Beyond the roar of the game, Jonesboro is a sports bar town, too. Countless spots in the city serve up wings, burgers, and cold brews alongside the big screen. And there are a few clear standouts that know how to bring game-day energy and great grub together in perfect harmony. Here are our favorite spots in Jonesboro to catch the action right now.
Hooters
$ | (770) 478-2262 | WEBSITE
For their wings, Hooters uses plump, juicy chicken that brings a little heat and does much more than act as a blank canvas for frying. The batter might look a little simple at first glance, but don’t fret. It’s classic crispy-style coated with seasoning that gives a satisfying crunch and perfect texture to each bite. Everything gets even better once you dip a piece in their ranch sauce that has enough creamy tang to make us forget any other kind of dipping sauce exists.
50 Yard Line Sports Bar-Grill
$ | (770) 994-1666 | WEBSITE
50 Yard Line Sports Bar-Grill stays open year-round, but really comes alive during football season, right when our collective need for wings and big screens kicks into high gear. The fried wings are crispy and juicy like a perfect chicken nugget while steak quesadillas get loaded with melted cheese and a side of salsa that adds a nice kick.
If the fried stuff isn’t your thing, get the cheese sticks—which are not only fun to share, but delicious with gooey mozzarella, marinara sauce, and that satisfying pull-apart cheese stretch. The $5 Don Julio shots and strawberry margaritas keep the energy up while rap and old school hip hop thump through the surround sound. It’s the kind of place where you can shoot pool, meet people at the bar, or just soak in the lively atmosphere on one of their many clear TVs.
Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or a private event, it delivers that classic sports bar experience with good food, affordable drinks, and an owner who actually cares about making your visit memorable.
Sports Cafe
$ | (770) 603-7221 | WEBSITE
Based on their fresh wings alone, it’s easy to conclude that Sports Cafe knows their way around satisfying bar food. The crispy coating has a great crunch, and their shrimp fried rice is perfectly seasoned while still being fluffy throughout. Their combo comes with a choice of classic buffalo or honey garlic sauce, but you’re really going to want to double down on their creamy ranch “house special” dip instead.
Miller’s Ale House
$$ | (229) 355-2711 | WEBSITE
If you want a solid sports bar experience without having to search through endless options, check out Miller’s Ale House in Jonesboro. Their burgers have a satisfying, well-seasoned quality with an ideal balance of juiciness and char, along with wings that are served so generously that there’s a good chance each order contains the equivalent of multiple birds. We’re not complaining.
Cafe Hot wings
$ | (770) 471-3200 | WEBSITE
Right in Jonesboro, there’s a sports bar on the main strip that you might have walked right by without giving it a second look. Not only do they serve some of the best wings in the state, but there’s a solid variety here, from perfectly-sized cheesesteaks to crispy, sauced wing combos. Their incredible hot sauce—which sounds like the spiciest thing you could imagine—is also a delicious blend of heat and flavor.
Order these with extra sides of their signature fries, or be forever disappointed when you run out with still a few wings left.
Magnolia Lounge
$ | (404) 549-8402 | WEBSITE
This sports bar in Jonesboro doubles as a casual dining spot, where they serve up classic American fare in a relaxed setting. Here you’ll find well-cooked wings, tasty drinks, and nicely portioned dishes, all prepared with care. We prefer going with their default choice, the attentive service from the amazing staff, which pairs best with their clean atmosphere and hands-on hospitality from the owners.
63Forty Lounge
$ | (678) 489-8683 | WEBSITE
This relaxed lounge in Jonesboro isn’t near any sports arena, but it feels like the perfect game-day spot—there are flat-screen TVs, upbeat music in the background, and aromas of satisfying bar food coming from the kitchen. Of those happy hour offerings, try the $5 drinks and eats, a selection of affordable appetizers and beverages that hit the spot. They deliver solid value, and we appreciate that you can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Steel City Grill
$ | (678) 519-1720 | WEBSITE
Normally, the bigger the sports bar, the more impersonal the vibe. But Steel City Grill’s atmosphere alongside friendly service defies such expectations. Casual and lively with upbeat music, it only appears rowdy—the staff and owners are genuinely warm and welcoming. A generous order of their tasty wings or steak hoagie, and you’ve got an exemplary balance of satisfying food and good times. Their outdoor grill and smoker adding to the inviting aroma is a bonus, too.
While you’re at it, make it a full celebration by catching a football game or enjoying the hookah lounge.
Wishing Well
$ | (678) 272-8467 | WEBSITE
Jonesboro has plenty of spots to catch a game, but this sports bar has them all beat. A lively space on one side features dart boards and pool tables, while the other side offers a bar with tables for casual dining. The lemon pepper steppas are the standout here, with perfectly seasoned chicken that practically melts in your mouth (stealing the show from the usual bar fare).
Grab a seat near the bar—just prepare to enjoy your meal with the energetic crowd that seems to have been waiting all week for this kind of fun.
404 Sports Bar & Grill
$$ | (678) 573-6948 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, the “wings” part in “lemon pepper wings” can be a predictable staple that makes you want to shrug. Not at 404 Sports Bar & Grill. The lemon pepper wings from this Jonesboro spot are stupendous. They have a crispy shell on the outside and juicy, tender insides, and pair almost suspiciously well with this lively bar’s salmon bites and a frosty hookah session.
The funnel cake fries are a delicious and generously portioned side dish that feels like a decadent treat, while the crab and chicken jambalaya round out a menu full of crowd-pleasers. It’s a fun, energetic atmosphere with a dancefloor and line dancing, though the automatic gratuity policy gives some pause. Still, with the “Food Magician” chef behind the bar and a well-stocked drink selection, it’s a go-to for a lively night out.
J R Crickets Lovejoy
$ | (770) 731-0743 | WEBSITE
We’ll be honest, our favorite thing at J R Crickets is probably their Philly Cheese Steak. But their veggie sandwich is a close second. It’s very fresh, packed with crisp vegetables, and we have a very hard time resisting their warm atmosphere with servers like Bri providing kind and attentive care.
Madhouse Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (404) 761-4200 | WEBSITE
Madhouse Sports Bar & Grill (not to be confused with other Atlanta sports bars) has been a game-day institution in Jonesboro for years. You can expect wings so crispy and flavorful they’re like eating potato chips, mac and cheese baked fresh without so much as a hint of dryness, tangy sauces, and some of the best karaoke entertainment in town. Pair it all with a mega margarita or a cold beer—or, more realistically, both.
For a lively pre-game gathering or casual night with friends, you can’t get much better than a trip to Madhouse’s cool little vibe.
JB’s Billiards & Bar
$ | (404) 366-4200 | WEBSITE
One of the best sports bar experiences in the Atlanta area is actually a short drive away in Jonesboro. The greatest thing about JB’s Billiards & Bar, though, is how lively the entire atmosphere is—it’s packed with pool tables, hookah setups, and a salad bar that offers great value, with meals like three tacos for just $10.50.
That, plus tasty food, fairly priced drinks, and karaoke nights with a DJ spinning tunes, and there are plenty of reasons why we’d head over to this spot for a fun night out.
Sugar Bush Bar & Grill Sports Bar
$ | (678) 479-7272 | WEBSITE
Sugar Bush Bar & Grill proves that teriyaki wings can outshine standard buffalo any night of the week. This sports bar in Jonesboro is the go-to spot for game-day gatherings, complete with spring rolls for vegetarians and a lively atmosphere. Standing at Sugar Bush’s bar area in the evening watching multiple flat-screen televisions while enjoying their signature wings is just as essential of a local experience as catching line dancing events with friends.