Some people watch the World Series to celebrate (or, sadly, mourn) their team’s success (or lack of) in seeking Major League Baseball glory. Others find the World Series to be a convenient excuse to drink. Whichever you are, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 great bets for watching the Rangers take down the Cardinals beginning with Game 1 at 7:05 p.m. today. (Full schedule of games here.)
Where: Old Monk
Why It Makes the List: No, it’s not what one normally thinks of as a sports bar, but it feels like home. A long list of beers, comfort foods, and two new TVs on the patio seal the deal for us.
Enjoy: Discounted drinks: $1 off drafts, wells, and calls from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Where: Texas Station Sports Bar and Grill at the Gaylord Texan
Why It Makes the List: This bar’s 30-by-52 foot TV will always earn itself a spot on our watch party list. We’re suckers for a giant screen. It doesn’t hurt that a trip to the Gaylord Texan feels like a mini-vacation, either.
Enjoy: Buckets of domestics for $20, 100-ounce Modelo Especials for $25, and “Triple Play” platters of appetizers for $19.
Where: Brackets
Why It Makes the List: We like Brackets for both its devotion to sports (20 high-definition TVs) and its endless distractions (hello, ping-pong, billiards, Wii, and darts). Its menu keeps us occupied, too, with gourmet sliders and pizzas. Good food takes the burn out of a slow inning. (Arrive early for $2 pints, $2 wells, and half-priced pizzas up until first pitch.)
Enjoy: $12 domestic pitchers, $15 import pitchers, $18 domestic buckets, $22 import buckets, and complimentary valet.
Where: McKinney Avenue Tavern
Why It Makes the List: The MAT is a hot spot for any kind of game. It’s the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts and their I-drink-for-any-occasion friends.
Enjoy: A wall of 25 TVs, $1 Ranger Jell-O shots, $2 beer specials, and $4 Cruz-aritas
Where: The Nodding Donkey
Why It Makes the List: This sports saloon is a sports lover’s paradise. We head here for fresh air (garage door walls), a neighborhood vibe (tucked away in the State-Thomas neighborhood), and, most importantly, to watch the game with likeminded people all decked out in Ranger colors.
Enjoy: Firestarter Vodka drinks for $3 during Game 1.
Where: Ten Sports Grill
Why It Makes the List: Ten is arguably the best sports bar in downtown Dallas, and no, it’s not because it’s one of the few. It’s a frill-less watering hole for serious sports aficionados (and celeb athletes) that serves up cheap beer and delicious bar food. Just like a good sports bar should.
Enjoy: $2.50 domestics, frozen drinks, and wells, $15 beer buckets, and 2 for $10 food specials.
Where: J. Gilligan’s, Arlington
Why It Makes the List: Unsurprisingly, Arlington’s J. Gilligan’s does it big for Rangers game days. For the Series, find giant white tents sprawled out in the parking lot, an outdoor GoVision Jumbo HD TV (in addition to plenty of other TVs), and a DJ post-game.
Enjoy: $2.75 Coors Lite drafts
Where: Lakewood’s 1st and 10
Why It Makes the List: Our Best of Big D pick as best sports bar for 2010 still delivers good food, good service, and dedication to the game. You won’t find drunken frat guys hollering over the announcers, but loyal Rangers fans watching each play in anticipation.
Enjoy: $15 Miller Lite buckets and their self-proclaimed “stoutest drinks in town.”
Where: BlackFinn, Arlington
Why It Makes the List: They have a ridiculous number of TVs (and some massive screens) plus the entire bar has “game sound.” You want to feel like you’re actually in the ballpark? Sit in traffic on the way to Arlington, fight for parking, and hear the game loud and clear at BlackFinn.
Enjoy: $13 Miller Lite or Coors Lite beer towers (about eight beers) and $2.50 Bud Lite drafts.
Where: Social 121, Plano
Why It Makes the List: They told us “complimentary queso bar until the 4th inning,” and we had no further questions.
Enjoy: Cheese, lots of cheese, and a break from bar food, with an upscale menu boasting fancy flatbread, fish, and more.
–research by Bailey Powell and Meg Jones
