Watching the game at home has its advantages; you control the remote, nobody’s blocking the TV, and the snacks are exactly where you left them. But some games are just more fun when you’re watching them at a sports bar.
Around Salem, you won’t run out of places to grab a drink, order something yummy, and settle in for a few hours of football, basketball, baseball, soccer, UFC, or whatever else has everyone locked in that day. Some of these spots are sports bars through and through, while others are neighborhood hangouts where the sports are only part of the overall experience.
When you want to catch a match, here are some Salem sports bars and game-day spots worth knowing.
Salem Sports Bars at a Glance
| Bar | Area | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| Half Court Sports Bar & Taproom | East Salem | Big games, fights and lots of screens |
| Magoo’s Sports Bar | Downtown Salem | Old-school sports-bar atmosphere |
| Side Hustle Bar | Downtown Salem | Games with a livelier downtown nightlife |
| Wolfhounds Bar & Grill | Downtown Salem | Sports with a more food-focused menu |
| Lil’ Sammies | South Salem | Low-key neighborhood game watching |
| Kelli’s Bar | Northeast Salem | Bar food, TVs and a regulars-friendly feel |
| Half Time Bar & Grill | Near downtown | Neighborhood vibe, comfort food and sports |
| Heroes Tap House | South Salem | Groups, games and community-minded events |
| Half Penny Public House | South Salem | Pub food with the game on |
| Alibi Bar & Grill | West Salem | Affordable food, pool and sports |
How We Chose These Spots
For this guide, we focused on places where watching sports is really part of the experience. For some bars that means a wall of screens and a room built for big games, and for others it means a neighborhood hangout where regulars know they can ask for the matchup they want and settle in for the afternoon.
We also looked for variety. Sometimes you want the full sports-bar crowd, and other times you’d rather watch at a quieter spot or meet up with friends. Choose which one fits the kind of game day you’re after.
Half Court Sports Bar & Taproom
Website: https://halfcourtsportsbar.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/half-court-sports-bar-taproom/
If the game itself is the main reason you’re going out, Half Court is one of Salem’s most obvious places to start. The Center Street sports bar is built around watching sports, with TVs throughout the room and a schedule that regularly includes football, basketball, soccer, boxing, and UFC. It’s also one of the better options when there are several games happening at once.
Half Court opened under its current name in 2019, taking over the space from a previous sports bar. Along with the TVs, you’ll find a full bar and a menu of familiar game-day food, including wings, sliders, tacos and sandwiches. For major fights or playoff games, this is one of those places where it’s smart to plan ahead rather than walking in five minutes before kickoff.
At a Glance
- Sports-first setup
- TVs throughout the bar
- Regular football, basketball, soccer and fight viewing
- Full bar
- Wings, sliders, tacos and other casual food
- Patio seating
- Good option for larger game-day crowds
Best Fit For: Fans who care most about watching the game with other fans from wherever they’re sitting.
Magoo’s Sports Bar
Website: https://www.magoossportsbar.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/magoos-sports-bar/
Magoo’s feels like the kind of sports bar that was a sports bar long before flat screens existed. The downtown Salem dive bar has been around for more than 50 years and leans into an old-school neighborhood-bar vibe. There are big-screen TVs and year-round satellite sports, but also pool, shuffleboard, video lottery and plenty of regular-bar character.
Food stays firmly in pub fare territory. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, wings and hot dogs all make appearances, along with a few items that have developed their own following over the years.
Magoo’s isn’t trying to feel sleek or new, and that’s part of the appeal. If your idea of watching football involves a bar stool, a cold drink, and a room that’s seen its share of game days, Magoo’s fits the bill.
At a Glance
- More than 50 years in Salem
- Year-round sports viewing
- Big-screen TVs
- Pool and shuffleboard
- Video lottery
- Burgers, sandwiches, wings and bar snacks
- Downtown location
Best Fit For: Anyone who likes their sports bars a little old-school and doesn’t need game day to be fancy.
Side Hustle Bar
Website: https://thesidehustlebar.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/side-hustle-bar/
Side Hustle brings a different kind of energy to watching a game downtown. During the day, it works as a casual place to meet friends over tacos, loaded fries, quesadillas, and margaritas with sports on the TVs. Later, especially on weekends, the bar can shift toward a busier nightlife crowd.
At a Glance
- Downtown Salem location
- Large wall of TVs for multi-game viewing
- Full bar
- Mexican-inspired bar food
- Late-night nightlife on weekends
Best Fit For: Groups that want to watch the game but don’t necessarily want the night to end when the clock runs out.
