Football is back and we’re ready to celebrate! Whether you’re a diehard fan or someone who’s just along for the ride wings, Long Island is the perfect place to raise a glass for the Giants or Jets.
Whether it’s a Thursday, Sunday, or Monday, the right sports bar can elevate even the worst game to an enjoyable event. Just grab a beer, make a friend, and spend the night complaining about the injuries ravaging your fantasy football team. Not a bad way to spend a school night.
Here are 11 of the best places to catch a game in Nassau and Suffolk County.
Locations in Farmingdale, Franklin Square, Rockville Centre, and Smithtown
Go there to enjoy: An awesome, extensive beer list. Croxley’s offers 54 beers on tap, 41 beers in bottles, and 4 beers in cans—and not one is Bud, Coors, or Miller (which they don’t serve at all). Expect lots of local beer, more than a few of them Edible favorites, and friendly, attentive service.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: A “Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel.” Served with spicy bier mustard and cheese sauce, this pretzel is roughly the size of an adult male head. Expect to (a) share it with a friend or (b) inflate your stomach to such a degree that Tom Brady will never play games with you.
Locations in Northport and Smithtown
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKPA17qA_wJ/?taken-at=256987605
Go there to enjoy: A lively atmosphere full of friendly faces and big-screen TVs. Napper Tandy’s is a favorite among locals—who affectionately drop the Tandy’s and call it Napper’s—and there is a palpable sense of community at its bar. Expects lots of drink specials, a crowd of all ages, and a few new friends before the night’s over.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: A “Smithtown Burger.” A homemade half-pounder with chipotle, cheddar cheese and onion rings, this burger is so delicious it may just inspire you to dab in public. Resist the urge for the following two reasons: (1) You’re not Cam Newton and (2) No one dabs in Smithtown.
Locations in Farmingdale and Plainview
Go there to enjoy: Watching the game on any one of their 80 (!) TVs. The Main Event also has an extensive menu of fresh seafood, which is delivered daily by the owner’s own seafood distributor. Expect a huge selection of food—and even a gluten-free menu!
Quell your mid-game munchies with: “Field Goal Fries.” These bad boys—topped with Southern chili and mozzarella cheese with brown gravy on the side— are worth the 3 extra “points” on the scale the next morning.
4. Old Street Restaurant & Bar
92 East Main Street, Smithtown
Go there to enjoy: Half-price beers and wines in a friendly, cozy space. Sit at the bar and rejoice in the fact that—should you want to—you could do the Victor-Cruz-victory-salsa without intruding on anyone else’s personal space. A rarity in sports bars!
Quell your mid-game munchies with: A “Hot Pastrami and Cheese Melt on a Pretzel Roll.” According to anonymous sources close to the New York Giants, this sandwich is the only thing that would comfort Jason Pierre-Paul in the days following his fireworks accident. (Insert wink emoji here).
Locations in Bay Shore, East Northport, and Farmingdale
Go there to enjoy: Football-specific specials. From $1-off IPAs to $5 pitchers, Changing Times is the perfect place to spend your Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays without breaking the bank.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: A “Poo Poo Platter.” With mini tacos, potato skins, mozzarella sticks, boneless wings, and onion rings, this ain’t your mama’s pu pu platter. Still, it’s the perfect companion this football season for fans of the Giants and Jets. There’s nothing wrong with eating your feelings.
5590 Merrick Road, Massapequa
Go there to enjoy: College Football Saturdays. Specials include $2-off pitchers and $4.50 for bottles of Coors or Bud Light. Take photos of their cheeky signs for your friends on Facebook and Instagram.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: Fish & Chips. Served with tartar sauce and steak fries, McCann’s fish and chips are some of the best you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic. Hide your credit card so the experience doesn’t inspire you to follow the Giants to London in October for an international taste test.
396 New York Avenue, Huntington
Go there to enjoy: The largest selection of craft beer in Huntington. Get there early to secure a seat or a spot at the foosball table. Challenge your friend to a game; loser buys the first round of 1/2-off Palms.
350 Union Avenue, Holbrook
Go there to enjoy: Bad Boy Lemonade. Made with Jameson, lemonade, lemon, and a dash of bitters, this drink will make even the sorest loser sweet.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: “Cordon Bleu Balls.” Served with marinara sauce, these tender chicken balls stuffed with ham and swiss are the stuff dreams are made of—especially if your dreams include endless “bleu ball” jokes.
9. Del Fuego
Locations in Babylon, Patchogue and St. James
Go there to enjoy: American football and Mexican cocktails. Need we say more? Margaritas for Manning 2016.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: Beef Brisket Tacos. Served with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, poblano aioli, and Mexican cheese, these babies are hotter than the Giants’ wide receivers.
183 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Square
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBbJs8cxXIB/?taken-at=4387504
Go there to enjoy: Thursday Night Football. Expect great beer and all-you-can-eat wings. Understand that all-you-can-eat is a courtesy, not a challenge.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: “Peanut Butter and Jelly Wings.” Forget fantasy football; these wings are the real football fantasy. According to anonymous sources close to the New York Jets, last year’s altercation between Geno Smith and IK Enemkpali began when Geno ate the last of these wings without first offering them to IK. Wars have started over less.
1856 Wading River Manor Road, Wading River
Go there to enjoy: Phil’s Blonde Ale. Brewed by Long Ireland, this house ale is smooth, refreshing, and easy to drink. Rumor has it Odell Beckham, Jr. dyed his hair immediately after enjoying a pint of it.
Quell your mid-game munchies with: A “Bacon Blue Burger.” Served with bacon and crumbled bleu cheese, these burger tastes better than a Super Bowl ring looks. If your friend tries to order something else, we highly suggest calling an audible.
Did we miss your favorite sports bar? Let us know in the comments!
