It’s sweltering hot, and you may not be thinking about football at the moment, but training camp starts before you know it and then it’s time for the Superbowl. If you’re hoping to cheer on your favorite NFL team in New York City, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the game (especially if you’re a New York Giants or a New York Jets fan). Here are eight places to visit to get your fix of sports life and football fandom in the Big Apple.
The Best Bars in New York City For Football Fans
Down the Hatch
If kickoff times right, book a table to enjoy Down the Hatch’s Bottomless Basement Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The popular Greenwich Village college favorite offers unlimited domestic drafts, seltzers and mimosas to wash down wings, waffle fries or tater tots and onion rings for a set price of $40 per person. On other days or evenings, get ready for the first down with a Ghost Pepper Spicy Margarita, jello shot or creative menu of craft beers. If you’re a Jets fan, you’ll have lots of company here.
Redemption
The haven for Washington fans, Redemption guarantees a solid Midtown East sports bar experience without your needing to shell out big bucks. The brick-walled sports lounge is a blend of sports bar and nightclub. The beer menu of some 30 drafts, bottled and craft choices spans the globe. Not into beer? There are many creative libations, including their version of frosé, made with Champagne and strawberry puree. The food menu includes burgers, wings, tacos and finger food. You can also reserve one of their private rooms and bring all your besties together for a spirited evening.
Smithfield Hall
A hybrid for indoor and outdoor football watching, Manhattan’s Smithfield Hall is an easy walk from Madison Square Garden. The outdoor covered area has nine heated tables with eight television screens to ameliorate the winter viewing experience. Indoor, there are two bars, 27 tables and 26 TVs, accommodating fans of all teams (the bar conveniently posts a schedule of games on their website). The diverse menu includes vegetarian as well as fan-fave dishes. Wear your team jersey and enjoy the experience.
Bounce Sporting Club
Want some DJ music with your touchdowns? Bounce Sporting Club is the place for you. With more of a club feel than a sports bar, Bounce sets a new tone in Chelsea with bottle service to keep the vibe with a mix of music and sport. You might need to dress up a bit for this one, or at least trade your ripped blue jeans for a pair of tailored black ones. Reservations are needed, and there’s even a tab on the website to let you know what the wait time is. A curated wings menu complements trendier bites like poke tacos, truffle mushroom flatbread and avocado toast with black kale.
The Supply House
If you find yourself on the Upper East Side, The Supply House is a comfortable favorite for watching the game and enjoying a day or evening with friends. You’re invited to pre-game, too, as The Supply House opens at 10 a.m. daily. Lined with brick walls, The Supply House has an industrial-meets-my favorite apartment feel and has large glass windows that are open during warmer months. The beer menu is fiercely local with a variety of unusual craft brews, and the burgers feature Pat LaFrieda’s incomparable blend of brisket, chuck and short rib.
Blondies
Upper West Siders have been flocking to Blondies for years for a basic sports bar experience. Reservations are accepted for large groups and are advisable on key game days. The bonus here is that screens actually play the games with volume, so diehards don’t have to listen with earbuds on their phones while they watch. Along with typical burgers, tacos and other sports bar fare, the smothered wafer fries topped with cheese, chili, jalapenos, onions and sour cream are a messy standout.
Off the Wagon
For the past 25 years, Off the Wagon has been the home for NYU students and Greenwich Village locals to watch sports in its bi-level space. Open well past the final touchdown until 4 a.m.; the sports bar has 17 TVs and a giant 100” screen showing games all over the country. There are 29 draft, bottled and canned beers; hard seltzers; and lots of other spirits to keep you animated. Food choices range from tacos and burgers to a variety of wraps. There are also choices for vegetarians. On select nights, DJs amp up the spirit.
