Minnesota sports fans are fresh off one of the biggest moments in Timberwolves history following a record-breaking game seven comeback against the Denver Nuggets, but quick as the last playoff series ended, another has begun. Here’s a guide to where to catch the Wolves’ upcoming games against the Dallas Mavericks at watch parties around the Cities — though it never hurts to give your favorite local sports bars a call, as it’s a fair bet they’ll have it on. This guide will be updated throughout the next series.
Falling Knife has a huge, double-sided screen set up outside for Wolves games. There are tables and chairs available, but it’s best to bring a folding chair of your own, and if you want a seat at all, plan to get there early, as this is one of the most popular watch parties in town. (The game will be playing inside the taproom, too.) Wrecktangle Pizza serves slices (cheese, pepperoni, and two specialty flavors are on offer) Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Parlour’s food truck starts serving at 4 p.m. on Saturday. It wouldn’t hurt to eat something before you arrive, though, as the line on game nights gets long.
HeadFlyer usually has the game playing a few different screens. The taproom is spacious, which is a plus, but get there early if you want to snag a stool. Food trucks vary — sometimes it’s OG Zaza serving slices; sometimes it’s Las Twins Mexican cuisine slinging tacos — and Parkway Pizza is running a deal for a $16 large one-topping pizza with free delivery to the taproom for every Wolves playoff game. The brewery is selling custom-made playoff T-shirts too.
Surly will be playing Game One of the Wolves v. Maverick series on a huge outdoor screen in the beer garden, serving craft brews and fresh hot New Haven-style pizza. Future games are TBD; check back for updates.
It’s hard to beat the 360 degrees of screens at Tom’s Watch Bar in downtown Minneapolis. The vibes are rowdy; there’s plenty of beer on tap and deep dish nachos and pickle-brined chicken on the menu. As with anywhere else, get there early to snag a seat.
Longfellow’s Riverview Theater is hosting Game 2 of the Wolves v. Mavericks series on Friday, May 24. Admission is free, seats are first come first served, and you can’t bring any outside food or beverages in, though the theater has snacks, popcorn, and drinks on offer. Doors at 6:45 p.m.; game at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for potential showings of later games, too.
Over in St. Louis Park, the Park Tavern’s expansive patio is a great option for an open-air watch party. Even better, there’s a full menu of burgers, apps, fried potato baskets, and the Park Tavern’s popular mac and cheese.
Head to Graze in the North Loop to catch the series — the food hall will be playing the game on all TVs (there’s an extra-big screen on the first floor, too). Food here is a no-brainer: Union Hmong Kitchen, Wrap (the newest food stall by Wrecktangle), Soul Bowl, the Fabled Rooster, and other foods stands are at your fingertips.
All the other spots
Bring Me the News has the full list of official watch parties, which includes eight other bars in Minneapolis (Gluek’s, Kieran’s, Lyon’s, the 8th St. Grill, Sneaky Pete’s, Jackson’s Hole, and the Local) and one in St. Paul (Seventh Street Truck Park).
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