With the NFL season kicking off on September 4, many football fans are once again seeking great places to watch a game or two (or perhaps more) during their visit to Las Vegas. Thanks to the rise of mobile betting apps, fans who like to place a lot of action on multiple games no longer need to stay anchored in a casino sportsbook all day. Instead, they can place their wagers while sampling the city’s new wave of sports-minded restaurants, pubs, and even pool decks.
The Neon Feast dining guide spotlights 11 of the best places to watch the action this year. And we visited four of the hottest to learn what they have planned for the season. As you can see, each offers its own version of over-the-top viewing, tailgating, food, and drinks.
You can hear complete interviews with all of the people quoted in this article on the August 29 episode of the Food and Loathing podcast. And you can find even more great places to watch the game at NeonFeast.com or on the Neon Feast app.
Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar (Mandalay Place)
“It’s all about fun — cocktails, activations, even halftime hawkers,” says Flanker’s Zach Jukel.
Football season at this Mandalay Place sports bar means wall-to-wall energy. With more than 50 HD screens and a 30-foot LED board, every game — from Monday night NFL matchups to early Saturday college kickoffs — gets a front-row treatment.
This year brings a slate of promotions: Diageo cocktail specials, Dos Equis tie-ins, and official fanbase tailgates for teams like the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos when they’re playing at the nearby Allegiant Stadium. Raiders ticket giveaways, halftime entertainment and appearances by former players are all part of the mix.
Flanker has also teamed up with Nielsen’s Frozen Custard for a Strip-side pop-up serving vanilla, chocolate, and rotating flavors — with special football-inspired treats on select days. UNLV students receive 15% off food and beverage, and those looking for more than football can retreat to a private viewing/karaoke room equipped with a PS5 for Madden. Add in its proximity to BetMGM windows, and you’ve got a one-stop game day destination.
Ri Ra Irish Pub (Mandalay Place)
Just upstairs from Flanker, Ri Ra is known for its commitment to European football. But American fans pack the place on NFL and college game days. With the Sunday Ticket package, Guinness flowing at $6.95 a pint, and half-price appetizers during daily happy hour (3–6 p.m.), the pub is a comfortable home base for fans of any team.
“We show every game, every week,” says Scott Sherman. “But come early — the place fills up hours before kickoff.”
The vibe is especially electric on game days at Allegiant, when you can expect the room to fill early with partiers on their way to the stadium, and then swell again minutes after the final whistle. Raiders fans are always out in force, but visitors from New England, Kansas City, and beyond turn Ri Ra into a lively melting pot of jerseys and chants. It’s a genuine Irish pub atmosphere with a Las Vegas twist.
DawgHouse Saloon & Sportsbook (Resorts World)
Inside Resorts World, the Dawg House Saloon sits right beside the sportsbook, creating a seamless game-watching and betting experience. With more than 100 screens, every NFL matchup is accounted for — and staff will seat you near a TV tuned to your team of choice.
“We’ve got over 100 TVs, so if you’re a Bills fan, we’ll seat you right in front of the Bills game,” says Anthony Lane, DawgHouse’s general manager.
Game day menus range from small platters to shareable feasts of wings, nachos, and sausages. Beer and shot specials keep the party going, and VIP sections for 12–15 people come with private TVs, sound control, and bottle service. Sunday hours stretch from 8:30 a.m. through the night game, while reservations on OpenTable can secure everything from a $100 package to all-day VIP packages with minimum spends of $3,000.
With its central location, proximity to Resorts World’s Famous Foods court, and easy access to kiosks for quick bets, Dawg House is a no-nonsense option for serious fans.
Stadium Swim (Circa)
“There’s nothing like watching a game from the water with a 140-foot screen in front of you,” says Chris Wilberding, Stadium Swim’s director of operations.
Not a bar, not a traditional sportsbook, Stadium Swim at Circa is one of the most unique game-day venues anywhere. The rooftop pool deck features six swimming pools and a massive 140-foot screen that turns every game into a full-scale spectacle. And Wilberding refers to the start of football season as “Christmas morning.”
Crowds pack in during opening weekends and key rivalry games, with general admission ranging from $40 to $80, depending on demand. Those who splurge can choose from cabanas, poolside boxes, and suites, often with bottle service delivered in an over-the-top fashion (sometimes accompanied by champagne sprays or football-themed vessels).
For a more low-key experience, you’ll find bar & grill stations offering walk-up food and drinks, including sliders, lobster corn dogs, chicken Caesar wraps, and a variety of beer and cocktails. Betting kiosks are sprinkled throughout the venue, though most guests use the Circa Sports app. So whether you’re chest-deep in the pool or perched in a cabana, you won’t miss out on any action.
