Too Many Games, Not Enough Tables: Where to Watch the Stars

I’m a sports girlie—but when the Dallas Stars are deep in the playoffs and games are popping off every other night, it’s hard to keep up. You blink, and your phone’s already blowing up again: “Where are we watching tonight?” Meanwhile, every bar with a screen is packed.

Sure, we could race to Katy Trail Ice House after work like the rest of Dallas. But let’s be honest—no one has the stamina for that kind of chaos multiple times a week. And if you somehow snagged a midweek res at Chelsea’s Corner? Congrats, you basically won the Stanley Cup. As basic as it is, Chelsea’s slaps on game nights.

For the rest of us raw-dogging the NHL schedule, here’s a list of spots that may have fallen off your radar—to help you get out and actually enjoy this playoff season.

The Avenue Sports Grill

Here, you can feel the intensity of playoffs. I walked in and immediately considered body-checking someone just to match the energy. Wall-to-wall green—I felt like a traitor without a Stars jersey on. Every time the team scored, the bar erupted. Hands in the air. Grown men airborne. Then the whole place belts out the “DALLAS STARS” chant. It’s spiritual.

Drinks? Basic bar stuff. Nothing craft, nothing cute. I shot my shot and asked for a Hugo Spritz. The waitress hit me with, “What’s that?” I folded like a lawn chair: “I’ll take a Ranch Water.”

Probably the hardest spot to get into on this list—but my friend snagged a table for eight an hour before puck drop, and we had the best seat in the house. So yeah, you’ll be fine. You can’t book on Resy (it’s broken or cursed or something). Just show up early, wear green, and get ready to scream. Birdie’s Eastside

I went on a Tuesday for live music and immediately thought: this + a Stars game. The vibe is laid-back—like if Katy Trail Ice House and Chelsea’s backyard had a baby. TVs inside and out, so you’re good whether you’re patio people or AC-dependent.

This spot’s perfect if you’re not in the mood for the sticky-floor pub scene. On a Monday... I don’t want to choose between beer and a water-fountain cup of tequila. Here, they've got the girls covered—frozen picks like the SavBlanc slushie (so good), but my go-to is the Bubbly Blossom: not frozen, just light, crisp, and dangerously easy to down.

Food-wise, they’ve got the usual game-day hits—loaded fries, sliders—but also wraps and healthy bowls. Something for the beer bros and the Pilates girlies.

Thomas Avenue Beverage Co

This place is super fucking random—but in an upscale. Tucked in State Thomas, it’s giving cocktail lounge meets neighborhood tavern: moody lighting, oxblood leather booths, and a big mahogany bar that makes you want a martini—even while yelling at the refs.

The menu runs from sliders and flatbreads to grilled salmon and chicken pesto, so you can eat like an adult and still keep it casual. Craft cocktails and a solid wine list seal the deal.

They’ve got a good-sized patio, but even as a patio person, I fell in love with the inside. Plenty of TVs throughout, including a few massive ones. It’s usually wide open on Resy, so perfect for a last-minute watch.

Local Public Eatery

This is your classic restaurant that was clearly built for watching sports. If you’re scrambling and need something chill, close (Henderson), and low-effort—Local Public Eatery is your move. Massive TVs inside and out.

The food holds up—especially the crispy loaded potatoes, which made my Top 11 Appetizers in Dallas for a reason. Drinks? Solid. They’ve got a legit lineup of local draft beers and fun cocktails like the Spicy Guava Margarita and Texas Mule.

It draws a younger crowd, but in a good way—people who still go out but also know how to tip. I’ve never had trouble grabbing a table, even last minute.

Pro tip: sit on the patio if the weather’s decent. It’s low-key, easy, and just enough energy to make it look like you had a plan—even if you absolutely did not.