M-F (3PM-12AM), Sa-Su (12PM-12AM)
(609) 394-5502 Website Google Maps
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Championship Sports Bar & Grill has an identity problem–or at least a name problem. Though it is a bar, they have neither sports nor a grill. But in our opinion they are the apotheosis of a dive bar, with cheep beer, art and music all the time, video games and pool, and a friendly relaxed vibe. They are one of only two great bars in Trenton, and are absolutely worth a visit (the other, of course, is the up-market Trenton Social).
Though once it was a popular bar (with a working kitchen!), two years ago “Champs” was a joint you probably didn’t want to go into. Mostly empty with bartenders who liked to pick a fight with the patrons, this wasn’t a pretty place to be. The walls were unadorned, and could only be described as “decommissioned battleship gray.” But they changed management, and the culture of the place changed dramatically. Now, it’s a thriving scene, full of art and inhabited by Trenton’s street artists and punk rock communities. But everyone is welcome, and you’ll be sure to feel right at home when you sidle up to the bar.

The building (which also houses a liquor store) has a bar section and a music venue where bands frequently appear, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. There aren’t a lot of tables–but usually you can find a seat at the bar. The walls are lined with art and artifacts, from paintings to the many “tall bikes” that you can find throughout the building (welded double-height bicycles that seem to proliferate in Trenton’s artsy areas). There are scattered TVs, but most of them are hooked up to old-school video game systems (Nintendo, Sega, Nintendo 64) and only a handful are actually playing live television. Even so, you’re more likely to see The Daily Show than a sports game–and whatever you’re watching will likely be on mute (with captions) because the music they play is pretty great. On Tuesdays, Champs shows movies at 10PM (and everyone gets plastered and plays trivia as they watch the film). A pool game is $1, and there is also a ping-pong table and a small table with board games that you can bring over to the bar. On Mondays, they have an Art Chill Night where you can grab art supplies and work on an art project as you drink. It’s way more fun than it sounds.

Champs serves a diverse clientele, which is great to see in a city as diverse as Trenton. Even so, we haven’t yet seen many people there over 40. The per capita piercing/tattoo ratio is pretty high, which gives you a sense of their current clientele. They’re welcoming to everyone, though, and even have a few LGBT pride flags hung on the walls. After about 10PM, a security guard is present at the bar, though we haven’t seen any need for him. It’s a chummy and convivial joint, and if you show up more than once you’ll be greeted by name and made to feel like a regular.

Everything here is dirt cheap, but go for the beer. Wine is $4.50, and is served out of mason jars because the bar only has one wine glass (if they can find it). It’s vaguely drinkable, but you’re better off with one of their dozen or so draughts (some of which are quite interesting). They always have something cheap on draught at $2/drink, and they often have ciders. Champs makes sure to feature a range of local beers at all times. They don’t have a grill anymore, so if you want something to eat you can bring it in from a local restaurant (or have it delivered). In other words, it’s BYOF (bring-your-own-food). One of our favorite Jamaican restaurants is right next door. But this is the kind of place where the bartender might just order an extra large pizza and offer everyone at the bar a slice (this has happened to us).
If you want a wine list, a fancy mixed drink, or an elegant imported beer, go to Trenton Social–Trenton’s great upscale bar and restaurant. But if you want some great music, super-relaxed atmosphere, and an oddly neighborly (though grungy) vibe, you’ll feel right at home at Champs.
I’m one of few 40+ regulars and ive been coming to this bar since I was of legal age to do so. I’ve seen this bar when it was a sports and grill joint and at its highest peak and then at its crisis where its identity,sports atmosphere and kitchen was lost. Seen a lot of ppl from Management to bartenders to regulars and all the way down to some close friends blow in the wind. And at some point I didn’t understand the direction it was headed under its new management and maybe cause of my age I didn’t open my mind enough to try to but I will say as time has passed I’m really starting to appreciate and evolve with their vision to create an atmosphere of inspiration, love and creativity and a place that not only makes you feel at peace but a place that makes you feel at home within your soul. And I would take that over any venue that provides just the norm. Love them all at champs!!!!
Champs Rules! I have been going here for years, tho most of the time it is when they have live music going on. I have ever even played a few shows there with my own band. Lots of Great memories from Championship Bar!!!
Unfortunately cats are not allowed in although I wish they were! And we still love Mill Hill Basement here at Championship Bar. <3
Love this place
Championships-the official beer vendor of the Pork Roll festival in the Mill Hill Park (passed by a unanimous City Council resolution)
They should change the name and are cats still allowed in?
It was a sports bar and grill back in the day and it was rad and two years ago it was fine. Shows started to get booked back in ’05 and it evolved from that. It’s awesome now, but don’t knock the past.
EDITOR:
Thanks for this. I have added a bit to say that it was once a popular bar. -VegInCity
Don’t know how long you’ve lived in the area, but I lived here all of mylife, and Champions used to be THE sports bar .. my dad was there at least EVERYYY Sunday during the early to mid 90’s .. I even had a birthday party there. I also remember just a few years ago .. 2010/11 .. they still had food. Sucks the scene changed, but whatever; I frequent other bars now .. I like to munch while I’m drinking so I don’t wake up dying.
EDITOR:
Don’t worry, you can still munch while you’re drinking, you just have to bring your own food! BYOF -VegInCity
True- the kitchen is great, just need a cook that can deal.