SR
Sofia Reeves
September 13, 2023

Best Bars to Watch Tennis (US Open and Wimbledon)

Grand Slam tennis creates a particular social atmosphere. Unlike most sports, tennis matches span hours of continuous play. The US Open in September brings New York's entire metro area into focus—it's a hometown event. Wimbledon in June carries British tradition and ceremony. Both occasions demand the right viewing environment: clarity of vision, quality sound, and comfortable seating for the duration.

The bars we've identified aren't just venues with screens. They're establishments that understand tennis culture—the importance of early rounds that deliver surprising upsets, the patience required during rain delays, the sudden intensity of tiebreaks. From bars near Queens' Flushing Meadows to London lounges with Wimbledon tradition, these are the spaces where tennis fans gather to witness tennis at its highest level.

The Best Tennis-Watching Venues

01
The Baseline Bar & Grill

Located within walking distance of Flushing Meadows where the US Open takes place, this bar becomes a tennis headquarters during September. The screens are positioned to eliminate glare. The bartenders schedule themselves around court schedules. The kitchen stocks match-day provisions. Reservations are essential during the Open—this venue fills to capacity by mid-morning.

Order: Aperol Spritz with truffle fries

02
Court Side Manhattan

An upscale establishment that caters to professionals who want to watch Grand Slams without descending into sports bar chaos. The cocktail program draws on tennis traditions from around the world. The seating is arranged in small clusters rather than facing a single screen. The crowd is refined without being pretentious.

Order: Wimbledon Cup (Pimm's and cucumber)

03
The Net Player

A casual neighbourhood bar that transforms during the US Open. The owners actively encourage locals to gather here on match days. The atmosphere is social rather than reverential. The kitchen serves simple, sustaining food designed for hours of viewing. During the Open, this becomes a genuine community space.

Order: Beer with burger

04
Wimbledon House

Steps from the All England Club, this pub becomes the unofficial Wimbledon headquarters each June. The decor celebrates tennis history. The crowd is a mix of players' families, Wimbledon ticket holders, and serious tennis fans. Strawberries and cream are on the menu throughout the tournament. The atmosphere is genuinely convivial without being commercialized.

Order: Pimm's with strawberries and cream

05
The Championship Club

A stylish bar that draws London's tennis community during Wimbledon and Australian Open seasons. The design is contemporary without being trendy. The screens are positioned at proper viewing angles. The staff have genuine tennis knowledge. The cocktail list includes tennis-inspired creations. Booking ahead is wise for major matches.

Order: Elderflower gin sour

06
The Service Break

Named for tennis terminology, this bar caters specifically to Grand Slam viewing. The owners are former tennis players. The screens are professional-grade. The sound system handles court ambiance and commentary clearly. During the US Open, this becomes ground zero for serious tennis fans who understand the sport's nuances.

Order: Lager with chicken sandwich

07
All England Members

A members-only venue that opens to public viewing during Wimbledon. The facilities are premium. The seating is designed for comfort. The food and beverage offerings are restaurant-quality. Membership is required or day passes can be purchased during tournament weeks. The atmosphere is distinctly refined.

Order: Champagne with canapés

08
Ace Lounge Manhattan
Upper East Side £££ Luxury Sports

A high-end sports lounge that caters to affluent Manhattan residents during major tennis events. The décor is modern and minimalist. The cocktails are craft-focused. The food is prepared by professional chefs. This is where established New York money gathers to watch tennis. The vibe is exclusive without being unfriendly to newcomers with proper reservations.

Order: Aged whisky with oysters

09
The Grass Court Pub
Wimbledon £ Traditional Pub

A traditional English pub that serves the Wimbledon area year-round but becomes essential viewing during the tournament. The atmosphere is thoroughly local. The crowd includes people who live near the All England Club. The pub shows matches on multiple screens. The food is proper pub fare that suits long viewing sessions.

Order: Cask ale with ploughman's lunch

10
The Volley Club
Brooklyn £ Neighbourhood

A Brooklyn neighbourhood bar with surprising tennis credentials. The owner played college tennis. The screens are properly positioned. The bar attracts serious tennis fans year-round. During Grand Slams, the energy intensifies. The food and drinks are simple and well-executed. Reservations help secure spots during major tournaments.

Order: IPA with fish and chips

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The Right Venue for Grand Slam Tennis

Tennis at the Grand Slam level is a different proposition from casual sports viewing. The matches are lengthy. The skill level is extraordinary. The emotional arcs are genuine. The right bar for watching tennis is one that respects the occasion—where the sound is clear enough to hear court-side commentary, where the seating is comfortable for extended periods, where other patrons understand that tennis demands attention.

The venues we've identified understand this. Whether you're in New York for the US Open or travelling to London for Wimbledon, these are the places where tennis fans gather to witness the sport at its highest level. Reserve early, arrive well before matches begin, and settle in for tennis the way it's meant to be watched.

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