Sandbar Sports Grill, winner of The Valley's Best Sports Viewing Bar, is an ideal location to catch Super Bowl XLII. West Vail's favorite bar sports 30 TVs (many of them HD) and enough drink specials to keep even a losing fan happy.
The forecast is calling for another fresh dump of that sweet, sweet powder this weekend, and if the predictions are accurate we could find ourselves in the thrall of a white wonderland weekend. But don’t be surprised if you find the mountains quite empty on Sunday, despite the depth of the new snow. If you don’t know why our precious peaks would be abandoned Feb. 3, then I question your citizenship, sir or ma’am. Soon we’ll be celebrating the most American of holidays, Super Sunday. The unbridled gluttony of Thanksgiving and the florid fireworks of the Fourth do stir my patriotic soul, but the Super Bowl has gluttony, fireworks and a performance by Tom Petty.
This Super Bowl, however, holds particular importance to me. I’ve made no secret of my New England heritage and love for the regions teams, and this year we will see my beloved (and perfect) Patriots take a stab at history against a city at which so much of my sports fandom frustration and anger has been directed. It’s a “perfect” storm. Offer your prediction in our poll and share the love, or hate, in the comments below. I imagine it will be hate now that the Pats are putting the “nasty” in dynasty…
Super Bowl XLII will be taking place in Arizona but, lucky for you, Vail has no shortage of bars with high-definition TVs that will be tuned to that America's championship game. So, where to watch? Well, as football fans (and employees of Plum), we’re no strangers to the Valley’s many bars and we’ve culled together a list of some of our favorite spots for sports viewing.
The Tap Room: The ever-popular Tap Room is located at the top of Bridge Street on the second floor of the Vista Bahn Building, mere second from the Vista Bahn Lift. Expect a cheery crowd and friendly staff. Game Time Grub- Try the chicken fingers with Ranch and BBQ sauce. The Tap Room also makes a terrific burger with a ton of fixings.
The Red Lion: The Village’s hottest spot is located at the top of Bridge Street. An ideal for those who want to get a few runs in before game time. You can be slope-side to bar-side in less than five minutes. Look for the red and white awning, and the crowds. You really can’t miss it. The Red Lion sports 19 TVs in surround sound and an attentive and enthusiastic staff. Expect the crowd to be large, varied and affable. Game Time Grub- With their own smoker, The Red Lion serves up some mean BBQ. We suggest the pulled pork or brisket.
Garfinkel’s: Lionshead’s premiere sports bar is located directly behind the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Born Free Lift and possesses undoubtedly the largest deck in Vail. Garf’s has got a whole mess of TVs including one wall-sized unit but unfortunately none of them are high-definition. Still, the location is unbeatable if you’re looking to ski the western part of the mountain before kickoff, and Garf’s massive space is ideal for large parties. Game Time Grub- Try the Turkey Rueben or the fried chicken meal for a warm and satisfying football feast.
Sandbar Sports Grill: Vail’s wildest bar is serious about sports. Sandbar is located in the West Vail mall off exit 173, nestled beside the Sports Authority. The spacious sports haven is packed on Sundays (or any day with a big match-up, really) and you’re guaranteed to run into at least one fan from each of the NFL’s 32 teams. Sandbar maintains 30 huge TVs (many of them hi-def), a terrific, friendly and attentive staff, and some great drink specials Expect a large and enthusiastic crowd and expect to get caught up in the hooting and hollering yourself. Game Time Grub- We strongly recommend the wings. They’re big and meaty. Our favorite flavor is “Joey Style”.
Paddy’s Sports Bar & Grill: Vail’s “Original Sports Bar & Grill” is actually located just next door in Eagle-Vail, off exit 169 at 40801 Hwy 6 & 24. Tucked away in Eagle-Vail, Paddy’s is a true neighborhood bar where you’re sure to make some memories and experience joy and heartache with friends over tight games. Paddy’s provides a respectable number of TVs, ample space, friendly staff, a great drink selection and a diverse and robust menu. Game Time Grub- We suggest the fish & chips. Tempura battered and golden fried codfish with fries and slaw? Can’t beat that.
Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub: For sports in Avon, you really can do no better than Finnegan’s. Located on East Beaver Creek Blvd, right beside Loaded Joe’s, this two-story temple of Irish worship takes football to the next level. The Pog Mo Thoin Sports Bar (located upstairs) contains more TVs than you can toss a pigskin at, not to mention the pub maintains a finished wall (a literal wall!) of HDTV’s. Their expansive and varied drink menu is none too shabby either, but Finnegan’s friendly and fun staff goes the extra step with a game day menu of cheap eats and drinks. This may be football heaven. Game Time Grub- Onion Rings, Nachos or Quesadillas. Any choice will leave you more than satisfied. We suggest going with all three.
e-Town: One of Edwards’ newest restaurants is already the charming hamlet’s favorite sports bar. Located on the far Eastern portion of Riverwalk, just off Hwy 6, the chic e-Town sports 16 HD flat-screen TVs and, already, a reputation for some of the best and most-friendly bartenders and staff in the Valley. e-Town is your best bet West of Avon for a great football viewing experience. Game Time Grub- Try the three-cheese burger. It’s thrice as nice.
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