BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

Robyn Schindeldecker

We may live in the nexus of Vikings Territory, but in accord with our Minnesota Nice designation, there are plenty of places to seek refuge if you don’t cheer for the home team. Depending on what colors you bleed, head to one of these Twin Cities establishments that will welcome you and your ilk with open arms and fantastic game day specials.

Chicago Bears: Alary’s Bar, 139 7th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101

Founded by former Bears player Al Baisi, St. Paul’s preeminent sports bar is your destination for ersatz Soldier Field tailgating. Arrive early for brats and burgers outside, then head indoors and select from a list of 55 tap beers before settling in to watch the Monsters of the Midway on one of 30 TVs. 

Cleveland Browns: Mackenzie Pub, 918 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Mackenzie Pub

This Downtown Minneapolis watering hole offers far-flung members of the Dawg Pound a gathering place to kick up their heels (or paws, as it were) and hunker down to take in a brawl à la Browns. Be sure to mark your calendars for a wing cook-off on October 20 and warm up with multiple servings of chili later in November.

Detroit Lions: Lions Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

If you’re a devoted member of the Motor City Kitties diaspora, then you’ll brave the western ‘burbs to watch the boys in Honolulu blue battle their foe du jour. Grab a locally-brewed Cold Spring beer and choose from the list of “Famous Hamburgers” that will help erase any lingering memories of the Curse of   Bobby Layne.

Green Bay Packers: Herkimer Pub & Brewery, 2922 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

While there are numerous Packers bars piercing the heart of Vikings Territory (much to the chagrin of purple and gold loyalists), this German-inspired brewpub combines atmosphere, location, and sustenance like no other. A special game day menu fuels the assemblage of Packer Backers, while $4 beer taps and $5 shots provide lubrication for all four quarters. 

Patrick McGovern's Pub

Pittsburgh Steelers: Patrick McGovern’s Pub, 225 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102

McGovern’s Upstairs is both a safe haven and machination station for the citizens of Steeler Nation. Want to eat like a two-time Super Bowl champion? Indulge in the eponymous Big Ben Burger, a half-pound of beef and Italian sausage topped with sauteed onions, scrambled eggs, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise. Wash that monstrosity down with a $3.75 20oz draft or $10 pitcher of Coors Light.