Best Sports Bar Near Me
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Sports Bars and Game Day Culture in Iowa

In Iowa, sports bar culture is all about team pride, community, and cold beer. From Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones rivalries to NFL Sundays, March Madness, and NASCAR weekends, fans gather in cities and small towns alike to cheer, shout, and celebrate. Whether you’re in Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Ames, or Davenport, the top sports bars near me are known for welcoming crowds, massive screens, hearty bar fare, and that unmistakable Midwest enthusiasm. If you’re searching for authentic game day bars where everyone knows the starting lineup, Iowa has you covered.

2025 Trends for Iowa Sports Bars

In 2025, Iowa’s sports bars are leveling up with improved AV setups, more craft beer taps, and outdoor seating to accommodate tailgate-style viewing. Expect updated sound zones, team-specific happy hours, and game day bingo or trivia contests that keep fans engaged between quarters. Farm-to-bar menus are showing up more frequently, along with whiskey-forward drink specials and brunch menus timed for early NFL kickoffs. With sports betting legalized, many bars are also introducing live odds boards and mobile betting lounge sections for game-day action.

Vibe and Experience

Iowa sports bars reflect the heartland: warm, loyal, loud, and fun. College towns bring in wild weekend energy, while downtown Des Moines and suburban taverns offer spacious setups, family-style seating, and late-night watch parties. During football season, the entire state turns into a sea of black and gold or cardinal and gold. Many bars hold dual-viewing areas for Iowa vs. Iowa State fans, and NFL Sundays mean jersey-clad crowds rooting for the Packers, Vikings, Bears, and Chiefs. You’ll also find pride for wrestling, racing, and college basketball year-round.

Food and Drink Focus

Midwest comfort food reigns supreme: pork tenderloin sandwiches, cheese curds, fried pickles, and wings tossed in everything from buffalo to ranch-dusted dry rub. Iowa craft beers—from Exile, Big Grove, Toppling Goliath, and Backpocket—are the stars on tap. Cocktails lean toward whiskey, bourbon slushies, and signature Bloody Marys topped with bacon, pickles, and cheese cubes. Weekend brunch at sports bars is now a standard, especially in larger cities and college towns.

Best Cities for Sports Bars in Iowa

Des Moines

The capital city delivers upscale sports lounges, brewery-based game rooms, and neighborhood pubs packed with loyal NFL and college fans. Great spots for both families and rowdy fan groups.

Iowa City

On Hawkeye game days, this town explodes with black and gold. Bars near the University of Iowa are full from morning to night with fans, students, and alumni ready to cheer and chant.

Ames

As the home of Iowa State University, Ames bars bleed cardinal and gold. Expect student energy, loud chants, beer buckets, and elbow-to-elbow seating during every Cyclones matchup.

Cedar Rapids

Growing fast and full of community pride, Cedar Rapids offers both classic corner bars and modern taprooms where sports play from every wall and food keeps the crowd coming back.

Top 10 Sports Bars in Iowa

Union Station – Iowa City

A legendary Hawkeyes bar where black and gold rule and every game day feels like a holiday. Packed with TVs, drinks, and student chants. Website: unionstationbar.com | Yelp: Union Station | Google: Map

Blazin’ Wings Sports Bar & Grill – Des Moines

Known for massive wings, cold beer, and sports coverage all day, every day. It’s a Des Moines favorite for locals and fantasy leaguers. Website: Facebook | Yelp: Blazin’ Wings | Google: Map

Welch Ave Station – Ames

A Cyclones stronghold located steps from campus, this spot serves pitchers, wings, and sports to packed crowds all weekend. Website: Facebook | Yelp: Welch Ave | Google: Map

The Other Place – Cedar Falls & Clive

Multiple Iowa locations, known for pizzas, burgers, and wall-to-wall sports screens. Big with college fans and families alike. Website: theotherplace.com | Yelp: The Other Place | Google: Map

Big Grove Brewery – Iowa City

A beer lover’s paradise with big screens and even bigger crowds on college football Saturdays. The brunch menu is a bonus. Website: biggrove.com | Yelp: Big Grove | Google: Map

El Bait Shop – Des Moines

This funky beer-focused bar has over 100 taps and always has the game on. A laid-back gem for local sports lovers. Website: elbaitshop.com | Yelp: El Bait Shop | Google: Map

Jack’s Place – Fort Dodge

A small-town gem with big-screen football, friendly bartenders, and the best tenderloin sandwich in the area. Website: Facebook | Yelp: Jack’s Place | Google: Map

The Stuffed Olive – Des Moines

More upscale and martini-focused, but surprisingly great for sports fans who want premium cocktails with their games. Website: thestuffedolive.com | Yelp: Stuffed Olive | Google: Map

Backpocket Brewing – Coralville

Great beer, relaxed vibe, and plenty of TV coverage. Ideal for families and craft beer fans who love a good game day atmosphere. Website: backpocketbrewing.com | Yelp: Backpocket | Google: Map

Bo James – Iowa City

A no-frills sports bar just off campus that delivers strong drinks, big burgers, and a whole lot of Hawkeye pride. Website: Facebook | Yelp: Bo James | Google: Map