Image: TownMapsUSA.com
But you shouldn't have any trouble finding great spots near War Memorial to eat, drink, and socialize before and after the game!
Are you looking for a great burger, a cold beer (or cocktail), or maybe some delicious sweet potato fries? Try The House Gastropub, located in Hillcrest at 722 N. Palm St., less than a mile from the stadium. The House is a short walk (15 minutes!) from War Memorial, and you can rest your feet, sip hand-crafted cocktails or choose from their great beers on tap, and chow down on really good fresh local food - everything is hand made daily and is really yummy! The tzatziki platter is a great option - hummus, tzatziki, feta, peppers, olives, pickled red onions, and a hefty drizzle of olive oil served with focaccia bread. A snack for two or a meal for one! You can check out The House on Facebook and view their menu. Oh, and The House has a great patio, and their kitchen stays open late - usually until at least 10, if not later. Try their awesome brunch from 10-2 Saturday or Sunday (hair of the dog . . . ?), and their happy hour from 11-7 every day.
Another great option, especially for post-game drinks, is Ciao Baci in Hillcrest. Ciao Baci has an amazing wrap-around porch, tasty cocktails, and it is definitely a see-and-be-seen spot for young professionals. While Ciao Baci can be a bit pricey, and you shouldn't be surprised to see girls in full-on cocktail dresses and heels, you'll also fit in just fine post-game in jeans and flats or a sundress and sandals. Ciao Baci makes amazing sangria (both red and white), and if you have a sweet tooth (and were lucky enough to snag a table), their s'mores are a huge hit, complete with open flame to toast your marshmallows. Ciao Baci is also less than a mile from the stadium - you can walk there in less time than it would take to get your car out of the parking lot after the game!
If you're looking for something much more casual - think jeans, pool tables, and canned beer - try The Fountain in Hillcrest. They have a small but lively back deck, but be warned: The Fountain is always super smokey. You can't walk through there without smelling like an ash tray when you leave. My personal opinion is that The Fountain is basically a smokier, more expensive indoor version of tailgating, so why leave the golf course? But, it tends to be very popular, especially with the college-age crowd, so if you'd like to check it out, directions are available here.
Do you need a bit of crunchy greasy fried food to sop up the, ahem, liquid refreshments you've been enjoying all day? Try The Oyster Bar, 1.4 miles east of War Memorial on Markham Street. It's an easy walk, but the street is fairly busy, so watch for traffic. While The Oyster Bar obviously has great oysters, I recommend the ice cold pitchers of beer and their po'boys. Make sure you try their fried asparagus appetizer - you won't regret it!
