You guys, the Houston Astros are playing the LA Dodgers in the World Series, starting today. I know, it still sounds so unreal and sort of like the backstory behind a Disney movie, right?
Gina Davis pulling a Brian McCann-style catch in A League of Their Own.
(Truth be told, I have never really been that “in” to baseball because I have ADD and usually, unless a game is hoppin’, can’t stay interested after the fourth inning. However, I very much enjoyed touring Minute Maid Park earlier this year and seeing the mural reveal, and I have a cool 2017 season Astros hat which I receive compliments for every time I wear it, which before today had been once.)
Let’s take a quick moment to revisit some of the greatest baseball films of our time. Could we change their title and even storyline to reflect the 2017 World Series?
Field of Dreams could be Flood of Nightmares.
Has Houston ever before needed a home-team winning streak more than it does now? I don’t think so. Houston experiencing an emotional (and for many, a financial) crises. Clutch city is in dire need of a major win. If you hunker down, they will win. Many people have lost everything, have struggled with insurance agencies and FEMA, and have lost work wages. We’ve #EarnedIt, right? This current weather we’re experiencing certainly feels like heaven.
Angels in the Outfield could be Altuve of the Infielders.
The 1990s had a plethora of family-friendly baseball flicks. The Sandlot. Rookie of the Year. Major League II. (Just kidding, don’t let your young kids watch Major League I or II Major League: Back to the Minors if you want them to ever have a maturity beyond that of a 14-year-old boy.)
If you’ve never seen Angels in the Outfield, a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt who tragically lost his mom and lives in foster care with a dad who doesn’t really care about him ends up being able to assist the California Angels in winning the pennant. Whoever pitched this story to the production studio really tugged at the heartstrings with an inclusion of a deceased mother, a little boy in foster care, and baseball. How could a studio say no? Well played.
The Houston Astros have the outfield on lock, thanks to the human superpowers of Gonzalez, Reddick, Springer, Maybin and Fisher but our hitting angels could be called Gurriel, Altuve, Correa and Bregman.
A League of Their Own or The Galaxy of Jim Crane
Jim Crane, you’ve had a helluva year. The Houston Astros owner opened two restaurants, Kristalla & Osso and Potente (where Danny Trace is chef), married wife Whitney Wheeler at his Floridian National Golf Club, and now his team playing in the World Series. I’m sure he’s familiar with the phrase, “there’s no crying in baseball!” but as any restaurateur or chef will tell you, Mr. Crane, “there’s no crying in restaurants!” We applaud you on your year of ambition and thank you for keeping our Astros (and Houston legacy chef Danny Trace) in good hands.
Now let’s get down to the business of sharing what Houston bars and restaurants are offering for World Series watch parties.
Downtown:
Bun B Watch Party at Hoggbirds, October 24 at 6 pm. Tickets are $75.
Minute Maid Park. Yes, the Astros are hosting watch parties for away games (games 1, 2, 6 and 7) right in their own ballpark. Parking isn’t free, and you must claim a free voucher to get in. Get your voucher and event details here. (Keep your eyes peeled for three Killen’s BBQ kiosks inside the park.)
Is there anywhere more iconic to watch the Astros make sports history than at a brewery named after their original stadium? 8th Wonder Brewery has a massive outdoor big screen showing the game (as well as 10 indoor TVs) plus 7 food trucks this week – “the world series of food trucks” – during the world series. (Don’t miss their sweet merchandise which gives a nod towards the Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets.)
Highland Village and Galleria Area:
Attention bros: $5 Texas beers and $8 Orbit Juice Cocktails at Bosscat Kitchen + Libations. “The games will be on all TVs with the sound system booming!” There you have it.
It can cost a fortune to take the whole family to a professional sporting event, but at Ragin Cajun, kids eat free on Wednesdays with any adult meal purchase. Post-up and watch game two at Ragin Cajun with the whole family on October 25.
Montrose:
“Your wildest dreams come true. Big screen TVs at every table! Chocolate fountains! Free pony rides! And $5 burgers from 4-7! Go Astros!!!” Lowbrow chef John Sheely may (or may not) be pulling your leg about chocolate fountains and pony rides but don’t pass up that $5 burger. He’s one of Houston’s best-loved burger masters.
The Heights:
“FM Kitchen & Bar will be offering $1 orange and blue Jell-O shots, and a hot dog and 8th Wonder Dome Feaux’m beer combo for $5 during all World Series games. Watch the game inside on any of their 5 flatscreen TVs or their brand new 100-inch projection screen, or outdoors on their 3,500-square-foot patio.”
Presidio is cranking out “Astropunch (gin, orange, Frangelico, Benedictine, tarragon blossoms)” and will be projecting the World Series on the back patio all week.
Outside of The Loop & More:
“No series tickets? No problem! Come watch with fellow fans at Dish Society—wear your Astros gear to receive 10% off during the World Series. Both the Katy and the brand new Memorial locations boast big screens, plenty of cozy seats on the patios and in the bar.” The folks representing Dish Society advise that guests not bypass the Slow Dough pretzle and queso.
Molina’s is serving $5 margaritas during all World Series games, at both their Bellaire and Westheimer locations.