New Yorkers Gear Up for Big Game Day
As the stage is set for the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, bars and restaurants throughout New York City are bracing themselves for a busy Sunday. According to Candy Potts, general manager at Judy Z's Sports Tavern and Kitchen in the West Village, the bar and kitchen will be well-stocked to accommodate the anticipated crowds.
"It's going to be a very busy day," she said, recalling last year's event when so many fans showed up that there weren't enough seats. Watching the game at a bar alongside fellow enthusiasts, however, Potts noted, is an entirely different experience than watching from home.
"There's the friendliness you don't always get everywhere in New York City – it's just more fun," she said. Many patrons share her sentiment, with some fans eagerly anticipating the matchup while others are less enthusiastic about their teams' chances.
For example, Alec Horen, a Seahawks fan from Bushwick, believes his team deserved a spot in the big game and pointed to what he saw as an easy schedule for the Patriots. Another server at Bearded Lady in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, is also rooting for the underdogs.
Juliet Deane noted that working on Super Bowl Sunday has its perks, including regular customers who are always friendly and in good spirits. The bar will be playing both games simultaneously, which she believes helps to diffuse any potential tension.
For fans not rooting for either team, there's plenty of other reasons to tune in – particularly the highly-anticipated halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny. Brian Aranque Perez, a Patriots fan with mixed feelings about his team's chances, is looking forward to the show as much as the game itself.
If you're planning on joining the crowds this Sunday, here are some top spots to catch the action:
Tara Rose: This popular Irish pub in Murray Hill offers half-priced margaritas and $6 pints of Guinness for a fun pre-game experience. Don't forget to grab an Irish spice bag when you need a pick-me-up during the game.
Hair of the Dog: With 23 TVs and projectors, this Lower East Side sports bar is ready to host large groups. Pair that with their signature burgers and happy hour specials, and it's sure to be a winner.
Overlook: Turtle Bay's Overlook pub has everything on its menu – from wings to loaded nachos – along with more than 30 HDTVs and two massive Jumbotrons. Don't worry about getting a seat; just enjoy the game!
Panzón: Greenpoint's Panzón is another spot that will stream both games, including the halftime show. Don't forget their all-day-long happy hour specials and endless wings to snack on.
Keg & Lantern: Two locations in North Brooklyn are offering seat reservations with a $50 minimum spend and pre-ordering chicken wing trays for those who can't get into the action at either venue.
Brooklyn Public House: This vintage-inspired sports bar boasts an impressive beer menu, including regional brews and special deals for both Seattle and New England fans.
As the stage is set for the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, bars and restaurants throughout New York City are bracing themselves for a busy Sunday. According to Candy Potts, general manager at Judy Z's Sports Tavern and Kitchen in the West Village, the bar and kitchen will be well-stocked to accommodate the anticipated crowds.
"It's going to be a very busy day," she said, recalling last year's event when so many fans showed up that there weren't enough seats. Watching the game at a bar alongside fellow enthusiasts, however, Potts noted, is an entirely different experience than watching from home.
"There's the friendliness you don't always get everywhere in New York City – it's just more fun," she said. Many patrons share her sentiment, with some fans eagerly anticipating the matchup while others are less enthusiastic about their teams' chances.
For example, Alec Horen, a Seahawks fan from Bushwick, believes his team deserved a spot in the big game and pointed to what he saw as an easy schedule for the Patriots. Another server at Bearded Lady in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, is also rooting for the underdogs.
Juliet Deane noted that working on Super Bowl Sunday has its perks, including regular customers who are always friendly and in good spirits. The bar will be playing both games simultaneously, which she believes helps to diffuse any potential tension.
For fans not rooting for either team, there's plenty of other reasons to tune in – particularly the highly-anticipated halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny. Brian Aranque Perez, a Patriots fan with mixed feelings about his team's chances, is looking forward to the show as much as the game itself.
If you're planning on joining the crowds this Sunday, here are some top spots to catch the action:
Tara Rose: This popular Irish pub in Murray Hill offers half-priced margaritas and $6 pints of Guinness for a fun pre-game experience. Don't forget to grab an Irish spice bag when you need a pick-me-up during the game.
Hair of the Dog: With 23 TVs and projectors, this Lower East Side sports bar is ready to host large groups. Pair that with their signature burgers and happy hour specials, and it's sure to be a winner.
Overlook: Turtle Bay's Overlook pub has everything on its menu – from wings to loaded nachos – along with more than 30 HDTVs and two massive Jumbotrons. Don't worry about getting a seat; just enjoy the game!
Panzón: Greenpoint's Panzón is another spot that will stream both games, including the halftime show. Don't forget their all-day-long happy hour specials and endless wings to snack on.
Keg & Lantern: Two locations in North Brooklyn are offering seat reservations with a $50 minimum spend and pre-ordering chicken wing trays for those who can't get into the action at either venue.
Brooklyn Public House: This vintage-inspired sports bar boasts an impressive beer menu, including regional brews and special deals for both Seattle and New England fans.