Liz Johnson

The Journal News

Here%27s the list%3A Demeter%27s in Tarrytown%2C The Sports Page in White Plains%2C Pour House in Nyack



Spectator%27s in New Rochelle%2C Beechmont Tavern in New Rochelle and White Plains%2C

Smokehouse Tailgate Grill in New Rochelle%2C New York Firehouse Grill in Peekskill%2C Fulgum%27s in Montrose

Let's go, Rangers! Let's go, Rangers!

If you can't be in the arena chanting and cheering, the next best place to watch the New York Rangers make their charge for the Stanley Cup this week is at a local sports bar. Preferably one with good food — and die-hard hockey fans.

"Everyone's wearing their jersey or hat, and there are people with silly little rituals," says Wally Nolan, a bartender at Pour House in Nyack, where there's a DJ playing the goal song — and getting everyone to sing at the top of their lungs — every time the Rangers score.

"We try to make an atmosphere like if you were there," says Pour House owner Ryan Spicer.

Here are eight spots that do just that. Get out there and join the fun!

Demeter's Tavern & Sports Bar, Tarrytown

Demeter's is the kind of local haunt that might, at first glance, be intimidating to newcomers, but don't let that keep you from experiencing at least one game of the Stanley Cup final at this longtime Tarrytown favorite, owned by the same family since 1947. Brothers Steven and Don Demeter know the regulars by name, but the bar is a draw, too, for guests at local hotels, and, on non-game nights, fans who come for the live music.

What to expect: The scene on big game nights is reminiscent of the best Giants or Jets tailgate parties, just without the charcoal grills: 14 HD TVs trained on the game, tons of jerseys, loud chants and pure emotion. The bar will be super crowded, but at the end of the night, you'll come away with a few new best friends.

On the menu: Wings, wings and more wings, plus great fried ravioli, massive burgers, and a must-try hot roast beef sandwich; for game night, there will be $12 pitchers of Bud and Bud Light.

Good to know: Free street parking and a municipal lot. If you want to dine, get there early. Tables fill up fast. Plan B: Plan ahead for games 2, 3 or 4 (the Rangers are going to sweep so don't worry about game 5!). Demeter's takes reservations for parties of six or more.

Go: 51 Old White Plains Road, Tarrytown, 914-631-9679, www.demeterssportsbar.com

The Sports Page, White Plains

Better known as the Westchester outpost of Giants blue — owner Bob Hyland is a former Stepinac star and NY Giants standout — the Page is packed with big screens, great sight lines, ample seating and tons of memorabilia. And oh yes, die-hard and very vocal fans, many dressed in their favorite Rangers jerseys. In other words, Kings fans should stay home.

What to expect: Balloons, streamers, 50 TVs and full audio. "It's going to be loud, vocal and fun-loving," says Hyland. "We've really been enjoying some pretty big nights, a full bar and most of the tables as well."

On the menu: Wings, burgers, nachos and 14 beers on tap, including Captain Lawrence. Beer specials, too.

Good to know: Most nights, you have to spend a minimum of $25 to get parking validated. But on playoff game nights, parking is free for everyone.

Go: 200 Hamilton Ave., 914-437-8721, www.sportspagepub.com.

Pour House, Nyack

With a name like the Pour House, you know there's got to be good beer. There is. Plus, there are 37 flat screen TVs and 20 tables.

What to expect: A rowdy crowd! "We keep people involved in the game," says owner Ryan Spicer. "The place gets pretty intense."

On the menu: Brian Duffy, the chef behind Spike TV's "Bar Rescue," recently revamped the menu, and it now highlights stadium-style food, like the Nyack Fries with garlic and Parmesan and Monster Nachos.

Good to know: There's a build-your-own-burger option. You choose your protein — Angus beef, chicken, salmon or vegetable — then your sauce, toppings and additions.

Go: 102 Main St., Nyack. 845-727-POUR (7687).

Spectator's, New Rochelle

With an 8-foot screen set up like an arena, plus 11 TVs and surround sound, this is as close as it gets to actually being at the game — and has the energy to match.

