Michigan v. Alabama in NYC. Where to watch?

Submitted by Rather be on BA on

So I will be in NYC with my girlfriend on Sept 1st and I am basically trying to decide where to watch the game.  I was at Professor Thoms for the Sugar Bowl last year, and while it was fun it was also insanely packed and at times hard to get a clear view of the tv.  Also, the gf is not football fan so getting her to show up an hour or two early with me and then also sit through the game will be tough. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good place to catch the game where I will be able to show up maybe 30-45 minutes in advance, get a seat at the bar or a table with a good view of the tv and have a good time (hopefully with some fellow Michigan fans)?  I know I could just go to Applebees or something and watch the game undisturbed, but that won't be a ton of fun.  I am looking for a place that will be fun and have a good crowd, but not be quite as insanely crowded as Professor Thoms. 

Thanks!

tsabesi

August 24th, 2012 at 3:31 PM ^

Any Michigan Bar in NYC is probably going to be pretty full for that game. Your best bet might be to find a nice sports bar (or frankly any bar with a nice TV).

htownwolverine

August 24th, 2012 at 3:38 PM ^

If your girl can't give you a day to sit through the pre-game and game(which happens to be the biggest opener in years for CFB)  with a promise from you for a day for her it's time to get a new girl.

 

the Glove

August 24th, 2012 at 4:00 PM ^

OT: does anyone know if they're playing the game on ESPN3? I just found out the wedding that I'm in next weekend doesn't have any TVs at the reception hall and is kind of off the beaten trail. So I will just have my laptop. Trust me this friend lost some points for having his wedding on the opening weekend of football. I'm at work so I really don't have the chance to look it up.

Ben Mathis-Lilley

August 24th, 2012 at 4:00 PM ^

I live here, but all my M-watchin' pals are out of town and the lady has generously agreed to watch the game with me. So I don't want to take her somewhere we'll have to stand for four hours.

My planned solution, which has worked whenever I've tried it before, is just to go a good but non-Michigan-affiliated sports bar. There are so many Michigan grads and fans in the city (and Brooklyn, where I live) that you'll almost always find fellow rooters and a good atmosphere, without the standing-room madness of BroJo's or P. Thom's.

I'm specifically going to Dram Shop in Park Slope, but have also had fun watching games at Angry Wade's in Cobble Hill and (for Michigan basketball) Standings in the East Village.

More on NYC sports bars:

http://nymag.com/nightlife/features/sports-bar-bracket/

Ben Mathis-Lilley

August 24th, 2012 at 4:00 PM ^

I live here, but all my M-watchin' pals are out of town and the lady has generously agreed to watch the game with me. So I don't want to take her somewhere we'll have to stand for four hours.

My planned solution, which has worked whenever I've tried it before, is just to go a good but non-Michigan-affiliated sports bar. There are so many Michigan grads and fans in the city (and Brooklyn, where I live) that you'll almost always find fellow rooters and a good atmosphere, without the standing-room madness of BroJo's or P. Thom's.

I'm specifically going to Dram Shop in Park Slope, but have also had fun watching games at Angry Wade's in Cobble Hill and (for Michigan basketball) Standings in the East Village.

More on NYC sports bars:

http://nymag.com/nightlife/features/sports-bar-bracket/

Roachgoblue

August 24th, 2012 at 4:20 PM ^

You can go to a sports bar and make it rain. The next day flowers and a card for her. Bingo bango with make up sex!

medals

August 24th, 2012 at 4:36 PM ^

I'd say depends on whether you want or need the sound up on the TV.  If you locate a few finalists for places, call ahead and see if they are planning to put the sound up on any games.  I know, for example, Professor Thom's does for UM games. 

In Manhattan I've always liked Blondie's (on UWS) as a general sport's bar. 

I'm also very partial to Brooklyn bars.  Cody's on Court Street in Brooklyn is a chill, off the beaten path spot.   

 

cmgoblue

August 24th, 2012 at 4:55 PM ^

When it comes to taking your girl with you to a bar in NY (I live here), head to The Hill on 29th and 3rd. Nice spot with a cool atmosphere and isn't always crazy crowded like the other two Michigan Bars are.

In general, there are three "main" Michigan bars in the City: The aforementioned Brother Jimmy's (always jammed but fun) and Professor Thoms (young crowd, jammed), and The Hill. I'm sure the Hill will also be quite busy, but its much more of an upscale bar and laid back atmosphere in comparison to the other two. 

goblue_jb

August 24th, 2012 at 5:04 PM ^

just a heads up that the club has swapped the Hill (former basketball bar) for the ainsworth park as a sports bar for football/basketball/etc. its under the same ownership/management as the hill - its a new bar for them opening shortly.  pretty sure the crowd from the hill will be moving to the ainsorth park.  bar will likely have the same vibe as the hill, but is bigger with more tvs and tables.