Check out 9&10 News’ suggestions on some great spots in Northern Michigan to enjoy watching the Detroit Lions’ season kickoff game Sunday, Sept. 8. We chose some places that are open later (gametime is 8:20 p.m.), and combine great food and great atmosphere. Here are some of our ideas, and if you have some suggestions of your own, let us know on our Facebook post!
Traverse City area
Choice spot: Thirsty Fish Sports Grille (221 E State St.)
Why we like it: This sports-centered bar is open until 11 p.m. and has an outdoor patio, plenty of high-definition TVs to catch the action on the field, and a wide variety of drinks, from beer and wine to mixed drinks and more.
What to order to eat: Triple Tacos - 3 tacos, shredded cabbage, radish, pico de gallo, cilantro lime crema with a choice of fried fish, pulled pork or crispy chicken.
Benzie & Leelanau area
Choice spot: Hungry Tummy Corner Pub (226 S. Benzie Blvd.)
Why we like it: This pub is open until 2 a.m. and offers traditional drinks including beers and mixed drinks, as well as offering several televisions to catch the game.
What to order to eat: The Corner Pub is known for its specialty pizzas including the popular “Super,” which has pepperoni, ham, ground beef, green peppers, onions and mushrooms.
Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington area
Choice spot: Cadillac Party Lounge (516 N. Mitchell St.)
Why we like it: This well-known event lounge will stay open till the last whistle blow of Sunday’s game, has plenty of seating and TVs to get the best view, and a wide selection of food and drinks.
What to order to drink: The lounge will be offering $7 pitchers, $2 domestic drafts, $2.25 domestic bottles and $3.25 liquor well drinks during the game.
What to order to eat: Sunday’s lunch specials include a turkey, bacon and Swiss sandwich, spicy buffalo chicken wrap, and a soup and salad combo. Dinner specials include walleye and jumbo shrimp.
Harbor Springs & Charlevoix area
Choice spot: Pierson’s Grille & Spirits (130 State St.)
Why we like it: This pub features an upscale theme with a full bar and menu featuring varieties for every taste.
What to order to drink: Try the Harbor Point spritz with Aperol aperitivo, sparkling wine, soda and lemon twist, or pick your choice of beer from the grille’s 22 beers on draft, including local Michigan brews from Petoskey, Midland and more.
What to order to eat: Try the grille’s rich olive burger or head for flavor with the street tacos.
Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling area
Choice spot: Pine Squirrel Bar & Grill (1600 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord)
Why we like it: This grill has a cozy feel, a menu to satisfy any taste, plenty of seating and reasonably priced drinks to go along with catching the game.
What to order to eat: The walleye sandwich, bourbon salmon or the French dip burger.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits area
Choice spot: Mitchell Street Pub (426 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey)
Why we like it: This vintage-inspired grill is filled with antiques, a retro jukebox and has a hometown energy to match. Open until midnight, the pub has plenty of TVs to watch the best plays, 22 beers on tap and late-night munchies.
What to order to drink: Pub’s Long Island iced tea with vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, sour mix, a splash of cola and garnished with a lemon.
What to order to eat: The pub burger is a popular staff favorite, or try their famous three-cheese grilled cheese.
Above the bridge area
Choice spot: The Driftwood Sports Bar (590 N State St., St Ignace)
Why we like it: This bar offers sports viewing both indoors and outdoors with a range of beers and menu items to choose from.
What to order to drink: Driftwood rum punch with Bacardi lemon, Malibu, pineapple juice, orange juice and cherry juice served with a cherry and orange slice.
What to order to eat: Steak bites are a popular entrée or try the coconut shrimp for a taste of the ocean while you don your Honolulu blue.
If you have a place to suggest, please comment on our Facebook post here.