Take Me Out to the Ball Game in Southwest Illinois
Take me out to the ballgame, but don’t take me out to the crowd! While America’s favorite pastime is watching baseball, America’s least favorite pastime is probably sitting in the traffic to actually get to the ballpark.
If you want to avoid the crowds, catch your favorite teams taking the field at the best local sports bars in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois.
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Catdaddy’s Tavern
As you take your first steps into Catdaddy’s Tavern, 203 W 3rd St, Alton, there is no question that you have entered the hallowed grounds of Cardinal territory. On game day or even year-round, Redbirds adorn the hats, jerseys and decorations of the bar, setting a tone that mimics the St. Louis fan’s loyal devotion.
Baseball parties at Catdaddy’s join fans together for food, fun, giveaways and the same ballpark spirit without any of the hassle.
Located in downtown Alton, Catdaddy’s is in prime position for game-day festivities. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or not, it’s hard to strike out with cold drinks and good company from pregame to postgame.
Mac’s Downtown
Or slide into Mac’s Downtown, 315 Belle St, Alton, for great game day food and drinks.
Mac’s exemplifies the feel of a well-deserved break, catering to the spectators of sports as they watch their favorite teams. The bar’s outside beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a nice cold drink during the heat of friendly competition.
Baseball rivalries working up some cravings? Don’t sweat! Mac’s Time Out has the bases covered with daily food specials, drink specials and all the action of the game in one great place.
Roper’s Regal Beagle
Athletic-themed décor and memorabilia are always highlights of a fan’s visit to a sports bar. At Roper’s Regal Beagle, 3043 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, a set of original folding seats from the old Busch Stadium, a swivel baseball glove chair, autographed jerseys and much more are all on display to ensure that the bar hosts a solid game night throughout the season.
Roper's Regal Beagle Golf Simulators
There are more than 10 televisions hanging inside and nearly 20 hanging outside, so finding a view of the game will not be difficult. Need a seventh-inning stretch? Schedule a tee time on the golf simulators and play a few rounds.
Game-time food and drink specials will have you feeling victorious even if your favorite team is not.
Alton Sports Tap
No matter what role you play in the lineup, there’s no better way for team bonding than grabbing a bite to eat or a little to drink after the game. And what goes great with baseball and beer? The best chicken wings in Madison County!
Alton Sports Tap, 3812 College Ave, Alton, says its wings are the best in the region, but that’s not all it has to offer. Features such as an outside patio, fire pit and multiple flat-screen TVs all enhance the ultimate game night for coaches, players and spectators alike.
If the baseball game didn’t wear you out, get your own matches going at the outdoor sand volleyball pit! Alton Sports Tap offers sand volleyball leagues in the spring, summer and fall, including Mud, Sweat and Beers Mud Volleyball Tournaments. Talk about playing dirty!
Alton Sports Tap hosts weekly lunch and drink specials, special events such as Karaoke Nights and even has a banquet room available to host your own events seating up to 180 people.
These multiple features make it easy to knock it out of the park at Alton Sports Tap for your next game day experience.
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Fast Eddie’s Bon Air
Arguably the most famous bar in the Midwest, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, 1530 E 4th St, Alton. If you’re looking for a small and quiet place to watch the game, Bon Air is anything but.
While the legend of Fast Eddie’s is great, the masses that fill the bar are even more incredible. The high volume of customers that travel from far and wide demand large amounts of entertainment, including live music and of course, sports!
Enjoy the game with the coldest beer in town, the cheapest food around and an environment that will keep you amused long into extra innings.
Global Brew Tap House
Tuesdays were made for Tacos, baseball games and cold, refreshing drinks. And Global Brew, 2329 Plum St., Edwardsville, has the perfect recipe for a weekday ballgame break.
With more than 200 different beers from around the world and 50 beers on tap, try a different drink each inning and pair it with a taco, seasoned tots or a specialty sandwich.
Edison's
Take a seventh inning stretch with a game of bowling or shuffleboard at Edison's Entertainment Complex, 2477 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville. Oh, and enjoy the baseball game at the same time on the big screens.
There's more to Edison's than just gaming, or watching a game. The house made appetizers, sandwiches and entrees. Large screen TV's enhance the bowling lanes and a projection TV is available in the dining area for larger than life game watching. After the ball game, schedule time for laser tag or unwind with arcade games.
Friday's South
If you are searching for an intimate sports bar setting for game day, Friday's South, 106 E. Main St., Collinsville, is the ideal location. Order a specialty thin crust pizza, a glass of beer and enjoy the game on large screen TV's scattered throughout the historic building. If the weather is nice, step outside on to the enclosed patio for a break and a breath of fresh air.
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