Finals frenzy: Here are Seattle's best sports bars for NBA action
Backyard. | Photo: Shantelle K./Yelp
It’s one of the best times of the year for sports fans, and that means it’s time to make your plans around the NBA Finals, which begin on May 30.
As patrons head into Seattle bars to watch the NBA Playoffs, average daily revenue at local pubs is $1,682 on days when games are played, a 0.82% decrease compared to an average day, according to an analysis of transactions at 3,500 local bars by Womply, a provider of CRM and online review management software for small businesses. That sales decrease is driven by a 2.5% increase in transaction volume and a 3.3% decrease in purchase price.
At local restaurants in Seattle, average daily revenue is $1,485 during the NBA Playoffs on days when games are played, a 2.48% increase over a typical day, according to an analysis of transactions at 42,000 local eateries by Womply. That sales increase is driven by a 2.66% increase in transaction volume and a 0.23% decrease in purchase price.
To help you snag the best stool in town, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top options for sports bars, using both Yelp data and our own methodology.
1. Henry's Tavern South Lake Union
Topping the list is Henry's Tavern South Lake Union. Located at 501 Fairview Ave. North, Suite 100 (between Republican and Mercer streets) in the Cascade, the sports bar and traditional American spot is the highest-rated sports bar in Seattle, boasting four stars out of 90 reviews on Yelp.
Stop by to catch an NBA playoff game and dig into a variety of appetizers like hand-dipped chicken tenders, spicy buffalo wings with blue cheese slaw and the Bavarian pretzel, which comes with a choice of dipping sauce, from cheddar ale and onion to peanut butter and bacon sauce. The tavern also offers a slew of hard ciders, lagers and ales.
2. Little Maria's Pizza
Next up is Belltown's Little Maria's Pizza, situated at 1809 Minor Ave., Suite 101 (between Howell and Stewart streets). With four stars out of 87 reviews on Yelp, the sports bar, which offers pizza and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
The pizza joint serves up a variety of specialty pizzas, from its veggie pie — with mushroom, green pepper, tomato, black olive and red onion — to The Roma, with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms and olives. Pizza by the slice, calzones and salads are also on offer. Gameday specials include $1 Rainier drafts and deals on wings and pizza slices.
3. Backyard
Columbia City's Backyard, located at 3820 S. Ferdinand St., Suite 102 (between South 39th and South Rainier avenues), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sports bar and traditional American spot four stars out of 46 reviews.
The dive bar offers burgers, pizza, salads and snacks like cheese curds, pizza bites, smoked brisket poutine and more. An array of beers, including the Rogers Pilsner and the Atlas Blackberry Cider, are also on offer, as well as local spirits and cocktails.
4. The Westy Roosevelt
The Westy Roosevelt, a sports bar and traditional American spot in Roosevelt, is another go-to, with four stars out of 37 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1215 N.E. 65th St. (between North 12th and North Brooklyn avenues) to see for yourself.
The sports bar, which also houses skeeball, pinball and Pac-Man machines, serves up burgers, sandwiches and entrees like pan-seared pork chop with butternut squash. Quick bites like jalapeño popper dip, loaded potato skins and pretzel bites are also available.
5. Olde 99 Pub
Over in Phinney Ridge, check out Olde 99 Pub, which has earned four stars out of 35 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sports bar and New American spot at 7305 Aurora Ave. North (between 73rd Street and North Keen Way).
On tap, this spot offers a selection of beers and liquor. When it comes to food, look for Thai spring rolls, mini corn dogs, mozzarella cheese sticks and loaded nachos with ground beef, cheddar cheese, green onion, black olives, sour cream, pico de gallo, salsa and jalapeños. There are also ping pong tables and dart boards for those who wish to stick around after the game.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
