Watching the NBA Playoffs in the NY/NJ area isn’t the event that it often has been this season. It doesn’t help that both the Knicks and Nets are bad; really bad. Don’t let the somewhat down NBA atmosphere keep you away from going out to watch the playoffs, though. After all, you don’t want to sit on the couch and watch the NBA playoffs by yourself. Here are the best sports bars to watch the NBA Playoffs in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Best Sports Bars to Watch the NBA Playoffs in Hoboken #1: Willie McBride’s
Better known simply as “Willie’s” to those who frequent the bar often, this establishment offers a little bit of everything you could ask for while watching the NBA Playoffs. Technically, there are two separate rooms and an upstairs at Willie’s but if you’re going to watch the NBA Playoffs you’re going to want to sit either directly at the bar or at one of the tables directly behind the bar. There, you’ll find numerous big screen HD TVs making it virtually impossible for you to miss a second of the action. This is especially nice when there are multiple games going on.
Wilie’s also won’t empty your wallet, something that’s rather helpful considering that the NBA Playoffs go on for about six months. They also have some of the best bar food you’ll ever eat. The wife and I stop by sometimes just to get their Reuben. I also highly recommend any of the burgers, the wings and the nachos. Quite frankly, I’ve never had anything at Willie’s that I didn’t like. Wilie’s also offers daily drink specials during and offers during sporting events. Not enough? Willie’s has two dollar Bud Lights everyday of the week.
Perhaps the best part about Willie’s is the “corner bar” atmosphere you’ll find there. Willie’s offers friendly service by great people and the patrons aren’t too bad, either. Willie’s really is just a great place to watch any sporting event, including the NBA Playoffs.
Best Sports Bars to Watch the NBA Playoffs in Hoboken #2: Black Bear Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for a more traditional sports bar, Black Bear is the place for you. It is impossible for you to miss an NBA Playoff game at Black Bear. TVs of multiple sizes and varieties can be found all over the place. If you’re sitting at the bar, you’re probably watching about five different sporting events. If a particular NBA Playoff game is especially important (i.e. Game seven, local team playing) you’ll most likely have the game on audio throughout the bar, as well. In other words, unless you’re in the restroom, you’re going to know what’s going on at all times during an NBA Playoff game.
For my money, Black Bear has very good bar food but not as good as Willie’s. Black Bear does, however, offer much more variety on their menu. Much like Willie’s, the nachos at Black Bear are top notch. I recommend the different varieties of pizza found at Black Bear. It’s different than the pizza you normally find in the area but that doesn’t mean that it’s not good. Great flavor and tons of toppings always makes me happy. Black Bear has a good variety of drinks and drink specials throughout the week perfect since the NBA Playoffs occur on practically every day after Easter.
Best Sports Bars to Watch the NBA Playoffs in Hoboken #3: Four L’s
Four L’s, found right across the street from Black Bear, is actually not a “sports bar” in nature. In fact, Four L’s is one of the nicest restaurants in town and specializes in some of the best Italian dishes found in Hoboken. Those two reasons, combined with the large HD TVs found all over the restaurant, make Four L’s the perfect spot to watch the NBA Playoffs.
As you’ve probably noticed by now, I’m a big fan of nachos. Trust me when I tell you that the Tuscan Nachos found at Four L’s are unlike any you’ve had before. I’m not going to say anything more. Just get them. All of the sandwiches I’ve gotten at Four L’s are spectacular. The chicken or steak panini is a can’t miss pick, as is the pizza found at Four L’s. Like Black Bear, the pizza isn’t “Manhattan style” but I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Go to Four L’s to watch the NBA Playoffs with some friends, create your own pizza (or pizzas) and enjoy the myriad of drink selections found at Four L’s. It’s a different sports atmosphere, one that I recommend during the NBA (or any) Playoffs.
The uniqueness of these three places make them all great places to watch the NBA Playoffs. Any one of the three would be an excellent choice for you to catch all of the action.
