You don’t have a ticket to AT&T Stadium, but you still want to watch the Dallas Cowboys surrounded by fellow fans, cold drinks, and a wall of TVs. Good news: the Metroplex is packed with excellent sports bars for game day. Whether you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, or the northern suburbs, here are the best spots to catch America’s Team — organized by area so you can find one close to home.
A note on game-day strategy before we dive in: on Cowboys Sundays, the good spots fill up fast. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before kickoff, and if the bar takes reservations for big games, grab one. Now, where to go.
Downtown & Central Dallas
Frankie’s Downtown (1303 Main St, Dallas) is a longtime downtown favorite and one of the most reliable Cowboys spots in the city. With a lively, energetic atmosphere, a solid beer selection heavy on Texas brews, and a big multi-level space, it’s built for game day. It’s centrally located with plenty around it, making it an easy pick if you’re in or near downtown.
Hero by HG (3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas) sits right in Victory Park near the American Airlines Center and shines on football Sundays. Fans praise its game-day energy — lively enough to feel the crowd, but not so loud you can’t talk — plus standout steak nachos and good margaritas. A great choice if you like a modern, upscale-leaning sports bar vibe.
Happiest Hour (2616 Olive St, Dallas) is a massive downtown spot with a huge rooftop and tons of seating — handy when everyone has the same Sunday plan. It’s more of a see-and-be-seen rooftop bar than a hardcore sports den, but with plenty of room and a great atmosphere, it’s a fun option for a bigger group.
Uptown & East Dallas
Mayer’s Garden (2422 N Henderson Ave, Dallas) is a cute, laid-back beer garden with many TVs and a dog-friendly patio. It’s a lower-key alternative to the big downtown crowds — good drinks, a nice happy-hour menu, and a relaxed feel that’s perfect if you want to watch the game without the chaos.
Fort Worth
Buffalo Bros Sundance Square (415 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth) is a downtown Fort Worth staple and one of the most consistent sports spots on that side of the Metroplex. Expect a fun, packed, game-day atmosphere, plus wings, burgers, and pizza to fuel the afternoon. If you’re on the west side, this is a dependable go-to.
Morton’s Tavern (212 Lipscomb St, Fort Worth) is a highly rated, classy-but-casual sports bar with a fantastic dog-friendly patio, plenty of TVs, and strong drinks. Fans love the lively-without-being-overwhelming vibe — a great pick if you want quality over sheer size.
Second Rodeo Brewing (122 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth) in the historic Stockyards blends a brewery with a sports-bar feel. Its big open-air setup, live music, and cold local beer make it a fun, festive place to catch a game with a group and get some Fort Worth character while you’re at it.
Arlington (near the stadium)
Texas Live! (1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington) is the giant entertainment complex right next to AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. If you want the closest thing to the game-day atmosphere without a ticket — multiple bars, huge screens, an arcade, and a stadium-district buzz — this is the spot. It’s an experience as much as a bar, ideal for making a whole day of it.
The Northern Suburbs (Frisco, Plano)
Sidecar Social Frisco (6770 Winning Dr, Frisco) is a massive, upbeat sports bar with enormous screens, an outdoor patio with fireplaces, games, and a great overall game-day vibe. It fills up fast on match days for a reason — it’s one of the best watch spots in the northern suburbs.
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill (8451 Parkwood Blvd, Plano) is a Plano favorite that gets packed for Cowboys games. Lively atmosphere, great wings, plenty of TVs, and arcade games make it a fun, high-energy pick if you’re up north.
How to pick your spot
If you want the closest-to-the-action experience, head to Texas Live! by the stadium. For downtown Dallas energy, Frankie’s or Hero. For Fort Worth, Buffalo Bros or Morton’s Tavern. And up north, Sidecar Social or Shark Club. Whatever you choose, get there early, wear the star, and enjoy the game.
Got a favorite Cowboys bar we missed? We’re always adding to the list — let us know your go-to spot.
For more DFW game-day guides and coverage of all five local teams, keep it locked on DFW Sports Daily.