USA Today nominates these Alabama hometown favorites for its 2025 best sports bars

USA Today is looking for the best sports bar in the U.S. – and they’ve picked two that you’re probably very familiar with.

The list, compiled by a panel of travel writers, singles out several, with readers invited to vote for the best through Aug. 18.

The Top 10 winning sports bars will be announced Aug. 27.

Why these watering holes? First, they aren’t part of any chains or franchises.

Secondly, they were singled out for “their electric atmospheres, abundance of big-screen TVs, top-tier food and drink menus, and comfortable seating that keeps sports fanatics coming back all year long.”

There’s Pensacola’s Flora-Bama, singled out for its view of the gulf and seafood offerings.

“With each visit, diners can choose between more than 20 TVs showcasing a wealth of different games, then sit down to snack on key lime shrimp, char-grilled oysters, and gulf grouper po’boys,” the list states.

The Southern burger at Paramount in Birmingham, Ala., is stacked with bacon, smeared with pimento cheese, dressed with lettuce and tomato, and crowned with fried pickles and ranch dressing.(Bob Carlton/[email protected])

Also making an appearance is Birmingham’s Paramount on 20th Street North. It gets singled out for its catering to sports fans and gamers.

“After a few rounds of pinball or Mario Kart, visitors can make their way to the bar for a plate of Jamaican jerk wings or a fresh grilled cheese, with plenty of craft beer options available to pair with a meal,” the list says.

And for those of you planning a trip to the SEC Championship in Atlanta, there’s The Beverly and The Brewhouse Cafe.

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