Three sports bars to find your fellow fans
Unless you never watch television, surf the Internet or read a newspaper, you probably know that a certain basketball tournament is now in full swing.
Yes, March Madness is here, and while there’s certainly no shame in waking up at 10 a.m. and stumbling out to the living room to watch the games on your own 22-inch TV screen on your own sofa. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a good sports bar – well, except for actually being at the game – while you witness your own tournament brackets going down the crapper.
The Pearl Street Mall is home to three quality sports bars: The Lazy Dog, Old Chicago and the West End Tavern. There’s definitely more around town, and as a result this is by no means an absolute list. But I’m only one man, so pull up a barstool and see which of these three establishments is best for you.
Sports Bar Quick Facts
Lazy Dog
-Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6 p.m.
W-Sat., 12 a.m.-close
-Best Special: $3.00 Lazy Dog Amber Ale
-Best Food: Any kind of burger
Old Chicago
-Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6 p.m.
-Best Special: Free Pizza with drinks Sunday nights
-Best Food: Famous Big Cookie
West End Tavern
-Happy Hour: M-F, 3-6 p.m.
-Best Special: Yam Chips with Guacamole during happy hour
-Best Food: Eh, go for the views, not the food
The Lazy Dog
Location: 1346 Pearl St., in between 13th and 14th Streets.
Perhaps the definition of a sports bar, the Lazy Dog offers more TVs than any two eyes could possibly need. It doesn’t matter where you sit in this place; chances are you’ll be able to see your game perfectly right from your barstool or booth.
For those who are 21 and up, or have a really good fake, you’ll be happy to know that the Lazy Dog offers over 30 different types of beer . Yes, they do have other, perhaps classier drinks, such as Chardonnay and Merlot, but if you are watching the Sweet 16 and swirling a glass of red wine while eating your filet mignon, maybe this article isn’t exactly for you.
Along with your beer, the Lazy Dog is known for having one pretty good burger. And indeed, it doesn’t disappoint. The chicken wings are also decent, though they are never as big as you’d like.
Finally, the Lazy Dog sports a rather nice rooftop bar where perhaps you could take a break from the hours upon hours of basketball. And with the recent weather Boulder is having, it’s a great place to remind your eyes what natural light feels like again.
Old Chicago
Location: 1102 Pearl St., in between 11th Street and Broadway
Yes, it’s a huge, multi-state chain. But did you know that this particular Old Chicago was the very first established?
Boulderites generally look down upon huge corporations like this, but seriously, have you tried Old Chicago’s Famous Big Cookie? This freshly baked cookie is so good, you’ll still feel bliss even after you realized you took the Wisconsin Badgers over the Texas Longhorns in the championship game.
Speaking of that championship game, you’ll have no trouble finding it on the dozens of television screens around the restaurant. Though not as plentiful as the Lazy Dog’s, Old Chicago’s TVs are large and crystal-clear.
Old Chicago’s patio is also located at one of the best spots for people watching around town. And with over a hundred choices of beer, you’ll have no trouble enjoying the view, be it sorority girls or Runnin’ Rebels.
West End Tavern
Location: 926 Pearl St., in between Ninth and 10th Streets.
OK, this isn’t really a prototypical sports bar. If you are looking for your plethora of TVs, go to the Lazy Dog or Old Chicago.
But what the West End Tavern lacks in televisions, it makes up for in one of the best rooftop views in all of Boulder. So while the rooftop bar only has three TVs, all plasma-screens, the bar’s ambience is perhaps its strongest selling point.
If you want to enjoy Boulder’s beautiful scenery but hate the effort of hiking, and still want to catch the game, then this is the place for you. Just remember, the tavern’s specialty is its view, not necessarily its food. With that in mind, skip on the wings, which are sometimes only as big as your pinky finger. But when summer finally comes around, order that beer, see the Rockies lose again, and enjoy another beautiful Boulder day with a great view the way God intended it-completely inebriated.
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There they are, a few of Boulder’s finest offerings in sports bars. The Madness continues this Thursday through Sunday, so there’s no better time to check these places out than now. Happy sports watching, and for the love of God try that Famous Big Cookie.
Contact Campus Press Staff writer Evan Acker at evan.acker@thecampuspress.com.
