The Dallas Mavericks continue their march toward a world championship tonight when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
At WacoFork, we're firmly in the corner of the little Mavericks. Or at least the member of the WacoFork team that is writing this blog is firmly in the corner of the little Mavericks. The member of the WacoFork team that is writing this blog can be seen around town — anywhere that offers food, drink and sports on television — living and dying with the Mavs throughout the rest of the playoffs.
The member of the WacoFork team that is writing this blog profoundly enjoys going out to watch a ball game. He is willing to put up with a high degree of over-fanning (this is people who loudly cheer made jump shots in the first half in order to show everyone that they are cheering for the team they are cheering for).
In fact, he himself made several loud noises during the first half of the Mavericks-Thunder game on Thursday night while he was watching at Shorty's Pizza Shack. It should be noted, however, that the loud noises were made in response to 1) a dunk by Dirk Nowitzki, who rarely dunks with such authority and 2) an ally-oop from Jason Kidd to Tyson Chandler in which Chandler caught and threw home a pass that seemed destined for the fifth row of the stands. It was awesome.
So if you're looking for a place to watch Game 3 tonight, or any game anytime really, here's our take on a few of the best places in town to do it, along with a game we've seen there.
Shorty's Pizza Shack — Bright televisions, pizza by the slice at nice prices. — Mavs-Thunder the other night, as noted.
Salty Dog — Lots and lots of televisions. Wide variety of food and drink. — Cliff Lee's domination of the Yankees in the Rangers' Game 3 win in New York last fall.
Buffalo Wild Wings — See above. — Texas Tech vs. New Mexico football last fall (it was the only place in town with enough channels to carry such an obscure broadcast.)
The Dancing Bear — Great beer selection. Atmosphere is as comfortable as watching the game in your living room, minus the cushy sofa. — Baylor hoops' NCAA first-round victory over Sam Houston in 2010.
Crickets — Happening atmosphere. Good food and drink selection. — Pretty much every Big Monday college hoops game in 2008.
Barnett's — Vintage pub sports watching. — Baylor's triumphant football win over Texas last fall.
Hog Creek Ice House — Huge projection screen, or at least there was one when we watched Colt McCoy torch Missouri in 2008.
