AREA FANS CAN GET THEIR GRUB ON
District 41, TJ’s II are new sports bars on the Peninsula
Just in time for the NFL playoffs, and well ahead of March Madness, the Peninsula is getting two new sports bars. District 41 opened in Newport News on New Year’s Eve, and TJ’s II Sports Tavern is set to open in Poquoson Sunday.
District 41 is located at
605 Pilot House Drive across from The Shoppes at Oyster Point. Its decor is dominated by jerseys and memorabilia recognizing star athletes from Hampton Roads.
The fare is standard for a sports bar, but with a few local twists, such as the Salmon Slammies — slidersized pieces of salmon served with a cilantromango topping featuring preserves from MangoMangeaux.
One of the co-owner/ operators, who goes by the single name “Free,” said he hopes the sports theme and casual atmosphere will attract a diverse crowd.
“We want to be the networking capital of Newport News,” he said. “My personal goal is to end the thought of social segregation, and sports helps that. Whether you’re like me or I’m like you, if we both like the Giants we can congregate and enjoy the festivities together for a few hours.”
District 41 will be open 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The owners plan to be heavily involved in the community, including programs to feed the homeless and those in need on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day.
TJ’s II in Poquoson will open at 413 Wythe Creek Road, the space formerly occupied by George’s. Owner Tony Hilario said his goal essentially has been to duplicate the atmosphere of his first sports bar, TJ’s in Newport News (7015 Huntington Ave.).
He said the grand opening on Sunday will feature “all kinds of specials,” with all menu items discounted.
TJ’s II will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Restaurant week
When does a week last a fortnight? When it’s Newport News Restaurant Week, which began last Saturday and continues through Jan. 26.
The annual promotion, started in 2014, invites participating restaurants to showcase their menus by offering two- or threecourse meals at affordable prices.
This year, almost two dozen restaurants in Newport News are offering two-course lunches for $10-$15, and three-course dinners for $20-$30. It’s a chance to re-visit old favorites and check out new places.
For a list of participating restaurants or more information, call 757-886-7777 or visit newportnewsrestaurantweek.com.
Dive Bar coming
The Olde Towne Tavern closed its doors in the fall, but a new tenant will be moving into the spot at 31 E. Mellen St. in Hampton soon. The Phoebus Dive Bar has put up a Facebook page and is looking at mid-March as a preliminary opening date.