Top Sports Bars in Pattaya to Watch the Match With the Crowd
Words by
Anchalee Wipawat
Top sports bars in Pattaya are not hard to find, but finding the right one where the crowd actually cares about the match, the beer stays cold, and the screen is big enough to read the score from the back row, that takes a little more digging. I have spent more game nights than I can count bouncing between Soi Buakhao and the bars along Beach Road, and what follows is the list I would hand to a friend flying in for a World Cup night or a Premier League Saturday. These are the best bars to watch sports Pattaya has to realistically offer, written from someone who has actually sat in the stool, ordered the wrong thing once, and learned better.
1. The Sportsman's Bar on Soi Buakhao
Soi Buakhao is where Pattaya's sports viewing scene lives and dies on any given match day, and The Sportsman's Bar has been holding down this corner for years. The place is unpretentious, the kind of spot where the TVs are always on, the volume actually goes up for the big matches, and the crowd is a mix of long-stay expats and tourists who wandered in off the street. The screens are positioned well enough that you can follow the game from almost any seat, and the staff know the schedule, so if there is a late kickoff, they will have it on.
I was there last week for a Saturday afternoon Premier League double-header, and the place was packed by 2 PM, with the early kickoff drawing a solid crowd that only grew by the evening match. Order the Tiger draft or the house whiskey, and you will fit right in. The best time to show up is weekend afternoons, when the screens are all on and the energy builds with each match.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit at the far-left corner table near the back if you want to actually hear the commentary. The speakers are angled toward that side, and the regulars know it, so grab it early."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the owner keeps a handwritten schedule behind the bar with the week's fixtures, and if you ask, he will tell you exactly which matches he plans to show. Parking outside is a nightmare on weekends, so consider walking or taking a songthaew from the main road.
If you want a no-frills, reliable game day bar in Pattaya, this is the place to start.
2. The Lion Pub on Soi 7
Soi 7 has long been one of the busier game day bars in Pattaya, and The Lion Pub sits right in the middle of it. The screens are big, the sound is decent, and the crowd tends to be a mix of regulars who have been coming here for years and newcomers who heard about it from a friend. The place has a reputation for showing a wide range of sports, from Premier League to UFC, and the staff are used to switching channels when there are multiple events on the same night.
I visited last week for a midweek Champions League match, and the place had a good turnout, with the volume up and the crowd engaged. Order the local beer on draft or a simple rum and Coke, and you will be set. The best time to visit is during European competition nights, when the crowd is more focused and the atmosphere is less rowdy.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask for the corner booth near the back wall. It has the best sightline to the main screen, and the regulars save it for people who actually care about the game."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the pub has a small chalkboard near the entrance listing the day's matches, updated each morning. Service slows down badly during lunch rush, so if you want a quiet drink before the match, come early.
3. Hooters on Beach Road
Hooters on Beach Road is not the first place most people think of for sports viewing Pattaya, but it has quietly become one of the more reliable spots for game day. The screens are large, the sound is good, and the staff are used to switching between matches when there are multiple events. The crowd is a mix of tourists and expats, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than some of the harder-edged bars on the sois.
I was there last week for a Saturday Premier League match, and the place was busy but not packed, with a good mix of people actually watching the game. Order the wings and a cold beer, and you will fit right in. The best time to visit is weekend afternoons, when the screens are on and the crowd is engaged.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit near the front windows if you want to catch the game and still see the street action. The back tables are fine, but the glare from the afternoon sun can be rough on the screens."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the staff will often put on lesser-known matches if you ask nicely, especially during quieter midweek nights. The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, so stick to the indoor tables if you are here for a long session.
4. The Ironman Bar on Soi Buakhao
Soi Buakhao is the heart of Pattaya's sports viewing scene, and The Ironman Bar has been a fixture here for years. The screens are big, the sound is loud, and the crowd is serious about the game. This is not a place for quiet conversation during a match. The atmosphere is electric when there is a big game on, and the regulars here know their football.
I visited last week for a Sunday evening Premier League match, and the place was packed an hour before kickoff, with the crowd already warmed up and the volume cranked. Order the draft beer or a simple spirit and mixer, and you will be fine. The best time to visit is weekend evenings, when the big matches are on and the crowd is at its peak.
Local Insider Tip: "Get there at least 45 minutes before kickoff if you want a seat near the main screen. The front tables go fast, and the back can feel disconnected from the action."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the bar has a small side room with an extra screen, which they open up during major tournaments. The Wi-Fi drops out near the back tables, so if you need to check scores on your phone, sit closer to the front.
5. The Dice Soi 6
Soi 6 is one of the more relaxed game day bars in Pattaya, and The Dice has built a reputation as a solid spot for sports viewing without the intensity of some of the bigger places. The screens are decent, the sound is manageable, and the crowd is a mix of expats and tourists who want to watch the game without shouting over each other the whole time.
I was there last week for a midweek match, and the place had a comfortable crowd, with people actually able to follow the game without being overwhelmed. Order the local beer or a simple cocktail, and you will be set. The best time to visit is midweek evenings, when the crowd is smaller and the atmosphere is more laid-back.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the bartender to put on the match you want. They are usually happy to switch channels if there is not a big crowd, and you might end up with your own private screening."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the bar has a small food menu that is better than you would expect, with some decent bar snacks that go well with a cold drink. The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, so stick to the indoor tables.
