I know that we all love how football makes getting drunk on Sundays socially acceptable but that doesn’t mean you should through back shots at just any old ram shack. Remember when you’re not in Philly every bar is not a Philadelphia Eagles bar. In a foreign city you’re competing with not only local fans but other transplants and even people that don’t watch football, trust me they do exist! Locating a steady, Eagle friendly, dive will not only increase the fun you have during the game, it can also lighten the load on your wallet. Getting to know the bartenders leads to comped, and strong, drinks. Find a good bar can be trial and error, but rather than waste all of that time just take use my helpful hints to avoid any wasted time.

Don’t be a sucker for specials. Nickel a wing is great and all but not if you have to sit through the Cleveland Browns vs. Saint Louis Rams game because that’s the one o’clock game on Fox. Saving money isn’t any good if you’re keeping track of the game via texts from your friends. Also, don’t just go to your usual bar because it’s good the other six days of the week. True, Sundays are about loyalty; loyalty to the Eagles not your corner pub. You owe it to yourself and the Birds to find an Eagles bar that is as glorious as the team you root for, do not just settle!

If you drank here, you'd be sloshed by now

Finding a good bar can be a long pain staking process. Be prepared to put grueling hours of bar hopping and boozing. You may want to start doing curls with your left arm so that it won’t get tired from lifting your beer, or shot, from the bar to your mouth. Bar hopping is the best way to get to know the ale houses in your area. This process kills two Cowboys with one stone because you’re not only finding a solid Eagles viewing station, you’re also going to find good every day haunts.

As you’re moving from bar to bar pay attention to flags and banners. In major cities bar owners will use these to advertise what teams they root for. Also be aware of the various tschokies and nick nacks on the wall. A lot of one team most likely means that you’re in a bar that’s already staked by a team. If you find a place that’s tempting make sure to ask the bartender if he has Sunday Ticket or the football package; no package no good. Don’t be scared to ask people wearing Philadelphia Phillies, or Flyers hats or shirts. This can be a great way to get insider information and meet fellow watchers.

When it comes to Sunday it’s time to put your hard work to the test. It’s best to pick out two places in close proximity to each other to watch. That way if one sucks you have a back up, you can even switch at half time if you’re feeling adventurous. If you walk in and there’s no definable team influence you may want to leave and keep looking u

ntil you find Eagles pay dirt. Never settle for a corporate restaurant like a Friday’s or Ruby Tuesdays, that shit is weak! Unless you have a good group together watching with a group of fans that root for different teams can turn into a binge drinking fest which, while fun, will not help Donovan McNabb’s rib heal any faster! No matter what day it is always tip your bartender. [Insert the obligatory line about not drinking and driving here.]