Top Sports Bars in Melbourne to Watch the Match With the Crowd
Words by
Noah Williams
I’ve been hitting game day bars Melbourne since well before the AFL Grand Final became a national religion, and if you’re chasing that full‑volume, knee‑to‑knee, “we lost again, mate” feeling, these are the top sports bars in Melbourne that actually deliver the best bars to watch sports Melbourne offers with a proper local crowd.
Below, I’ll walk you through 8 real sports viewing Melbourne spots I return to, where they are, what to order, when to go, and the one thing most tourists miss.
1. The Imperial Hotel, Yarra Street, Geelong (and its Melbourne‑side reputation)
Even though it’s technically in Geelong, the Imperial is part of the broader sports viewing Melbourne circuit for anyone willing to take the 1 hour V/Line train from Southern Cross. It’s a heritage pub that’s been around since the 1850s gold rush era, and the bones of the building still feel like a 19th‑century workers’ hotel.
I was there last Saturday for the late afternoon AFL match. The front bar was already three deep by quarter time, and the locals were arguing about umpiring decisions like it was a council meeting. The big screens are mounted high so you can see from almost any angle, and the sound is loud enough to feel the crowd roar but not so loud you can’t talk to the person next to you.
Order the parma and a schooner of the local Geelong bitter. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what you want when you’re watching a tight game with a room full of passionate fans. The kitchen turns out solid pub classics, and the parma is big enough to share if you’re not starving.
The best time to go is for the late afternoon AFL or NRL matches, especially when Geelong Cats are playing. You’ll get a proper local crowd that knows every player’s name and isn’t shy about telling the ref what they think.
Local Insider Tip: “If you’re coming from Melbourne, get the train that arrives about 45 minutes before bounce. Walk straight up Yarra Street from the station, grab a spot in the front bar, and order your first beer before the teams run out. By the time you’ve got a schooner in hand, the whole room is already yelling.”
One thing most tourists don’t know: the upstairs function room often hosts post‑match bands and local events, so if the game finishes early, you can end up in an impromptu live music session with the same crowd that just watched the match.
2. The Charles Dickens Tavern, Franklin Street, Melbourne CBD
The Charles Dickens Tavern is one of those old‑school Melbourne pubs that’s been quietly doing its thing on Franklin Street for decades. It’s not flashy, but if you want a no‑nonsense sports viewing Melbourne experience in the CBD, this is one of the best bars to watch sports Melbourne has for hardcore fans.
I ducked in on a Friday night for an NRL match. The place was packed with a mix of tradies, office workers, and a few students from nearby RMIT. The TVs are scattered around the main bar, and the sound is on for the big games. There’s no pretension here, just cold beer, loud commentary, and the occasional shout at the screen.
Order a pot of the house lager and a serve of their parma or steak sandwich. The food is straightforward pub grub, but it’s reliable and comes out fast, which matters when you don’t want to miss a try or a goal.
The best time to go is during Friday or Saturday night AFL and NRL matches, especially when there’s a local derby or finals game. The crowd gets properly involved, and you’ll hear more than a few creative chants.
Local Insider Tip: “Get there at least an hour before the main game if you want a seat near a screen. The front bar fills up fast, but the side room near the back has a couple of smaller TVs and a bit more breathing room if you don’t mind not being in the thick of it.”
Most tourists don’t realize that this pub has been a local institution for years, long before the shiny new bars moved into the CBD. It’s a working‑class pub that’s survived multiple redevelopments around it, and the regulars are fiercely loyal.
3. The Crafty Squire, Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
The Crafty Squire is one of the more polished game day bars Melbourne offers, right in the heart of the CBD. It’s a brewpub with its own beers on tap, and it’s become a go‑to for sports viewing Melbourne fans who want a slightly more upscale experience without losing the crowd energy.
I was there on a Sunday afternoon for an AFL blockbrewery. The main bar area has big screens, and there’s a mezzanine level where you can look down on the crowd while you watch the game. The sound is well‑balanced, so you can hear the commentary without shouting.
Order one of their house brews, like the “The Squire” golden ale, and a serve of their beer‑battered fish and chips. The food is a step above standard pub fare, and the beer list is strong if you want to try something local.
The best time to go is for the big Sunday afternoon AFL matches or major international cricket games. The crowd is a mix of young professionals and older fans, and the atmosphere is lively but not rowdy.
Local Insider Tip: “If you want a good view without being crushed, grab a spot on the mezzanine early. You’ll still feel the crowd noise, but you’ll have space to actually eat and drink without elbowing someone.”
One thing most tourists don’t know: the brewery actually runs tours and tastings, so if you’re in town for a few days, you can do a proper beer session and then come back for the game the next day.
4. The Imperial Hotel, Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Not to be confused with the Geelong one, the Imperial Hotel on Bourke Street is a Melbourne CBD institution. It’s been around since the 1800s and has seen the city transform around it. Today
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