Authentically Arlington / News
Aug 9, 2016
Texas Rangers, Downtown Arlington and You
Top picks for before, during and after the game
It’s been a wild and woolly season for our Texas Rangers, and no doubt the pennant race has even more surprises up its collective sleeves. Luckily for Rangers fans, Downtown Arlington is the unofficial infield of Globe Life Park with plenty of box seat views and specials on tap before, during and after each game.
In no particular order, here’s our Terrific Ten: some of the hottest spots in Downtown Arlington where you can root, root, root for your home team:
Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club
200 N. Mesquite Street
While the food – especially the burgers - is the main attraction at Grease Monkey, the atmosphere is second-to-none. With daily food and drink specials and an eclectic schedule of live music, there’s always something new to love. If you’re headed to Globe Life Park or AT&T Stadium for the game or a special event, take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service.
“We get a great turnout for weekend games,” said Greg Gardner, owner of Grease Monkey. “People come to eat and drink, then take our shuttle to the game. Then they come back after the games, enjoy our late night menu and hear live music.”
601 E. Main Street
Mavericks is the ultimate sports bar. With tons of TVs, the NFL Sunday Ticket and the SEC Network, you won’t miss a minute of the big game. Daily specials mean grabbing a drink with friends is more affordable than ever. With their complimentary shuttle service, Mavericks is the ideal pre-game and post-game spot for games and events at Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium.
406 W. Abram Street
Situated in a historic home, J.R. Bentley’s has the feel of an authentic English pub. It’s a great place to relax with friends, have burger, enjoy a beer and, of course, watch the game. Recently completed renovations provide a smoke-free environment and a new dog-friendly patio.
310 E. Abram Street, Suite 150
A staple in central Arlington since 1999, Hooligan’s offers a fantastic selection of handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. The welcoming staff is there to make you feel at home, whether you’re there for a pre-game meet-up or a post-game celebration.
407 E. South Street
With plenty of room, TVs, hometown favorite food and affordable prices, J. Gilligan’s is a great place to watch Rangers games. Its famous Irish Nachos were featured on the Travel Channel. J. Gilligan’s offers affordable shuttle service to AT&T Stadium for Dallas Cowboys games and special events, and many nights Gilligan’s features live music.
“During play-off games and the World Series in 2011 and 2012, we set up TVs under tents in the parking lot and offered specials on food and beverages,” said Randy Ford, owner of J. Gilligan’s. “We host ‘tail gate’ parties for away games and have plenty of the key ingredient -- lots of Ranger Fans.”
603 W. Abram Street
While classic pizza creations and over 35 brews are the main attraction, Old School Pizza also offers delicious appetizers, desserts and more. With live music on Saturday night and free Wi-Fi, Old School is a great place to grab a bite with friends before or after the game.
501 E. South Street
For years, Kool Keg has been Arlington’s go-to for party supplies and rentals including kegs, margarita machines, beer dispensers and frozen drink dispensers. But thanks to a recent upgrade made possible by the Destination Downtown grant program, Kool Keg has a fresh new storefront including a hip tasting room and TVs that will make you hope every away game goes into extra innings.
500 E. Division Street
Downtown’s newest start-up is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6:00 p.m. When the Rangers play at home, Legal Draft is a great place to stop for a craft beer (brewed on site) before you head to Globe Life Park. The air-conditioned taproom sports five 65-inch TVs plus more on the patio, perfect for pre-game fun and away game viewing.
“When the playoffs start, we’ll expand our schedule to include Rangers games, both home and away,” said Greg McCarthy, Legal Draft founder and chief justice. “It’s a great place to hang out with your friends and cheer on the Rangers while you enjoy our world-class beers.”
200 N. Center Street
This funky eatery serves up tasty hoagies, calzones, salads and (of course) pizza with personalities all their own: including the Kosmic Karma, Magical Mystery Tour and Maui Wowie. Mellow Mushroom has over 50 beers on draft, and its glowing neon bar is a great gathering place for Rangers fans.
510 E. Abram Street
With friendly service, delicious Tex-Mex and top-notch margaritas, the whole family will find something to love at Fuzzy’s. You can sit inside or out and enjoy a casual, relaxed dining experience on your way to or from the big game.
But wait: there’s more!
Our Terrific Ten list is only the beginning. For a complete of Downtown eateries – including our Top Ten plus Pie Five Pizza Co., Flying Fish, Twisted Root Burger Co., Division Brewing and more – visit the Downtown Arlington Bars and Restaurants directory.
Click, post, tweet and tag
Be sure to tag @Rangers, #authenticallyArlington and @dtArlington and every time you visit your favorite Downtown Arlington bar or restaurant. For a complete listing, visit our website.
About Downtown Arlington
Ranked as one of the top urban districts in the country in 2016 by TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals, Downtown Arlington Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown Arlington is home to a top tier public university, prolific cultural arts institutions and live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.