‘Villens United by Chris Haskell

This Sunday kicks off the 50th NFL championship and all over the country friends and family will get together to enjoy the game. Despite the absence of the Patriots, many of you will be cheering for The Panthers to spoil Peyton Manning’s last hoorah.  House parties are the traditional way to spend this unofficial American holiday; but if you’d rather not spend the day sandwiched between six other people on the couch and wiping Cheetos crumbs off your favorite jersey, then why not hit up the local pub? Save yourself the hassle of hosting this year and head out to your favorite bar with the largest, flattest screen. This week I’m giving you my top 3 spots in Somerville to watch The Big Game this Sunday.

#3) On the Hill Tavern

499 Broadway Somerville

With so many microbrew pubs and mixology speakeasies popping up all over the place this old school Boston bar tends to get overlooked by some of the newer residents of Somerville. Make no mistake about it there’s nothing fancy about this townie bar, but the locals who often frequent this place know that’s it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and catch the game. From the framed jerseys and TVs above the bar to the pool table, darts, and electronic hoops machine in the back; this pub has everything required in a Boston sports bar. Great wings and steak tips highlight the “meat and potatoes” American cuisine this place has to offer. The tavern fills up fast so try to get in early to grab a seat. Expect a few chants of “Manning sucks” over the course of the game.

#2) Tony C’s

699 Assembly Row Somerville

If you’ve ever tried to get a table at Tony C’s on a weekend night you know just how popular this place is. It’s not uncommon to wait a couple hours to be seated. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk through the door is the giant Jumbotron wall of televisions that are the centerpiece of the bar; often giving you multiple options of sports games to watch. The patrons here are a mix of new/old Somerville who come for the lively game time atmosphere and the friendly and efficient bar and wait staff. The Parmesan truffle fries are highly addictive and they hit a home run with their mango slaw fish tacos. Tony C’s has become an Assembly Row destination for a family dinner and a fun night out with friends in the less than two years it’s been open. This Sunday all TVs will be on the Peyton/Cam showdown and they are sure to draw a big crowd so try to get there a couple hours before game time.

#1) Olde Magoun’s Saloon

518 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville

Now, if you want to watch the big game at an Irish style pub with great food and a good selection of beer, then you really need to hit up Olde Magoun’s Saloon. The menu is fairly inexpensive and is filled with hearty meals and burgers to help soak up all the beer you’re going to drink. This is truly a beer lovers pub. Magoun’s always has a wide selection of great beers from around the country and the globe. During the football season they have the game playing on a screen on every wall in the place. Did I mention it has a fireplace? For the big game this Sunday Magoun’s is offering an all you can eat barbecue buffet that I still dream about to this day a year later. The crowd here can get a little rowdy during game time but is usually well behaved and never gets out of hand. My wife and I had one of the best nights of our life when we watched Tom Brady win his fourth ring at Olde Magoun’s Saloon last year. The energy in the air was insane and we had somehow befriended a group of Pat’s fans from all over Europe. The Patriots may not be fighting for the championship this year, but I have no doubt in my mind that you cannot find a better place to watch the game this Sunday.

Please remember if you do hit up the bars for the game on Sunday make sure you have a designated driver or call a cab or Uber. Don’t let yourself or a friend drive home drunk.

Later ‘Villens …. Go Panthers!

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