Just out., January 19, 2007, Page 36, Image 36

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BY JENNY NGUYEN
Where to Catch
Your Tight End
t’s that time of year: Hibernating football fans
everywhere come outta the woodwork to root
for their home (or home-away-from-home)
teams. With all the pigskin being thrown
around, it might be easy to lose track of where
the bacon is. I’m here to tell ya about some top­
notch spots to do your end zone jig, down a pint
and grab some good pub grub, too.
Tom's Pizza & Sports Bar •
2630 N. Lombard St.
3551 SE Division St, 503-236-6890
My personal fave ’cause it’s roomy, less smoky and
more low-key, Tom’s serves a mean pie. From the
FEATURING
Triple Crown (three-meat) to the Hat Trick (salami,
shrooms and olives), don’t let the clever names fool
you—this spot knows pie. A few huge plasmas and
Beer, wine, art,
one big screen surround the dining area and semi­
comedy, live music
separate pwl section. Play along with on-screen
trivia while you wait for Tom’s somewhat limited
taps, or go a round o’ golf on Golden Tee Live.
VISIT
www. havencoffee
for our events calendar
Depending on the game, night or event, the crowd is
refreshingly deviant, making even nonsporty new­
comers feel they’re on familiar turf. Any way you toss
the coin, Tom’s got something for everyone.
Marathon Taverna •
1735 W. Burnside St.
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The Taverna is the kind of place you could get
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lost in. Go alone and try to be anonymous—you’ll
feel you own the damn place. Service is so friendly,
they could teach folks over the 405 a thing or two.
Find a nook and relax; popcorn is on the house, and
justoutpersonals.com
FREE. LOCAL. NOW.
19 taps make you feel like the MVP. Flat screens
protrude from the otherwise janky-lookin’ joint, but
when the place fills in, the adrenaline roar is blind­
ing. Though it can get pretty smoky, the vastness
makes cloud dodging a bit easier. Plenty of pool
tables fill in the lower level, while video poker is
discreetly shielded from glaring the precious boob
2338 NE AILrfa
503-288-8299
www.fpancisreslaurant.com
tube. An Internet jukebox is also available, but
who’s listening when “the game" is on? The burgers
are fair, and the crinkle-cut fries score on nostalgic
value alone. Do go for the fresh gyros and for game
time. Let’s get it on.
Claudia's •
3006 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.
Since 1958, Claudia’s has been bringing sport,
brew and big eats to the Rose City. Chock full of
memorabilia and HDTVs, this local landmark has
got it all. Texas Hold ’Em, video poker, pool tables,
a vast array of domestic and imported brewskis and
now cocktails make Claudia’s a great place to
touchdown. The scene is full of regulars, but don’t
be timid; order a gyro with soup and fries, and
you’ll be feelin’ the love. Go early to cop a squat at
the captain’s wingback chairs and unobstructed
views of those athletic padded asses. Ahem, I mean
the third-and-11 blitz on Manning. ©
JENNY N guyen wants to give advice on Valentine's
Day dining. Ask me 'cuz my opinion is that
important. Trust me, your lover will thank you.
Write me soon at efriqueerean@comcast.net.
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