Image Source: Mims Copeland | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Key Takeaways
- The Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards is now open for nominations for the best sports bar in the Portland area
- Several sports bars are mentioned, including The Mule Bar, Jerry’s Tavern, Spirit of ’77, and The Sports Bra
- Nominations are open until 11 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, and finalists will be revealed later that week
- The Sports Bra is a unique sports bar dedicated to women’s sports and is expanding across the nation
Introduction to the Readers Choice Awards
The Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards is a highly anticipated event that allows readers to vote for their favorite local establishments. With the college football playoffs in full swing and the NFL playoffs just around the corner, the focus is now on finding the best sports bar in the Portland area. As the article states, "With the college football playoffs happening now and the start of the NFL playoffs just around the corner, we want to know your pick for the best sports bar in the Portland area." This is a great opportunity for readers to share their opinions and help recognize the top sports bars in the region.
Featured Sports Bars
Several sports bars are mentioned in the article, each with its own unique characteristics. The Mule Bar, for example, took over the space where Stanich’s was located on Northeast Fremont Street in 2024. Jerry’s Tavern, on the other hand, was picked by dining critic Michael Russell as one of the best new restaurants last year, with its chicken wings being one of Portland’s 25 best dishes of 2025. As Russell noted, the chicken wings at Jerry’s Tavern are a must-try, and the bar’s atmosphere is perfect for catching a game. Spirit of ’77 is another popular option, with its rich history as a Blazers bar and its reputation as one of the best places to watch soccer. The article quotes, "Spirit of ’77, a Blazers bar (the name references the year of Portland’s only NBA championship) that’s also one of our favorite places to watch soccer."
The Sports Bra: A Unique Concept
One sports bar that stands out from the rest is The Sports Bra, which is dedicated to women’s sports. As the article states, "The bar started in Northeast Portland and is opening franchises across the nation." This unique concept has gained popularity, and it’s exciting to see a sports bar that caters specifically to women’s sports. The Sports Bra is not only a great place to catch a game, but it’s also a symbol of progress and inclusivity in the sports world. By providing a platform for women’s sports, The Sports Bra is helping to promote equality and recognition for female athletes.
Nomination Process
The nomination process for the Readers Choice Awards is now open, and readers can submit their favorite sports bar until 11 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. The article reminds readers to "nominate your favorite for the Readers Choice Awards below." The finalists will be revealed later that week at oregonlive.com/readers-choice. This is a great opportunity for readers to have their say and help recognize the best sports bars in the Portland area. By participating in the nomination process, readers can help shape the outcome of the awards and ensure that their favorite sports bar receives the recognition it deserves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards is a great way to recognize the best sports bars in the Portland area. With several excellent options to choose from, including The Mule Bar, Jerry’s Tavern, Spirit of ’77, and The Sports Bra, readers are sure to have a difficult time deciding on just one. As the article states, "We want to know your pick for the best sports bar in the Portland area." By nominating their favorite sports bar, readers can help make their voice heard and contribute to the success of the awards. Whether you’re a fan of college football, the NFL, or women’s sports, there’s a sports bar in Portland that’s sure to meet your needs. So, don’t wait – nominate your favorite sports bar today and help make it a winner in the Readers Choice Awards.
https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2026/01/nominate-your-favorite-sports-bar-in-the-portland-area-for-our-readers-choice-awards.html