As the so-called Tunnel Series takes place this week in the Tri-State, the Rangers and Devils will battle it out for a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup. Whether you root for New York or New Jersey – or if you’re just looking for a good sports bar atmosphere, we have your picks for the best bars to catch the NHL action.

More: The 5 Best Bars & Restaurants Near MSG

(credit: Stout)

Just steps from the Garden, this Irish pub goes all out for the  big games at the World’s Most Famous Arena. With plenty of room to meet and mingle with other fans, plus a vast array of beers on tap,  you won’t be disappointed by the scene on this Midtown establishment. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip won’t disappoint, either – don’t skip it.

(credit: Blarney Rock)

Another Irish hangout in the MSG neighborhood, this old-school Irish bar still has the requisite pinch of grit lacking in so many of its Midtown neighbors. The walls are adorned with sports memorabilia, and the patrons are filled with spirit. While it’s lacking the swanky, dimly lit ambiance of Stout and other date-worthy sports bars, this is an ideal pick for a fan who wishes to watch the game without judgement.

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Mercury attracts a friendly neighborhood crowd – and no matter where you look you’ll see a game. In addition to the walls lined with flat screen TVs, the sports bar also serves up delicious game day grub. Mercury’s menu is made for snackin’ sports lovers with gameday drink specials, Buffalo wings, burgers and platters packed with fan favorites. Hang out with fellow basketball fanatics at Mercury Bar next time you are in the mood to catch a game.

(Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)

Tonic takes its sports patrons’ enjoyment seriously. Decorations cover the interior, highlighting the event and engulfing its fans in a “we’re here to cheer” atmosphere. Be sure to catch some hoops on it’s 10 foot projection screen. Also, Tonic offers sports fans the best of the deep fryer — beer battered mozzarella sticks, silver dollar burgers and its own rendition of the ubiquitous Buffalo wing, Tonic wings, accompanied by its secret signature sauces. Bring your friend and cheer for your favorite basketball team at Tonic Bar.

Related: NYC’s 5 Best Bars For Late Night Bites

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Bar 515 has successfully merged the needs of the die-hard sports crowd with that of the casual fan. Its front bar offers panoramic plasma views while the back bar is a combo of sports and spa with a waterfall area available to calm the nerves of fanatics. A more upscale menu is the draw for the popular Eastside sports spot, Bar 515. Plasma TV screens line the walls of this well-known neighborhood haunt. If you love basketball and Portuguese octopus, you’ve come to the right place. Other unique food choices include: burgers marinated in Irish stout, Tzatziki, feta and roasted pepper dip as well as mini Buffalo chicken sliders. Please your palate and enjoy a great game of hoops at Bar 1515.

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Snap’s retro vibe gives sports fans the chance to go back in time while feeling in the moment. The homey ambiance puts everyone on a level playing field, making the underdog upset possible. Sports, nightlife and pastime is its creed. A bit of a throwback to sports days of yore, Snap’s nostalgic atmosphere makes everyone feel right at home. Order up a basket of beer-battered onion rings, house-made pickles, double-pork-fried mac and cheese, or mix and match sliders — you can’t go wrong.

The Stadium Grill is sports 360 is designed to surround and submerge its patrons in its skybox. The vibe is casino-like with lots of action, energy and a real-time sports ticker. The Stadium Grill makes you feel like you’re at the game – in fact, the amenities are better than any arena with four levels of tiered seating and 29 HD screens. Munch on calamari, yellow fin tuna burgers and warm drunken donuts, just to name a few. Standard stadium fare includes pizza, burgers and a variety of scrumptious sandwiches.