Football season is now in full swing. UA is doing well, and even if your favorite NFL team is 0-3, there is still some hope for you. Football is huge in this country and so often game day is treated like a holiday, complete with mighty fine vittles and libations as a huge part of the celebration. I wanted to take this column to share some of my favorite spots around town to eat, drink and watch some good ol' pigskin fly (and maybe fly into my mouth too!)
Trident Grill: (2033 E. Speedway Blvd.) Despite the fact that this place is a Redskins bar, it is still a great place to catch the big game. They have nine flat screens and a big projection screen where they play all the NFL and UA games. Plus they are right near the stadiums for an extra special atmosphere. The food is great, full bar and they have 24 beers on tap. Stand outs? Try the clam chowder, Irish egg rolls, VooDoo Daddy burger.
SkyBox: (5605 E. River Road) On the classier side of sports bars, this is a great place to enjoy a game with a martini. They have a beautiful full bar, good tap beer selection including local brews, lots of flat screens and eclectic menu. Stand outs—steamed mussels, Cowboy burger, grilled fish tacos.
Elliot's On Congress: (135 E. Congress St.) Small and they only have four TVs but this place is a hip spot to catch a game. Good taps and a full bar. The owners love their sports but they pay even more attention to their food. Stand outs—"Not your traditional cheese sticks," duck sliders, fried PB&J.
Home Plate: (4880 E. 22nd St.) This place is divey, but has a special place in my eastside Tucson heart. They have a ton of flat screens and a couple of projection TV's where they show all the big games. Also have batting cages for the kiddos to keep them busy while you watch your team. Tap selection is not great, but will suffice. They also have a full bar with great bartenders so you might not miss the craft brew/cocktails. Food is what you would expect, but there are some really good menu items. Stand outs—hot wings, steak finger basket, chili dogs.
R.J.'s Replay: (5769 E. Speedway Blvd.) They really spruced up the old Berky's location. Tons of TVs, including a movie screen on the back wall. Full bar, and awesome tap selection, it is a perfect place to enjoy sports for an afternoon. The menu is small but executed well. Stand outs - Their wings are great! (all flavors), loaded tots, good and creative specials.
The Canyon's Crown: (6958 E. Tanque Verde Road) Great beer selection, full bar and enough TVs to get by. They do have Pac 12 network and the NFL ticket for all the football games you need. The beer and menu here is really why this one made the list. I have not had a bad meal here. Stand outs - bangers and mash, Guinness pie, everything!
Rusty's Family Restaurant and Grille: (2075 W. Grant Road) This westside gem is perfect for families and those rolling solo alike, with two floors of sports on TV and excellent service. Good beer selection and a full bar. Stand outs—bistro medallions, bacon/cheese fries, Silver City sandwich.
No Anchovies: (870 E. University Blvd.) Located in the heart of Cat country, this is the place to be for UA games with the action-packed university environment all around you. Decent amount of TV's for the event, they even bring out some projection TV's on the patio during football games, both NFL and College. They have a pretty decent draft beer selection and full bar. Stand outs—wings, salads, okay pizza.
