Two separate and different crowds packed a pair of bars on Austin Street in Forest Hills Sunday evening to watch the Jets take their second shot at the Super Bowl in as many years. By the end of the night, every local fan who stopped in left muttering a familiar and sad refrain.
was filled to the rafters and those who were lucky enough to find a seat said that it was no easy task. “We got here at 2 p.m. to save our spot for the second game. It’s the best atmosphere ever, it's awesome” said Christine Ruiz, who got to the sports bar to get a spot at the bar for herself and 14 other friends.
Another die hard fan was Megan Eames, who scoped out the scenery earlier in the afternoon, before finally getting her spot with her friends around 3:30. “I’ve been a Jets fan for years,” she said.
Others who had seats at the bar were forced into a confined space with other fans chanting every time there was a good play. David Taub was brought to the Tap House by his friend enjoys the “atmosphere and energy and being surrounded by Jets fans.”
Around the corner, fans at were also cheering on the Jets. Unlike the Tap House, this bar was filled with regulars and those looking for a homier, quieter space.
Eric Peck and his four other friends decided that the Irish Cottage would be a great place to relax and enjoy the game, with little interruption.
“I have high hopes for the Jets, I’m a huge Jet fan, but I have no faith in the coach [Rex Ryan] or the quarterback [Mark Sanchez]," Peck said. “I’ve been a Jet fan since the age of 10, I watch every season. I’m a Jets and Mets fan, but [they] both have broken my heart over the years.”
Owner Kathleen McNulty even joined in on cheering for the Jets. Employees sported Jets T-shirts and held raffles for a shirt and a shot. The latter of which ended up being sorely needed for fans at the end of the game.
The winner of both was Jose Negron, who had just gotten out of work and was a first time visitor of the Irish cottage, “The other bars are so crowded and full, this was the only one were I could watch the game and drink some beers.”
As the game came to a finish, many were still hoping for the Jets to make a comeback, and were disappointed.
In the midst of all the sighs and groans, Negron said what any gracious fan would after his team lost.
“There is always next year.”
Teams Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final Jets 0 3 7 9 19 Steelers 7 17 0 0 24
