Where New England Celebrates Sport — From Polo Ponies to Ski Bars to Green Monsters

From legendary ski bars and hockey hangouts to waterfront inns overlooking world-famous yacht races, New England celebrates sports in uniquely memorable ways. Here are some of the region’s most iconic gathering places, where game-day traditions, championship history, sailing culture, college rivalries, and après-ski energy all come together over great food, drinks and unforgettable local stories.

Connecticut

Pratt Street (Hartford)
A pedestrian-only, brick-lined block full of restaurants, bars and shops just across the street from the Peoples Bank Arena, a destination for UConn sports fans and concert go-ers alike. Favorites include Vaughan’s Public House, a real-deal Irish Pub, and Urban Lodge Brewing.

Archie Moore’s (New Haven)

Since 1898, Archie Moore’s has been a Connecticut sports-bar institution, best known for its award-winning buffalo chicken wings and signature sauces.  These fan favorites can also be found at farmers markets across the state. Fans across generations gather for major championship games and hometown rivalries. Archie Moore’s offers sports specials, watch parties, and a lively game-day atmosphere that has made it a gathering place.

Maine

Time Out Sports Bar (Presque Isle)

Way up in Aroostook County, near the far northeastern edge of the U.S. is the county’s go-to sports bar, the place to catch the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, college games and major sporting events on big screens in a lively local setting. It’s a fun stop for sports fans traveling through one of the most remote and distinctive corners of New England.

Minibar (Portland)

18 custom-designed mini golf holes, 20 taps pouring local favorites, 32 screens highlighting your favorite sports, and a delightful menu of apps and bar food.

Massachusetts

Bleacher Bar (Boston)

Situated beneath the bleachers in centerfield at  Fenway Park— just feet from the iconic Ted Williams Red Seat — Bleacher Bar delivers an unmatched connection to the Boston Red Sox. With a garage-style window that looks directly into the ballpark, guests are treated to great food, drinks and a one-of-a-kind, year-round baseball experience – no ticket needed!

Cheers (Boston)

Yup, everybody knows your name!

Originally the Bull & Finch Pub, Cheers has become one of America’s most recognizable bars as the original inspiration for the TV series Cheers. Located on historic Beacon Hill, the pub earned “Best Neighborhood Bar” honors from Boston Magazine the same year the show premiered in 1982.

Max Tavern (Springfield)

Located inside the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Max Tavern combines upscale dining with one of basketball’s most iconic destinations.

Enjoy New England fare in a sports-bar atmosphere before and after games, tournaments and Hall of Fame events in the birthplace of basketball.

New Hampshire

The Cave at Omni Mount Washington (Bretton Woods)

At The Cave, the formal elegance of the Mount Washington Hotel gives way to a looser vibe — a tucked-away basement bar where the crowd is relaxed, and a game plays on  TVs. It’s a casual counterpoint to one of New England’s grandest resorts.

The Patio (Manchester)

Watch the New Hampshire Fisher Cats from one of the most unique seats in baseball  —the Patio at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. Overlooking Delta Dental Stadium, this outdoor terrace pairs ballpark views with food, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy America’s pastime in the heart of Manchester.

Rhode Island

International Yacht and Athletic Club (Newport)

One of New England’s most legendary sailors’ bars, IYAC has long been the unofficial clubhouse for yacht crews, captains, racers and waterfront locals. The atmosphere is casual, lively and refreshingly unpretentious, with nautical memorabilia, cold drinks, outdoor seating, and a front-row seat to Newport’s vibrant sailing culture.  

Patio Bar at Newport International Polo (Newport)

Set against the backdrop of Newport’s historic polo grounds, guests can enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and light fare while overlooking the action on the field and taking in sweeping countryside views. Relaxed yet sophisticated, the Patio Bar is a favorite gathering spot before, during and after matches, combining the excitement of polo with the laid-back elegance that defines a Newport summer.

Vermont

Matterhorn (Stowe)

For decades, Matterhorn Restaurant has embodied Stowe’s classic ski-town spirit with its lively atmosphere, legendary après-ski scene, and eclectic menu — from pizza to sushi under one roof! The rustic mountain bar has hosted an unlikely roster of notable musicians over the years, including members of The Monkees and the Grateful Dead  — indeed, one of New England’s most iconic ski bars.

Upper Deck Pub (South Burlington)

A gathering place for Vermont hockey fans due to its deep ties to Vermont Catamounts men’s ice hockey history. The pub displays signed jerseys from Stanley Cup champions Martin St. Louis and Tim Thomas, two legendary NHL players who first made their mark skating for the University of Vermont.

 

*Information subject to change.