The sports bar has long been a staple in American cities and neighborhoods. Defined as a tavern that airs various sports games on television screens around the establishment, these establishments have become local gathering places whether or not the playoffs are on TV. They're also known to display decorative sports memorabilia on the walls and serve simple, indulgent foods like appetizers, burgers, and wings alongside refreshing beers and cocktails. Here's a closer look at how the sports grill and bar became a national tradition.

When the First American Sports Bar Was Founded

The first establishment to earn the iconic American label was Palermo’s Tavern, which was founded in St. Louis in December of 1933—on the very day Prohibition ended. The newly branded tavern had actually been a restaurant and confectionary store for 10 years while alcohol sales were still restricted. 

Located right next to Sportsman’s Park, which was home to the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns, fans and players were already frequent patrons of the establishment before drinks were able to be served. Once it was officially a tavern, customers could eat, drink, and listen to the game on the radio while visiting the bar. 

How Buffalo Wings Became an Icon

A plate of wings is a tradition in sports restaurants and bars, and they got their start at Buffalo, New York’s Anchor Bar in 1964. The legend says that bar owner Teressa Bellissimo served her son and his friends the new dish because they had a surplus of chicken wings from a mistaken delivery. 

She simply used ingredients she had on hand for the iconic sauce and sides of blue cheese and celery. The combined vinegar and hot pepper sauce were a huge hit, and the New York town now celebrates Chicken Wing Day every year on July 29th as a remembrance of the birth of this iconic snack.

How the Modern Sports Bar Became Prevalent

The key characteristic of today’s sports taverns and restaurants is that they have countless screens airing several different games at one time. The philosophy of showing a variety of sports events simultaneously started with Legends in 1979 in Long Beach, California. 

Founded by the LA Raiders’ Dennis Harrah after his retirement, the bar had an impressive display of sports memorabilia. What made the bar stand apart from other sports establishments was that it used satellite television to air sports games from all over the world in one location. 

If you’re looking for an inviting, casual, and friendly spot to watch the game or listen to live music, stop by Bud’s Sports Bar in Chattanooga, TN. They've been serving delicious American food for over 40 years and have televisions on every wall for viewing both professional and college games. Local beer and cocktails are served alongside lunch specials during happy hour from 2–7 p.m. every day. You can even enjoy karaoke nights or the live entertainment of local bands that play on dedicated nights of the week. Call (423) 499-9878 or visit their website for more information on band schedules and specials.