Doha’s Top Ten Sports Bars

Qatar has been working hard over the last few decades to grow its sports industry. Its aim: to become a global sports hub. And in a few short years, the country has developed an array of world-class training facilities, specialised sports medicine facilities, and a host of first-rate stadiums, multi-purpose arenas, Olympic pools and racetracks. On top of hosting a range of global sports events, from tennis to beach volleyball, athletics to Formula 1 racing, and, not forgetting, the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world, it seems that Qatar's goal has come to fruition.

For residents of Qatar, visitors and sports enthusiasts, the expansion of the annual calendar of competitions and tournaments to attend and the top-notch spectator venues is a happy bonus. However, all of this sports development hasn't happened in isolation. All across the capital and beyond, the sports bar scene has also, happily, mushroomed - after all, for sports supporters, what could be better than when you are not actually at a match, race or sporting contest than watching it on TV!

In recent years, a myriad of sports bars have sprung up, and plenty of other places have added screens to their walls to cater to an increasing captive audience. You can now watch sports in bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, street food kiosks, malls, markets and parks…though some on a more regular basis than others. Some TVs and screens are inside, bar-mounted or wall-mounted. Some reside on the top floors of Doha's many skyscrapers, where the views are as fantastic as the sport on the screen; some are outside on rooftops and terraces; and nearly all offer an array of food and beverages while watching, from bar snacks to fine dining. For sports aficionados, there is literally something for everyone.

So, without further ado, here are ten of our favourites to get you started:

The Top Ten:

In no particular order, you may want to check out these sports bar gems!

Champions Sports Bar

Image: facebook.com/championsmarriottmarquis/

Located in Doha's city centre, Champions Sports Bar touts itself as the 'best sports bar in Doha'. And, if you check out a few of the popular review sites, most people seem to agree. With 47 wall-mounted LCD TVs and two giant screens to watch your favourite sports on, it's easy to see why. The surroundings help, too; styled as a modern, sleek American sports bar with red leather chairs, comfortable booths and bar seating and walls adorned with sporting memorabilia and posters, it's a supremely aesthetically pleasing place to pass the time. Plus, the American diner-style food of hot dogs, burgers, tex-mex, ribs, wings, and fried chicken is worth the visit, even if you don't like sports.

Location:

Marriott Marquis City Centre Hotel, Omar Al Mukhtar Street, District Zone 61, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 5 pm - 2 pm

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4419 5510

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com/

Social Media: @championsmarriottmarquis

SKYBOX 61

Image: facebook.com/skybox61/

SKYBOX61, named with a cheeky nod to the luxury box or stadium seating in spectator sports, is Doha's highest sports bar and one of its most exclusive. Located on the 61st floor of the five-star Kempinski Residences, sports fans can delight in unbelievable city views while watching giant screens above the bar or smaller versions dotted around the room, relaxing in the bar's contemporary surroundings, or eating high-end American comfort cuisine. On the menu, you can find all of the American diner classics, burgers, hot dogs, sharing platters, nachos and grilled meats, but served with a little more finesse. And, if you find yourself looking for something else to entertain you during your visit, there are snooker and foosball tables to get your competitive juices flowing.

Location:

Kempinski Residences and Suites, Al Qassar Street, West Bay, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 5 pm - 1 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4405 3561

Web: https://www.kempinski.com/en/doha/residences/dining/skybox61/

Social Media: @skybox61

Public House

Image: facebook.com/publichousedoha/

Staying with the Kempinski chain but moving over to The Pearl, Doha's man-made residential island, Public House is a fabulous retro American diner and sports bar. With multiple TV screens, an evocative American interior (vintage style booth seating, black and white floor tiles, neon signs and a digital jukebox full of old school music), and an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool and beach, it's easy to see why this bar is a popular choice with sports fans. Food-wise, visitors can feast on all-day breakfasts, grills, sharing dishes, burgers, sandwiches and American favourites, hot dogs, mac'n'cheese and corn dogs.

Location:

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 7 am - 2 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 7479 0864

What’s App: +974 7449 6058

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://ramin3.sg-host.com/publichouse/

Social Media: @publichousedoha

Shehrazad Lounge Bar and Terrace

Image: radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-doha/

If you are looking for a more laid back and less expensive option, where the focus is on sport, sport and more sport, then heading out of the city on the Salwa Road and popping into the Shehrazad Lounge Bar and Terrace at the Radisson Blu could be right up your street. With multiple screens inside and out, this simply decorated venue is, with no more than signed and framed sports t-shirts on the walls, akin to a sports club-style bar. Service is reportedly super friendly, with happy hours and quiz nights to keep you entertained, and pub-grub style food - America and international, what's not to like.

Location:

Radisson Blu Hotel, at the intersection between the Salwa Road and C Ring Road, Al Muntazah, Doha

Opening Hours:

Friday to Wednesday: 3 pm - 1:30 am

Thursday: 5 pm - 2 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4428 1555

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-doha

The Irish Harp

Image: irishharpdoha.com/

Twelve large HD TVs showing a multitude of sporting events, as well as live music, DJs, happy hour, and possibly Doha's largest burger to conquer, all in a perfectly remastered Irish tavern, makes The Irish Harp one of the city's favourite bars. Modelled on an up-market Victorian-style Irish pub with stylish vintage furniture, wooden and tiled Victorian-era flooring, and exposed brick walls, this sports bar is as inviting as it is popular and lively. Guests can while away the hours watching their favourite sports stars competing, soak up the atmosphere and the music, and dine on hearty Irish and European favourites such as steak and Guinness pie, fish and chips, club sandwiches and burgers. However, as mentioned, the Monster Burger, which can satisfy up to six people, is also available for those who like a challenge.

