These breweries, bars and restaurants will be packed with pro football fans this fall

By Johnny Burkin

Everyone knows where to catch the Broncos on game day. But what about the rest of the folks who have moved here from across the land?

So as not to exclude other fan bases, we’ve compiled a list of breweries, bars and restaurants where drinks and food keep people happy, regardless of their team’s effort.

Keep reading, because below we're offering an updated list of game day hangouts of some of the biggest and most die-hard NFL fan bases operating within Broncos Country.

Buffalo Bills

Everyone knows that the game day antics of Bills Mafia is the stuff of legend. And this rowdy bunch has a lot to cheer about lately. Starting with Josh Allen, a six-five quarterback with a howitzer for an arm. So, if you find yourself longing for your brethren in blue and red, the good news is that you're not alone. WestFax Brewing Co. in Lakewood and Sunroom Brewing in Englewood are known to go big on game day and sport their own Bills-themed brews. Then, there's also Frolic Brewing in Westminster and Jackson's Lodo, the meetup spot of choice for the Colorado Bills Backers group.

Chicago Bears

If you've ever been to a Rockies game when the Cubs are in town, then you know Chicago fans come out in force. The same is true when it comes to Da Bears. A historic franchise that currently finds itself owned by arch-nemesis Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. That said, if you are a Bears fan in the Mile High city, then you already know Hayters & Co. is the place for you. Near Coors Field, Hayters is where every football Sunday is sure to draw a large watch party.

Cincinnati Bengals

The last couple of years have been a wild ride for Who Dey Nation. For starters, the Bengals stunned the NFL world in 2022 when they came out of nowhere to reach the Super Bowl, their first since 1988. And although they ultimately came up short of winning their first ever Lombardi, this team has a chance to be a contender for a long time to come. Even last year, they narrowly lost to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game. As far as local watering holes go, Origins Sports Bar & Grill is no stranger to seeing large groups in orange and black on any given Sunday. The same is true about Downhill Brewing in Parker, another friendly environment for all you Bengals fans to get your drink on and bust out that Ickey Shuffle.

Cleveland Browns

Being a Browns fan is tough; from heartbreaking defeats to — at one point — completely losing your team. But even through thick and thin, the Dawg Pound has managed to carry on. In Denver that same spirit lives through the Mile High Browns Backers. Established in 1983 these loyal Cleveland fans are known to spend their game days at Stoney's Bar & Grill, Stoney's Uptown, and Alpha Charlie's Tap & Tavern in Centennial.

Dallas Cowboys

It's hard to talk about great fan bases without mentioning America's team. And while that moniker rubs many the wrong way, you can't deny that the Cowboys are an iconic team with a vast following. So much so that from sea to shining sea no one is safe from the clutches of their famed blue star logo - not even here at altitude, where Cowboys fans have been known to pack local mainstays like Jackson's and the Spot Bar & Grill.

Green Bay Packers

Despite a down year that ended with future hall of fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers being shipped off to New York, it's good to be a part of Packer Nation. Hell, the team is owned by the fans. Not only that, the fan base truly stretches far and wide. That's no different in Colorado, where there seems to be an inordinate number of Packer bars scattered about. Windfall Brewing Co., Wally's Wisconsin Tavern, Swanky's, and Badger's Pub are just a few.

Kansas City Chiefs

Another year, and the Kansas City streak continues. That's right, for those of you keeping track it's now fifteen straight wins against our beloved Broncos. Not only that, but a Superbowl to boot. So to all you Chiefs fans flocking to Don's Club Tavern and its potluck parties like the Swallows of Capistrano on Sundays, we can only tip our caps and hope that your reign atop the AFC West is finally ended.

New England Patriots

Tom Brady may be gone, but the evil empire lives on. It doesn't even matter that many are picking the Patriots to finish last in the division. As long as Belichick is in town, anything can happen. And of course, obnoxious Patriots fans will always be there to remind us just how great they are. To support the Pats, you’ll want to make your way to the Three Dogs Tavern in the Highlands neighborhood. It’s the official meeting spot of the Patriots Fans of Denver.

New York Giants

Without question, the G-men were one of the biggest surprises of the 2022-23 season. After a six-year drought, they managed to make the playoffs and even beat the higher-seeded Vikings in the wild card round. This year they will look to build on that performance. And you better believe their passionate supporters will be out in full force. Case and point, the Big Blue Denver Wrecking Crew. They're loud, they're proud, and host large watch parties at their bar of choice, Occidental, near West 32nd Avenue and Tejon Street.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philly fans have a reputation for their unruly behavior. They even famously booed Santa Claus. From an outsider's perspective, this kind of conduct might ruffle a few feathers, but it goes to show the kind of fiery spirit the fan base has for its teams. The Eagles enter the season motivated after a disappointing Super Bowl loss. So, if you're looking to catch a Birds game within friendly confines, the Larimer Beer Hall is a good place to start. However, if you don't mind trekking a little further north, Mirror Image Brewing in Frederick is another dedicated haven for Eagles fans.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of football's most storied franchises. Their six Superbowl wins are tied with only the Patriots as the most in NFL history. Couple that success with a devoted fandom and it's no secret why they're one of the most nationally followed franchises in sports. Locally, one of the best places to catch a Steelers game is The Rusty Bucket in Lakewood, a self-proclaimed watering hole for the black and yellow.

San Francisco 49ers

Named after the gold-seekers that flooded into the region in the mid-1800s, the 49ers have taken their historically derived nickname and turned it into one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. With five Superbowl wins and an array of memorable players, 49ers fans have truly been blessed. For proof, just ask the Mile High 49ers, Denver's official Niner fan club. Or better yet, you can see them in action for yourself down at their new location: Tony Tenderonis, 1937 Market St.

For the rest of the fanatics:

Arizona Cardinals - Sports Column

Atlanta Falcons - The Fainting Goat

Baltimore Ravens - Chopper’s Sports Grill

Carolina Panthers - Will Call

Detroit Lions - Candlelight Tavern

Houston Texans - Society Sports and Spirits

Indianapolis Colts - Sports Column

Jacksonville Jaguars - College Inn

Los Angeles Chargers - Society Sports and Spirits

Miami Dolphins - Stoney’s Cantina

Minnesota Vikings - Cap City Tavern

New Orleans Saints - Nola Voodoo Tavern

Seattle Seahawks - Rhein Haus

Teams with no Denver home

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find watch bars for a few teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders. Tell us what we missed.