Great Places to Watch “The Game”
August 31st, 2010 | By: Brian Rooney
Zeeks Pizza in the Issaquah Highlands
As the calendar turns to September, we begin to say farewell to summer and welcome fall. For most people, the change of seasons is marked by the days becoming shorter, the leaves beginning to change their colors, and the kids returning to school. I am not most people. For me, fall officially begins with the start of football season. Football is woven into the fabric of America as much as baseball, apple pie, and the latest cellular phone. Fortunately, in the Issaquah and Sammamish area there are plenty of establishments where you can root for your favorite college or professional football team and enjoy a lively atmosphere with terrific food and drinks.
Time Out Sports Bar
185 Front St North
The Time Out opened its doors in May 2009. Head chef and bartender Joe Lucia and manager Paul Massey have created a “feel at home” atmosphere with great food, inexpensive drinks, and plenty of good times. The long bar is complemented by several tables and counter seating. Multiple flat-screen TVs let patrons watch whatever game they choose. If you are going with a group of friends, arrive early and lay claim to the bar’s “Man Cave.” The cave includes two black leather couches, one of the many flat-screens, and a stone fireplace. The menu includes such favorites as chicken tenders and quesadillas. If you have a healthy appetite, the Philly Cheesesteak is Lucia’s favorite item.
Gaslamp Tavern
1315 NW Mall St., Ste. 3
The Gaslamp Tavern opened in the 1970s and is the best-kept secret in Issaquah. It also has the best burgers in Issaquah! During football season, you can enjoy the special burger and fries on Sunday for $3.99. If you are not in the mood for a burger, try one of their many sandwiches. My personal favorites are the prime rib dip and the club. The service is extremely friendly and efficient. The Gaslamp is also family friendly, and allows children in the pub until 11 p.m. In addition to two pool tables, the Gaslamp has a Wii console that kids are allowed to play. If you are a Cougar fan, I caution you to tread lightly. The Gaslamp is passionate about the Huskies, and tolerant of the Cougs.
The Joker Pub and Grill
5614 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. SE
If you are a Coug, the Joker Pub and Grill is for you. Owner Joe Wingen is proud of his WSU roots, and it is evident from the moment you enter. Cougar memorabilia is everywhere, and not one hint of the “other state school.” If you enjoy cold beer, prepare to make a decision, as there are 24 beers on tap and another 24 in bottles. Flat-screen TVs surround the bar, and if you need a break from watching your favorite team, you can play pool on one of the three tables or play a round of golf on the pub’s Golden Tee machine. Everything on the menu is top-notch. The most popular sandwich is Brad’s Bad Bird, an outstanding blend of turkey, bacon, and melted American and Swiss cheese. If you are not a Coug, do not worry. The good people at the Joker will accommodate you and find your favorite team to watch. During the bigger games of the year, the pub’s pool tables are closed for additional table seating. As the evening progresses, a collegial atmosphere begins to unfold with the arrival of younger patrons.
Zeeks Pizza
2525 NE Park Drive
When one thinks of football, the first food items that likely come to mind are buffalo wings, burgers, fries, and tater tots. However, there is a special place in the Highlands where you can order a cold pint of beer, root for the Seahawks, and order a pizza complete with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli, appropriately called the Tree Hugger. The Issaquah branch of Zeeks Pizza opened in the summer of 2009 and is owned by Mark Mullet, who moonlights as an Issaquah city councilman. The restaurant served more than 45,000 pizzas in its first year and shows no signs of slowing down. Their pizzas are made with quality fresh ingredients. If you can’t decide from the many great combinations on the menu, I recommend that you build your own pizza. Zeeks doesn’t use oil in their pizza crust, which gives it a unique, brilliant taste and texture. In addition to their famous margaritas and mai tais, the bar offers many microbrews on tap. If you are going to watch your team, be sure to wear their colors so that you can enjoy happy-hour prices. If you are unable to find a seat in the bar area, join the crowd on the heated covered patio.
Malarky’s Sports Grill
1025 NW Gilman Blvd
If your team plays the early in the morning and you are hungry, head to Malarky’s. Malarky’s serves a great breakfast; their Farmer’s Scramble ($9) has been described as two and a half meals in one, so come prepared. If you arrive past the breakfast hour, try the Jack Daniel’s Burger or one of the many wrap sandwiches. Six flat-screen TVs surround the bar, and if you need a break from watching the Seahawks (and last year, who didn’t?), head to the upper level and join a friend for a game of pool. During Seahawks game, the bar offers dollar pints of domestic beers for every turnover the Seahawks generate.
So, as we say goodbye to summer and the Mariners season that never seemed to begin, know that you have plenty of local options this fall when deciding where to root for your favorite football team.
