The roar of the crowd, tasty food, touchdowns, and high fives, they're all part of the good times that bring fans together during football season.
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It’s a common scene at Bank of America Stadium, but also pretty routine at sports bars and restaurants right here in the Triad during the fall.
If you can’t make it to the game and want to watch the Carolina Panthers in good company, here’s where you can catch the action in the coming months:
Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company
Fiddlin' Fish (772 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem) has only been around a little over a year, but already has a big foothold with Panthers fans in the Twin cities.
Situated in an old tobacco warehouse, the Brewery shows every Panthers game on a 150-inch projector screen (with sound) and can seat about 120 people inside with space for 48 on the patio. There are seven 60-inch TVs in addition to the mammoth projector.
It's not a sports bar or a usual sports-themed restaurant. Brewery staff says it usually carries a casual, relaxed atmosphere. But during football Sundays, it's a whole 'nother story. The brewery is home to the "Camel City Riot," the Winston-Salem chapter of Panthers' fan club Roaring Riot.
"It's definitely high-energy in here during Panthers games," said manager David Ashe. "On Sundays, we see people come in right at noon to claim their spot. We're big fans ourselves, so it's an obvious good match for us."
You can sip on beers produced on-site like Major Winston's Wheat and Black Mountain Chocolate Stout. Fiddlin' Fish doesn't serve food, but you'll find a variety of food trucks right outside the brewery.
Jake's Billiards
Down the road from UNC Greensboro, Jake’s Billiards (1712 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro) expanded in October 2011 and is one of the top hangouts in town for students and locals in a neighborhood bar.
What might be seen as a ramped-up college setting, Jake’s has over 20 TVs inside with bar, booth and table seating. There’s also a spacious patio area out front with numerous tables and four TVs outside. A big crowd shows up for Sundays in the fall. For busy game days, Jake’s bring out extra tables and puts every game on at least one TV.
Want a beer? There’s a huge selection with 69 beers on draft and over 100 bottles available.
There’s also 12 pool tables, four dart boards, ping pong table, Jenga, Connect Four and cornhole for the patio. As far as eats, wings, burgers and quesadillas are all favorites.
“A lot of people hear the name and think it’s a pool hall,” said Office Manager Emily Purcell. “We’re definitely a sports bar as well. There’s an eclectic mix of people that come. You can see an 80-year man shooting pool and a 4-year-old kid running around.”
The Bearded Goat
The Bearded Goat (116 E. Lewis St., Greensboro) isn't a traditional sports bar, but they have a special love for the Panthers. The Goat owner, Seth Mapes, is from Charlotte and a huge fan. The 'Gate City Riot,' the Greensboro chapter of the Panthers fan club, gathers to watch games here.
Most say the goat is generally a laid-back environment but it can get ramped up during games.
“We’re a classier dive bar” said Chris Vargas, an Assistant Manager. “There’s always a great turnout and it’s an awesome place to do it.”
You can watch on three TVs behind the bar and sound is on for Panthers games. There’s a patio area with tables so space is ample.
The Bearded Goat has over 40 different beers with 10 on draft. There's also skeeball, cornhole and a pop-a-shot game to play during halftime or after the game.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s is based in Charlotte, but the Greensboro location brings just as much fervor for the blue and black. Their barbecue is the specialty, with typical 'football food' like wings and nachos coming up big on game days. Mac's seems big, loud and bold with its tagline being "beer, BBQ, bikes."
Mac’s (1218 Battleground Ave., Greensboro) also has a varied beer selection, boasting 69 beers on draft and about 150 different types of bottles and cans.
There are 12 TVs inside and four on the patio, which includes heaters when it’s chilly out. The Panthers game will always be on with sound and you can bet there'll be plenty of fans to cheer with.
Rixster Grill
Rixster Grill features 15 TVs for your eyes to feast on and a menu where everything is made in-house.
A group of Minnesota Vikings fans meets at Rixster (3815 Tinsley Drive, High Point), but that doesn’t deter the Panthers fans from bringing the noise. Owner Ric Williams said Nebraska Cornhuskers fans meet there on Saturday, making it just a good football-watching bar. They have the NFL Sunday Ticket package so you can check on other games too.
“The Vikings fans have their own little area off to the side,” Williams said. “One side will cheer, then another side. It’s back and forth constantly.”
Rixster has 13 beers on tap and 20 in bottles and Williams points out they have "old guy beers" like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller High Life.
Williams says they make all their own food, even the hot dog chili. The tuna and salmon are popular sellers in addition to the typical bar fare.
5 Places To Watch The Panthers In The Triad #PanthersOn2
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