CJ Johnson in Atlanta

20 Atlanta Spots To Watch The College Football Championship Game

Photo credit: Thomas Serer / Unsplash

It all comes down to the Michigan and Washington for the college football national title. So how can you support the Dawgs here in Atlanta if you don’t have a ticket? You go to the nearest bar and cheer on the red and black.

We’ve got some suggestions on where the food and drinks will be flowing and the quarterbacks will be throwing (on large-screen TV). Here are some facts about the game:

When Is The College Football Championship Game?

The SEC Championship Game is Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Michigan Wolverines will play the Washington Huskies for the national championship.

20 Bars: Where To Watch The Big Game In Atlanta

This is a must-watch game, but where? Here are the best Atlanta sports bars to watch the Big Game.

These watering holes as well as bars, taverns and food halls have some of the best food as well, so you can enjoy these bowl match-ups.

Manuel’s Tavern

602 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 3030 | (404) 525-3447

While not a “sports bar,” in the real sense, Manuel’s has a TV so that you can keep up with the game, and more importantly, enjoy the camaraderie of the community like you can’t at other places.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Manuel’s Tavern. “We love Manuel’s Tavern. So iconic and such amazing history. A great watering hole with good food and service. Can’t go wrong here. Ordered the club sandwich. Excellent! The steak fries were a bit cold and seemed quite old, but I’m giving them a pass. They took great care of us today.”

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern

Atlantic Station: 245 18th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
1221 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30346
6690 Town Square, # 420, Alpharetta, GA 30005

HobNob has three locations — Midtown, Dunwoody and Brookhaven — where the average gridiron fan can enjoy game-day faves such as shots, creative cocktails and cool craft brews. The Brookhaven restaurant has even installed an additional large-screen TV for fans to see the action on the football field in HD.

Marlow’s Tavern

2355 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30339

Marlow’s Tavern has multiple locations in the metro area. All of them are excellent game-night food spots. The eatery has several flat screen plasma TVs, booze and classic dishes to keep even the most uninterested fan rooting for more.

Stats Bar: This popular Marietta Boulevard sports bar is taking reservations for the big game. “Don’t get left standing tomorrow,” the eatery says. #STATSBrewpub #ATL #BeDowntown

Atkins Bar

794 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 876-7249

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is offering game-time grub, a large beer selection and several big TVs for the ultimate food fan.

Box Car

1000 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, (470) 788-8171

Box Car is a Hop City concept that sits right off the Beltline in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood. The place can be electric during big game nights, so come early.

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

661 Auburn Ave NE Suite 180, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (470) 809-1586

Speaking about the Beltine line: Hawkers has become a go-to place for sports events in Midtown. Add to the equation the Asian street food, and you’ve got a winner.

Fado Irish Pub

933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 260-7910

Fado Irish Pub is place to be to watch the game and down a Guinness pint at the same time. The Midtown location as well as one at The Shops at Buckhead.

Dantanna’s

3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 760-8873

Dantanna’s restaurant features an upscale spot to watch the game and enjoy some top-notch food. Located in CNN Center in downtown Atlanta as well as in Buckhead, Dantanna’s has an exetensive menu with spirited drinks and a rowdy atmosphere — perfect for watching the games!

STATS Brewpub

300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 885-1472

The go-to sports bar in downtown Atlanta, STATS is a short walk from the Omni, CNN Center and College Football Hall of Fame. Inside the brewpub, customers can try their hand at tabletop beer taps and exquisite food with screens all around to watch the NFL playoffs.

One Google reviewer says: “This place was incredible! Service was excellent, food was amazing! There were so many delicious looking things on the menu that my waitress had to help me out with a recommendation. I’m glad I listened to her, the BBQ Brisket Burger was out of this world. The fries were really good too. And then she talked me into getting the key lime pie, it was every bit as good as everything else was. I will definitely go back whenever I’m in Atlanta again.”

Hooters in downtown Atlanta

209 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, Ga 30303

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Hooters is especially designed for big sports games. Because of its high-profile location, this downtown Atlanta Hooters regularly gets Atlanta fans as well as that of the opposing teams.

El Super Pan at The Battery

455 Legends Place, Atlanta, GA 30339

El Super Pan at The Battery is the perfect place to enjoy some Cuban-inspired dishes while watching your #1 sports team.

Here’s why one Google reviewer says it’s the best sports bar in Atlanta: “The flavor in each dish, AMAZING! The agua tropical is refreshing and they always have a different variety based upon the season. Try them all! The decor is vibrant and the music uplifts your spirit. The staff here are awesome and Chef Hector is very engaging. He usually makes great recommendations in case you find yourself unsure of what to order. This restaurant is def my fav!”

The U Bar

3515 Camp Creek Pkwy #50-70, East Point, GA 30344, (404) 349-2301

The premiere sports bar at Camp Creek, the U Bar features cool music, wings specials in a club environment that is packed on the weekends.

One Google reviewer says: “Pretty lit. Moreso a place to socialize, eat and watch games. Music was good . You can dance but Its not a club. Hoped this helped. Oh and 10 for women 20 for me. I heard they have good wings.”

Popular party spot with sports, DJs & dancing, with drink specials & a full menu for dining.

The Tavern

3560 Camp Creek Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30344, (404) 349-9285

The Tavern, known as Camp Creek’s OTHER sports bar, has events almost every weekday night, including karaoke, drink specials and more.

