Football season is upon us, so it's time to kick off the game-watching rituals. Whether for NFL or college match-ups, if you can't make it to the stadium, the game-watching location can be as important as the action on the field. Factors like volume level, TV visibility, and food and beverage selection all make or break the experience. After all, if one must drown their sorrows after a bad loss in a stiff drink, it should at least be a good one.

The newest, hottest place to watch the Cowboys is Texas Live, the massive new complex with 90-foot screens next to AT&T Stadium. But if a drive to Arlington isn't in your game plan, here are five of Fort Worth’s best sports bars to catch all of the action this season.

Texas Republic
There are plenty of bars to watch the game around the busy West 7th district, but only one has a 168 square-foot megatron LED TV. The Texas country-themed bar and restaurant draws crowds not only for watch parties, but for made-to-share cocktails (like champagne cherry limeade and a 94-ounce giant mule) and glitzy bottle service that comes with a sparkler and confetti show. Expect all Cowboys games and big college football match-ups to be shown on the big screen. Bonus that brunch, including bottomless mimosas, is served Saturday and Sunday until 3 pm. Here’s hoping the upcoming, 6,000-square-foot, climate-controlled rooftop patio will open by playoff season.

Dino’s Live
Although connected to a dive called New York-Style Pizza & Gyros (which also sells Chicago-style hot dogs), the Race Street bar turns into Dallas Cowboys country come Sunday during football season. Fans who bleed blue and silver flock for pitchers of cold beer, bloody marys, and big-screen TV viewing of the game with the volume turned all the way up. Owners also run the neighboring restaurant, and the full menu of hot pizzas, thick calzones, gyro sandwiches, wings, and more are available to Dino’s patrons. When there’s not a big game or boxing match on, music (often live) fills the air. Find plenty of bar stool seating inside and a covered, street-side patio outside.

City Works
With more than 6,000 square feet and 18 flat-screen TVs, the Shops at Clearfork restaurant and sports bar provides a more upscale option for sports viewing. High-top and low tables, along with big booth seating and a copper-clad bar, accommodate groups of all sizes, and the outdoor patio has a climate-controlled cover. Sure, there’s plenty of beer (90 on tap), but the cocktail and whiskey lists run deep, too. There’s also wine on tap for those who prefer a freshly poured Pinot over a pilsner. Don’t miss the seasonal rosé menu, which includes a strawberry frosé and elderflower smash made with rosé vodka, available through the summer.

Buffalo Bros
Having celebrated its 10th anniversary last fall, the college hangout is the place to be for all TCU watch parties. But fans will also find big name boxing bouts, UFC fights, PGA golf and everything in between on the roughly 40 flat-screen TVs. Quarters can get cozy inside during big games, but that’s part of the dive’s charm. There’s an enclosed outdoor patio that provides for some overflow, although for some, it is the preferred place to sit. Pitchers and frosty schooners of beer are the beverages of choice here, and they’re well-suited for washing down thick-crusted pizza and hot wings. The place is owned by chef Jon Bonnell, who sets a high bar for food and service.

Flips Patio Grill
Word is there’s a private room reserved at Flips’ Fossil Bluff location every Sunday for Pittsburgh Steelers fans to root for their favorite team. But that doesn’t keep DFW sports fanatics of all sorts from flocking for burgers, beer and game-watching. With two Fort Worth-area locations (the other is in Grapevine), Flips is also family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids, and even the dog, as the spacious outdoor patio is also pet friendly. There are plenty of local craft beer selections on tap, but also tried-and-true domestics that everybody knows.