Mavs News
Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 6 best bars to catch the NBA Finals
Hold the phone on those summer vacay plans: For the first time in 13 years, the Dallas Mavericks are headed to the NBA Finals, making for a busy June on the local sports front. The hometown team, led by players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (the superstar bromance fans have hoped for), will face the Boston Celtics during a best-of-seven series that starts Thursday, June 6 (7:30 pm, ABC). The series could run all the way until June 23 if necessary, providing the perfect opportunity to highlight some of Fort Worth's best spots for game-watching this month. Bond with fellow Mavs fans at these six bars, where there'll be food and drink specials, a few gametime giveaways, and the sound on loud and proud.
The Rabbit Hole Pub
Fort Worth favorite watering hole is not hopping on the Mavericks bandwagon – they’ve been hosting Mavs playoff watch parties for weeks. But their biggest yet starts with Game 1 on Thursday, which will feature Mavs swag giveaways and beer samplings presented by Modelo, $5 Modelo drafts and $22 Modelo buckets, $2 blue and green Jell-O shots, and multiple cocktail specials. There’s even a themed dress code: wear white for away games and blue for home games. Go hungry for the on-site taco truck.
Texas Live!
Fresh off the Texas Rangers’ journey to becoming World Series champs last fall, Texas Live! is well seasoned in hosting massive watch parties. The Arlington food, drink, and entertainment complex is anchored by a 100-foot screen in the middle of Shift 4 Arena, which is surrounded by booth seating, bar-height tables, and views of the multi-level facility.
Reservations are required for table seating, with food and beverage minimums ranging from $25-$50 per person, plus 20 percent gratuity. Or visit one of the other venues inside Texas Live!, including the CBD Kratom Backyard, Rangers Republic, Troy's, Miller Tavern, Lockhart Smokehouse, and Sports & Social, which will offer first-come, first-serve seating.
Koe Wetzel’s Riot Room
West 7th District hot spot has been buzzy lately for a recent visit by Post Malone and Jelly Roll ahead of the 59th ACM Awards held in Frisco back in May, and for the news of a
second location in Houston later this year. It’s a party here every night of the week, just like its namesake co-owner, Texas country rock star Koe Wetzel, likes it. Get loud and Mavs proud during games with $50 Big Tex Towers. The large format cocktails are meant to be shared and come in varieties like Prickly Paloma, I’m Your Huckleberry made with TX Whiskey, and 1-800- Mavericks, a blue-hued tropical punch made with 1800 Coconut Tequila and blue curacao. The concoctions are only available until 10 pm during the NBA Finals. Mavs fans can also enjoy $22 Coors Light and Miller Lite buckets, and $30 buckets of Happy Dad hard seltzers. Stay satiated with a full menu of starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and “supper” entrees.
Rogers Roundhouse
Indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar known for its double thin patty burger will keep Mavs fans fueled with free chips and queso during games. Just be sure to wear Mavs gear to get the deal, which also includes $5 schooners of Saint Arnold Grand Prize lager. Also note that Rogers Roundhouse offers large-format cocktails to share – so bring your buddies. Selections include the Fly Bird Strawberry Margarita on tap ($50) and Yours Truly made with Absolut Vodka, pineapple syrup, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and Truly Wild Berry ($50).
The Local
Here’s a Luka shot we can always count on – the “Luka Shot” at The Local, a longtime neighborhood sports bar with a cozy patio in the West 7th District. Named for Mavs star Slovenian point guard, Luke Doncic, the concoction is made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a hint of melon liqueur and is one of several drink specials during Mavs games. Find it for only $5 along with $5 Modelo, Miller Lite, and Yuengling Flight drafts.
Buffalo Bros Sundance
Perhaps the most popular watch party spot in Fort Worth is Buffalo Bros in Sundance Square, where a 360-degree bar boasts TVs inside and outside the perimeter. Speaking of TVs, there are more than 90 here, along with a theater-style side room with five screens and stadium seating. Because all NBA Finals tip off at 7:30 pm. – right during dinnertime – note that Buffalo Bros Sundance offers both
drink and food specials daily, spanning beyond wings and pizza to include fried fish and green chile chicken enchiladas. Pro tip: Game 3 falls on a Wednesday, one of Buffalo Bros. busiest nights thanks to the 10 wings for $8 special ($5 for five) and $5 whiskeys. Arrive early.