Location:

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort, 1 Al Corniche, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 5 pm - 2 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4485 3000

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.irishharpdoha.com

The Irish Pub Doha

Image: Facebook.com/TheIrishPub.Doha/

Another Irish pub, but this time a modern take on the theme, the Irish Pub Doha, run by a lady from Cork, is a laid back venue. The walls abound with TVs and large screens, plain functional furniture, a pool table area, and entertainment every night of the week in the form of live music, DJs and, of course, sports on the box. Also on offer, from a fairly extensive menu, traditional Irish, British and European comfort foods, presented in contemporary and imaginative ways. If you like a nice Irish stew while watching a match, maybe a plate of fish and chips, a shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, a lasagne or even a Sunday roast, then this venue should be right up your street.

Location:

Best Western Plus, 14th Floor, Al Safilia Street, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 12 am - 2 pm

Contact Details:

Tel/What’s App: +974 7780 2211

Email: [email protected] .s

Web: https://theirishpubdoha.businessite/#details

Social Media: @theirishpub.doha

Brewski and Grub

Image: facebook.com/brewskisandgrub/

Brewski and Grub is a winner on any level, whether you are a sports fan or not, and having won the '2021 Fact. Dining Award' for Doha's favourite bar only proves the point. The bar is modern, stylish, contemporary, and still feels cosy and comfortable, with plenty of seating styles from comfy sofas, chairs and booths, bar stools, tall chairs and tables to standard tables and chairs for couples to large groups. Sports fans will have no problem catching a game with TVs at the bar, wall-mounted above tables, and hung from the ceiling. There is also a massive screen above a stage, where live music and a DJ reside later in the evenings. And, if that weren't enough, then there is the food and beverages. The food is classic, homemade-to-order American pub grub. Chefs use fresh, locally supplied ingredients and cook up the classics with their own unique twists, such as Peking duck tacos, Asian chicken wings, and chicken and waffle sandwiches. If you're thirsty, you can pour your own draft beverage from a 'pay-as-you-pour' station beside the bar, which also offers signature cocktails. This bar ticks so many boxes that it's bound to become a firm favourite with any new visitor.

Location:

Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5th Floor, District Zone 61, West Bay, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 5 pm - 2 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4441 2550

What’s App: +974 7705 2550

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.brewskisandgrub.com

Social Media: @brewskisandgrub

SHOTS Sports Bar and Diner

Image: Facebook.com/shotsdoha1/

SHOTS is a modern sports bar at the Hilton Hotel in West Bay, and it has one of the best sports bar terraces in Doha. The terrace looks out over the hotel pool and beach, the azure waters of the Gulf and all the way to The Pearl, which is fantastic in itself. However, the funky furniture made from pallets and bright orange cushions, the kitchen in a renovated vintage food van, astroturf and pitch markings covering the floor, and a screen at every single table, make this venue the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, the view and the atmosphere while watching your favourite sports. When the weather gets too hot, you can head inside to a bounty of additional screens, plus a pool table and a bunch of dartboards. And, if you get peckish, try the pub grub on offer, ranging from buffalo wings and crispy wontons to steak sandwiches and chicken Milanese.

Location:

Hilton Hotel Doha, Diplomatic District, West Bay, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 12 pm - 12 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 4423 3222

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.hilton.com

Social Media: @shotsdoha1

Stock Burger Co. Doha

Image: Facebook.com/stockburgercodoha/

Heading away from the city centre on Airport Road is another of Doha's favourite sports bars, the Stock Burger Co. Doha. It could be the sports, the funky, modern decor or the unbelievably tasty burgers that attract the customers; whichever, this bar deserves its recently awarded Traveller's Choice Award. Styled as a modern American sports bar, the venue is sleek and shiny, with exposed brickwork, wooden floors, leather chairs and booth seating, and a central square bar with seating. TV screens are hung all around, and, a personal favourite of ours, a side room with a vast sports screen and 16 leather recliners set out in a cinema seating style. And, while you're watching the screens, you can treat yourself to something from the menu, in particular, one of the famed burgers - one from the menu or a 'build-your-own' burger, with a range of burgers, toppings and sides from which to choose.

Location:

Holiday Inn Doha, Airport Road, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 12 pm - 2 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 5041 5309

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://bit.ly/BookStockBurger

Social Media: @stockburgercodoha

Aquaview Sports Lounge

Image: Aquaviewsportslounge.com/

If you're looking for a more intimate and relaxed venue to watch your games, Aquaview at the Saraya Corniche Hotel is a good option. Small but perfectly formed, this bar has a definite sports theme running through its decor with painted comic-book-style sports artwork and basketball hoops, footballs and basketballs hung like pictures on the walls. There is even a faux football pitch on the ceiling. Screens adorn every wall, comfy bucket chairs and sofas provide a very relaxed setting for getting your game on, and there is a pool table for when you're not. A separate seating area is just the ticket for customers looking to relax and watch in a little privacy. Bar food, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps and pizza, are available to order.

Location:

Saraya Corniche Hotel, Level 14, Al Safiya Street, Doha

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday: 12 pm - 12 am

Contact Details:

Tel: +974 7073 5888

What’s App: +974 7011 0677

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://aquaviewsportslounge.com

Social Media: @aquaviewsportslounge

Main image: MonkeyBusinessImages/Shutterstock.com