Wolfhounds Bar & Grill
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wolfhoundsbarandgrill/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/wolfhounds-bar-grill/
Wolfhounds gives game-day crowds something a little different from the usual sports-bar menu. You can still post up with a drink and catch the game, but the current menu includes smash burgers, a Reuben, tacos, Wagyu sliders, rice bowls, garlic thyme fries and other pub food with a slightly more ambitious personality.
The space itself also lands somewhere between a neighborhood bar and a more polished downtown restaurant. It’s relaxed enough for a football game without feeling like you’re eating dinner underneath a scoreboard. That combination makes Wolfhounds especially handy when half of the group cares about the game and the other half cares about what you’re eating.
At a Glance
- Downtown Court Street location
- Full bar and cocktails
- Elevated menu with smash burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and shareable plates
Best Fit For: Game-day groups that want to eat well without giving up the game.
Lil’ Sammies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lil-Sammies-100071537535174/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/lil-sammies/
Lil’ Sammies is much more neighborhood bar than sports palace, and that’s exactly why it belongs in our guide.
The South Salem spot is small, casual, and easygoing. There are TVs for the game, straightforward bar food, drinks that won’t turn an afternoon of football into a special occasion budget, and Oregon Lottery machines if you need something to do during halftime.
A big part of its appeal seems to be familiarity. Customer feedback regularly points to friendly bartenders and a comfortable regulars-bar environment. It also keeps long hours, which can be useful for everything from an early weekend game to something that runs late.
At a Glance
- South Salem neighborhood sports bar
- Casual and compact
- TVs for sports
- Straightforward pub food
- Early opening and late hours
- Frequently praised for friendly service
Best Fit For: Anyone who’d rather watch the game at a comfortable neighborhood spot.
Kelli’s Bar
Website: http://kellisonmarket.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/kellis-bar/
Kelli’s is another reminder that some of Salem’s best game-day options don’t need “sports bar” in giant letters over the door. This Market Street neighborhood bar has multiple TVs and gets frequent praise for being willing to put on the game customers want to see. There’s even another TV in the covered outdoor area.
The food gets more attention than you might expect from a small local bar. Pizza, stromboli, wings, and pork egg rolls all come up regularly in customer feedback, and the prices tend to fit the neighborhood-bar setting. Add in late hours, Oregon Lottery machines, and a laid-back regulars crowd, and Kelli’s could be a great option when you want to wander over.
At a Glance
- Northeast Salem neighborhood bar
- Multiple TVs
- Covered outdoor area with a TV
- Pizza, stromboli, wings and other bar food
- Late hours
- Strong neighborhood-bar feel
Best Fit For: Locals looking for a relaxed place to watch their team play, grab some food and drink, and stay awhile.
Half Time Bar & Grill
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/half-time-bar-grill/
Half Time Bar & Grill opens in the morning and mixes sports-bar energy with the kind of neighborhood grill where breakfast is part of the regular routine. Burgers, wings, tacos, soups, and other comfort food round out the menu later in the day.
There are several TVs showing sports, but Half Time doesn’t feel built only around special events. It’s more of an everyday neighborhood bar that happens to work especially well when there’s a game on. That also makes it a useful option during college football season or early NFL Sundays.
At a Glance
- Opens early and closes late
- Multiple TVs
- Breakfast served all day
- Burgers, wings, tacos and comfort food
- Full bar
- Neighborhood regulars
- Trivia and recurring events
Best Fit For: Early games, weekend football, and anyone who thinks breakfast and sports belong together.
Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill
Website: https://www.heroestaphousebarandgrill.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/heroes-tap-house/
Heroes Tap House has a bigger community story behind it than you might expect from a South Salem taphouse. The business celebrates first responders, hosts charity efforts supporting local families, and has an initiative providing free life jackets in memory of the owners’ son, Blayk.
There are plenty of TVs for sports, along with the relaxed environment you’d expect from a neighborhood taphouse. The food menu runs through familiar bar-and-grill territory, and the tap list and full drink selection make it an easy gathering place for groups.
Heroes has also hosted major game-day events in the past using both its regular TVs and a large projection setup, so sports viewing isn’t an afterthought here.
At a Glance
- South Salem location
- Multiple sports-viewing screens
- Familiar bar-and-grill menu
- Craft beer, cocktails, wine and spirits
- Community and charity involvement
- Group-friendly
Best Fit For: South Salem groups looking for a casual game-day spot with a strong community connection.
