7 best places to catch the big game in WV

West Virginians love their sports, and a lot of us love kicking back local brews and eating good food while watching the big game, too. Catch the game with us at a local sports bar.  

So throw on your favorite team’s jersey (unless it’s the Buckeyes), show up thirsty and with an empty stomach, and get ready to catch the big game at some of West Virginia’s best sports bars:

1. Maloney’s

Summersville
Locally-owned? Check. Lots of TVs? Check. Live music? Check. WVU pride? Double-check. Maloney’s is definitely a hidden gem. If you’ve just spent a long day in the sun on nearby Summersville Lake, and need a place to relax, this is the place to be, with savory appetizers like fried pickles and 65-cent wings.

2. Gino’s Pub

various locations
Gino’s is a longtime West Virginia institution— a true “local’s chain.” If good, straightforward pizza and wings paired with cold lager beers is your thing, check out their pub– they’ve got locations in Fayetteville, Huntington, Charleston and other cities around the state. Some even have a buffet!

3. Kegler’s Sports Bar and Lounge

Morgantown
Morgantown is ground zero for the Mountaineers, so it’s no surprise that there is no shortage of great sports bars here. Kegler’s is probably THE locals’ favorite, however. With 20 TVs throughout, and 8 beers always on tap, you’ll be cheering on your team as soon as you walk through the door. Their bar food and sandwich selection is great, and if you’re looking to celebrate that big win, they’ve got some great steaks as well.

4. Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe

Huntington
If you’re more of a Herd fan, you probably already know about this Huntington institution. Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe has a great beer and food selection, along with specials nearly every day. But the thing you’ll remember the most will be the virtual museum of Marshall memorabilia and history that adorns its walls. The “hall of fame” cafes might be a regional chain, but this place is pure West Virginia.

5. Pies and Pints

various locations
Though not necessarily a “sports bar,” this Fayetteville-based chain specializes in local beer on-tap, gourmet pizzas (think Thai chicken, or Cuban pulled pork), and many TVs showing whatever local game is playing at the moment. They’ve got locations in Fayetteville, Charleston and Morgantown.

6. Sam’s Uptown Cafe

Charleston
Sam’s has been a fixture on Capitol Street for more than 2 decades, and it is Charleson’s quintessential sports bar. Enjoy a no-frills menu of great appetizers like mac’n’cheese bites and wings, great sandwiches, and of course, lots of big-screen TVs.

7.  T.J.’s Sports Garden

Wheeling
Up in the far northern panhandle, sports loyalties are a bit more diverse than in Morgantown or Huntington– you’re often rubbing shoulders with neighboring Ohioans and Pennsylvanians. But no matter your team of choice, sports take center stage at T.J.’s, with 7 satellite dishes, 20 televisions, and multiple games playing at any time.

Where are you catching the big game?

This post was last updated on July 21, 2020