Top Sports Bars In Connecticut

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 28, 2014 7:00 am EST

Connecticut may not have a professional team, but it's hardly lacking in passionate sports fans. On the contrary, its unique geographical position means it's home to followers of both Boston and New York franchises, many of whom come together to cheer on UConn's men and women's basketball teams during their frequent championship runs. Watching the games is always more fun when you surround yourself with good friends and great food and drink, and these state sports bars allow you to do just that.

Diamond Pub and Grill
195 Hebron Ave.
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 659-2002
www.diamondpubandgrill.com

This no-frills sports bar is simple but inviting. There's no better place in central Connecticut to go for watching your team in a lively, friendly atmosphere. It has a dozen large HDTVs showing all of the top games featuring local and national clubs, the most popular beers available in bottles and on tap and an abundant selection of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and wings. The Diamond also hosts trivia nights on Tuesdays and has a covered outdoor heated patio.

Chicago Sam's Sports Bar & Grille
95 Elm St.
Enfield, CT 06082
(860) 741-2936
www.chicagosams.com

Whatever sporting event you want to watch, there's a good chance Chicago Sam's is showing it. The Enfield bar boasts about 50 televisions, and for the marquee games, one mammoth 118-inch screen. Chicago Sam's offers a wide array of craft beers and wines and has a menu distinguished by a variety of tacos, fries and hot dogs. When you're really hungry, take advantage of the $10.99 prime rib special on Mondays and Tuesdays and feel free to play pool, electronic darts or jukebox bingo.

189 Sports Cafe
189 Federal Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
(203) 775-7072
www.189sportscafe.com

One of this decade's best additions to the Connecticut sports bar scene, 189 is home to 18 TVs and live music on the weekends. Along with an impressive list of wine and martinis it offers a rotating selection of local and domestic craft beers. And among its many sandwiches and burgers there's the Pounder Pounder – a two-pound burger with the works, it challenges those who order it to finish in 30 minutes. If the game goes into overtime or extra innings, 189 has a late night menu that includes San Antonio Fries covered with melted cheese, chopped bacon and buffalo sauce.

Hirschbeck's Sports Bar & Grille
882 Bridgeport Ave.
Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 513-9277
www.hirschbecksportsbarandgrille.com

Stratford brothers Mark and John Hirschbeck worked as umpires for Major League Baseball for several years, and after retirement started their own sports bar. You'll notice that its walls are decorated with memorabilia from their baseball career, much of it signed. It's also hard to miss the three 80-inch flat screens that are perfect for the biggest games. The menu includes burgers named for the Yankees (blue cheese and bacon), Red Sox (fried onions and mushrooms) and Mets (jalapenos and sauteed onions), and all are just five dollars on Mondays. Other notable specials include 20-percent-off drinks for all police, fire and EMT workers on Thursdays.

C.C. O'Brien's Irish Sports Bar & Cafe
8 Mechanic St.
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
(860) 599-2034
www.ccobriens.com

Tucked away in the far southeastern corner of the state, C.C. O'Brien's is a hidden gem among Connecticut sports bars. It houses 20 HDTVs along with smaller individual screens in some booths, and during football season you can find every game. Beer includes familiar favorites along with harder-to-find brews like Ireland's top-selling Smithwicks Ale and the local standout Cottrell Old Yankee Ale. Pair them with some of C.C. O'Brien's delectable chicken or beef fajitas. Its location, just shy of the Rhode Island border, means it is definitely Red Sox country, but the staff will make you feel welcome no matter who you root for.

Joshua Palmes is a freelance writer covering all things Connecticut. His work can be found on Examiner.com.