As a multi-year — and multi-neighborhood — Camberville resident, I’ve tried my fair share of local sports bars. As the Super Bowl approaches and the New England Patriots get ready to tangle with the Seattle Seahawks, here are a few thoughts on best places to watch the game.
To be 100% honest, there’s no spot that comes to mind as the place to be. My place will be watching at a friend’s. But here’s my rundown on what you’ll get if you head out to watch the game.
Parlor Sports. What makes it perhaps the area’s best sports bar is their willingness, and intentionality, in showing quite literally anything and everything. They do a great job with giving equal share women’s sports, offbeat athletics and offer a friendly vibe for anyone. As sports bars go, their food is pretty solid, too. It’s on the outskirts of Inman Square, Parlor’s easily reachable by bus, via green line at Union Square and an easy walk from the Central Square Red Line stop. Be sure to get there early, well before kick-off.
1 Beacon Street, Inman Square, Somerville
730 Tavern. The array of massive televisions across a huge space means you shouldn’t have any problems getting a spot with a solid view. The food is decent, the drinks are plentiful.
730 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square, Cambridge
Phoenix Landing. Generally the place you go to watch the rest of the world’s football, especially the English Premier League. I’m sure it will have the Super Bowl on, but there may be some confused Liverpool fans asking lots of questions.
512 Mass Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
Lamplighter. I’m writing this piece from the back tap room at Lamplighter (Pepita coffee this morning). It’s not a sports bar, but it’s hosting a Super Bowl party here, and if it’s anything like its other events, there should be a solid crowd.
284 Broadway, Cambridge
Olde Magoun’s Saloon. This place boasts what I think is the best television setup around. Their food and drinks, albeit a bit pricey, never miss. Again, I cannot speak for the Super Bowl atmosphere, but the place oozes with Big Game potential.
518 Medford Street, Somerville
Casey’s. This is my nostalgia shoutout. I loved going here and think everyone who enters comes to love it, too. It does bring up the “looks can be deceiving” adage. When I brought my tennis league there, some of them weren’t happy at first. They still go back.
Get the grilled wings, enjoy good service and commune with some of the most authentic townies around. The pizza also slaps if you’re feeling it. Everyone who goes there loves it townies around.
173 Broadway, Somerville
Other options that come to mind:
Cambridge
- Tap 151 Bar and Grill, 151 N First Street
- Shine Square Pub, 2406 Massachusetts Avenue
- New Republik, 1172 Cambridge Street
- Joe Sent Me, 2388 Massachusetts Avenue
- Grafton Street Pub & Grill, 59 John F. Kennedy Street
- Cambridge Common, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue
Somerville
- Tony C’s Sports Bar and Grill, 699 Assembly Row
- Five Horses Tavern, 400 Highland Avenue #2
- Public Tavern, 565 Broadway
- PJ Ryan’s, 239 Hollan Street
- Premiere on Broadway, 517 Broadway
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.