Where To Watch The Big Game Around Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday, Feb. 8, in a rematch of one of the greatest NFL championship games in history. It’s not too early to scout the best places to watch the big game in the Middletown area.

The battle for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy takes place this year at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In their last big game meeting in 2015, the Patriots secured a 28-24 comeback victory over the Seahawks. The contest was decided in the final seconds, when a Patriots interception in the end zone halted the Seahawks' late-game drive.

If you want someone else to make the snacks or serve the beer, several sports bars in Middletown are primed for the handoff. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET, but you’ll want to get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Patch staff favorites:

• MJ's Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1005 NJ-35, Middletown Township, NJ 07748
• Gateway Bar & Liquors now has a kitchen serving hot food! They have a happy hour and kids' menu. 1018 Rt. 36, Atlantic Highlands, in Navesink Center shopping plaza.
• Applebee's on Rt. 35 in Middletown
• Houlihan's, 2136 Route 35, Holmdel, The Commons at Holmdel; 732-671-6633
• Olde Village Pub 1211 NJ-35, Middletown
• Portside Bar & Liquors, Port Monmouth
• Jack's Goal Line Stand, 583 River Road, Fair Haven; 732-747-6522
• Murphy's Tavern, 17 Ward Lane, Rumson; 732-842-1600
• Val's Tavern, 123 E. River Road, Rumson 732-842-3452
• Baseline Social, 675 Oceanport Way, Oceanport 07757; 732-430-2533.
• Dublin House, 30 Monmouth St. Red Bank; 732-747-6699
• Jamian's Food and Drink, 79 Monmouth St., Red Bank; 732-747-8050
• Red Rock Tap + Grille, 14 Wharf Ave.; Red Bank; 732- 747-2999
• Robinson Ale House, 26 Broad St., Red Bank; 732-383-8219
• Street Kitchen Pub 5 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-747-1259

Elsewhere in Monmouth County:

• Nic’s Hometown Tavern 180 Rt. 36, Hazlet – 732-769-2200
• Colts Neck Pub, 270 Route 34, Colts Neck; 732-431-8755
• Colts Neck Inn Steakhouse, 191 Route 537 W., Colts Neck; 732-462-0383

• Fireside Grill & Bar, 133 S. Main St., Unit A, Marlboro; 732-780-7900
• Huddy's Inn, 206 Route 537, Colts Neck; 732-431-0194

Good for kids and families:

• Dave & Buster’s
  • 3710 U.S. 9, Freehold
  • 732-410-8400
  • Tickets required
• TGI Friday's, Hazlet Town Center, 3054 Route 35, Hazlet; 732-888-7800