Despite the apparent rivalries between two neighboring countries, there’s much sporting and cultural crossover between Canada and the US. So, although the country has its football league, there’s a significant following for the NFL on this side of the border, too.
In a poll created by Angus Reid in 2023, more Canadians follow the NFL than the CFL, especially in the 18-34 age category. It also found that around 30% of Canadians follow a particular NFL team – with the Buffalo Bills enjoying the most significant support.
For fans, the Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, with many Canadians included among the 60 million + TV viewers outside the US. During the regular season, CTV and TSN air games, with the latter having exclusive rights to show Monday night games, too.
But part of the experience of watching any live game is to do it in the company of others, and there is no better place to do that than in a great sports bar. After all, enjoying a few cold beers in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry with opposing fans is what sport is all about for some of us – and here are six bars in Toronto where you’ll be more than welcome.
Rec Room, 255 Bremner Boulevard
Right in the heart of Roundhouse Park, you’ll find the quite remarkable Rec Room. It’s just across the road from the Rogers Centre, so if you’re off to see the Jays, it’s a great place to load up first. If you’re there for NFL action, it will be there for you on one of the venue’s big screens, and you’ll also find an amusement park and arcade that includes a mind-bending VR experience.
King Taps, 100 King St. W.
Where better to ponder the NFL odds than in a mega sports bar right in the heart of the city’s financial district? It’s a 450-capacity pleasure palace with an incredible 53 screens that play sports, action, and music videos. Equally expansive is the bar offering. There are over 70 lines featuring local brews and plenty of rare international ones from the UK and beyond.
Real Sports, 15 York Street
Real Sports is completely off the scale if the King Taps is big. In the past, it’s been described as a sports bar that’s definitely on performance-enhancing drugs. At 25,000 square feet, it’s a mega-space; to fill it, there are almost 200 super high-definition flat screens, the biggest of which are about 20 feet tall. You’ll never get to the end of the beer menu, thanks to the 120-plus taps serving up everything from hoppy IPAs to ice-cold lagers.
The Aviary. 484 Front St. E
The Aviary is brought to you by the same group as The Dock Ellis and Longslice Brewing and is half brewery and half sports bar. The menu is perfect for grabbing a bite during the action. There are burgers, wings, tater tots, and wings to die for. But the main events are the six big screens showing all the action. And when you’re not watching, you can play foosball, pool, or a classic arcade game.
Tipsy Moose Pub, 1864 Danforth Ave
If you want to get close to the action, the Tipsy Moose Pub is the place to be. There’s a widescreen projector that makes you feel part of the excitement on the pitch. If there’s a big match or a special occasion, then the private party room’s there for you and up to 34 of your friends. Beers on tap are local favorites, along with a few guest ales, and the bar menu goes beyond the usual nachos and wings to bring you Indian and Thai specialties, too.
The Brazen Head, 165 E. Liberty St
This might be another venue in a well-known pub group, but it has no trouble expressing its individuality and style. It’s popular with TFC supporters who use it for both pre-match drinks and post-game celebration/commiseration. It’s also the perfect place to stay put and watch NFL action while feasting on some carb-rich pub grub. On big game days, they also have a “burn the bill” promotion, which means one lucky table can enjoy their fun without spending a cent.
So there you have them, Half a dozen of Toronto’s best sports bars to follow the NFL action. But one further word of advice. On Super Bowl Sunday, be sure to get there good and early.
That’s because we predict it will be standing-room only if you don’t.