The World Cup 2026 is upon us, and with the US hosting the bulk of matches, it’s possibly even better than Christmas for the ever-growing number of local soccer fans.
If you are not one of the lucky ones who have scored tickets, it might be time to start thinking about getting some friends together to watch the action.
While you could stay at home and view the matches live on FOX, there’s just something special about sharing the experience in a lively venue packed with true fans.
You could also head to a sports bar chain; however, if you’re looking for somewhere with individual character and charm, then you will be seeking out one of the many independent venues across the country.
To find out which independent bars are leading the way for the World Cup 2026, Bovada Sportsbook has assessed venues across all 50 states, combining Tripadvisor and Google review scores, total review volumes, and Instagram hashtags to identify the most well-loved destinations to grab a beer and enjoy the game.
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The most popular independent sports bars
| Rank | Bar | Location | State | Tripadvisor review score | Number of Tripadvisor reviews | Google review score | Number of Google reviews | Instagram hashtags |
| 1 | Flora-Bama Ole River | Pensacola | Florida | 4.3 | 1,086 | 4.5 | 5,255 | 185 |
| 2 | Bar 209 | Bemidji | Minnesota | 4.6 | 334 | 4.8 | 3,954 | 428 |
| 3 | Two Fools Tavern | Albuquerque | New Mexico | 4.3 | 470 | 4.6 | 3,957 | 697 |
| 4 | Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar | Branson | Missouri | 4.4 | 480 | 4.7 | 4,060 | 61 |
| 5 | Cleavers | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 4.3 | 293 | 4.4 | 3,764 | 344 |
| 6 | The Camp | Natchez | Mississippi | 4.4 | 726 | 4.5 | 1,179 | 29 |
| 7 | Busby’s West | Santa Monica | California | 3.4 | 45 | 4.2 | 918 | 4,178 |
| 9 | Winchell’s | Lexington | Kentucky | 4.3 | 203 | 4.6 | 2,664 | 29 |
| 9 | Maple Landing | Dallas | Texas | 4.4 | 32 | 4.5 | 1,529 | 1,326 |
| 10 | Paramount | Birmingham | Alabama | 4.4 | 181 | 4.5 | 2,203 | 113 |
Flora-Bama Ole River in Florida tops list with whopping 5,255 Google reviews
Straddling the Florida–Alabama coastline, Flora-Bama Ole River takes the top spot in the ranking – known for its lively beachfront atmosphere, live music, and long-standing reputation as a Gulf Coast institution.
It boasts a Google review score of 4.5 from a whopping 5,255 reviews, as of May 2026. It also has the highest number of TripAdvisor reviews by far, with 1,086 and a score of 4.3.
It’s easy to see why the famous venue scores so well, as it offers the best of both worlds. It’s “great for watching sports or boats”, one review summarizes. Before the World Cup 2026 matches, guests can enjoy an alfresco meal on the open-air deck before heading inside to “TVs in all directions”.
Alongside the sunset view over the bay, reviews frequently praise the iconic Florida fare such as the Bushwacker chocolate-coconut frozen rum milkshake; the shrimp boil served with potatoes, corn, and sausage tossed in garlic butter; and the crab claws in house Creole cream.
Impressively, the venue also hosts a line-up of local musicians almost daily, keeping the good vibes flowing whatever day of the week.
Bar 209 in Minnesota takes second place with the highest Google review score
Bar 209 in Bemidji, Minnesota, follows in second place, standing out for its strong local reputation and the highest Google review score in the dataset (4.8).
A classic neighborhood haunt with a loyal following, Bar 209 also attracts the highest TripAdvisor score of 4.6.
The venue promises 20 brews on tap, “cocktails mixed right”; plus, reviewers seem inclined to agree with hundreds praising the drinks selection.
Half-priced drinks and appetizers at happy hour go down a hit, as do popular menu items including the curd crush served with chipotle crema, giant pretzels, the house smash burger, and walleye tacos.
Reviewers also report plenty of large TVs to watch sports, perfect for the World Cup moments.
Two Fools Tavern Traditional Irish pub in New Mexico: Third most popular
Promising a laid-back bolthole “where the craic is mighty”, Two Fools Tavern, a traditional Irish pub in New Mexico, ranks third.
