ESPN and NFL game

[monty]

We were planning to have dinner at ESPN on 12/11 and there is a nfl game scheduled: NO @ CHI 8:15 PM.
What time would we need to get to ESPN by to ensure we get a table (for 4) or will it be hopeless!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

A couple hours prior and you'll be fine.

 

[luvpooh]

for a Thurs nt game you should be fine 45 mins to an hr ahead of time. bump it up a little if either team is doing really good or there are playoff contentions at stake

 

[disnut8]

Yeah, for a Thursday night game, you should be OK with about an hour or so before the game. It's not going to be hopeless. But, as mentioned, check the teams' records. People tend to become fair weather fans if a team seems to be heading to the Super Bowl.

 

[monty]

Well...an hour I can cope with, but two hours to wait for a table!!
Thanks for your advice, we will keep tabs on these teams.
Another question please ....if we get there at say 7.00 and happen to get lucky and get a table straight away....will we be able to stay at our table if we have finished eating and there are other people waiting for tables?
Oh, and what do you do while waiting....I'm guessing ALL the party has to be waiting to be seated. Do they usually have seats at the bar?

 

[luvpooh]

Well...an hour I can cope with, but two hours to wait for a table!!
Thanks for your advice, we will keep tabs on these teams.
Another question please ....if we get there at say 7.00 and happen to get lucky and get a table straight away....will we be able to stay at our table if we have finished eating and there are other people waiting for tables?
Oh, and what do you do while waiting....I'm guessing ALL the party has to be waiting to be seated. Do they usually have seats at the bar?

I'm not sure what the official policy is, but we always wind up drinking at least while we are at our table even if we are done eating...
It depends. If you seat yourself on the bar side then no. However, sometimes when it gets crowded to capacity, they will not let people in no matter what, even if you are meeting people who already have a table. We saw a lady get carted out, quite brusquely, because she snuck past the 'guard' at the entrance between the bar and the shop to give something (her kid maybe?) to her husband inside. There shouldn't be an issue like that the night you are there though.

 

[disnut8]

You can still be at the table to watch the game until the end if you want. However, make sure your tip is adequate since the server didn't have a chance to have another party(ies) at that table.

I personally witnessed one lady who sat at a table watching the College World Series (early game, not the championship) very intently for a long time. It was just her, she had only ordered a salad and a soft drink and she was there when I got there and was still there when I left. She was the only one watching the game (she had to request it be left on). No one tried to get her to leave.

 

[MikeRa]

When I usually go to the ESPN, I don't go for a table, but I just go right o the bar itself, and eat and drink. Bu I wold recomend getting there a little early, since there will be other NFL games on at that point from the 4M Games (for Sunday).