Another vote for ESPN - we went there the last Sunday in December last year to watch my team's game. There were 2 lines: one for the table side and one for the bar side - where you may/may not get seating. The table side was a 2 hour wait so I hopped in the bar side queue and was just lucky to beat a big rush - waited only 15 mins to get in. The 1pm game hadn't started yet but was going to pretty soon - don't remember how long.
When patrons leave the bar side then security lets in that same number of guests so your party may be split going in. Once inside, a lot of people happily stood the whole time. But there are a lot of bar stools and tables around the edge too. It's packed tho...so if you prefer quieter and roomy settings, avoid this place. It's a great atmosphere and a fan for every team.
If you want to sit and are patient, industrious and don't mind talking to people, you can find a unused stool and move it to some where convenient. Some people are a little touchy - after I used 'the facilities', I stopped just to see where DH was and this woman said I was standing in her space
Even tho I was 3 ft way from her - I stopped at the kitchen entrance where I thought it would be "safe" for a 10 sec glance - I apologized and moved away. She looked pretty peeved standing there in her boots so maybe that was the problem. In most places you are almost body to body, esp moving around the bar.
Mostly tho people were in a fab festive mood, swapping friendly banter with fans of opposing teams, etc. Standing fans and people from other tables were giving us high-5's
Because the playoff wildcards were still being determined, patrons had a lot of interest in all games. We vultured a table and got seats pretty quickly - a family that just happen to be there for lunch finished their food and was leaving.
I agree with the slow train of food & drinks. We just ordered one item at a time (nachos, wings, etc.). The servers know what the deal is that day and don't expect you to move on, and just tip well and be patient - your food, drinks and cutlery will eventually make it, just give your server time.
We shared the magic and offered a family that was standing with 2 young teen boys to share the small table we were at (with a warning that it would be squishy) it was tight table for 4 to begin with and we sat 6 there but some were on bar stools, and DH sat beside me but away from the table. The mom was so grateful and offered to buy us drinks a couple of times, but we declined, of course. Turns out when our bill came, she had paid for our dessert
So if you want a place with the best atmosphere, good food and reasonable prices - ESPN is the place to be!
cheers,
