It's a true irony that the hungry masses ready and willing to spend three hours watching a football game are hard-pressed to find some place showing it that serves food beyond wings. Football shouldn't mean your taste buds have to take a back seat.

Even if you want to see the Houston Texans try and topple the Indianapolis Colts in the game's best possible TV glory Sunday afternoon, there are spots that even a foodie football fanatic can love. Here are the best places to grab a near-sophisticated bite that will oblige your packed football schedule (from college to pro) — and a few sports bars that serve up good grub, too.

Beaver's

Not really a sports bar, more like the Texas version of a gastropub. Whether it's the pork ribs, the pork belly BLT or anything off the smoker, Beaver's is great for dinner but even better for watching the early games over some breakfast tacos.

Christian's Tailgate

Christian's burgers regularly appear on those best-of-Houston or best-of America lists. As far as game-watching goes, the name speaks for itself.

Beck's Prime Sportatorium

The greatness of Beck's Prime burgers, plus an expanded menus and a world of TVs. The only drawback? It's inside Memorial City Mall. And you sound like a tool saying "sportatorium."

Molina's Cantina on Washington

Normally I hate when the ambiance of a restaurant is ruined by a blaring TV. But Molina's bar is so thoroughly separated from the dining room that it's almost a separate establish that just happens to serve those famous enchiladas.

Lucky's Pub

The atmosphere is lively, prices are reasonable, the food is light years beyond pub standards and the menu is extensive, even if they aren't exactly reinventing the wheel when it comes to bar food. With EaDo on the rise, frankly there aren't a lot of reasons not to come here.

Red Lion Pub

Red Lion specializes in traditional British pub food, plus Indian and American faves. The food is expensive, but the beers are served in true pints.

Two Rows

Two Rows gets a bad rep, but with a gazillion televisions and their house-brewed beers, plus half-price pizza on Mondays, it's a great place to watch Monday Night Football.

Texadelphia

Another Texas (though not Houston) original that gets no love, I defy anyone to try Texadelphia's original Texas cheesesteak and not enjoy it. The chips and queso are surprisingly good, too.

The Bull & Bear

Known on the west side for its commitment to airing MLS, European football and rugby matches, Bull & Bear also has NFL Ticket to play every game. When in doubt, order the cottage pie or the curry-battered fried pickles.