Best Sports Bars for Betting in Iowa

Iowans are some of the most passionate sports fans in the US, and since 2019 they have enjoyed legal sports betting. What could be better than watching the Hawkeyes or Cyclones in a great sports bar with friends, great food, and great drinks?

That being said, finding the ultimate sports bar experience in Iowa can be tough. As great as catching the game at a great sports bar is, there is little worse than missing the game because the bar doesn't have enough TVs or doesn't carry all of the games.

We have hand-selected the top bars for Iowa sports bettors and fans. Find your new go-to location in a city near you!

Top-Rated Des Moines Sports Bars for Bettors

Wrigleyville Sports Pub

Wrigleyville Sports Pub is a Chicago Cubs-themed bar and is the place to be during a Cub’s game. Their motto is “Cubs and Hawkeyes fans unite!” Wrigleyville has a large bar with a wide assortment of beverages to choose from including a variety of domestic and imported beers on tap. Customers can also enjoy plenty of seating while dining in, several large TVs for watching the game, and multiple pool tables for playing. There are also happy hour specials every night of the week. Come in during cubs and Hawkeye games for exclusive specials just for the game. Their menu features themed items such as the grand slam, an assortment of appetizers for your table. There are also cubby wings, the Wrigley pizza, and at the bar where you can order a Wrigley mule. Aside from Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes watch parties, there are also karaoke nights, holiday parties, and even DIY sign-making workshops held here. There is something for everyone at this unique bar.

Bushwood Sports Bar and Grill

Bushwood Sports Bar and Grill is a favorite among the Cedar Rapids locals. It is the place to be to watch every Iowa and NFL sports game. Bushwood has over 25 large TVs and offers a wide variety of specials. Their menu ranches from burgers to pizza, salad, and more! There is also a kids' menu available. Bushwood is known for its amazing and friendly staff. Specials include half-priced medium two-topping pizzas every Sunday and Tuesday. While all of their food is great, their pizza is what everyone is talking about. Bushwood is a great place to be for a big game!

Brick Alley Pub & Sports Bar

Brick Alley Pub & Sports Bar is a favorite of the locals and is located in Historic Marion Square. Brick Alley offers happy hours every weekday from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm where all draws and well drinks are $1 off. Stop by with some friends and enjoy one of the 20 beers on tap with beers rotating regularly. While there is no food served, they do welcome you to bring in pizza from one of the 3 local pizza joints close by. Pizza and a happy hour? Yes please! Sports lovers can enjoy watching the next big game on their 180” giant screen with stadium seating featuring surround sound. They also offer many ways to keep yourself entertained such as pool, darts, and even shuffleboard. There is also weekly trivia every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm! Trivia is free and there are even prizes for the top 3 teams. Have an event coming up? They have a private back room that can be rented out to host your next party.

Top-Rated Cedar Rapids Sports Bars for Bettors

The Sports Page Grill

Sports Page Grill is every bar lover’s paradise! With there being multiple locations throughout Iowa, you are sure to have one near you. They have up to 20 HD TVs making it the ultimate sports watching experience. Customers rave over their award-winning burgers and also adore their wings, sandwiches, and steaks. The Sports Page Grill is equipped with a full bar with a wide selection of beverages to choose from including local Iowa Craft Beer. If live music is your thing, then this is a great place for you. They offer live music and entertainment throughout the year. Love their food? They also offer catering, perfect for the next event you host. Whether you want to go out with the guys or have a fun date night, the sports page grill is the place to be.

Sam’s Sports Bar and Grill

Sam’s Sports Bar and Grill is the perfect place for either a night out or a delicious lunch with friends. Customers can enjoy a wide selection of tap beer at the bar and outstanding service from the staff. Sam’s has 13 HD tvs for all their customer’s sports viewing needs. Sam’s also offers ESPN College and even the Big 10 Network for even more variety. They also have a variety of games ranging from a pool table to a pinball machine. Sam’s also hosts karaoke, trivia, and bingo nights every week. They offer happy hours during the weekdays with 2 for 1 well drinks, $4 glasses of wine, and even half-off appetizers. Enjoy your evening on their relaxing patio or stop by for one of their live music nights featuring some amazing local artists. Their homemade food is delicious and keeps customers coming back. Some of the customer favorites include their famous samburger and their sam’s hand-breaded tenderloins. Their food menu includes a bit of everything including steak, chicken, seafood, soups, salads, and even pizza and pasta. If you’re looking for entertainment and some great food, then Sam’s is the place to go.

