By Shane Mead | Reporter
Baylor football just played their first away game on Saturday and the NFL kicked off its first Sunday of the year — a huge weekend for football fans. Many students love watching their favorite teams in the comfort of their own homes, but for those looking for a place to enjoy both collegiate and professional football, this article may be just what you’re looking for.
Shorty’s Pizza Shack
This one starts with a spot that is probably familiar with many, Shorty’s Pizza Shack, located on the corner of 12th St. and Bagby Avenue.
Shorty’s has indoor dining with a small bar, accompanied by a large outdoor seating area. Every corner you turn, you will find a TV, ensuring that there are no bad places to sit during game days.
“It’s like the most typical noon to 5 p.m. game day,” said Nick LeDesky, a senior from Reno, Nev., who has been going to Shorty’s since he was a freshman. “Hang out and just get some pizza.”
Nick is a fan of Shorty’s not only because of its ideal layout for watching sports, but also its affordability for college students as Shorty’s has deals each day on various food items.
“I think it’s really cool they have the deals of the day, and you kind of just go in not knowing what deals it is that day, and you go with that,” he said. “It’s spontaneous, throws fun in there.”
Lucky Buck’s Rooftop Bar
Now, take a trip across I-35 and you’ll find a newer sports-watching establishment: Lucky Buck’s — a rooftop bar atop the new Hotel Herringbone on the corner of 4th St. and Jackson Avenue.
Lucky Buck’s opens in the late afternoon on weekends, perfect for those 6 p.m. start time Baylor games or Prime Time NFL games. The bar’s elevation provides beautiful sunset views.
Lucky Buck’s has a small menu, consisting of just hot dogs (which they like to call glizzies), nachos and drinks. Eli Seitzinger, a senior from Rochester, Mich., who said Lucky Buck’s quickly shot up his list of favorite bars, actually prefers the simple menu.
“I don’t really think you need to eat anything else,” he said.
Eli believes Lucky Buck’s can become a popular watch destination for away games because of his relationship with one of the employees there.
“I was talking to my friend who works there and he was saying that they want that to be the big new away game spot,” Eli said. “[They want] it to feel like you’re at the game watching it.”
One last reason of why Lucky Buck’s is so strongly recommended is because of its cleanliness.
“I would argue that it would be the cleanest,” said Eli when asked about its cleanliness in comparison to other bars in Waco. “The bathrooms are insanely nice.”
With one old and one new, both locations are excellent selections for those looking for their new favorite spot to cheer on the Bears and the rest of their favorite sports teams.
