When the air is crisp and leaves start to turn shades of orange and red, we know fall is here. And with it comes traditions and perks, one of the most popular being football. For Nashville, football season is no joke. It’s celebrated with friends, good food, and a cheerful atmosphere full of avid NCAA and NFL fans.
But sometimes it’s nice to mix up your football viewing experience. Sports bars are a longtime popular destination for fans to enjoy a game, of course, but they aren’t the only places to do so. According to a study by Foursquare, there’s been a decline in patrons of sports bars for Sunday game days in both major and nonmajor cities since 2016. With so many more watching options for football fans, people are starting to switch up their game-day ritual.
We’ve gathered an extensive list of Nashville hot spots to enjoy football this season—and none of them are sports bars. These are all great options when you want a more relaxed atmosphere, when you’re up for experiencing new parts of the city with friends, or when you’re just craving a change of scenery.
Breweries
Breweries offer the same advantages as sports bars, like an array of food and beverage options and large TVs, but without tight spaces or bustling crowds. Breweries are often larger than neighborhood bars and have more room to accommodate customers. Here are a few standout brewery spots with the perfect game-day atmosphere.
TailGate Brewery
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TailGate Brewery is sports-friendly, family-friendly, and dog-friendly. TailGate welcomes people of all ages, including your four-legged loved ones. Enjoy the large outdoor patio and TVs at all corners, streaming your favorite teams on the field.
Southern Grist Brewing
If you’re looking for a casual brewery vibe with excellent IPAs and sours, Southern Grist is calling your name! With two locations, ample TVs, and frozen beer slushies on the weekends, it’s a popular local hangout for all types of sports viewing.
Fat Bottom Brewing
The Fat Bottom Taproom is another option fit for the whole family. Hang out in their huge outdoor beer garden and watch football with a drink, a bite to eat, and cornhole!
Outdoor Spaces
What better way to watch football than outside? Many outdoor venues will stream football games for fans to enjoy the autumn weather amid a community of like-minded devotees. Places like Ascend Amphitheater and Sevier Park have been known to show games on their big screens, so check out their lineups this season.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a great spot to watch a game surrounded by nature. On certain weekends, the park screens games on their portable big screens. Bring a blanket and enjoy the game under the fall sky. Plus, you can grab a bite from one of the local food trucks that frequent the park.
East Nashville Beer Works
Located on the east side, this beer garden-style venue often shows sports on outdoor screens. East Nashville Beer Works offers a fun atmosphere with picnic-style tables and a great selection of local brews. The family-friendly vibe makes it a great choice for those with kids.
Restaurants
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Not only does football season bring epic touchdowns and tailgates, but it also comes with fabulous food. Try each of these iconic Nashville restaurants to grab a bite before, during, or after the game … and consider staying awhile.
Burger+Grain
Burger + Grain is a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience. You can comfortably watch football with a delicious meal from their scratch kitchen menu and a hand-crafted drink. Even though there’s only one burger on the menu, it’ll blow away your game-day expectations.
Peg Leg Porker
Peg Leg Porker will quickly become a staple during football season. Known for its iconic barbeque and spirits, Peg Leg Porker serves up Southern comfort food tailor-made for game days.
The Pharmacy Burger
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden is all about bringing people together. What better way than with exceptional food paired with exciting football? Bask in the welcoming atmosphere and enjoy great-tasting food and drinks while watching your favorite team, even if you’re streaming the game on your phone.
Puttshack
Puttshack is more than a restaurant with amazing food; it’s an immersive mini golf experience surrounded by a vibrant selection of entertainment, globally inspired eats, and signature cocktails. Puttshack’s industry-leading Trackaball™ technology and upscale interactive environment create an unparalleled space to cheer on your team this football season.
If the rambunctious vibe of a packed sports bar isn’t for you, there are plenty of places to enjoy football season in Nashville this fall. The season is meant to be relished with family and friends, all cheering on your favorite teams, so spend it somewhere that appeals to you most. Whether you opt for a charming coffee shop or the open feel of a brewery, Nashville has everything you need for truly memorable game days this football season.