Sidelines Sports Bar and Nightclub

Sidelines Sports Bar and Nightclub is the place to be for a night full of fun and entertainment. This amazing venue consists of two stories and has a huge outdoor patio stage along with a separate large outdoor stage. The bar itself is sports-themed and makes for a great night. Enjoy listening to some amazing music and watching your favorite sports team on the big screen. Looking for a night of live music, sidelines is your place! Enjoy a night of live music with your friends. They also host their own karaoke nights topped off with a firework show. Customers can enjoy some of their delicious food during each visit such as their fish fry and hand-breaded tenderloin. If dancing is your thing then you will enjoy their large dance floor upstairs. Sidelines is the perfect place for a night out of dancing and live music.

Top-Rated Iowa City Sports Bars for Bettors

Vine Eatery and Tavern

Vine Eatery and Tavern is a favorite amongst college students. Customers love the atmosphere that Vine Eatery and Tavern provides on a nightly basis. With the University of Iowa right around the corner from this local favorite, there are bound to be some pretty fun nights here. Enjoy watching the Hawkeyes play during a night out with your friends. Vine Eatery also allows customers to host private parties there with up to 60 people. Customers rave about their amazing food and friendly staff. Beer lovers are in luck because they offer a wide array of different types to choose from. They also host themed events such as national taco day, national scotch day, and even national IPA day. There is always something fun going on at the Vine Eatery and Tavern. Need a break from the music and fun? They offer outdoor seating too! While all of their food is to die for, the wings are definitely a crowd favorite. Looking for a fun shot to try? Their apple pie shots are out of this world!

3rd Base Bar and Grill

The reviews for this bar speak for themself, 3rd Base Bar and Grill is a favorite among the locals. With over 5 large TVs and a delicious menu with plenty to choose from, this place has it all. Enjoy weekly karaoke nights and plenty of stadium seating. Customers rave about the staff’s friendliness and efficiency during each and every visit. Some of the menu favorites include their homemade onion rings, nachos, and their amazing cheese curds. Enjoy your favorite sports games here every week. They have NFL Sunday Ticket and always have a game on. Live entertainment such as comedy shows are hosted and include special deals on drinks and shots. You are always guaranteed a fun night at 3rd Base Bar and Grill!

Rookies Rockin Sports Bar

Rookies Rockin Sports Bar located in downtown Clear Lake has been voted the #1 bar for shooting pool. They also received an honorable mention from readers’ choice for their dancing/nightclub scene and their delicious bar food. There is no shortage of entertainment at Rookies. They offer pool tables, big-screen TVs, a party room, and a DJ. They have NFL Sunday Ticket along with NCAA, NBA, MLB TV, and college football packages. The upper level of the bar turns into a country music lounge on Saturday nights. Tuesday features free games of pool and happy hours are Monday-Thursday from 4:00-7:00 pm featuring $2 bottles and domestic taps along with $2 well drinks. Rookies is the perfect place to come shoot some pool, enjoy a meal, and watch a game with friends.

Thunderhead Chicken Coop Sports Bar and Grill

Thunderhead Sports Bar and Grill has 29 flat-screen TVs allowing them to stream any sports game your heart desires. They carry MLB Extra Innings, Comcast Sports, Fox Sports Package, Big Ten Network, Sunday NFLA Ticket, and more! A wide variety of sports makes for a great night at Thunderhead Chicken Coop. Want a drink at the bar? Thunderhead offers 5 different kinds of brew provided by their sister company Thunderhead Brewing Company. Join them for weekly bingo and trivia nights. Their delicious bar food includes a wide variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and pizzas. Thunderhead also offers a kid’s menu as well as delicious mini cinnamon sugar donuts. Enjoy lunch and drink specials 7 days a week as well as a wide variety of draught beer. Thunderhead Chicken Coop Sports Bar and Grill is a great place to come watch a game with the family and enjoy some delicious food and drinks.