6. The Queen's Bar on Soi Buakhao
The Queen's Bar is another Soi Buakhao staple, and it has been a reliable spot for sports viewing Pattaya for years. The screens are good, the sound is solid, and the crowd is a mix of regulars and newcomers. The atmosphere is friendly, and the staff are used to handling big crowds on match days.
I visited last week for a Saturday afternoon match, and the place was busy but not chaotic, with a good crowd and the volume up for the game. Order the draft beer or a simple spirit and mixer, and you will be fine. The best time to visit is weekend afternoons, when the Premier League matches are on and the crowd is engaged.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit near the bar if you want quick service. The tables in the back can be slow during peak hours, and you might miss a goal while waiting for a drink."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the bar has a small loyalty card system for regulars, which gets you a free drink after a certain number of visits. Service slows down badly during lunch rush, so if you want a quiet drink before the match, come early.
7. The London Inn on Soi Buakhao
The London Inn is one of the longer-running game day bars in Pattaya, and it has a loyal following among the expat crowd. The screens are decent, the sound is good, and the atmosphere is what you would expect from a British-style pub in Thailand. The crowd is mostly expats, and the staff are used to the rhythms of a match day.
I was there last week for a Sunday Premier League match, and the place had a solid crowd, with the volume up and the regulars in full voice. Order the fish and chips or a pint of draft, and you will fit right in. The best time to visit is weekend afternoons, when the big matches are on and the crowd is at its best.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask about the weekly quiz night. It is not directly related to sports, but it draws a good crowd and the atmosphere is fun, especially if you are in town for a few days."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the pub has a small garden area out back, which is quieter and a good escape if the main room gets too loud. Parking outside is a nightmare on weekends, so consider walking or taking a songthaew from the main road.
8. The Pig & Whistle on Soi Buakhao
The Pig & Whistle is another Soi Buakhao institution, and it has been a go-to spot for sports viewing Pattaya for years. The screens are big, the sound is loud, and the crowd is serious about the game. This is a place where the regulars know each other, and newcomers are welcomed as long as they are here for the match.
I visited last week for a Saturday evening match, and the place was packed, with the crowd already warmed up and the volume cranked. Order the draft beer or a simple spirit and mixer, and you will be set. The best time to visit is weekend evenings, when the big matches are on and the crowd is at its peak.
Local Insider Tip: "Get there early and grab a seat near the main screen. The front tables go fast, and the back can feel disconnected from the action, especially when the crowd is loud."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the bar has a small side room with an extra screen, which they open up during major tournaments like the World Cup or Euros. The Wi-Fi drops out near the back tables, so if you need to check scores on your phone, sit closer to the front.
9. The Prince of Wales on Soi Buakhao
The Prince of Wales is one of the more established game day bars in Pattaya, and it has a reputation for being a solid spot for sports viewing. The screens are good, the sound is decent, and the crowd is a mix of expats and tourists. The atmosphere is friendly, and the staff are used to handling big crowds on match days.
I was there last week for a midweek Champions League match, and the place had a good turnout, with the volume up and the crowd engaged. Order the local beer or a simple rum and Coke, and you will be fine. The best time to visit is during European competition nights, when the crowd is more focused and the atmosphere is less rowdy.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the bartender about the daily specials. They often have deals on draft beer during matches, and it is not always advertised on the board."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the bar has a small chalkboard near the entrance listing the day's matches, updated each morning. Service slows down badly during lunch rush, so if you want a quiet drink before the match, come early.
10. The Sports Bar at the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya
The Hard Rock Cafe on Beach Road is not a traditional sports bar, but it has become a surprisingly good spot for sports viewing Pattaya, especially during major tournaments. The screens are large, the sound is excellent, and the atmosphere is more polished than the sois. The crowd is a mix of tourists and expats, and the staff are professional and efficient.
I visited last week for a Saturday Premier League match, and the place was busy but not packed, with a good mix of people actually watching the game. Order the burgers and a cold beer, and you will fit right in. The best time to visit is weekend afternoons, when the screens are on and the crowd is engaged.
Local Insider Tip: "Sit near the main stage area if you want the best screens. The side tables are fine, but the sightline is not as good, and you might end up watching the game on someone else's screen."
One thing most tourists would not know is that the staff will often put on lesser-known matches if you ask nicely, especially during quieter midweek nights. The outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, so stick to the indoor tables if you are here for a long session.
When to Go / What to Know
If you are planning a game day bar crawl in Pattaya, start on Soi Buakhao in the early afternoon and work your way down. The Premier League matches on Saturday and Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds, and the atmosphere is at its best. Midweek Champions League nights are also good, with a more focused crowd and less chaos.
Most of the bars on Soi Buakhao are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily hop between them if the crowd or the atmosphere is not right. The Beach Road spots are a bit more spread out, but they are worth the trip if you want a more polished experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that parking on Soi Buakhao is a nightmare on weekends, especially during big matches. Consider walking or taking a songthaew from the main road. Also, most of these bars do not take reservations, so if you want a good seat, get there early.
Finally, do not be afraid to ask the staff to put on the match you want. Most of them are happy to switch channels if there is not a big crowd, and you might end up with your own private screening. That is the kind of thing that makes sports viewing Pattaya special.
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