Can't Make The Trip: Five Weekly Parties That Make You Feel Like You're At A Jets Game
With a 3-6 record and teammates anonymously blasting each other, the Jets need the support of their fans more than ever. Gang Greeners, however, may have problems of their own, particularly if they live in areas hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. As the tri-state area slowly comes back to life, the ongoing Jets-fests at these great party locations are making a comeback too.
1Republik
221 Washington St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 850-1282
www.1republik.com
The festive atmosphere in this family friendly Hoboken sports bar is even more jubilant now considering that Sandy closed its doors for a solid week. Fans come for the camaraderie and great specials on pitchers of beer as well as 30 big-screen, plasma TVs. The Jets games dominate on Sundays, but fans can take a break every now and then to check in on other NFL games playing throughout the large bar and restaurant. You're never far from a TV here. Also, 1Republik features over 80 brews for your choosing, plus signature cocktails.
Down The Hatch
179 W. 4th St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 627-9747
www.nycbestbar.com
Underground basement sports bar Down The Hatch is no longer waterlogged. This under-the-radar West Village institution features an all-you-can-eat atomic wings and beer special on game day, plus beer pong and foosball. NFL Sunday ticket, 9 HD TVs and a friendly group of regulars make this pub a home away from home for Gang Greeners who love partying in downtown Manhattan.
K.J. Farrell's
242 Pettit Ave.
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 804-9925
www.kjfarrells.com
Long Island's NFL headquarters, K.J. Farrell's kept its doors open during Sandy, operating as a safe haven and charging station for the neighborhood. However this Sunday, loyal fans of both Farrell's and the Jets will be lining up to enjoy the game rather than to power up their smart phones. The NFL Ticket will grace 25 HD flat screens so you're never far from the game. But what really sets this large and roomy sports bar ahead of the pack is its wings. Fifteen different varieties of dipping sauce, including the crowd favorite chipotle barbecue, melt in your mouth and keep you cheering despite the scoreboard.
Dugout Pub South
4029 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10308
(718) 384-6882
www.dugoutpubsouth.com
When the rest of the neighborhood went dark, generator power kept the tireless staff at Dugout Pub South serving up its famous game-day specials of $1 angus-beef burgers, knishes and dogs to storm-weary Staten Islanders. A favorite of softball teams, players from around the island make their way to Dugout Pub South or Northside's Dugout Pub & Grill for tailgate Sundays every week. Dugout South's 17 TVs feature surround sound and are everywhere, including the bathroom, so you'll never miss a play. Both pubs have outdoor areas where smoking is permitted.
Draft Barn
317 Ave. X
Brooklyn, NY 11223
(718) 285-2356
www.draftbarn.com
Two out of the three Draft Barn locations have re-opened since Sandy, with the Dooley Street outpost still out of power and sending fans over to the other two. No worries there because you'll still feel the love Draft Barn is known for with the game playing on 10 HD flat screens and 300 bottles of the foamy stuff featured on the menu from over 100 breweries, many of which are German and Belgian. Unique farmhouse and English ales as well as comfort food like German-style sausage, goulash, stuffed pork schnitzel and mushroom paprikash make hanging at this sports mecca a rare pleasure. And let's face it, with the way the Jets have been playing lately, Gang Greeners need all the comfort they can get.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
