Cue up “Seven Nation Army,” Ravens fans. It’s finally the time of year where Casual Fridays become Purple Fridays, and Sundays are devoted to watching our beloved birds take the field. This weekend’s home opener against the Buffalo Bills marks the Ravens official return for the season, and fan-favorite watering holes all over town are running specials to celebrate. If you aren’t headed to M&T Bank Stadium this Sunday, throw on a jersey and partake in a bird-watching bash at any one of these local spots.
Alexander’s Tavern: It doesn’t get more Maryland than Alexander’s Tavern, where tots come smothered in crab dip and Crushes are constantly flowing. For the season opener, head to the heart of Fells Point to sip $2.75 Miller Lites and $4 Blue Moons, and throw back free shots whenever the Ravens score a touchdown. Specialty eats will include half-price wings, tots, and nachos during the game. 710 S. Broadway, 410-522-0000
DogWatch Tavern: Just across the street, DogWatch Tavern will be running its signature game-day deals. Kick back on the bar’s comfy leather sofas, challenge a friend to a round of Bear Pong, and enjoy specials like $5 22-oz. Miller Lite drafts, $15 Miller and Coors Light buckets, and orders of 10 wings for $7. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-7030
Fish Head Cantina: Don’t let the tiki theme fool you. This neighborhood haunt—fully equipped with 11 high-def screens—is a game-day go to in Arbutus. The bar’s running list of Ravens specials, including $1 Natty Boh drafts, $2 domestics, $3 Twisted Teas, $4 craft drafts, and $5 Crushes, will be in full effect for this Sunday’s matchup against the Bills. 4802 Benson Ave., Arbutus, 410-247-2474
The Grill at Harryman House: The upscale pub grub at this Reisterstown hangout makes it an ideal spot to grab a beer and watch all of the action unfold. Every Sunday during football season, line your stomach with specialty snacks including 60-cent wings, $1 oysters, $5 pork belly corn dogs, and $6 orders of hush puppies, chicken nachos, and truffle fries. Bartenders also spin a wheel after every Ravens touchdown to determine additional drink deals (think $1 drafts or $3 Long Islands) that will run throughout the game. 340 Main St., Reisterstown, 410-833-8850
Horseshoe Casino: The party plaza outside of this massive entertainment venue in South Baltimore is about as close you can get to M&T Bank Stadium without a ticket to the game. Horseshoe is throwing its first ultimate tailgate of the season from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Sunday, complete with $2 Coronas, beer pong, cornhole, and tons of giveaways. Plus, inside the casino, Guy Fieri’s Bar + Kitchen is premiering an $18 all-you-can-eat tailgate buffet (think burgers, wings, and the like) that will be offered before every Sunday home game throughout the regular season. 1525 Russell St., 844-777-7463
Huck’s American Craft: If you’re tuning in from Brewers Hill, this corner bar is throwing a Ravens bash with essentials like $2.50 Natty Boh drafts, $2.75 Miller Lites, $3 Founders All Day IPAs, and $5 bombs and Fireball shots. The menu also lists plenty of greasy options, including beef sliders, cheese curds, and pretzel crust pizzas, to pair with the boozy beverages. 3728 Hudson St., 443-438-3380
Michael’s Cafe: This Timonium mainstay is starting the weekend off right with a “Countdown to Kickoff” party on its patio on Friday, September 9. To celebrate the first Purple Friday of the season, fans are invited to sip $3 Union and Heavy Seas drafts, get down to music spun by DJ Leni K, and enter to win two club-level seats to the Ravens-Browns game in November. 2119 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-2022
Mother’s Grille: Of course, Mother’s will be throwing one of its signature Ravens ragers this Sunday. But because the home opener also happens to be on 9/11, the Federal Hill favorite is turning its purple patio party into a red, white, and blue bash to benefit the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Widows’ & Children’s Fund, which directly supports families of 9/11 victims. The fundraiser will feature a $30 all-you-can-drink deal and live music spun by DJ Jbomb. 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686
Don’t Know Tavern: The game-day celebration is starting a day early at this corner bar in Federal Hill. On Saturday, September 10, head to Don’t Know for a special Ravens kickoff party featuring $1 Power Hour beers from 10-11 p.m. For the actual game, the bar will offer a slew of specials including $3 Miller Lite drafts, $14 Miller Lite buckets, and $20 Blue Moon or Leinenkugel beer towers. 1453 Light St., 410-539-0231
Polo Bar: The bartenders at this Hunt Cup-themed hangout inside the Hunt Valley Inn have created a signature cocktail in honor of the season’s return. The purple “Ravens Rock” (Blue curacao, Sloe Gin, and Sprite) will debut alongside a new game-day menu featuring soft pretzels, sliders, and hot dogs for Sunday’s opener. 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, 410-785-7000
Stalking Horse: This multi-level hangout best known for its boozy slushies is always down to celebrate our home teams. In addition to specialty eats like pit beef sandwiches and bacon cheddar fries, Stalking Horse will offer $4 vodka drinks and $15 domestic buckets during Sunday’s game. 26 E. Cross St., 410-244-6722