This Sports Bar is The Genuine Article

Have you ever walked into a “sports bar” that seemed a little “slick”? Like someone was in a corporate meeting and said, “Okay, let’s design a sports bar. It’ll be like a theme park for adult males between the ages of…”

Champions Sports Bar doesn’t feel that way at all. When I sat down to interview Courtney Lerdon, one of the owners, he asked me if I was surprised when I walked in the door. I looked around and told him, frankly, yes. The place is neat, clean, the tables and chairs look nice and the place is spacious and nicely laid out. But it still “feels” like a neighborhood hang-out. And there are five HUGE big screen TVs on the wall, in addition to the other “normal” ones.

Champions takes their neighborhood sports bar persona very seriously. There is a long list of sports teams they sponsor. They are heavily into Fantasy Football. Their pull-tab profits are donated to Incarnation Church. They belong to the Lake Street Association. They hire off-duty cops on the weekend. And did I mention they have Direct TV’s NFL Package?

Of course, I was also curious about the food. Courtney said their burgers are phenomenal. I’ve heard that before, I told him. So he made me a Mushroom Swiss Burger. He’s right. They are phenomenal.

They also have a nice menu with all the trimmings, full bar, beer and wine. But I have to tell you about their “Early-Bird Specials.” Get this: Wednesday thru Sunday, 4-7pm, 12oz. Choice New York Strip for $10.50 or 8oz. Choice Filet Mignon $10.50. And it comes with a complimentary draft beer or glass of wine! And to top it off, your steak is prepared by Chef Darryl, direct from Morton’s Steak House of Chicago. I don’t care what else is on the menu. I’M THERE!

Champions Sports Bar has off street parking, a heated smoking patio, a banquet room they rent for meetings, parties or receptions, Premier Karaoke, Progressive Bango, Texas Hold ‘em, a game room with a dart board and an assortment of games…the list goes on and on. These guys do it all. They are at 105 W. Lake Street in Minneapolis and their phone number is 612-827-4765. They are open Monday 9am to 1am, Tuesday – Friday 9am – 2am, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 2am and Sunday Brunch is 10am – 2am.