A great restaurant to watch a game for me means that the sound is on and the staff and other guests are into the game as well. The primary tv's all have the hometown game on with the sound, but the secondary tv's have another game on or The Red Zone. I am into other sports besides football this time of year. This weekend I will have one eye on the Sox Yankees and the Presidents Cup golf. I appreciate it when the restaurant attempts to offer a food special or prize or event during the game but it is not necessary for me. I enjoy a group of friends, the sound, and not feeling like you are bothering other guests. The ability to watch outside in the fall is a plus.
Years ago when living in Boston my wife and I would spend Sunday mornings at open houses all around the Cape and debrief and think about offers while watching the Patriots. We had some great days at the Courtyard in Cataumet and the Lobster Trap in Bourne. Outside at the Courtyard and having the sun beaming off the ocean at the Lobster Trap are still two of our favorite spots. Sunday mornings are still filled with showings and hopes of offers in the afternoon. If you need some time to debrief and make a gameplan here are some of my favorites are the big Screens and pizza at the Trading Post Lounge, brunch at The Cleat and Anchor, The Cape charm at the Chatham Squire, The Red Nun, The Lanyard, The Port, The Den or Land Ho Orleans.
Matt Taylor of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce put together a great list of Cape Cod places to "catch a game". What is your favorite place that we missed?
BEST PLACES TO CATCH A GAME ON CAPE COD
The arrival of fall means the return of football season, and has football fans everywhere clamoring for weekends spent cheering on their favorite teams. Here are some of the best gathering spots on Cape Cod to enjoy food, fun and football this autumn.
Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee has more than just a passion for great coffee. On Sundays, the restaurant's heated outdoor pavilion with firepits makes it the perfect spot to catch football action. Large screen TVs are strategically placed for optimal viewing by small or large groups, and you can nosh on half priced appetizers like nachos and wings with the purchase of a pitcher of beer. If you feel adventurous, their craft cocktails are as creative as they come, including the seasonally charming Apple Spice Margarita and Apple Pie Mule.
Bobby Byrnes Pub (locations in Mashpee, Sandwich and Hyannis) prides itself as an eating, drinking and talking establishment, all of which are synonymous with game day fun. The pub has 12 beers on tap, with Shipyard Pumpkinhead and Sam Adams Octoberfest headlining the fall lineup. Score big with such appetizers as their signature gigantic pretzel, crispy potato skins and fish tacos.
With locations in Falmouth, Mashpee, Centerville and West Yarmouth, the Ninety Nine Restaurant (99) is a game day staple across the Cape. Full size appetizers like gold fever wings and mac & cheese bites are only $6.99 at the bar on Football Frenzy days, and giveaways are also part of the Sunday festivities. The new fall menu recently debuted, and the pork carnitas burger is the star attraction.
Dino’s Sports Bar in Mashpee lives up to its name, offering just about anything a hungry and thirsty football fan could want. There are no bad seats in the house at Dino's to catch a game, with multiple big screens set up all around the sports pub. Patrons swear by the fresh made pizza, calzones, steak tips and wings. Don't miss the Game Day Special - a large cheese pizza and a pitcher of beer for $25.99.
The Quahog Republic Dive Bar in Falmouth is buzzing with energy on football Sundays, as radio station Pixy 103 broadcasts live from this laid-back bar and restaurant. There are 14 beers on tap, but you may want to opt instead for their popular Johnny Quahog Bloody Mary - sundried tomato infused vodka, poblano peppers, and garlic garnished with bacon and green olives. Their self-proclaimed "monsta" lobster roll and bar pies are favorites for football fans, and an adjacent game room with arcade games, darts and shuffleboard is a great way to entertain the kids or enjoy halftime.
Over in Hyannis, the Ten Pin Eatery offers multiple big screen TVs to enjoy the game, both at the bar or as you bowl; you can even step your game up by reserving their VIP Lounge if you want extra privacy. Wing choices include Buffalo, BBQ, Parmesan Garlic and Teriyaki Ginger. The Bumper Bowl Sampler is also popular, complete with chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon cheddar potato skins, and chips & salsa. There are a dozen selections of draft beers to wash down your munchies with, or enjoy a signature cocktail like the Pinboy Punch.
The Bomb Shelter Pub is attached to the Wellfleet Bookstore and Restaurant, which affords amazing waterfront views near Mayo Beach. Enjoy an ice cold beer at the pub during the game; you can play pool, darts or foosball as you watch the action on their many TVs. Head upstairs to the Bookstore Restaurant after the whistle blows for the freshest oysters and locally sourced dishes.
Gannon’s Tavern in Hyannis offers an extensive menu of drinks, with more than 20 different whiskeys and tequilas, eight different beers on tap and more than a dozen wines by the glass and bottle. The flatbreads are a staple at Gannon’s and their Sunday Funday bar special is buy one, get one free pizza.
The Sea Dog Brew Pub in South Yarmouth offers half priced apps and 50 cent wings & tenders during all NFL games (in-house), and their brewpub pretzel sticks, loaded nachos and fried pickles are sure to make your game viewing experience more enjoyable. The Sea Dog specializes in craft beers, with 10 beers on draft and more than a dozen choices by can or bottle. Also be sure to check out their Game Day Platters to go, including the Tackle Platter (loaded with steak & cheese egg rolls, mac & cheese bites, pretzel sticks and mozzarella sticks).
Nearby in West Yarmouth, Scally’s Irish Ale House is another great spot to watch your favorite team and enjoy dozens of international and local beer choices, a variety of Irish whiskies and signature craft cocktails. Scratch made Irish comfort food is the staple here, with appetizers like the Irish Poutine with house fries tossed with corn beef, garlic cheese curds, ale gravy and a fried egg. Need more of a reason to celebrate? Scally's has a $25 gift card raffle every time the Pats get a touchdown. Let's Go!
