Tradition dictates that fall Sundays are built around two pastimes: watching football and drinking lots of cold beer. We’ve got nothing against this time-honored duo, but sometimes we’d rather watch quarterbacks getting sacked with a good cocktail in hand. Try one of these bars, where the bartenders can do more than just pour a pint, and the TVs are tuned to the NFL all day.
Choptank, 308 Bleecker Street, New York, 212 675 2009:
The Ravens are the house favorite at the nautical-themed Choptank, but even if you’re not a Baltimore fan, make your way to the enclosed backyard for a view of the two TVs, oysters from the raw bar and Kevin Patricio’s delicious cocktails. The drinks alone may be worth donning a Ray Lewis jersey.
What to Drink: Johnny Apple (Laird’s Applejack, prosecco, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura Bitters, La Baleine sea salt)
Deep Ellum, 477 Cambridge Street, Allston, Mass., 617 787 2337:
Regulars and college hipsters collide at the welcoming neighborhood joint Deep Ellum to watch the two flat-screens. The long cocktail list is full of classics and includes 10 different versions of the Manhattan. And if you must have a beer, the bar stocks an impressive selection of brews from all over the world.
What to Drink: White Manhattan (Bols Genever, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, house-made wormwood bitters, Demerara sugar cube)
Elixir , 3200 16th Street, San Francisco, 415 552 1633:
Roll out of bed and head to Elixir (pictured above), where the games are on beginning at 10 AM. Wake up with a concoction from the saloon’s legendary make-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar. Postgame, patrons unwind with a cocktail created by the bar’s owner (and Liquor.com advisor) H. Joseph Ehrmann.
What to Drink: The Kentucky Pilgram (Wild Turkey Bourbon, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, Demerara syrup)
Sable Kitchen & Bar, 505 North State Street, Chicago, 312 755 9704:
Who needs nachos and a brewski? Nosh on gourmet corn-scallion hushpuppies while Sable’s head bartender, Mike Ryan, plies you with fine cocktails from his extra-large menu of drinks. Televisions streaming sports non-stop flank the bar, so you won’t miss a minute of action. If Da Bears win, celebrate with a glass of one of the establishment’s more than 130 single malts.
What to Drink: Chuck Yeager (Smith & Cross Rum, El Dorado 12-Year-Old Rum, Yellow Chartreuse, cinnamon bark syrup, lime juice, Angostura Bitters)
Looking for more great watering holes? Check out our bar guide for the best bars in the world.
