7 Bergen Sports Bars With Non-Stop Action

Never miss a snap, shot or pitch all season long at these hot spots for fans.

Football playoffs are in full swing (you’ll get ’em next year, Jets and Giants fans!), and the tri-state’s pro basketball and hockey teams are vying for postseason positioning. That’s great news for the local sports junkies, so where does that leave you?

Whether you’re a die-hard follower or are “just in it for the commercials,” watching the big game (the NFL playoffs resume with two games on Saturday afternoon and two on Sunday afternoon) can bring families, friends and like-minded folks together for a few hours. And even if no one has stepped up to host a gameday get-together, you and your crew have a slew of viewing options in Bergen where the games and grub are plentiful, and the company is great.

Our county’s countless sports bars are filled with rows of big-screen TVs showing your favorite team’s games. And while you root, root, root for the home team, you can sink your teeth into food like burgers, pizza, wings and more. We love places like Biggie’s in Carlstadt, The Cornerstone in Hillsdale, Miller’s Ale House in Paramus and other past winners in the BERGEN Readers’ Choice Awards (click here to vote in this year’s poll), but the action’s always on at these spots as well:

• 101 Pub, Bogota. This cozy neighborhood bar is an ideal spot to meet up with your friends. The menu has gameday specials, but the everyday sandwiches and wings are worth a try too.
  *101 Queen Anne Rd., Bogota, 201.343.9802
• Blue 42, Elmwood Park. Though noted as a Green Bay Packers bar, this popular spot has plenty of screens so you can watch any team. The lengthy menu ensures you’ll always have a snack within reach. Pro tip: Try the mango habanero wings!
  *158 Market St., Elmwood Park, 201.773.0970
• Midland Brew House, Saddle Brook. With multiple levels, this restaurant and bar caters to all occasions, from gameday to date night. Look for Sunday specials during football season, or order cocktails, craft beers, burgers and more from their regular menu.
  *374 N. Midland Ave., Saddle Brook, 201.797.0070
• The Railyard Tavern, Fair Lawn. This restaurant features elevated dining options like grilled salmon and pecan crusted chicken, but the menu also has traditional pub fare like sliders, chicken fingers and wings to pick at while watching a game.
  *14-26 Plaza Rd. N., Fair Lawn, 201.773.3372
• River & Henley, New Milford. This neighborhood restaurant is a go-to spot for game day. Dozens of large screen TVs are mounted on perimeter walls, making it easy to watch while downing burgers, wraps, pizza and pasta.
  *704 River Rd., New Milford, 201.262.0391
• Rockafella’s Sports Bar, East Rutherford. Grab a locally brewed beer—they have sips from Bolero Snort, Brix City, Hackensack Brewing Company and others—and nosh on classic pub grub. The cheesesteak and disco fries here are must-tries!
  *443 Paterson Ave., East Rutherford, 201.842.0777
• The Straphanger Bar and Grill, Hackensack. Dozens of television are mounted throughout this hotspot, meaning you won’t miss any action whether you’re at the bar with other fans, shooting pool with friends or at a table with your date.
  *126 Anderson St., Hackensack, 201.487.9704

Which is your favorite sports bar in Bergen County? Vote for yours in the 2024 BERGEN Readers’ Choice Poll.