By Liz Johnson
Nearly 20 million people watch NFL football on Sundays, which has led to all sorts of national traditions. One of the more popular ones is to watch the game at a local spot, sitting elbow-to-elbow with other cheering fans while indulging in cold beer and great food specials. Below are a list of Hunterdon County places worth a visit.
American Spirits Roadhouse
1090 Route 173, Asbury
(908) 735-0101
americanspiritsroadhouse.com
This Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Music Venue is also a great place to watch a game, with a bar surrounded by flat screen TVs. It also offers light beer specials on Sundays.
Chelsea’s Restaurant and Pub
1051 Route 22, Lebanon
(908) 437-0311
chelseas22.com
There’s a special menu for football games on Sunday. The wings are renowned, making it a Hunterdon Happening List Winner for the past 6 years.
Harper’s Table
1316 Route 31 N., Annandale
(908) 200-7271
harpersclinton.com
On Sundays, this popular restaurant featuring old barn beam siding offers $5 drink specials and half-priced wings. It’s a Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Beer Bar and Best New American Fare.
Finnagel’s
1531 Route 31 N., Clinton
(908) 735-0300
www.finnagels.com
Get a seat early because this place fills up fast on Sundays. Offering beer and food specials, the bar is a Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Irish Pub and Best Wings.
Cryan’s
2 Beaver Avenue, Annandale
(908) 735-9915
cryans.com
Another popular haunt for football fans, it has beer and pizza specials during Sunday games. It’s also a Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Irish Pub and Best Sports Bar.
Jake’s Bar and Restaurant
253 Route 202, Flemington
908-806-3188
www.jakes202.com
Television screens surround the bar, which offers $1 oysters and $5 craft beer during Sunday games. You may also want to try the burgers, which garnered it a finalist slot on the Hunterdon Happening List.
Applebee’s Flemington
244 Route 202, Flemington
(908) 806-2231
applebees.com
This particular Applebee’s location has a great selection of locally made craft beers on tap. On Sundays it offers football food and drink specials. It’s also a Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Onion Rings.
Pattenburg House
512 Route 614, Asbury
(908) 735-2547
thepattenburghouse.com
A favorite of long-time Hunterdon County residents, the Pattenburg offers food and drink specials during Sunday football.
Chimney Rock Inn
41 Route 31, Flemington
(908) 788-8800
chimneyrockinn.com
The third pub in Chimney Rock Inn’s chain, this newest location recently opened on Route 31. It offers drink and food specials during football games.
Riley and Jake’s
1831 Route 31, Clinton
(908) 638-6983
rileyandjakes.com
Offering food and drinks specials at the bar only. After the game, stick around and listen to live music.
Below are a list of Hunterdon Happening List Winners where patrons can watch the game, perhaps indulging in the fare that the establishment is best known, although they don’t offer any food or drink specials.
Fox and Hound Tavern
60 Main Street, Lebanon
(908) 437-1300
foxandhoundtavern.com
Hunterdon Happening List Winner for Best Martini
The Rail at Readington
157 Main Street, Whitehouse Station
(908) 534-0001
therailatreadington.com
Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Wings
Mrs. Riley’s Public House
6 Main Street, High Bridge
(908) 638-8382
Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Irish Pub and Best Sports Bar
Artie’s Bar and Grill
1121 Route 12, Frenchtown
(908) 996-1203
www.artiesriverbeachbar.com
Hunterdon Happening List Finalist for Best Wings