Marana, Arizona
If your football team is still in the playoffs (Congratulations, I’m dancing with you right now) or if you’re just in it for the food, you may be asking yourself, “Where will I watch the game?” Finding that perfect spot to scream at a TV without judgment while gorging on everything you resolved not to eat this year can be challenging. Venturing to a new place, you risk the safety and comfort of your home field couch for a new environment full of unknowns.
Questions pop up…
Will they have my game on? How many TVs do they have? How are the chicken wings? How is their Ranch dressing? Is there outdoor seating? Are there heaters for outdoor seating? Can I bring my dogs?
Last weekend, my husband Glen and I visited The Station Pub and Grill in Marana to answer your questions.
We walked through the door with our cheeseheads held high. I mean this quite literally as Glen wore a giant wedge of foam cheese on his head as we made our way to a table. The bar was pleasantly packed, and the outdoor tables (with heaters) filled up with people and fur babies.
There were things I instantly liked about this locally owned sports bar even before the bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese arrived at my table.
The bar has a collage wall adorned with colorful patches from police, firefighters, and first responders (local and nationwide). US Military flags proudly hang from the ceiling in the bar area. In addition to sports, The Station also hosts live music and local events, reflected in the polaroids cheerfully plastered on the community wall.
We met some kindred Packers fans from Pennsylvania but hailed from Wisconsin. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy watching the game at a sports bar with fans you don’t know. One minute, you’re strangers…the next minute, you’re swapping stories about your beloved team. By the end of the night, you’re making plans to meet up for next week’s game!
I grew up listening to my dad tell stories about when he was a kid in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My dad and my uncle, Mark, rode their bikes to Lambeau Field on game day (without tickets to the game), and the police officers assigned to the security detail lifted a fence so that my dad, his older brother, and the other neighborhood kids had a front row seat to cheer on the Pack! Naturally, my brothers and I inherited a deep love/obsession for the Packers. We are fortunate to have cherished memories of going to Packers games and practices with my dad. As grown-up people, our text chains are full of Packers’ memes and hype videos. We know the lyrics to “Roll out the Barrel” can quote Vince Lombardi and salivate at the mention of cheese curds.
Speaking of cheese curds (I can hear your stomach grumbling), you may be wondering how the food at The Station is.
DELICIOUS!
We ordered a smorgasbord of appetizers, which included warm pretzels with melty cheese, boneless chicken wings, and bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese.
As a Marana Foodie, I wanted to order something they’re known for, like the tater tots smothered in warm cheese, sour cream, chives, and your choice of bacon bits, pulled pork, or pastrami. The tots must be Napoleon Dynamite standard because they sold out.
Next time, we’ll just have to arrive an hour before kick-off!
In summary, The Station Pub and Grill Scored Touchdowns in all the categories!
Other local sports bars that are on my list to check out include:
Where are you watching the Playoffs this weekend? What food pairs best with the game?
