I enjoy Super Bowl Sunday as much as the next guy. I like to drink, eat, and hang around with my buddies while watching the big game. But going out on the town can sometimes lead to unpleasantness. The last thing I want is for some inebriated frat boy to throw a beer bottle at my head just because I’m rooting for the opposing team. It is for this reason that I look for locations that are slightly more low-key and family-friendly than your average sports bar.
Welcome to ‘life in the slow lane’ in New York’s Capital District.
TGI Fridays, Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Ave, Guilderland: Plenty of television screens, a friendly bar environment with well-cushioned stools, and lots of tasty menu selections to choose from. You and your band of social misfits can dive into a platter of Tostado Nachos (ask for extra napkins) or chomp away at some red-hot Buffalo Wings. My personal favorite is the Baked Potato Skins. Not the healthiest choice, of course, but this is Super Bowl Sunday, where anything goes. The bar offers $4 wine and $3 Budweisers. I’m more of a mixed drink guy myself so I enjoy $5 Jack and Cokes all game long (although I tend to black out by the fourth quarter).
Ruby Tuesdays, Crossgates Mall, 1 Crossgates Mall Rd, Guilderland: Limited seating at the bar means a relatively calm atmosphere. Ruby Tuesdays offers $5 Premiums Cocktails, including Mai Thais, Long Island Iced Teas, Margaritas, and Martinis. Maybe not the manliest sounding of drinks, but throw back a couple Long Island Iced Teas and then tell me if it still matters to you. If you get hungry there’s plenty to choose from on the menu, including delicious burgers and sandwiches, or you can attempt to stagger over to the “all-you-can-eat” salad bar and fill up on leafy greens and pasta salad. Try not to spill your plate on your way back to the bar, you degenerate drunk.
Applebee’s, 555 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham: Hanging out at Applebee’s might sound like a punch line, but if you want a hassle-free Super Bowl Sunday this might be the place for you. Comfortable bar, lots of televisions for easy viewing, and plenty of good eats. Happy Hour specials will be in effect during the game, which means you’ll be able to enjoy $2 draft beers and half-price appetizers. And don’t forget about those fifty-cent wings. You and your buddies will be racing to see who can reach triple digits first (or make yourselves sick trying).
It’s probably not be the most exciting time to be had, but if you like living life in the slow lane these fine locations just might be what you’re looking for. Enjoy the game.