The big game is nearly upon us, and for those looking for noise and funk to go along with the game-day festivities, we have compiled a list of bar/restaurants worthy of your consideration.
To start with the obvious question, where should you head this coming Sunday if you are an avid fan of either of the two teams in contention? The answer for 49ers fans is Finnerty’s (221 Second Avenue, bet. 14th & 15th Sts., 212-677-2655). In addition to its vaunted “keg service,” the bar will be conducting a raffle featuring some serious memorabilia, such as a Steve Young autographed 49ers jersey and a football autographed by Jerry Rice. For those looking to drink themselves into oblivion, a wristband providing access to an open bar is priced at $250. A la carte drinkers will need to cough up $80 to get in the front door.
Chief’s fans, meantime, get to eat as well as drink at John Brown’s Smokehouse (10-43 44th Drive, Long Island City, 347-617-1120), which prides itself in its Kansas City-style BBQ. On Sunday, the restaurant will feature a buffet of barbecued items, which you douse if you dare with the house’s incendiary ghost-pepper sauce.
At Treadwell Park, which has three locations (check the website for specifics), you can choose the elements of your nosh from a craft bar menu that includes sweet potato fries with garlic-red pepper aïoli, popcorn shrimp with pickled veggies, and guacamole. The Upper East Side location will feature a special menu consisting of a $39 guacamole bowl (for four), a dozen hot dogs for $50, sliders by the dozen, and a bucket of 10 beers for $55. In case you want to watch the game in addition to stuffing your face, there are 22 big screens to choose from.
The attraction at Woodpecker by David Burke (30 W. 30th Street, 646-398-7664) is the promise of endless wings and unlimited pizza. The already bargain-basement price of $35, moreover, is augmented by the offer of beverages served at happy hour prices throughout the game. Beverages on the happy hour menu can be found here.
If the sky’s the limit — literally — spend game day at Monarch Rooftop Lounge (71 W. 35th Street, 212-630-9993) on the 18th floor of a building that provides panoramic city views. The $25 general admission ticket provides an hour of open bar imbibing. Come up with $340 a head for a minimum of four people, and you get to sit during the game and are served a game-day food platter.