Coffee Shops
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If breweries don’t appeal to you but you’re looking for a relaxed space to watch football, Nashville’s coffee shops offer an inviting alternative. Several spots around town feature large screens and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for catching a game without the usual game-day frenzy.
Frothy Monkey
With multiple locations around Nashville, Frothy Monkey provides a comfortable and warm atmosphere. Known for its artisan coffee and all-day breakfast menu, the cozy interior makes it an ideal spot to watch football. While it’s primarily a coffee shop, it also serves beer and wine, giving you options beyond the typical coffee fare.
Barista Parlor
This trendy coffee shop has large, open spaces and offers an artistic vibe. Though Barista Parlor is known for its meticulously crafted coffee, it also has the capacity to show football games on big screens. The spacious seating and laid-back ambiance make it an excellent option for those looking to avoid a sports bar.
The Well Coffeehouse
Located in Green Hills and Bellevue, The Well Coffeehouse blends community with great coffee and spacious seating areas. They often set up screens for big events like football games, so you can enjoy the action while sipping on a latte or cold brew. Plus, their mission-driven approach (profits go to clean water initiatives) makes it a place where you can feel good about spending time.
Cafe Coco
Open 24/7, Cafe Coco offers a quirky, comfortable space where you can watch football at any time of the day or night. Known for its eclectic vibe and mix of coffee, food, and beer options, it provides a great alternative for football viewing away from sports bars. Whether you’re grabbing a late-night snack or just want to enjoy the game in a relaxed setting, Cafe Coco has you covered.
Red Bicycle Coffee & Crepes
This coffee spot offers more than just caffeine – their large crepes and cozy atmosphere make it an excellent spot to catch a football game. Red Bicycle’s spacious seating and chilled-out vibe, paired with their breakfast and brunch options, create a great environment for game days, especially for early kickoffs.
Coffee shops like these in Nashville provide a comfortable, quiet alternative to the traditional football viewing experience, where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee in a cozy, friendly atmosphere. They’re perfect for those who want to avoid rowdy crowds but still enjoy the game in a social setting.
Alternative options that provide a great football-watching experience
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1. City Winery
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent wine selection, City Winery often hosts football watch parties in a unique setting. It combines live entertainment and good food, making it a refreshing change from rowdy sports bars.
2. Pins Mechanical Co.
This venue is a hybrid of social games like bowling, pinball, and foosball, with large screens for game-watching. It offers a fun, interactive environment to enjoy football without the typical sports bar vibe.
3. Tennessee Brew Works
For craft beer lovers, Tennessee Brew Works is a great spot. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still showing football games. The brewery’s taproom creates a community feel, with local brews and a focus on Nashville’s culture.
4. The Goat
Located in Germantown, The Goat combines excellent food, a laid-back atmosphere, and large TV screens. It’s a perfect place to enjoy football with friends without the sports bar chaos.
5. The Listening Room Cafe
If you prefer your football with a side of live music, The Listening Room Cafe offers both. The unique setting allows fans to enjoy the game in a more low-key environment with great acoustics and live performances in between.
With Whom to Watch the Game
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Watching football is about more than just the game; it’s about sharing the experience with the right crowd. Who you watch with can make all the difference in creating lasting memories, whether you’re with close friends, family, or fellow fans.
Family and Friends
Football season is the perfect time to gather your closest family and friends to cheer for your favorite team. Many of the venues mentioned, like TailGate Brewery and Centennial Park, are great for family-friendly gatherings.
With wide-open spaces, you can bring kids along, set up lawn chairs, and enjoy the game in a laid-back atmosphere. These venues often have activities like cornhole or giant board games to keep everyone entertained between quarters.
Fellow Fans
There’s something special about watching the game with fellow fans who share your passion. Whether you’re supporting the Titans or your college team, finding a venue with a strong fan presence can elevate the entire experience.
Venues like Southern Grist Brewing or East Nashville Beer Works often have crowds of dedicated fans who bring a contagious energy. Watching in a communal setting where everyone’s invested can make each touchdown more thrilling and each loss a little less painful.
