Nope, you haven’t traveled back to the year 2006. The Dallas Mavericks really are in the NBA Finals again against the Miami Heat. The first two games are out of town, so we’ve compiled your best bests for watching the game with a crowd. Game 1 is tonight at 8 p.m.
American Airlines Center
Yep, while the Mavs are away, you can play at the city’s biggest watch party at their home court. See Games 1 and 2 on the huge screen with the Mavs Dancers, ManiAACs, Street Team, and Mavs insiders Ali Dee and Ro Parrish. Snacks, drinks, and Finals gear will be available for purchase.
Vickery Park
A giant screen and delicious food come to mind. An enormous selection of beer and daily happy hour specials don’t hurt either.
McKinney Avenue Tavern
Sports for the MAT is like pink for Paris Hilton. A wall of TVs keeps you informed and a predictable menu of beer and bar food keeps your tummy content.
Nodding Donkey
This neighborhood spot packs in crowds so excited, the cops have been called. Make the Donkey your stop for a high-energy, passionate game-watching experience.
Champps
We love Champps for its reliable game-day scenery: TV screens with sports only, happy hours from 4 pm to 7 pm, and classic beers on draft.
Christies Sports Bar
Enjoy the no frills, open space here. Big-screen plasmas will project the game, but if you get a bit distracted (god forbid), you’ll find Golden Tee, pool, and more.
Lakewood’s 1st & 10
The TVs are perfect, and the food is delicious. Plus, if you’re actually into watching the game, rather than discussing your current bet, you can expect your neighbors to be watching diligently and not distracting you with nonsense.
Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill
Everyone knows Frankie’s is a sure bet if you’re looking for a true sports-bar experience. TVs fill every nook and cranny of wall space, and beer and bar food fills the menu. During games, beers will be available by the bucket.
Katy Trail Ice House
This bar loves the Mavs, and we love them for that. There are a million beers (well, close), and plenty of screens to choose from. Burgers are delish and there’s lots of space to pack in a rowdy crowd.
Humperdink’s
It’s a staple for Dallas fans. Giant screens occupy game watchers and microbrews satisfy beer lovers.
Angelika Film Center
This movie theater had us at “free admission,” but we’re good with the cash bar and hot dog and beer combo for $7.50.
Brackets
Like Fox Sports Grill, Brackets does the upscale thing. A chef-driven menu tickles your taste buds and HD TVs delight your eyeballs. If you’re less about the game and more about the action, enjoy ping pong, pool, and darts for cheap.
Fox & Hound
Game One here will include all 28 drafts for $2 a pop and every shot with “bomb” in the name for $5. If you can’t make the first game, no prob. HD TVs and ice cold beer will be waiting for you every game of the Finals.
Z Grill & Tap
It may be in Pleasantville (Flower Mound), but fans here like to celebrate. Z Bar’s the spot to hit for high-def TVs, classic beers on tap, and cheap and delicious bar food.
Woody’s Sports Grill
They’re serving “Dirk Shots” for $6.25. We don’t even know what’s in ‘em, but we’ll say cheers to that.
Granada
The Granada whips out a massive HD screen on game nights. Admission is free and beer comes by the bucketload. (They won’t be showing the June 2 or June 5 games)
Quarter Bar
Expect a long lineup of Mavs-themed drink specials: Dirk, Drank, Dunk (Jager and Red Bull) for $4; Cuban Libra for $3; Jet Fuel (shot of Rumple Minze) for $4; Kidd-a-Kazi (Blue Kamikaze shot) for $; and blue and green Jell-O shots for $2.
