Big Screens + Bold Bites

Zero score and about four years ago, I was shooting the breeze with popular Roswell denizen Scott Long on Canton Street at Alive After 5, now known as Alive in Roswell. We were in accordance with our veneration on how Canton Street matured into an epicenter of merriment.

I asserted the only thing conspicuous by its absence in downtown Roswell was sports bars. We venerate SEC football in this area, you may have discerned. In what seemed like a two-minute drill, downtown Roswell went from zero to three rightful sports bars in no time following said assembly of the masterminds. I’m sure it was a coincidence, but I still would like to seize credit for the brainstorm anyway. My voice does carry, and I said it loudly.

But this fantastic town isn’t just about Canton Street. With the criterion being multi-TVs to observe as many games as possible, here are the premier places to occupy all day and night Saturday and Sunday to catch endless football contests.

I will commence with the short Canton Street crawl of Rock n’ Taco, Lola’s Burger and Tequila Bar, and Loyal Tavern.

Rock ‘n’ Taco:
Conceivably the most enormous and grand big screen this side of the Battery, I and more than 100 of my best friends watched the Braves World Series clinching contest here. However multiple TVs are on for those of us who won’t settle for just one gridiron contest. Check out their virtual “self-walking tour.”

The Indigo Girls, from nearby Decatur, assert that, “There’s nothing like home and nothing more pleasing that the Southland in the springtime.” That musical alliteration is better than “Southland in the autumn/fall” but tough to beat Roswell in the fall. Accordingly, Rock ‘n’ Taco boasts an indoor/outdoor bar and breezeway to take advantage of when the weather cooperates.

Need some rock with your pigskin contests? One of the best stages in the area complements the cozy chairs and ample TVs. They also serve Georgia’s own Chance IPA from Wild Leap out of Lagrange, a beer that should be more widely available in these parts.

Lola’s Burger & Tequila Bar: Allen Barnhart, the Multi-Unit Leader of Clean Plate Restaurants, which owns Lola’s, justifiably asserts their extraordinary big screen is as majestic as any sports cinema. Without paralleling spec sheets, the resolution on their main telly is as pleasing as the southland in the autumn.

Chow down on Latin corn or loaded onion loaf while cheering for the Bulldogs, Falcons, and GA Tech. Lola’s also complements the entertainment with a musician, often a solo artist on the modest stage.

Loyal Tavern:
Sister restaurant of Loyal Q and Brew, their Canton Street watering hole syntheses their barbecue with other conventional bar food essentials. You must go big or go home on Canton Street, so like their neighbors in the southern end of Canton Street, their video setup in quality and quantity in inspiring.

Variant Brewing: You know it as the spot that cranks out some of the best beer in the state of Georgia. Heck, we'd argue that owner and head brewer Matt Curling creates some of the best craft beer in the Southeast. While Variant has developed quite a following from nearby and far away, it's also a fantastic spot to catch a game. TVs adorn both sides of the taproom, as well as behind the bar. More intimate in nature, Variant also features a nice patio and often offers food trucks on-property.

A place that needs no introduction, Gate City Brewing Co. is Roswell's first-ever brewery. Best friends Pat Rains and Brian Borngesser began brewing out of their garages and now operate one of the most successful small businesses in our city. Having expanded the business to now include The Artillery Room and a partnership with Blended Family Spirits, there's no slowing down this crew. Outside of the taproom, patrons will find a massive big screen perfect for gameday. On the weekends, catch local music on the outdoor stage.

Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grille: The Roz needs a public house for west coast viewing too. I’ll bet many of you love Pac-12, MWC, and WAC football. The Alpharetta Highway location keeps the drinks and TVs flowing until 2 AM. Despite my endless research on said topic, your loyal sports bar stringer has not counted televisions at any hotspot. But Mazzy’s may have more TVs than any alternative nearby.

Need to stay ambulatory while rooting? Mazzy’s has you covered (so to speak) with both at least five dart boards and sundry pool tables for your indulgence. Don’t you worry, TVs are strategically placed in the play areas for multi-taskers.

There are countless other possibilities for one big game. While not as many TVs as the sports themed counterparts, for rooting on the Falcons, Dawgs another other big games, consider From the Earth. They pull it off as a top shelf brewery, restaurant, and music venue, with TVs at the bar.

I’ve watched sporting events at a few Marlow’s locations. The Crossville Road spot in West Roswell is another place for good food, beer, and televisions.

In the last decade, Roswell hath burst with food and beverage options. As this guide documents, faithful sports fans have no lack of TV-laden saloons. As Georgia’s football and the Braves look to repeat as champions, the Hawks to continue to progress as a young team and the Falcons…well not sure what to root for with them. But you won’t lack a nearby winner to view them.