The Half Penny Public House
Website: https://thehalfpenny.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/the-half-penny-public-house/
Half Penny is where you go when watching the game sounds good, but so does sitting down for an actual pub meal. This tavern on South Commercial has been serving Salem since 2009 and blends an Irish-leaning neighborhood-pub atmosphere with TVs, a full bar, and a full restaurant experience.
Sports have long been part of the mix here, but they’re not the whole personality. Half Penny also hosts live music and other events, so what the room feels like can depend on the night. This can be good for mixed groups, where the serious fan can keep an eye on the game while everyone else eats, drinks, and is merry.
At a Glance
- Serving South Salem since 2009
- Neighborhood public-house vibe
- TVs for sports
- Full food menu
- Beer, cocktails and full bar
- Live music and other events
- Weekend breakfast
Best Fit For: Groups that want dinner and drinks to matter just as much as what’s happening on the screen.
Alibi Bar & Grill
Website: https://alibi-bar-grill.localoria.com/
WhirLocal Profile:
https://whirlocal.io/company/alibi-bar-grill/
Alibi Bar & Grill in West Salem has multiple TVs, pool tables, Oregon Lottery gaming and a straightforward neighborhood-bar atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where watching the game can easily turn into a couple rounds of pool afterward.
The menu covers plenty of bar-and-grill standards, with burgers, sandwiches, and wings among the recurring favorites. Alibi also tends to get good marks for value, which matters if you’re settling in for several hours instead of stopping by for one drink. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. For West Salem locals, convenience is part of what makes it a good option.
At a Glance
- West Salem location
- Multiple TVs
- Pool tables
- Oregon Lottery and Keno
- Burgers, sandwiches, wings and breakfast
- Full bar
- Casual neighborhood bar
Best Fit For: West Salem residents who want food, sports, and a game of pool without heading across the river.
Picking the Right Salem Sports Bar
Salem’s game-day options are different enough that where you go should probably depend on the game and the group.
If you want sports everywhere you look, Half Court is the most sports-first option in the guide.
For an old-school Salem bar, Magoo’s has decades of history and plenty of dive bar character.
Want to stay downtown? Side Hustle can have lively nightlife, while Wolfhounds puts more emphasis on the food.
Kelli’s and Half Time both work well when you want something that feels more like a regular neighborhood bar than an event venue.
In South Salem, Lil’ Sammies is the low-key neighborhood choice, Heroes gives you more of a taphouse-and-groups setup, and Half Penny is a good bet when dinner matters more than the game.
And if you live in West Salem, Alibi saves you a trip across the bridge.
One thing worth doing before any big game: call ahead. Broadcast availability changes, fights or specialty events sometimes require separate cable or streaming packages, and a bar showing NFL games all season might not automatically have the one soccer match or out-of-market game you’re hoping to see.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Bars in Salem
Where can I watch football in Salem, Oregon?
Half Court Sports Bar & Taproom, Magoo’s Sports Bar, Half Time Bar & Grill, Side Hustle, Kelli’s Bar, Lil’ Sammies, and several other neighborhood bars around Salem regularly show sports. If you’re hoping to watch a specific game, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm the broadcast.
Where can I watch UFC fights in Salem?
Half Court is one of Salem’s strongest options for UFC and other combat sports. Availability can vary by event, particularly with pay-per-view cards, so confirm before heading over.
Are there sports bars in downtown Salem?
Yes. Magoo’s, Side Hustle, and Wolfhounds all give downtown Salem different game-day options. Magoo’s has more of a classic sports-bar feel, Side Hustle is livelier and draws a younger crowd, and Wolfhounds is a good choice when food is a bigger priority.
Where can I watch sports in South Salem?
Lil’ Sammies, Heroes Tap House, and The Half Penny Public House are all South Salem options. Each has a different feel, from Lil’ Sammies’ small neighborhood bar setup to Half Penny’s fuller pub-and-restaurant experience.
Are there sports bars in West Salem?
Alibi Bar & Grill on Taggart Drive is a West Salem sports bar option with TVs, pool tables, food, drinks and Oregon Lottery gaming.
Should I reserve a table for a big game?
If the bar accepts reservations, it can be a good idea for playoff games, major fights, rivalry games, and other popular events. Some smaller neighborhood bars are primarily walk-in, so arriving early may be the better move.
Find Your Game-Day Gathering Place
There isn’t one right way to watch sports. Sometimes you want to be in a room full of fellow fans reacting to every play, and other times you just want a neighborhood bar that’ll put your game on, bring you something cold, and be ready when you want another round.
Salem has both. There are plenty of local places across the city to cheer on your team! 🏈
Explore more local restaurants, bars, and independently owned businesses in the WhirLocal Salem directory.