Sadly, not all of us can make it to Pasadena to watch the Rose Bowl in person. So the next best thing is watching it with a bunch of fellow Penn Staters, right? If you’re like me and the closest you’ll be getting to California is watching the game in a Rose Bowl sweatshirt from McLahanans, maybe you can head to a few of these Penn State bars in your city to make it feel a little more like you’re at the game.
NEW YORK
Tonic East – this Kip’s Bay bar is open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. and is perhaps New York City’s most well-known Penn State bar. The rooftop bar is so Penn State that it even sponsors the New York City alumni association. So if you want to watch the Nittany Lions beat the Trojans while also making some valuable Penn State connections, this is the place to be. Be wary though, a few Yelp reviews complained of overcrowding for the Ohio State game.
Proper West – this bar is in Midtown so I like it already. Located at 54 W. 39th street near Bryant Park, this spot is convenient for the train commuter. Another official alumni bar, this is a stylish happy hour spot that advertises drink specials for every Penn State game. Bonus: they put truffle on everything.
Mercury Bar West – be warned: there are two Mercury Bars in the City. You want to go to the one on 9th Ave between 45th and 46th. The New York Alumni chapter’s third official bar, their drink specials are almost unbeatable for New York ($5 domestics, well drinks and well shots). If you’re missing the Blue Band, don’t worry, the DJ will play Penn State classics.
BALTIMORE:
Smaltimore – This Canton bar can get loud and rowdy and they somehow have both sushi and waffle fries? While I don’t know if using wings as an appetizer for a salmon avocado roll is the best idea, after a few beers from their extensive menu someone has definitely tried it. This place doubles as a Giants bar too, so they get bonus points for that.
Mad River – Mad River is Penn State Baltimore’s official bar. Every game is played on all of the tv’s with sound along with classic Penn State music to get everyone pumped up beforehand. The alumni association raffles off Penn State memorabilia at every game and there are touchdown shots. If that’s not enough to entice you, they have pokey sticks.
CHICAGO:
AJ Hudson’s Public House – This place plays everything from La Liga to the Blackhawks. The Chicago home of Penn State, you can be certain that this Irish pub will have the game on but if you’re not sure you can check the google doc on their website. They have a huge beer selection and strong Moscow Mules. It’s also decently sized so you can be sure there will be a ton of Penn Staters.
Dark Horse Tap – Sadly, I don’t think this Lakeview/Wrigley bar has Tantos Demise like our Darkhorse in State College does. But you can get beer flights to chug every time Penn State scores.
PHILADELPHIA:
Field House – the Philly chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will be watching the Rose Bowl from this Center City bar that features special “blue and white” shots from kickoff to the end of the game. The bar will also have food and drink packages available for the game including a drink package that features unlimited bud light and well drinks throughout the game.
Mad River – Sorry frat guys, no Timbs are let into this bar. But don’t let that stop you. This is your classic college bar, with $3 domestic beers and well drinks and half priced appetizers from kickoff to the end of the game. Their dress code also says no jerseys but they may make an exception if it’s blue and white.
PITTSBURGH:
McFadden’s – This is where the alumni go. A Pittsburgh sports bar, unless the Penguins have a game that day you can bet that the game will be on. It’s also right next to PNC Park so the view should be just as good.
Primanti Brothers – I’ve never been to a Primanti’s in Pittsburgh but if they’re anything like our PMan, you should be set.
SAN FRANCISCO:
Monaghan’s – another Irish bar, this one can get rowdy AND they got free popcorn. The San Francisco Penn State alumni chapter says that Monaghan’s may be the loudest of all PSU venues in the Bay Area.
I know that not all of us Penn Staters live in these areas so if you’re still struggling to find a place to watch the game, check out your local Alumni Association. Most, if not all, chapters announce where they will be having watch parties and some of them even have official bars. We are Penn State. We’re everywhere.
