Best Bars for Watching Football
Saturday, January 21, 2012
It's a big game this weekend, and you may want to enjoy it all in someone else's house... namely a great local bar/restaurant that gets it right. We've got a touchdown's worth.
Snookers, Providence
When Snookers moved to its new location on Ashburton Street, the bar was raised—pun intended—for sports bars in the Ocean State. Televisions everywhere, tons of seating, an open floor plan, and rowdy, serious sports fans know this is the place to be to watch the game in public. Don’t bother coming if you don’t intend to seriously watch the game—Chatty Cathys don’t stand a chance here. Chef David Livesey is pretty serious about his food, too, and has taken the concept of pool hall chow and made it his own. How about a menu that has a giant house burrito right next to prosciutto wrapped scallops with a balsamic reduction? Everything on the expansive (90 items plus) menu is tasty and of course there’s an excellent beer and cocktail menu to accompany. 53 Ashburton St, Providence, 351-POOL.
The Ocean Mist, Wakefield
Sometimes just looking at the ocean can make it feel like summer, right? C’mon—it’s worth a try. Head to the Ocean Mist, Rhode Island’s quintessential beach bar, on game day. They’ll have the Pats and the
Ravens on the big screen, infamously good wings, and a good beer selection. Lots of regulars—South County townies, bikers, firefighters, and bundled-up beach babes—are sure to keep things lively and interesting. During timeouts, the Mist is right on the beach, so there’s no bar with a better view. Order up one of their tasty Bloody Marys, watch the surf and dream of those beach days to come. 895 Matunuck Beach Rd, Narragansett, 782-3740.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
The Pier Restaurant, Newport
If you want some serious food with your serious football, it's all happening in Newport. We love that the Pier’s chef, Kevin Gaudreau, has been turning out touchdown-worthy food since his days at Trattoria Simpatico in Jamestown. Which means we'll head straight for an order of shrimp and lobster spring rolls with citrus, soy and sweet pepper glaze or the 20-ounce cowboy rib eye steak. Oh yeah, the game will be on the big screens, too. It's everything you'd ever want. 10 Howard Wharf, Newport, 847-3645.
Patrick’s Pub, Providence
Easy does it if you’re a relocated Ravens fan and you watch the game at this classic Smith Hill bar. If you get into an argument with the guy next to you, he’s likely to be the speaker of the house or another local pol. Patrick’s is the go-to place in Providence to catch the movers and shakers and chow down on some tasty Irish food (that is not an oxymoron!) Soothe your sorrows or celebrate those field goals with
a pint (poured by Patrick himself) and some homemade shepherd's pie. This is the genuine thing, folks—ground beef, corn, gravy and mashed potatoes, baked 'til golden brown and bubbly. The same Guinness that keeps the crowd here so enthusiastic also does wonders to the baby back ribs, served with chips and a tasty slaw. Slainte! 381 Smith St, Providence, 751-1553.
The Sport Zone Bar and Grill, Cranston
Easy does it, frilly-pink-drink drinkers. The Sport Zone and its patrons take sports very seriously, and those martini glasses spill easily. Best to order a bottle of Bud and take a seat. Five big flat screens, 30 feet of bar, and a big menu of classic bar food, sandwiches and snacks all equals 2000 square feet of pure, unadulterated sports bar fun. Any time of year, the Sport Zone has the capability to show any game that is televised thanks to their subscriptions to just about every cable and satellite sports package out there. 1785 Cranston St, Cranston, 942-0364.
Box Seats, Smithfield and Woonsocket
When Jim Casciano purchased Box Seats years back he fine-tuned an already great family sports pub and made it his own. Whether it’s you and a buddy or your whole darn clan, the family-friendly vibe here makes for a good time even if your team loses (um, or never made it to the big game to begin with). And even though we're not at the Super Bowl... yet... every Sunday is Soup-er Bowl Sunday…literally, thanks to their homemade soup bar. There’s also the classic bar grub like chili, nachos, wings, burgers, fish and chips and pasta. If you’ve got a finicky crowd, Box Seats should make ‘em all happy, no matter who wins the game. 332 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, 233-1800; 350 River St, Woonsocket, 762-0900.
For more food and football, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.
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