Cup action.


 

Two men play darts at Millers on Trade sports bar in Winston-Salem.

Miller’s on Trade brought big game-day excitement to the Downtown Arts District when it opened in spring 2024. The bar is located inside the former Miller’s Variety Store, a Trade Street institution that had operated for 88 years before closing in 2016. The bar owners kept the store’s name (Miller’s) but revamped everything else, turning the 200-capacity space into a haven for sports enthusiasts.

With about 20 big-screen TVs, including 415 channels to choose from, you’ll never miss a moment of the action. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, featuring a mix of bar stools, couches, and high-top tables, with walls adorned in sports memorabilia that tell their own story. Beyond watching the game, challenge your friends to a round of pool, hoops, or interactive Dartsee, or relive arcade thrills with Skee-ball. Pair the action with a cold draft beer, specialty cocktail, or classic pub fare like wings, sandwiches, or pizza. Don’t miss the $4 mimosas and $1 wings on Sundays or the live music every Friday and Saturday night, making Miller’s a game-day destination that truly scores.


 

Fans at Hungry Palate

Located nearly side-by-side on Fourth Street in the heart of downtown, these sister establishments have quickly become prime destinations for sports fans.

Thirsty Pallet, established in 2019, offers a cozy, "Cheers"-like atmosphere with six big-screen TVs at the front and a large projector screen in the back, ensuring fans won't miss any action. It's particularly popular during football season, being one of the few downtown spots with the NFL Sunday Ticket.

Next door, Hungry Palate, opened in 2023, is a family-friendly bar and grill featuring a sizable bar area with eight big-screen TVs, perfect for catching all the March Madness games. The menu boasts delicious options like Buffalo chicken dip, Philly cheesesteaks, and their signature Palate Punch cocktail. With daily drink specials and a beer selection highlighting local brews, both venues cater to diverse preferences, making them ideal for just about any group or party.


 

MORE TOP SPOTS DOWNTOWN

2nd & Green

2nd & Green Tavern (right) is a cozy neighborhood spot perfect for catching the big game. While it doesn’t have tons of TVs like other sports bars, it does offer some nice perks, including free popcorn, bar games, wallet-friendly drink specials, and the NFL Sunday ticket.  If you come on Sundays during NFL season, bring a dish! The bar hosts friendly Sunday potlucks each week.

Camel City BBQ Factory stands out with multiple big-screen TVs around the bar, perfect for viewing sports events. Additionally, their arcade area features various games and gaming consoles at many of the tables. Their favorites, like smoked brisket and pulled pork, complement the vibrant atmosphere.

Finnigan's Wake, downtown's iconic Irish pub, offers some of the best pub food in town. With multiple TVs strategically placed throughout the venue, it's a favorite among sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy a game in a cozy, authentic setting.

Recreation Billiards, established in 1947, is a legendary downtown bar that has been a go-to spot for sports fans for decades. Despite its modest size, it boasts a lively atmosphere with multiple TVs, making it an ideal place to catch the big game.

Quiet Pint Tavern provides a relaxed environment with several TVs, ensuring fans can watch their favorite teams in comfort. Known for its diverse beer selection and delicious menu offerings, it's a great spot to unwind and catch the game with friends.

ROAR is a multifaceted entertainment complex where sports are broadcast on TVs throughout the venue. Beyond watching games, guests can enjoy duckpin bowling, golf simulators, a 50-game arcade, and multiple self-serve beer walls.


 

TOP SPOTS OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

Waldo's Wings

Waldo’s Wings (right) has been a local favorite since 1991, offering a laid-back, sports-friendly atmosphere. The decor includes lots of vintage NASCAR memorabilia and 12 big-screen TVs, ensuring a great game view from any seat. Known for its famous wings and unique appetizers like Pittsburgh Garbage Fries, Waldo's also features daily food and drink specials, making it a go-to spot for sports fans and families alike.

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar combines gourmet burgers with a sports-friendly setting. Equipped with several TVs, it's an excellent place to enjoy a meal while keeping up with the latest sports action.

JuggHeads Growlers & Pints is known for its 32-tap wall featuring exclusively North Carolina beers and hard ciders. With five TVs, NFL Sunday Ticket, and Red Zone, it's a haven for football fans seeking a local brew while watching the game.

Mossy's Eats, Ales, and Spirits in Clemmons ensures you'll never miss the action with TVs in every direction, whether you're sitting at a table, the high tops, or the bar. This setup creates an immersive sports viewing experience for all patrons.

Sixty Six Grill & Tap House (Kernersville) offers a family-friendly atmosphere with numerous TVs for sports viewing. Their extensive menu features popular items like classic nachos, jumbo wings, and hand-cut ribeye, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal while watching the game.

The Playground Golf & Sports Bar in Clemmons offers sports fans a dynamic game-day experience with numerous big screens, a spacious layout, and comfortable seating, including giant sofas and a patio. Unique perks include state-of-the-art simulators for virtual golf and interactive games like dodgeball with zombies. Pair the action with specialty pizzas, flatbreads, and 20 draft beers or handcrafted cocktails for a memorable outing.


 

No matter where you choose to watch the big game, Winston-Salem has the perfect line up of options to make sure your game day is twice as nice.

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