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Once relegated to the smallest screen at the sports bar, sound off, if even that, women’s sports are now starring at a slew of bars nationwide dedicated to exclusively showing women athletes competing. The WNBA, NWSL, PWHL, women’s college sports, and many more sports are in the spotlight at spaces from coast to coast that also embrace a broader, more diverse audience of fans: Menus include nonalcoholic beverages, plant-based dishes, and family-friendly options, accessible seating, and more details often overlooked by male-dominant sports bars.
Even more women’s sports bars are expected this fall. On New York City’s Lower East Side, Wilka’s soft-opened in late August, with Brooklyn bars Athena Keke’s and Blazers slated to open soon. Marsha’s debuted in Philadelphia’s Queen Village this month, Babe’s is opening on September 27 in Chicago, and many, many more are expected as women’s sports fandom continues to grow.
The Sports Bra (Portland, Oregon)
Courtesy of Jessica Vanterpool / FLI Social
Known as America’s first-ever bar dedicated to women’s sports, Jenny Nguyen’s 2022 project, The Sports Bra, highlights women’s sports on screen and on the menu. Traditional pub fare is complemented by vegan and gluten-free offerings, plus a kids menu to ensure the space is family-friendly (buttered noodles and daytime WNBA games? Yes, please!). To drink, a strong roster of beers, ciders, and kombuchas crafted by women plus cocktails featuring women-owned Freeland Spirits. Sports Bra franchises are slated to open in St. Louis, Las Vegas, Boston, and Indianapolis in 2026.
Rough & Tumble Pub (Seattle)
Courtesy of Brooke Fitts Photography
This spacious pub full of flat screens and floor-to-ceiling windows draws lines out the door for major tournaments (even long before dawn during the Olympics), a testament to the community and space created by Seattle local Jen Barnes. Those who want entertainment beyond sports can enjoy the pool table and photobooth, and browse the gift shop full of books about women’s sports and apparel. Rough & Tumble’s thematic, extensive menu is full of shareable finger foods like Billie Jean King Wings (chicken or zucchini), The Title IX Banh Mi, May and Walsh Mac and Cheese, and much more.
Set the Bar (Omaha, Nebraska)
Courtesy of Ryan Tantillo
Congregating women’s sports fans in Nebraska, this new community space is a hub for women’s sports watch parties, plus coworking on free Wi-Fi, women’s sports trivia, drag brunch, and more. Legos and female athlete coloring pages offer inspiration for kids, and the chef-led menu is comfort food-focused with Buffalo wings, kale caesar salad, burgers, and more. Brunch is a highlight with decadent creations like milk bread French toast decked out in Biscoff crumble and banh mi fries. To drink, beer and cider poured from local breweries, plus craft cans, wine, and fun zero-proof drinks, including chocolate milk.
1972 Women’s Sports Pub (Austin, Texas)
Courtesy of 1972 Women’s Sports Pub
Named for the year Title IX was signed into law, 1972 is Texas’ first bar dedicated to women’s and gender expansive sports. The bar thrives with watch parties for University of Texas sports, professional women’s rugby, and more social events. Dishes are hearty and satisfying, like elote hush puppies, steak frites, and a selection of wings in fun flavors like peach bourbon barbecue and Sriracha honey lime.
A Bar of Their Own (Minneapolis)
Courtesy of Kelly Hagenson
Dedicated to creating a safe space for everyone and playing women’s sports all the time, A Bar of Their Own is a classic Midwestern sports bar with a feminist spin. The draft list highlights women- and trans-owned or made brews, and Brunch and Ball is a popular event to cheer on the Minnesota Lynx while enjoying Breakfast Totchos and French toast sticks. WNBA player Courtney Williams’ dad has been spotted at the bar cheering her on during away games, and the space is typically crowded with women’s sports fans, plus those who drop in for events including speed puzzling, sports author talks, or fundraisers for local trans sports organizations.
The W Sports Bar (Cleveland)
Courtesy of The W Sports Bar
Sports bar meets trendy city spot at The W. Restaurant-style dishes include apps like fried calamari served with lemon caper aioli, and hand-sliced potato chips with caramelized onion dip and the option to add caviar. Heartier options include big salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads, plus wings, of course. Cocktails are on the more sophisticated side, like the house Martini with Fresno chile-infused vodka with a goat cheese-stuffed olive, plus an optional splash of hot sauce. The wine list is strong with women-made wines, and a rotating tap list keeps things fresh.
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
2025-09-25 16:27:00