Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill Is America’s No. 1 Local Sports Bar
St. Petersburg just scored a national win
USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill the #1 top local sports bar in the United States! The recognition puts a longtime St. Pete favorite on the national map while keeping the celebration rooted right here at home.
How the list was decided
The 10Best lists begin with nominations from a panel of travel and food experts, then readers vote the finalists into their final order. This year’s results crowned Ferg’s at number one, with the announcement landing just as football season gets underway. Local and national outlets confirmed the result following USA Today’s release.
What sets Ferg’s apart on game day
Ferg’s blends neighborhood energy with big event scale. The venue spans nearly two city blocks and is outfitted with more than ninety televisions so fans can follow every pitch and play from almost any angle. Beyond the main rooms, there are eleven distinct spaces designed for gatherings of different sizes, and Ferg’s Backyard can accommodate up to three thousand people for rallies and concerts. USA Today’s blurb praised the bar’s classic pub fare and lively atmosphere, capturing what locals already know.
Thirty years of St. Pete sports culture
Owner Mark Ferguson opened Ferg’s in 1992 near the domed stadium now known as Tropicana Field, and the spot quickly became part of the city’s sports DNA. Today, many fans still make the easy walk over for Rays games and other major events, keeping Ferg’s at the center of the action on Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The national recognition reflects a legacy built over decades of watch parties, wins, and community moments.
Why this win matters for Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg’s dining and nightlife scene has evolved into a destination in its own right. A first-place finish in a national readers’ poll signals what locals have felt for years: the best seat for the game might be right here, surrounded by neighbors rather than thousands of miles away. Coverage across Tampa Bay media echoed that pride and amplified the news well beyond Pinellas.
Looking Ahead: Ferg’s and the St. Pete Night Market
The timing of Ferg’s national recognition couldn’t be better. Starting October 1st, the St. Pete Night Market launches at Ferg’s, transforming the award-winning venue into more than just a game-day hub. On the first Wednesday of every month, visitors can expect live music, local vendors, food, and community energy under the same lights that just put St. Pete on the national stage.
By tying together the city’s best sports bar with a recurring market event, St. Pete is blending two of its strongest traditions: cheering together and supporting local makers. Whether you come for the game or the market, October marks a new chapter in how Ferg’s connects people.
Planning your visit
If you are heading to Ferg’s on a big game day, expect a crowd that feels like a stadium section, plenty of screens, and a menu built for sharing. If you stop by on the first Wednesday of the month, you’ll also find the Night Market bringing together food, shopping, and entertainment. That combination of sports, culture, and community commerce is exactly what makes Ferg’s a place worth celebrating nationwide.