5 Best Places To Watch And Celebrate The US Open
If you don't feel like buying tickets to the US Open this year (Aug. 31 to Sept. 13), here are five places that will be showing matches and celebrating the tournament with drink and food specials in New York City. By Carly Petrone.
Related: Guide To Enjoying The US Open
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Can't make it to Arthur Ashe Stadium for the US Open? That's okay. The Westin New York at Times Square has got you covered. Immerse yourself in everything the tournament has to offer during their daily Happy Hour Viewing Party at Bar 10 from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sip on the signature cocktail of the US Open, the Grey Goose Honey Deuce, and watch the Westin's Beyond the Baseline show from the Open, where athletes and influencers will appear and give interviews. Stop by the Tennis Gear Tune Up Station (from September 3rd-5th only) and let a USTA pro re-string your racquet and give you a free tennis gear consultation. Finally, if you want to get in on the action yourself, step into the Wii tennis play station and enjoy a few rounds yourself.
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Pull up a chair at Dempsey's Pub in the East Village. They'll be celebrating the big tournament with $10 house cocktails and $20 assorted beer buckets. Toast to your favorite player while noshing on bar favorites like the Dempsey's Burger ($13) or the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12). The Sampler platter is great if you're watching with a group – quesadillas, wings, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, sliders, fish tacos, or nachos – just choose three or five items for $17 or $27 respectively. Make sure to follow Dempsey's Pub on social media (Instagram: DEMPSEYSNYC, Twitter: @DempseysPubNYC) to find out what other fun things and specials are going on starting August 31st.
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Tennis and barbecue. Sounds like the perfect match, right? Virgil's Real Barbecue, in the heart of Times Square, will be airing the US Open and serving up a special shot just for the occasion. Enjoy Yellow Ball Shots – Tito's vodka, pineapple juice, and lemon – for just $4 during matches at the bar. Pair those shots with some of their infamous BBQ Chicken Wings or Memphis Style Pork Spare Ribs. And don't forget the sides like cheddar cheese grits, Georgia pecan rice, and fresh buttermilk biscuits. Wash it all down with a pitcher of Pork Slap Pale Ale and call it a win-win.
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Step into the Eventi Hotel and watch the tournament out on the plaza. This Heineken-sponsored venue for US Open viewings is showing matches up on the big screen and setting up ping-pong tables outside so you can sweat it out with the best of them. Mixologists Yana Volfson and Katie Stipe will be whipping up a signature cocktail for the occasion. For those out of towners or looking for a fun staycation package should also check out the hotel's You've Been Served deal (starts at $900). It includes luxury accommodations, complimentary Grand Slam Body Treatment at Spa @ Eventi, a $200 gift card to Lululemon, private tennis lessons for two for one hour at Chelsea Piers, round trip service from the hotel to Arthur Ashe Stadium (tickets not included), and much more. To book, please email packagesNY@kimptonhotels.com or click here.
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Step into Leaf Bar and Lounge, Flushing's first craft cocktail bar, and pre-game with some botanically inspired drinks before heading to the stadium. May we suggest A Summer Fling? This fancy cocktail is made with Cana Brava Rum, oleo saccharum, raspberry puree, fresh lemon juice, and egg white. If you're looking for a twist on the tourney's classic Grey Goose Honey Deuce, try the Gone Guavas – Grey Goose La Poire, St. Germain, guava, lemon, and sugar cane. Or stop by after the match and celebrate your favorite player with Taiwanese small plates from Chef Henry Lin. Enjoy the Izakaya-style menu along the rooftop of One Fulton Square before heading back to the city. Just a few tasty items on the menu include Salt and Pepper Popcorn Chicken ($8), "Tiger Bites Pig" Braised Pork Belly Bun (two for $8), and Scallion Beef Pancake with Special Hoisin ($8). You may just want to stick around Queens for the rest of the night.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.