The 2015 college football and NFL seasons kick off in September, which also happens to be the perfect time of year for a Myrtle Beach fall vacation. But you don't have to choose between a beach retreat and ball game when you spend a weekend at The Strand Resort.
With cozy accommodations that include flat-screen TVs and oceanfront balconies, you can keep one eye on the games and the other on the Atlantic Ocean as long as your game is televised. And for those who want to follow a specific game, there are numerous sports bars in Myrtle Beach that can show any game that is being televised anywhere in the world.
More casual fans can belly up to The Strand Bar in the resort lobby and get score updates between breaks at the pool or beach. Personalized small screen TVs allow patrons to tune in to the game of their choice from a basic cable lineup. But if your team's game is not on national TV, here are five great sports bars where you can root for your home team:
Broadway Louie's: This Broadway at the Beach sports bar is a popular hangout for wayward fans of all teams, both college and pro. The huge facility features a sports bar section with big-screen TVs and smaller ones positioned throughout the bar area for fans wanting to watch something different than the featured showdowns. Enjoy good bar food and cold beer while making new friends of fellow fans, and step out for some good-natured competition in the adjoining arcade and game room. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, Chuck & Duck's Sports Bar is right next door, and several other Celebrity Square venues show all the games too.
Bumstead's Pub: Make the short trip to Myrtle Beach' downtown district to one of the best sports bars on the Grand Strand. This English pub attracts a large locals crowd on game days and nights, and visitors are sure to find some fellow fans to help root for their favorite teams. For fans that prefer a little more seclusion, the private booths feature their own TV sets so you can tune in to whichever game you want to see. Order an award-winning sub from the adjoining Dagwood's Deli, and wash it down with one of the many cold beers carried by Bumstead's.
Liberty Tap Room: Not to be confused with the more popular Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery at Broadway at the Beach, this lesser-known sister facility features the same great food and house-brewed beers in a more laid-back environment. Located in the North Woods section of town, about five miles north of The Strand, Liberty Tap Room has a covered patio with big screen TVs where fans gather for the games. The indoor bar and restaurant also have TVs, and drink and appetizers specials are offered during happy hour.
Overtime Sports Cafe: This one is a little farther away in North Myrtle Beach but many sports fans say the experience is worth the drive. Featuring two floors of wall-to-wall sports and TV screens, the “OT” knows how to create a stadium environment. Flat-screen TVs adorn nearly every inch of wall space, and a sports memorabilia museum displays a wide variety of unique items donated and autographed by famous athletes. An impressive food menu provides a good chance to have dinner while watching the games, and there’s not a bad seat in the house in terms of TV viewing.
Pine Lakes Tavern: This friendly neighborhood bar is more laid back than many of the pure sports bars. Billed as a gastropub/sports bar, Pine Lakes Tavern draws an eclectic crowd of locals, tourists, golfers and football fans. Daily lunch specials are just like something mom might make – meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, or a shrimp po boy. The food menu is almost as long as the beer lineup – lots of domestic and imported brews along with lots of craft and microbrew offerings in bottle and on tap. The backyard patio deck overlooks Pine Lake and features large TVs so you can catch the game and some sun.
What could be better than being at the beach and watching football? Come out to any of these venues to enjoy the games this fall. We look forward to seeing you at The Strand Resort, Myrtle Beach!
(Posted: 9/2/15)
