Out of The Zone and Into the 'Hood

Gothamist enjoys hot wings, brew and the game on TV as much as anyone - but we can't seem to wrap our arms around ESPN Zone, or even The Park Avenue Country Club, for that matter. They just feel more like theme parks for frat boys and Midwesten businessmen excited to be in the Big Apple, than honest-to-goodness sports bars.

As New Yorkers, we've learned that neighborhood sports bars are really the way to go if you're looking for honest-to-goodness in the sports bar category. For example, the Upper West and Upper East Sides can both claim an outpost of Blondie's, a fave on both sides of Central Park. Even metro-area Irish pubs seem to be touting flat-screen TVs for sports fans. (Great! Now, that's one less place where gals can get their guys to have a conversation that goes beyond dribbling, touchdowns and homeruns.)

And, word has it that a new sports bar called Clark Station will be opening on Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. Apparently, the sports spot will be featuring burgers from around the world. Gothamist is a little afraid of needing to bring a passport to grub it up - but we're willing to give it whirl, once they open their doors.

So, where do you get your sports fix along with food and drink?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By VittlesVamp in Food on December 1, 2005 12:38 PM

Comments [rss]

kwanito

The folks behind Mercury Bar and Joshua Tree also own Sauce in Medford, MA.

Sports bars don't appeal to me. If I do find the occasion to drink with like-minded Rangers fans, it'll be at the Garden- otherwise, I enjoy the game from the comforts of my home.

LuckyMojo

One would think that Tonic in Times Square would be crawling with tourists, but actually is fairly well stocked with locals on Sundays. Big screens all around, two main levels (second is nicer), plus a small third level - living room style, that you can rent out. They also make great Bloody Marys and have decent food. Same owners as Mercury Bar and Joshua Tree.

Pmo

205 5th Ave. in Brooklyn.

Around here it's called two hundred fifth. And anyone whose been there on a sunday during football season knows,

it is by far one of the better neighborhood sportsbar/restaurant on the east coast..let alone NY. All different types, all walks of life, and full of great energy.

And the food is excellent.

Definitely worth a visit. But get there early if you want to sit.

Josh

I must say that if I want to go watch the big game with my buddies, ESPN Zone is the place to do it. In my opinion, it has that living room atmosphere with the leather recliners, TV's all over the place (even in the urinals,) a floor full of games and some great grub.

We try to go every Sunday for NFL football and if we can't sit in the recliners, we head right for the studio grill where they just installed flat screen HDTV's all over the place.

Even though it's a theme restaurant, it has the atmosphere that just makes me want to keep going back!

Karl

Nice Guy Eddie's on A and Houston. it usually ends with a frat boy-esque game of Big Buck Hunter once the games on TV lose appeal. cheap pitchers though

jess

scruffy duffys on 47-48th and 8th ave. bomber place - during the world series 2 yrs ago they gave free beers for every homerun on the nyy!

austin

The Riviera Cafe on 7th Ave and West 4th is a must for NYC Red Sox fans, as is Phoebe's, mentioned above in the first post.

Ben

Croxley Ales is great...

tien

the key to being a sports bar on sunday's is having directv.

mark

if i want a sports fix, i can go to new jersey... there are plenty of sports bars there. one reason to move to new york city is to not be surrounded by sports bars.