What to expect: A full bar and lots of full tables. "We have a lot of Rangers fan," says owner Steve Morris.

On the menu: Wings and sliders. "Our two favorites that people really get into when watching sports," says Morris.

Good to know: During the football season, Morris will layer up to seven or eight football jerseys, and peel off them to match the enthusiasm as different fans' teams score. This week, though, he's only wearing his Rangers jersey.

Go: 219 North Ave., 914-636-9522.

Beechmont Tavern, New Rochelle and White Plains

A Westchester favorite that's big on the sports theme, with photos and pennants devoted to Iona athletes as well as walls of photos of all the New York teams. There are large TV screens in the bar and dining area.

What to expect: "This is going to be incredible," says Rob Conway, bar manager at the White Plains location. Fans "come all decked out in their jerseys, having a great time, screaming when they score."

On the menu: All the usual pub fare, such as beer-battered onion rings and chili cheese dogs. On Wednesdays, it's 2-for-1 burgers. Drinks specials, too.

Good to know: In White Plains, you can find good parking at Westchester Pavilion on the corner.

Go: 750 North Ave., New Rochelle, 914-636-9533; 213 E. Post Road, White Plains, 914-358-4433. www.beechmonttavern.com

Smokehouse Tailgate Grill, New Rochelle

These guys are serious fans. Owner Justin Zeytoonian and his crew are setting up a projection screen outdoors for the Wednesday game. And all seven TVs inside will be tuned to the game. "If you're coming in on Wednesday night and you're trying to watch any other sporting event, basically it's not going to happen." he says.

What to expect: A fun game, right there at the bar! A chance wheel behind the bar is loaded up with game-related possibilities, like "Nash Goal," and "Penalty Shot." Before the start of the 2nd and 3rd periods, they spin the wheel. If whatever it lands on happens during that period, everyone gets a round of drinks on the house.

On the menu: The famous chili is made with both sausage and bacon. On Wednesdays, there's a brisket special: slow-cooked and served with barbecue sauce and grilled onions on Texas toast.

Good to know: This is no fair-weather fan sports bar. "We're pretty big Rangers fans, so we put the games on all the time," says Zeytoonian.

Go: 606 North Ave., 914-813-8686, www.smokehousechili.com

New York Firehouse Grille, Peekskill

Wings, wings, and more wings. More than 40 flavors to try while watching the game on 12 large screens. There are also 12 beer taps.

What to expect: A bar full of Ranger fans. "When the puck goes in the net, there's nothing like that feeling except for being at the stadium," says owner Alex Asadoorian. "It's beautiful." Plus, prizes, giveaways and free blue shots each time the Rangers score. (The drinks are made with Blue Curacao.)

On the menu: Besides the wings? "We are bringing Manhattan to Peekskill," says Asadoorian. Specials will include street meat, dirty water dogs ("We're going to use clean water, though.") and New York-style pretzels.

Good to know: There's a secret menu hidden in the restaurant! Find it and you can order sandwich specials and choose from more than 10 other wing flavors.

Go: 63 Welcher Ave., 914-788-0808, www.newyorkfirehousegrille.com

Fulgum's Bar & Grill, Montrose

The 70-inch television in the back is as big as a movie screen! Fulgum's is in a 116-year-old former church, schoolhouse and brothel (really!), and the tin-roofed bar takes up nearly the entire restaurant. There are seven flat-screen TVs, so everyone can find a view of the ice.

What to expect: Anyone wearing Rangers apparel gets a free drink. Whenever the Rangers score, they'll play the goal song over the surround sound, to make it feel like you're actually at the game.

On the menu: Specials, including 25 cent wings.

Good to know: You may not be able to sit exactly where you want. There are two regulars who sit in the same seats every night. It would be bad luck if they didn't. "We don't let anybody sit in their chairs," says owner Chris Fulgum.

Go: 2151 Albany Post Road, 914-737-0172. Facebook.com/fulgumsbar