With consistent ratings across platforms and 697 Instagram hashtags, it has a strong presence among both locals and visitors looking for a casual, character-driven game day drinking spot.
Reviewers frequently praise the “rustic charm” and the “cozy atmosphere”, making it a great spot for a more intimate World Cup experience.
Alongside hearty Irish food, Two Fools Tavern also claims to have the largest whiskey selection in the Southwest.
Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar in Missouri takes fourth place
With the second-highest Google review score (4.7), Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar in Missouri takes fourth place.
Alongside plenty of screens to watch the soccer, Crazy Craig’s is also a great place to play a little sport yourself, well-known for its busy pool tables, dartboards, and electronic games.
Nearly every night, they have a live band or DJ, with the dance floor reportedly full by 9pm.
Cleavers in Philadelphia completes top five for famous cheesesteak
Cleavers claims to serve “the best Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia”. It’s a big claim, but many of their reviewers agree, earning them fifth spot in our list.
Although simply self-described as a “no-bull cheesesteak shop” – with a few screens in the upstairs seating area, it’s perfect for a low-fuss place to watch sports over a satisfying meal.
The most Instagrammed independent sports bars
| Rank | Bar | Location | State | Instagram hashtags |
| 1 | Busby’s West | Santa Monica | California | 4,178 |
| 2 | Maple Landing | Dallas | Texas | 1,326 |
| 3 | Adelphia Sports Bar | Charleston | West Virginia | 1,118 |
| 4 | Ivy Tavern | Providence | Rhode Island | 921 |
| 5 | Will’s Northwoods Inn | Chicago | Illinois | 833 |
| 6 | The Westy | Seattle | Washington | 784 |
| 7 | Two Fools Tavern | Albuquerque | New Mexico | 697 |
| 8 | No Other Pub | Kansas City | Missouri | 696 |
| 9 | Recovery Sports Grill | Charleston | West Virginia | 563 |
| 10 | CAPS Sports Grill | Phoenix | Arizona | 534 |
Busby’s West in California is the most Instagrammed independent sports bar with 4,178 hashtags
A high-energy beachfront sports bar known for its lively crowds, wall-to-wall screens, and party atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Busby’s takes the crown as the most popular independent sports bar on social media by a large margin.
“We have many amenities that sports bars do not,” Busby’s general manager, Michael Hamilton said.
These include a full arcade, basketball machines, air hockey, five billiards tables, three shuffleboards, bumper pool, and about 500 board games available to customers.
The Instagram hashtags may soon soar even higher, with Mr Hamilton expecting real crowds for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“We will be packed for the World Cup soccer,” he said. “We were just listed in Eater as a top place to view the World Cup.”
Another key point of difference over competitors, according to Mr. Hamilton, is that a DJ plays music during all breaks and commercials throughout the games. It’s part watching sport, part party, and clearly, oh so Instagrammable.
Maple Landing in Texas ranks second most Instagrammed sports bar
Maple Landing in Dallas, Texas, ranks second, generating 1,326 hashtags thanks to its modern gastropub styling, craft beer selection, and relaxed yet upbeat environment.
Instagram is full of not only the drool-worthy food at Maple Landing but also beautiful table settings for their popular event space.
You can even reserve their private game room for the World Cup, which they promise will allow you to “catch every match-day moment with your crew.”
Adelphia Sports Bar in West Virginia takes third place
Adelphia Sports Bar in Charleston, West Virginia, takes third place with 1,118 Instagram hashtags, reflecting its reputation as a no-frills game-day destination, known for its extensive TV coverage of global sports and wide variety of bourbon and beer selections.
Adelphia promises to air every FIFA match with “big screens and big energy”, offering special drink bucket deals and “non-stop vibes”.
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Sources and methodology
To find out which independent sports bars are most popular across the US, Bovada Sportsbook assessed venues across all 50 states, combining Tripadvisor and Google review scores, total review volumes, and Instagram hashtags to identify the most well-loved destinations.
Bovada used the following sources:
- Google reviews and review score: Google Maps
- TripAdvisor reviews and review score: TripAdvisor
- Number of Instagram hashtags: Keyword.io
All data is correct as of May 2026.