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Giants-Packers Playoff Game Gives Big Blue Fans, Cheeseheads Football Feast

By DNAinfo Staff on January 14, 2012 3:57pm

By Matt Draper

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

With the Giants’ confidence soaring heading into Sunday’s playoff game with Green Bay, Big Blue — and their legions of die-hard fans — are gearing up for their clash with the defending Super Bowl champs.

Coming off two stellar wins, including a first-round drubbing of Atlanta last week, the G-men head into Wisconsin’s historic Lambeau Field with plenty of momentum to take on a Packer team many consider the favorite to repeat as champs.

New Yorkers will hit Manhattan bars will similar gusto, as the city boasts countless watering holes to catch the Giants and a few fan favorites for the understandably upbeat Packer faithful.

Never mind that Green Bay had the best record (15-1) and has averaged the most points per game (35) during the regular season. Talk among national media and football fans has centered on the rejuvenated Giants, who bear a close resemblance to their Super Bowl-winning squad of 2008.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has thrown six touchdowns over the past two games heading into Big Blue's playoff matchup with Green Bay.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has thrown six touchdowns over the past two games heading into Big Blue's playoff matchup with Green Bay.
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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In fact, it was during that year’s unexpected playoff run that a defensive-minded Giants team beat a heavily favored Packer team in Green Bay en route to their stunning upset of New England in the Super Bowl.

Beyond the battle on the gridiron, the game pits the city’s many Wisconsin ex-pats against local Big Blue fans for NFL bragging rights.

Even Mayor Bloomberg — who declared Friday “Big Blue Day” — and Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt got into the spirit.

If the Giants win, Schmitt agreed to send Wisconsin cheese curds and Titletown’s Sno-Cap root beer to Gotham. But if the Packers win, Bloomberg will send Junior’s cheesecake and salsa from the Brooklyn Salsa company to Green Bay — a nod to Giants receiver Victor Cruz’s salsa celebration dance.

In preparation for Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. showdown, DNAinfo provides a rundown of some of the best bars to watch the game for both teams.

G-MEN AND G-WOMEN

Sure, every bar with a TV will have it tuned to the Giants Sunday. Still, there are a number of uber-fan hangouts throughout the city for diehards and/or those looking for stadium atmosphere with promotions and specials.

Wharf Bar and Grill (Murray Hill) — During the Giants recent win over the Cowboys, Wharf was packed to the gills with Big Blue jerseys enjoying specials $3.50 Bud/Bud Light pints along with 30-cent wings and select $5 specialty drinks on Sunday.

123 Burger Shot Beer (Hell's Kitchen) — While not the most sports-focused bar, it’s tough to beat the prices and promotions. The bar gives out free shots every time the Giants score. And if they win? Everyone gets a free beer.

Southern Hospitality (Upper East Side) — Typically team-agnostic, this BBQ joint/sports bar has gotten into the spirit by offering free Big Blue shots every time the Giants score. Plus, they are giving out free fried pickles with every purchase of a Big Blue specialty cocktail.

CHEESEHEADS

Packer Nation is indeed nationwide, with a large contingent of fans based in New York. They’ve got their own website (packerseverywhere.com), along with a local MeetUp group and Facebook page. Plus, it’s easy picking Packers fans out of the crowd — just look for one of those ubiquitous foam cheeseheads. 

Kettle of Fish (West Village) — This Packers outpost has been unofficially declared the Lambeau Field of New York City.  Game days feature complimentary aged Wisconsin cheddar along with sausage and bratwurst. Plus, the crowds often sing Packer songs during games. Needless to say all eyes are tuned to the game when the Packers are playing (and clearly every TV is set to the Packer game). Drinks specials are available with a two-drink minimum during games. Arrive early to get in, because the lines will undoubtedly stretch out the door.

Mad River Bar & Grille (Upper East Side) — A mecca for Wisconsin sports fans, Mad River hosts viewing parties for every Packers and University of Wisconsin football game. During Packers games the broadcast is featured on 15 new 50-inch HD TVs, and a number of food and drink deals are available, including half-price wings, $20 beer towers, and $30 100-ounce Green Bay fish bowl drinks.

Tom and Jerry’s 288 Bar (NoLita) – Labeling itself “New York City’s most accessible Packer refuge,” Tom and Jerry’s boasts a 300-inch HD projector screen. Plus, it gives away free brats during Packers games.