I had a reader e-mail me, asking if any bars will be running food or drink specials for college football this Saturday, and also asking for my recommendations on where Downtown to watch college football.
As of yet I don’t know of any specials. If you do, e-mail me at paul@paulryburn.com and I’ll post ’em.
As for my recommendations, here they are:
1) Calhoun’s Sports Bar. 5 LCD TVs, they’re getting the ESPN college game package, and they’re opening early for the games (11 AM; normally they open at 4:30 PM). $1.50 PBR all day. Free bar snacks all day. It’s a small bar so get there a little while before the game to get a good seat. At least one LCD TV is visible from every seat in the house. Friendliest crowd of any bar listed here.
2) Red Rooster. They have the most big-screen TVs in Downtown Memphis, cold beer, and great food served in huge portions.
3) Flying Saucer. 3 LCD TVs and 2 CRT TVs; I hear the remaining CRTs will be replaced soon. Largest selection of beers Downtown, hot waitresses in miniskirts, pool table, dart boards.
4) (tie) Jillian’s and Hooters. These places have a lot of big TVs, and are usually known to get all the game packages. The only reason I don’t rank them #1 above Calhoun’s is that, quite honestly, these places both suck. Mediocre food, high prices.
5) (tie) The bar at Big Foot Lodge. Note: The TVs are all CRTs, so if you have to see the game in HD, avoid this one. Also, the TVs are not visible from the restaurant area. Also, you have to put up with Meghan if she’s bartending. So why would I bother recommending this as an option? 34 oz. Big Foot Coors Lights to drink while you watch the game, and a better food menu than any of the places listed above.
5) (tie) Downtown Blue Monkey. TVs are visible from most seats in the house, although if you’re sitting at the bar you’ll have to crane your neck to the left or right. TVs are HDTVs. Reasonable beer and drink prices, very good food menu.
That should be a good list to get you started. Go Tigers! Go Hogs!