One Google reviewer says: “The lemon pepper and hot mixed wings are AMAZING. I also enjoy their karaoke nights which are live and many patrons participate so it makes me feel okay because I can’t sing to save my life. I’d definitely recommend checking them out on Wednesday night and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Hudson Grille

942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (404) 892-0892

Hudson Grille has three locations in Atlanta, one downtown, one in Midtown and the other one in Brookhaven. Huge TV screens at every turn and good food make this one of the best Atlanta sports bars to enjoy the game.

One Google reviewer says: “Food is always great along with service and overall atmosphere. I personally come here frequently during football season because it is home to Raven Nation South, located in the upstairs area of the bar. I love the sports atmosphere that Hudson Grill provides.”

Yard House

261 19th St NW #1100, Atlanta, GA (404) 815-8990

Thanks to an awesome Midtown location (there’s another one at The Battery next to SunTrust Park) and above-average beverage program, Yard House at Atlantic Station has a devoted following among sports fans. The stylish sports bar’s patio is a great people-watching spot and the burgers, steaks and tacos on the menu make this place a must-visit to watch the NFL playoffs.

One Google reviewer explains why this is one of the best sports bars in Atlanta: “Happening place with excellent food! You just can’t go wrong with Yard House. We visit Atlanta every year at Christmas time, and Yard House has become a family tradition. The menu is extensive and everything we’ve tried has been delicious! They have an excellent Happy Hour … that includes a HUGE selection of 1/2 price appetizers. I think we have literally ordered everything on the happy hour menu! You can’t beat the price!”

Topgolf

1600 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (404) 475-4000

Topgolf caters not to the golf fan so much, but the sports fan. With flat-screen TVs at every station, you can swing clubs or sit back and enjoy your game when you want it. Inside at the bar, you can see multiple screens from several vantage points while you eat and drink.

Here’s why one Google reviewer says this is one of the best sports bars in Atlanta:: “This is a really fun place for all age groups. If golf is not your thing, they also offer table tennis or ping pong upstairs and pool tables downstairs. The putting area is spacious. Of course it is outdoors, but they offer large heat lamps directly over the seating area. There are two levels to the seating area. The first is a high bar with chairs. The second is a u-shaped outdoor sofa with a center table. All food and drink orders can be placed from your bay. For each game, each player gets 20 chances to “put the ball in the hole”. You can take all 20 swings in a row or rotate players as you’d like. If you aren’t interested in playing any of the game options, you can also dine in or have a round at the bar. Enjoy!”

933 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, (678) 904-7211

With eight locations in Atlanta, including in Midtown on Peachtree and in Dunwoody, Taco Mac is a sports fan’s favorite place to watch the NBA playoffs or any sports event. Featuring the most expansive beer menu of any Atlanta sports bar, Taco Mac is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer, malt, ale or IPA with your buffalo wings.

One Google reviewer says: “Fast and delicious food. Live music on Friday night. Very personable servers. Really great fajitas. They are very open to accommodating changes to menu. One of my favorite places to eat.”

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

2830 Windy Hill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067 | (770) 984-8899

Here’s what one reviewer says about Pappadeaux: “Delicious cuisine and excellent presentation. Drinks were excellent. Great tasting and the right amount of kick for what was ordered. Wait staff attentive professional and courteous. It was pretty busy but we received all of our food and drinks in a good amount of time without excessive wait times.”

6 Feet Under

685 11th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 810-0040

437 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 523-6664

Here’s is what one reviewer says about 6 Feet Under: “The food and drinks were good. I had fried catfish meal; and enjoyed it. The restaurant was full which said something. I will definitely go back next time I’m in town try other dishes.”

Agave

242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 588-0006

Here is what one reviewer says about Agave restaurant: “Love this place! Sit at the bar for full view of kitchen magic or have a seat in the dining area. Great drinks, love the skinny margaritas and I love the food here. Had lobster tail and the scallops with spicy grits. Perfect, all of it from service to food and drinks and friends. Thanks for a fun night out.”

Dave & Buster’s

There are four Dave & Buster’s in metro Atlanta:

2215 D and B Dr SE. Marietta, GA 30067 | (770) 951-5554
239 Hwy 81 W, McDonough, GA 30253 | (770) 282-3900
6500 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022 | (678) 256-1100
5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy Suite 441, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 | 678) 847-5400

Here’s what one reviewer says about Dave & Buster’s: “I haven’t been here but I’ve been here. If that makes since. I was out shopping and stopped inside since it was inside the mall I was in. We walked around the whole place in awe. I haven’t seen so many games. And I love video games. It definitely looks like a lot of fun and I’m ready to experience some. Everyone from kids to the adults were enjoying themselves. We’re going back to experience it ourselves. But the atmosphere is out of this world. So much to do in this facility.”

Final Word

When it comes to top notch bars in Atlantatop notch bars in Atlanta, they’re as plentiful as cars. Make sure you find you a place with great food and an attentive bartender, because those are a lot harder to find!

At these eateries, patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.

Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta

Next Read: Atlanta Falcons 2023 Season Recap: See Game Scores, Schedule, Times »

CJ Johnson: CJ is a longtime Atlantan who has written a book about Atlanta's food scene. He has also fallen in love with the city's music and sports scenes. He writes about Food, Restaurants, Travel, Sports and Atlanta Culture. Check out the book. https://amzn.to/3RPmbZM

View Comments (1)

Will Kiser says:

January 3, 2023 at 1:51 pm

For those of you OTP - we'll be streaming the game at Red Clay in Downtown Duluth! Free entry, beer and wine bar, outside food is allowed in.