The Silverado is the truck that works as hard as you do.
On game days, you’ve got several options when it comes to watching the action. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket to a Detroit football or hockey game, you’re the envy of everyone else. If not, you can either watch from the comfort of your own couch, or take the more exciting route and head to a local bar.
Should you go with the latter, you’re going to want to do your research first. You could make the awful mistake of heading to a bar or restaurant with little to no televisions, where you have to crane your neck to see a single play. While you could certainly head to a chain chicken wing restaurant, let’s not. I’ve done the investigating for you and have compiled a list of great sports bars in Metro Detroit with more TVs than you knew you needed.
Doc’s, 19265 Victor Pwky., Livonia, has been around for nearly 10 years and has over 30 draft beers on tap, not to mention 70 plus flat-screen TVs for your sports viewing pleasure. Whether you’re looking for a hockey or football game, you’re going to want to head to Doc’s, especially for the daily specials.
Thirsty Thursdays entail discounted drafts and well drinks as well as $1 off house wines from 3 p.m. to close. Sunday night football gets even better with $3 you-call-its from 9 p.m. to midnight. Don’t forget about the food, either, including options like a Chicken Caesar Wrap, Bacon Burger, Fish Tacos and Boneless Wings (with your choice of one of nine sauces).
24 Seconds, 3071 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, boasts, you guessed it, 24 big screen HD TVs. If that’s not enough sports action for you, I don’t know what is! There are also 24 beers on tap, and drink specials every day of the week. In addition to those, happy hour is held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, which includes $1 off all well drinks, draft beers and appetizers.
Once you’ve got your beer in hand, you’re going to want something to keep your stomach happy while you watch the game. Try the Buffalo Chicken Dip (made with five different cheeses, chicken and buffalo sauce), Steak Burger (a half pound patty served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion and garlic aioli) or Cuban Midnight Panini (turkey, ham and Swiss cheese with pickles on rye bread).
Sports Brew Pub, 166 Maple St., Wyandotte, is the city’s only brewery, and has more than 25 TVs perfect for catching the game. Your game day experience will get that much better with an Irish Red, Cherry Ale, IPA or Raspberry Wheat brewed in house.
While you cheer on your favorite Detroit sports team, be sure to sample a few tasty items from Sports Brew Pub’s menu. You have many choices, including Deep Fried Ravioli and Beer Battered Pickles to start. Follow that up with a Tropical Chicken Wrap (teriyaki chicken breast with cheese, dried cherries, grilled pineapple, lettuce and honey Dijon), Garlic Steak Hoagie (sirloin with sautéed mushrooms, onion, melted cheese and garlic aioli) or Black Russian Burger (a half pound patty topped with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and coleslaw on pumpernickel).
The Broadcast Booth, 6550 Allen Rd., Allen Park, has upwards of 25 TVs in the building, and this place promises that “we’re always cookin”! Keep in mind that there are food and drink specials on game days, including $7 select pitchers and a platter of 30 wings for $18.
Drinking on an empty stomach is always a bad idea, and nibbling on something during a sporting event is always a good one, so be sure to order something for yourself or for the table to share. Pregame appetizers include Steak Bites and Cookhouse Nachos, which are the perfect choice before ordering one of the menu’s “Bingo Bango Sandwiches.” Try the Fresh Italian Sausage, Ranchero Wrap (with grilled chicken and guacamole) or Grilled Portobello.
Tap, 1777 Third St., Detroit, is located inside MGM Grand Detroit, and is a great place to catch a game. With over 50 draft and bottled beers and more than 40 HD flat screen TVs, how could you not enjoy yourself? The beer menu includes several Michigan-brewed favorites, including Atwater Dirty Blonde Ale, Short’s Huma Lupa Licious and Right Brain Flying Squirrel. Choose four and create your own flight for just $8!
Complete your order with some Chicken Wings (buffalo hot, medium, mild, Thai, Korean BBQ, Four Pepper, BBQ and Mayhem sauce are all available), Detroit House Nachos (with ground beef, chipotle Cheddar cheese sauce, tomatoes, black olives, red onions, black beans, jalapenos and salsa), Sweet Pepper & Sausage Pizza or Downtown Burger (topped with salami, spicy mustard, coleslaw and Swiss cheese).
Mallie’s Sports Bar & Grill, 19400 Northline Rd., Southgate, is known for its extreme eating challenges, including the “world’s largest burger” (it weighs in at a whopping 10 POUNDS). Since I don’t think any of us want to tackle that, just go for the 30 plus TVs. There are daily specials at Mallie’s, including half off Tuesdays, where all Mallie’s pizzas are half price until 10 p.m. Pizza and a Detroit hockey game sound like a mighty fine pairing to me.
If pizza doesn’t sound appealing (what are you, an alien?), order the Turkey Pretzel Club (grilled smoked turkey with bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard mayo) or Peanut Burger (half pound patty topped with roasted peanut mayo).
Ciccarelli’s 22 Sports Bar, with locations in Shelby and Auburn Hills, has one of the most impressive TV setups around. If you don’t believe me, take a look for yourself! If there’s any place to watch a Detroit hockey game in the D, it’s one named after (as well as owned and operated by) Dino Ciccarelli.
Be sure to try Dino’s Favorite Burger (with provolone cheese, Canadian onion, applewood smoked bacon and Canadian sauce), Italian Sub, Stevie’s Favorite Pizza (with ham, pepperoni and mushrooms) or Cajun Mac & Cheese (with smoked ham and Andouille sausage).
The next time your friends ask you to get together to watch a Detroit sports game, take it upon yourself to suggest one of the bars and restaurants above. You’ll enjoy a great night out, and hopefully see a victory!
