Best bars to watch live sports in Amsterdam
Not everyone can make it to the stadium on game day. But if you want to be immersed in the moment and surrounded by people who will cheer (and cry) with you while watching the game, then a sports café is your best bet. And to help, we’ve compiled a list of some of Amsterdam’s best live sports bars and cafés.
Coco’s Outback
The good people at Coco’s Outback claim to serve lousy food and warm beer, although in fact it’s quite the opposite. Nor would it matter: with 26 televisions and 2 big screens, a great bar and gorgeous leather couches, Coco’s is firmly one of the best places to watch a game in the city. There’s a sports agenda on their site that you can check, but if you’re looking to watch a major game, chances are they’re playing it, and with English commentary. Be sure to check out their daily drinks deals as well.
Coco’s Outback, Thorbeckeplein 8-12
Plan B
Some eight large screens (with any channel you can think of) and 13 full-size pool tables make this place the best for simultaneous playing and watching. Plan B has a great vibe (this is absolutely not a stuffy pool hall type of place), a great bar, pool tables, dart boards and even the occasional pub quiz. There’s also a luxury smoking room for nicotine fans.
Plan B, Overtoom 209
Q-Factory
It may be known for its music halls, cool co-working spaces, café, recording venues and soon-to-open hotel, but Q-Factory is also a great spot to kick back and watch some footie with 600 of your closest friends. The Ajax matches are played live on a huge screen in the big hall, so it tends to draw a crowd. Expect cheering, jumping and so much energy you'll feel like you are in the arena.
Q-Factory, Atlantisplein1
Belushi’s
If you’ve even been to a Belushi’s then heading there is a no-brainer, this pub chain is always a guaranteed sporting hit. Belushi’s plays a large selection of international sports – Premier League, Champions League, Rugby Union, Rugby Leauge, NFL, Boxing, WWE, Basketball and more – and have a great range of international beers. You can find group packages for most major games, as well as a list of their upcoming events on their website.
Belushi’s, Warmoesstraat 129
The Butcher Social Club
Not a sports bar as such, but the Butcher Social Club never misses a big game. The great atmosphere, fresh drinks and the exceptional, carnivorous menu go well with any live sport. It’s worth noting that they open very late on weekdays, and round the clock on Fridays and Saturdays, so you may well catch that elusive American football game after all.
The Butcher Social Club, Overhoeksplein 1
Satellite Sportscafé
A bunch of screens, strong focus on sports and unlimited ribs (at night) make this place an easy choice. It’s a safe bet that they’re playing whatever you’re looking to watch. Besides the screens, expect hearty pub grub, a loud and excited atmosphere and the occasional Mike Tyson visit (check their gallery page for that).
Satellite Sportscafé, Leidseplein 11
