It’s sweltering hot and you may not be thinking football at the moment, but training camp starts before you know it and then it’s time for the Superbowl. Here are eight places to visit to get your fix of sports life and football fandom. And, of course, if football isn’t on your radar yet, you can go to these bars to watch what’s left of  baseball season.

Bounce © Poselski Photos

Bounce

Want some DJ music to accompany the triples and touchdowns?  Bounce is the place for you. With more of a club feel than a sports bar, Bounce sets a new tone in Chelsea with bottle service to keep the vibe with a mix of music and sport. You might need to dress up a bit for this one, or at least trade your ripped blue jeans for a pair of tailored black ones. Reservations are needed and there’s even a tab on the website to let you know what the wait time is. A curated wings menu complements trendier bites like poke tacos, truffle mushroom flatbread and avocado toast with black kale. https://bouncesportingclub.com/

Courtesy The Supply House

The Supply House

If you find yourself on the Upper East Side, The Supply House is a comfortable favorite for watching the game and enjoying a day or evening with friends. You’re invited to pre-game, too, as The Supply House opens at 10am daily. Lined with brick walls, The Supply House has an industrial-meets-my favorite apartment feel and has large glass windows that are open during warmer months. The beer menu is fiercely local with a variety of unusual craft brews, and the burgers feature Pat LaFrieda’s incomparable blend of brisket, chuck and short rib. https://www.thesupplyhousenyc.com

Courtesy Blondies

Blondies

Upper West Siders have been flocking to Blondies for years for a basic sports bar experience. Reservations are accepted for large groups and are advisable on key game days. The bonus here is that screens actually play the games with volume so diehards don’t have to listen with earbuds on their phone while they watch. Along with typical burgers, tacos and other sports bar fare, the smothered wafer fries topped with cheese, chili, jalapenos, onions and sour cream are a messy standout.  Don’t miss their popular chicken wings either.  https://www.blondiessports.getsauce.com/

Courtesy Off the Wagon

Off the Wagon

For the past 26 years, Off the Wagon has been the home for NYU students and Greenwich Village locals to watch sports in its bi-level space. Open well past the final touchdown until 4am, the sports bar has 17 TV’s and a giant 100” screen showing games all over the country. There are 29 draft, bottled and canned beers; hard seltzers; and lots of other spirits to keep you animated. Food choices range from tacos and burgers to a variety of wraps. There are also choices for vegetarians. On select nights, DJs amp up the spirit.  https://www.offthewagonnyc.com/

Courtesy BK Backyard Bar

BK Backyard Bar

Brooklynites can replicate their stadium experiences at Williamsburg’s outdoor sports bar. With heated cabanas with personal TVs when the weather finally turns chilly, the shipping containers-turned-bar offers two rustic settings for drinking, eating and cheering, designed during Covid times to avoid a rave-like crush. Bottle service adds a bit of cachet. BK’s Mexican street food menu comes from Brooklyn’s Mr. Taco. Reservations are accepted for parties of four or more. https://www.tailgatebk.com/

Courtesy Smithfield Hall NYC

Smithfield Hall NYC

A hybrid for indoor and outdoor sports watching, Manhattan’s Smithfield Hall is an easy walk from Madison Square Garden. The outdoor covered area has nine heated tables with eight television screens to entertain you even in inclement weather. Indoors there are two bars, 27 tables and 26 TVs, accommodating fans of all teams (the bar conveniently posts a schedule of games on their website). The diverse menu includes vegetarian as well as fan-fave dishes. Wear your team jersey and enjoy the experience. https://smithfieldnyc.com

Courtesy Down the Hatch

Down the Hatch

If the first pitch or kickoff time right, book a table to enjoy Down the Hatch’s Bottomless Basement Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The popular Greenwich Village college favorite offers unlimited domestic drafts, seltzers and mimosas to wash down wings, waffle fries or tater tots and onion rings for a set price of $40 per person. On other days or evenings, get ready for the game opening with a Ghost Pepper Spicy Margarita, jello shot or creative menu of craft beers. If you’re a Jets fan, you’ll have lots of company here. https://www.downthehatchnyc.com

Courtesy Redemption

Redemption
The haven for Washington fans, Redemption guarantees a solid Midtown East sports bar experience without your needing to shell out big bucks. The brick-walled sports lounge is a blend of sports bar and night club. The beer menu of some 30 draft, bottled and craft choices spans the globe. Not into beer? There are many creative libations including their version of frosé, made with Champagne and strawberry puree. The food menu includes burgers, wings, tacos and finger food. You can also reserve one of their private rooms and bring all your besties together for a spirited evening. https://redemptionnyc.com/