By Michelle Reese
Photo provided by McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Football Season is in full swing! Obviously things are a bit different this year, but since you can’t be at the Linc with thousands of Eagles fans, you can at least grab a few of your friends to enjoy some drinks and food while watching on TV. Here’s a list of local spots that are open, will have the game on, and offer plenty of Game Day atmosphere. Plus, we’ve included a few suggestions for game time takeout if you prefer to watch from the couch.
Xfinity Live – 2020 Happening List Winner for Best Sports Bar
1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia
Xfinity Live is a repeat Happening List Winner for Best Sports Bar and in pure proximity, probably the closest you’ll get to the actual game this year. This year, they’re offering the option to purchase a socially distanced table for you and your friends – maximum of 4 people inside and 6 people inside. Prices vary by location within Xfinity Live, with a large portion of your reservation cost going toward a food and beverage credit.
Chickie’s & Pete’s – 2020 appening List Finalist for Best Sports Bar
1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia
The South Philly Chickie & Pete’s was named a Finalist in the 2019 Happening List, but everyone knows that crab fries are a Game Day favorite at every location. They’re currently offering outdoor and partial indoor seating as well as pickup and delivery – including to-go beer and cocktails.
BRU Craft & Wurst – 2020 Happening List Finalist for Best Beer Bar
1318 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Bru Craft (Photo provided by Aversa PR)
BRU is open with indoor dining on the main floor – including the beer garden setting with back wall that opens to the outside. Enjoy 39 beers on tap and German fare while watching the game on the projection wall plus 8 HD flat-screen TVs.
Nick’s Bar & Grille – 2020 Happening List Finalist for Best Burger
16 South Second Street, Philadelphia
Nick’s, the Old City staple corner, is offering limited indoor dining in the recently renovated dining room that includes HD TVS above the tables for sports action during your meal. Plus, don’t miss out on seven kinds of wings, including house-smoked signature hot-sweet wings, plus mild, hot, Old Bay, BBQ, garlic parm, hot honey.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St., Philadelphia
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McGillin’s Olde Ale House recently reopened after their 6 month closure – the longest time they’ve been closed in their 160 year history! This Midtown Village favorite is open for both indoor and outdoor seating during the games. Tables are limited to 4 inside and 6 outside. No reservations needed, first come, first served. Only complete parties will be seated. There are 2 flatscreen TVs outside, so you can watch inside or outside.
Tap Room on 19th
2400 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia
A cross between a neighborhood bar for locals and a gastropub, this South Philly spot features several large plasma TVs, a rotating selection of craft beers and a menu of upscale comfort food. Reservations are recommended for all Eagles games, as they anticipate reaching the ordered capacity limits quickly. Your reservation is for 4 hours, starting at kickoff.
If you prefer to watch the game at home, you can also order food, cocktails-to-go and beer for takeout!
Finn McCool’s Ale House
118 S 12th Street, Philadelphia
Finn McCool’s is open for indoor seating upstairs and down in the main first floor dining room and in the upper second floor special event space, allowing for about 50 seats. The TVs around the dining room and the projection wall will showcase all the major sports games.
Tradesman’s
1322 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Trademan’s (photo provided by Aversa PR)
Tradesman‘s is open on all floors including the main dining room, lounge/ bar dining area (in front of the bar as you enter main space), the upper mezzanine and the private event space on the second floor. The TVs around the dining room and the 10 foot projection wall will showcase all the games you’ll want to see. With all that space, they’re planning to have at least 70 seats available.
Evil Genius Beer Company
1727 N Front St, Philadelphia
Photo provided by Evil Genius, used with permission.
Like everything else they do, Evil Genius is getting creative with how they cheer on the Birds this year. Reserve a table so that you can enjoy some beer and snacks inside the brewery by the big screen. For $45 a head, you get to stay for the duration of the game and get a big ol’ set of goodies! Note: 2 person minimum, 4 guest max, indoor seating only. You may arrive up to 30 mins before kick off!
While you’re there, enjoy serious beer with seriously funny names – their Trick or Treat Chocolate Pumpkin Porter is now available for the season. And “Ew, David!” – an ode to Schitt’s Creek just debuted on September 16.
Takeout Suggestions
Game day really isn’t complete without some good grub. We suggest taking a look at our 2020 Happening List for the best food choices. Here are a few highlights:
Byrne’s Tavern – 2020 Happening List Winner for Wings
3301 Richmond Street, Philadelphia
Byrne’s Tavern is known for their tender and juicy pressure fried wings. They’re offering curbside pickup. Call early!
Wit or Witout Cheesesteaks- 2020 Happening List Winner for Cheesesteak
9970 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia
Cheer on your Philly Eagles while chowing down on a Philly favorite – cheesesteak. Having people over for the game? Wit or Witout offers catering! They also have new homemade chips that come in salt, garlic, cajun or BBQ flavors.
Fink’s Hoagies – 2020 Happening List Finalist for Sandwich
4633 Princeton Avenue, Philadelphia
Fink’s recently announced that they’ll be open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the Super Bowl. But you’ll want to get your hoagies early … they sold out of rolls before 2 during the first game of the season!
Tony Luke’s – 2020 Happening List Winner for Sandwich
39 East Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia
You don’t even have to leave your house to experience Tony Luke’s cheesesteaks! They ship their oven-ready cheesesteaks anywhere in the lower 48 states!
