With the 2019–2020 NFL season finally in full swing, I can’t help but long for home. Growing up, my father was relentless Giants fan, screaming through every touchdown, flag, and interception. The TV blared into the night every Thursday and Sunday as we ate various fried foods. Even as the stress of my junior year settled in, I could count on my dad to have all our family friends gathered around the living room, stuffing their faces with classic Mozzarella sticks, gooey nachos, and my mom’s famous homemade wings. Coming to college, I’ve lost the excitement that used to accompany football games. Beyond being scared to wear my Giants pride high, between coursework and clubs, I’ve run out of time to truly sit down and enjoy a proper game without being overwhelmed by stress.
But that's all about to change with this roundup of campus bars and classic Philly hot spots to take in the Thursday Night Lights.
Cavanaugh’s is your typical bar scene. With the entire menu curated around bar foods, from chicken tenders to Tex Mex fries and the classic mac & cheese burger, you can’t go wrong with this campus institution. This local spot has deals going every day of the week, with 65–cent wings on Thursdays and happy hour prices until 10 p.m. on Sundays. The shop even has specials on beer during college games, satisfying all your football needs in one fell swoop. With its proximity to Penn’s campus, walking over for a quick meal, beer on tap, and the 1 o’clock game has never been easier.
Location: 119 S. 39th St.
If you’re looking for a more upscale place to watch the game, check out City Tap House, located above the Radian. With its offering of artisanal flatbreads and specialty steaks, City Tap elevates the idea of a typical pub. City Tap offers a range of drink options including wheat beers, IPAs, and cider. The TVs scattered around the bar and restaurant make it impossible not to watch and root alongside your Philly natives—even if you’re not an Eagles fan.
Location: 3925 Walnut St.
It’s easy for people to overlook New Deck Tavern, Penn’s very own Irish pub next to White Dog Cafe. However, New Deck Tavern wears its 'Eagles pride' boldly. On days the Eagles play, if you’re dressed in green, Miller Lite and Coors Light Buckets and pitchers are available at discounted price alongside their 60–cent wings. If you're looking for a pint in University City, you can't go wrong with New Deck Tavern.
Location: 3408 Sansom St.
If you’re looking to get off–campus to watch the game, there’s no better spot than the Xfinity Bar downtown. Equipped with a 24–foot wide LED video board outside and a 32–foot LED screen alongside over 100 regular–sized TVs on the inside, Xfinity was made for some serious sports–watching. Despite holding an 80,000 square feet wide space solely for dining and entertainment, the site is overwhelmed with guests on any Philly sports team’s game night. The arena has a Chickie’s and Pete’s, Geno’s, Lorenzo and Sons, three bars, and a Victory Beer Hall. There’s no other location as well–equipped as the Xfinity bar to spend your next football Sunday.
Location: 1100 Pattison Ave.
You may have heard of O’Neals for its classic take on the old–school bar, however it's also the quintessential place to watch the game. With an exterior Beer Garden patio, set with multiple TVs, one can enjoy the great breeze of the outdoors while watching the game. O’Neals also has discounts on beers during NBA and NFL games both Thursdays and Sundays. O’Neals also buys into the wing deal found at the places above, with 50–cent wings from 6:30 p.m. to close.
Location: 611 S 3rd St.
As an avid Giants fan, I would be nervous to enter this Eagles territory. But if you find yourself shouting “Go Birds” on random occasions, this place may be the spot for you. The ale house is as old as the city itself; dated back to 1860, McGillin’s is centered right next to City Hall. With its $5 Eagles super mugs that can be refilled with Bud Light for only $2 the whole season, the beer game has never been stronger. Don’t worry, if your team loses—McGillin’s has Sunday night karaoke, made to sing your pain away.
Location: 1310 Drury St.
