Saturday night in Murray Hill saw Buddy’s fill up quickly before the Copa América match. The bar, which opened last fall, has added more screens and extended happy hour for the tournament. At Socceria in Williamsburg, a mix of locals and tourists gathered for the NBA Finals, favoring the bar’s Sicilian-style pies alongside pitchers of pilsner.
Sports bars across the city are adjusting their hours and menus for a packed sports calendar. With both Copa América and the ongoing baseball season, managers report increased demand for seats during game times. On the Upper West Side, Blondies continues to attract regulars with wing specials, while in Astoria, Katch Astoria opens early on weekends for international soccer.
Some bar owners noted the impact of cramped apartments as a factor. On Friday, patrons at Finnerty’s in the East Village cited lack of air conditioning at home as a reason to watch games out. Outdoor seating remains popular on warm evenings, especially along Third Avenue in Midtown.
Many bars have introduced reservation systems for major matches. At Standings in the East Village, the manager said Saturday reservations for group viewing sold out within hours. For those seeking a quieter scene, smaller Greenwich Village spots are reporting steady business from regulars during weekday afternoon games.
With several major tournaments scheduled for later this month, sports bar owners expect the pace to remain strong into July. Most recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, as crowds pick up by late afternoon.