Best Bars To Watch Thursday Night Football In Charlotte

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 9, 2014 7:00 am EST

Thursday Night Football is different from football on Sunday, Monday and any other night. This is due to the fact that, by Thursday, the weekend is coming. Frenetic football fans can hang out longer, yell louder and enjoy themselves more on Thursday nights, safe in the knowledge that Friday will follow. There are so many sports bars in Charlotte that suit all tastes. Some are classic and others have contemporary decor. Some have hundreds of television screens and a great many people enjoying the view. Other bars may not have fancy digs, or may be called lovingly "a dive" by regulars, but one can hear oneself think as well as hear the TVs in the place. All have beverage specialties and standard or creative grill fare. This list of five bars is perfect for Thursday football watching, as well as any other day a game is on.

The Doghouse
401 W. Morehead St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 704-570-9610
www.facebook.com/cbsradiodoghouse

Root for the home team before, during and after the game at the little house on the corner of Mint and Morehead Streets. It is hard to miss, with the big bulldog face painted on the building, sitting right across the street from Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers. Sometimes there's live music at this uber tailgating locale, with WFNZ doing a live broadcast. Admission is free.

Jocks and Jills Sports Grill
4109 Southstream Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 423-0001
www.jocksandjills.com

There isn't an angle inside or outside that blocks your view of a television screen. There are hundreds of them at Jocks and Jills. The food is standard American sports watching fare – wings, burgers, fries and tender ribs with plenty of drink options. The décor includes sports memorabilia from the history of sports as well as modern day collectables.

Kennedy's Premium Bar and Grill
366 N. Caswell St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 375-0218
www.kennedyscharlotte.com

This pub is open every day and has plenty of televisions and a heated deck decorated with Kelly green LED lights. Its allegiance is with the Cleveland Browns from preseason to the end. Entertainment non-football nights include trivia contests and karaoke. One interesting menu option is the Garbage Plate Special. It has four burger patties (six ounces each), on a one-pound bed of fries or tater tots, with a pound of macaroni salad, meat sauce and four pieces of bread. Finish it and Kennedy's will comp you the $35 meal and put your victorious photo on its Hall of Fame.

Picasso's Sports Cafe
230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 595-9553
www.picassossportscafe.com

There is a lot of Yankees memorabilia at Picasso's, and the pizza, pepperoni rolls and Caribbean creepers wings get high praise. Located in the University City area, this is a logical destination for UNC-Charlotte fans, the 49ers, named for this area's gold mining history, and 1949, a significant year in the school's development. The football team, launched in 2013, is entering its sophomore year, and games are televised locally. You don't have to be a sports lover, however, to have fun here. Just enjoy watching the exuberant bar patrons enjoy themselves.

Streamers Sports Pub
1513 Pierson Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 568-9273
www.streamerssportspub.com

For east side residents and their family and friends, Streamers has a neighborhood bar atmosphere, super food, craft beer and tons of TVs. Fans can feel free to let loose and cheer for their teams. Patrons have access to adjust the volume on the sets they are watching. Visitors love their food and drinks specials. Eagles fans will have a place for deep conversation with those of like minds.

Jacquelin Celeste Peters has produced award winning radio programs at WPFW Pacifica-Washington. She is a Culture and Events Examiner in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she calls home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.