Best Bars to Watch BCS

Where to watch college football's biggest game: 5 top bars to cheer on Auburn or Florida State

Any sports bar worth its salt will be showing the BCS Championship game Monday night. With a promise of no Heisman Hangover from Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and the unexpected journey that landed Auburn in the title game, it should be an exciting game. If you want to watch it with a rabid crowd in Houston to see which team clutches the glorious crystal trophy, here are five top bars that offer a little something extra:

Auburn fans unite

Wear your orange and blue gear and cheer with Auburn alums at Midtown Drinkery. Hosted by the Greater Houston Auburn Club, hundreds of fans turned out for the last watch party when Auburn defeated Alabama in one of the wildest finishes ever. Expect an even bigger turnout for the championship game as the bar has become a lucky charm for Tiger fans.

Specials include $5 “Pint the Power” (buy the beer keep the glass), $10 domestic buckets, and $3 well drinks.

Florida State fans gather

Not rooting for the underdog? The Florida State Alumni Association is organizing a watching party of their own at Bubba’s on Washington where you can enjoy specials like $3.50 well drinks, $9.75 domestic pitchers, and $11 import pitchers.

Food here is Texas-sized, with huge wings grilled to perfection and gigantic burgers.

A really big screen

Nestled between BBVA Compass Stadium and Minute Maid Park, Lucky’s Pub boasts the largest HD TVs in Houston. Munch on their addictive Philly Egg Rolls and watch the game on the 20-foot (yes, we said foot) HD screen in the main room. Or enjoy watching the game on one of 50 TV screens sprinkled through one of Houston’s most iconic sports bars.

All-night happy hour specials

If you’re looking to stray from the typical sports bar, check out D & T Drive Inn. Having been open a little under six months, D & T’s innovative, chef-driven food menu and carefully curated beer list has earned well-deserved buzz among food-snobs and beer nerds. However, the owners don’t see their menu as anything precious and strive to be a neighborhood bar that makes patrons feel comfortable the moment they set foot in the bar.

D & T will be showing the championship game on all of their TVs, with all-day happy hour specials: $4 pints and $7 jugs (equivalent of two pints) on selected beers, Or you can get a pint and a bratwurst for $10.

Football & food

Picked by Houston Press as one of the top five sports bars in Houston for healthy eating (huh?), whether you’re a fan of their edamame and veggie burger or — if you’re like us, their deep fried cheese burger and chicken fried ribeye, anyone can find something to satisfy their cravings at the Houston Texans Grille. If you choose to watch the championship bowl game at this popular spot in CityCentre, get there early to get a good parking spot and prime seats.

Auburn fans turned out at the Midtown Drinkery for the big win against Alabama. They'll be back for the BCS Championship game.

Courtesy photo

Auburn fans turned out at the Midtown Drinkery for the big win against Alabama. They'll be back for the BCS Championship game.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.