2019 NBA Finals: Ranking the best sports bar chains

The 2019 NBA Finals is almost upon us, and to get ready for the battle that is expected to take place, we’re power ranking the best sports bars.

The 2019 NBA Finals is almost here, and along with sports’ other big championship series, this is the time of year when sports bars across the country will be at their busiest.

Fans in both America and Canada will be flocking to their favorite sports bar to see if the Toronto Raptors have what it takes to finally dethrone the Golden State Warriors. So, that had our thinking caps on — what if we power ranked the best sports bar chains in North America to catch the NBA Finals?

We’ve done just that, doing extensive research to make this ranking as accurate and reflective as we possibly could. Granted, it won’t be perfect for all (trust me, it’s never easy to please everyone), but rest assured that great care was taken at the task that laid before me.

Now, without further ado, let’s start ranking!

1. Twin Peaks

If you’re unlucky enough to not live near a Twin Peaks, we highly recommend that you sell your house (or break your lease), and move to a city/town that has a Twin Peaks. The food is good, the service is mostly top-notch, and the atmosphere is perfect for catching the game.

2. Miller Ale House

Miller’s is a regional chain, but who can really resist the temptation of a “Mountain Melt” to go along with cold beer, all while Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry are duking it out against each other?

3. Buffalo Wild Wings

Some call this chain the “Walmart of Sports Bars,” and while that is true to some extent, few can say that they’ve had a bad time at BWW. The wings are cheap, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is fresh and fun. TVs galore? Who can argue with that?

4. Yard House

A sports bar for those who want their NBA Finals viewing experience to be a little bit more “high class.” The food and drinks are a bit more expensive than a regular sports bar, but this place can get just as exciting as the aforementioned. Don’t sleep on Yard House.

5. Real Sports Bar & Grill

Normally, when a location has “Real” in its name, that’s usually a cause for concern. However, Real Sports Bar & Grill in Toronto is the perfect spot to cheer on the Raptors. Great beer, great atmosphere, 199 freakin’ TVs? If this is what heaven looks like, I need to start living my life better. (Side note: This is not a chain, but this is a great freakin’ bar that I couldn’t leave off the list.)

6. TGI Fridays

To be honest, this chain has been on the downslope for a while, but depending on which Fridays is close to you, this place can still get pretty lit during sporting events, especially the NBA Finals.

7. Applebees

This chain is not the same as it used to be, but because there’s so many Applebee’s across the country, we really can’t hold it off this list. Oh, and their food has improved, and if you want to take the little ones to check out the game, you really can’t beat Applebees.

8. Fricker’s

Another regional sports bar chain (this time in the Midwest!), Fricker’s has long been a staple for great food, great beer, and a lively atmosphere to watch the NBA Finals.

9. Dave & Buster’s

Not a “sports bar” in the traditional sense, but who could argue about watching the game and being able to play games during timeouts and halftime? No argument here!

10. Dick’s Last Resort

Watching the game while getting insulted by your waiter is an experience no one should miss out on.

Check back here tomorrow as we name the 10 best sports bars to cheer on the Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals!