Stef Crenshaw grew up two hours north of New York City, attended college at a small liberal arts school in Vermont, and eventually moved to the Washington, D.C., area. Somewhere along the way, she became a New England Patriots fan, much to the chagrin of her Giants-rooting family. “I thought the sport was a little barbaric,” Crenshaw said. That statement adds a sense of irony considering the fact that she now manages the website for the Murphy’s Patriots, a Tom Brady worshiping, Rob Gronkowski loving, Wes Welker fawning fan club that meets at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Alexandria to watch games.
“We have a pretty raucous crowd,” said Crenshaw, who has actually moved back to New York state but is driving down to Alexandria to watch the Super Bowl at Murphy’s and be with friends.
Murphy’s became a local Patriots refuge in the ’90s, before the dynasty of Brady and Bill Belichick. And before Kenny Mitchell, the general manager of the Alexandria location, emigrated here in 2002
“It’s intense,” Mitchell said of the Pats fans.”Any small play is met with cheers and roars. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Kelly’s Irish Times has been home to Patriots fan for six or seven years, since the D.C. Area Patriots Fan Club started frequenting the popular watering hole near Union Station.
“It’s turned into a big deal,” said owner Brendan Kelly, adding that it helps he has a bunch of employees with Boston Irish roots.
Kelly said Patriot fans have been “cautiously optimistic” heading into the big game.
New York Giants fans aren’t to be left out in the cold, as Nanny O’Briens in Cleveland Park and the 51st State Tavern in Foggy Bottom bleed blue.
“It’s getting more and more crowded every week,” said New York native and Silver Spring resident Chris Roche. He and some friends started watching Giants games at Nanny O’Briens three or four years ago. He now oversees the DC Giants Facebook group. “That’s the place to go if you’re a Giants fan.”
Roche is looking forward to the game, a rematch of the Giants victory over New England 17-14 in 2008.
“It’s totally exciting,” Roche said, predicting a 27-24 Giants win. “It’s a great story from every angle.”
Eric Scheinkopf, an assistant organizer of the Native New Yorker Meet-Up Group, plans to watch the game at the 51st State Tavern, which features New York sports teams.
“It’s fun to watch with a lot of people who feel the same way you do,” Scheinkopf said.
Scheinkopf was raised a Yankees fan, and in turn follows the old decree that Yankee fans are Giants fans (and the Mets and Jets share allegiances). He’s looking forward to the Super Bowl, and thinks the Giants are playing with house money after starting the season 7-7.
“You never know what can happen,” Scheinkopf said. “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Sidebar
Where to go
Inevitably, every bar with a television will have the Super Bowl on this Sunday, so it’s hard to go wrong. Here’s a roundup of a handful of places to watch the New York Giants battle the New England Patriots. And remember, if you plan on drinking, designate a driver, or have the number of a local cab company handy.
51st State Tavern
Claims to be D.C.’s only New York-centric sports team bar, so this is the place to go if you’re a Giants fan. Regular happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by game-time specials. 51ststatetavern.com.
Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse
Think your television is big? Catch the game on the big screen at the Drafthouse. Full bar and restaurant service. Free entrance. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Capitol City Brewing Company
If you like great beer with your football, head to Cap City Brewing Company in the District or Shirlington. Plenty of specials, including a plate of wings and one of their fine beers for $8.50 Fun begins at 4 p.m. capcitybrew.com
Crystal City Sports Pub
Maybe the mecca of sports watching in the metropolitan area. Hundreds of screens on three levels. Two buffets — appetizer before the game, dinner at the half. $35. Reservations required. ccsportspub.com
Kelly’s Irish Times
Home base for the D.C. Area Patriots Fan Club. For $40 you get food and drink, or just pay as you go. kellysirishtimesdc.com
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
With locations in Old Town Alexandria and D.C., this is one of the go-to places for Patriots fans. Plenty of screens, a raffle to win a 50-inch TV and the kicker — free chili! murphyspub.com.
Nanny O’Briens
Home of the D.C. Giants Facebook group. Look for the Giants flag out front. nannyobriens.com
