Best Places to Watch the Game

Meeting up with friends at a local bar to watch a game, grab a few beers, and dive into some hearty pub grub never goes out of style. And whether you’re a local or a sports-loving visitor, the city is lined like Wayne Gretzky’s trophy cabinet with places to catch all the action.

But it’s not just about hockey. From NFL to CFL and from UK soccer to NASCAR racing—and even a UFC bout or two—there are a wide range of venues here where the screens are typically tuned to sports. Read on for our roll call of top places to catch a game in Richmond—complete with drink and dining recommendations for each.

Wherever you head, make sure you check for any extra game night food and drink specials. And if you’re undecided on exactly where to go for all the action this season, try each spot in turn and you’ll soon find a favourite. Game on.

Harold’s Kitchen & Bar

7551 Westminster Highway

Tucked inside the city centre Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, Harold’s has a large seating area—which means you should be able to snag a table and watch the game even if the Canucks are about to scoop the Stanley Cup. There’s also a large menu to choose from here, including international comfort classics and higher-end fare (steaks and lamb shanks included).

Halftime eats: Harold’s Nachos are a tri-coloured mountain of tortilla chips slathered in cheese, peppers, tomatoes, and more.
Game night drinks: Go for the locally made Fuggles & Warlock Destiny IPA.

Discover delicious game night food at Harold's. | Photo: ​Harold's Kitchen & Bar

Flying Beaver Bar & Grill

4760 Inglis Drive

On a riverfront stretch where floatplanes take off and land (if your team is losing, gaze at the views instead), one of Richmond’s favourite watering holes still feels like a hidden gem. But with its cozy pub ambiance and wood-columned interior­—not to mention TV’s tuned to the day’s top action—the Flying Beaver is a super-friendly spot to grab some tasty beers and elevated pub grub while watching the Canucks lose yet again (just kidding).

Halftime eats: Go for the beer-battered cod fish and chips.
Game night drinks: BC-brewed Red Truck Ale is a great thirst-quencher during a nail-biting game.

O’Hare’s Gastropub

5031 Steveston Highway

This popular neighbourhood pub has an excellent craft beer list—often including brews from homegrown Richmond favourites Britannia Brewing and Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks. There are plenty of screens arrayed around the room at O’Hare’s as well as a strong commitment to well-executed pub food: the house-made pies are especially popular with in-the-know regulars.

Halftime eats: Dive into a Dublin steak ‘n’ Guinness pie, with fries and mushy peas.
Game night drinks: Go for a four-glass tasting flight of BC craft beers.

Monkey 9 Brewing

14200 Entertainment Boulevard

One of Metro Vancouver’s most popular brewpubs serves up eight 55-inch TVs plus a huge projector screen, ensuring game night fans always have brilliant views of all the action. Monkey 9 Brewing is a great spot to catch NFL matches—there’s a season-long commitment to screening as many pro-football games here as possible.

Halftime eats: The shareable Tailgate Platter is packed with deep-fried goodness, ranging from tater tots to chicken wings.
Game night drinks: Toast your win (or drown your sorrows) with a fortifying Silverback Stout.

Richmond-made beer is the perfect accompaniment to a great game. | Photo: Monkey 9 Brewing

Boston Pizza

#50 - 8100 Ackroyd Road

Handily-located on Ackroyd Road between the Canada Line’s Lansdowne Station and Richmond-Brighouse Station, this restaurant and sports bar combo is a great place to catch a game. Boston Pizza has many large screens behind the bar and around the room (check out the hockey photos on the walls as well). And while pizzas are obviously a foundation of the menu, there are lots of alternatives to consider—pasta, burgers, and steaks included.

Halftime eats: A large Meteor pizza to share—topped with pepperoni, ground beef, smoked ham, and spicy Italian sausage.
Game night drinks: Go traditional with an ice-cold pint of Molson Canadian.

Ceili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

7331 Westminster Highway

This Emerald Isle-themed city centre pub has a welcoming vibe and lots of TVs. There’s also a warmly traditional bar feel here along with a robust food menu. Combining pub classics like wings, nachos, and fish ‘n’ chips with unexpected must-try dishes such as Belfast burgers and Irish poutine (Guinness gravy included), you’ll be spoiled for choice when choosing your game day sustenance at Ceili's.

Halftime eats: Double smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy onions make the Belfast burger a good choice.
Game night drinks: Guinness is great here but we also love their Fuller’s London Pride.

Ceili's is a highly sociable spot to gather a group and watch a game. | Photo: Ceili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Legends Pub & Restaurant

9031 Blundell Road

This cavernous, wood-floored neighbourhood pub is a great place to gather your group for a big game—there are multiple TVs dotted behind the bar and on the exposed brick walls around the room. Look out for the hockey photos and memorabilia displays at Legends, and also save time for a game of pool before or after the big game.

Halftime eats: Dive straight in to the Aussie burger—fried egg included.
Game night drinks: Rickard’s Red always hits the spot here.

Buck & Ear Bar & Grill

12111 3rd Avenue

In the heart of Steveston Village, this neighbourhood pub is a great spot to hunker down with friends and forget the cold weather outside. Snag a table (or bar stool) facing a TV if you want to catch the big match at the Buck & Ear—and consider showing off your sporting prowess with a game or two of darts against the locals.

Halftime eats: The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich is a great way to forget your darts match loss.
Game night drinks: Sidestep the beer and go for a refreshing Somersby cider instead.