SIP THIS. River Prairie welcomed Playmakers Sports Bar & Grill about six months ago. Now settling into the fall (and football) season, the patio fire pits are going and the TVs are always on. 

By this time of year, Wisconsin’s summertime heat has died off enough to hang outside without mosquitoes buzzing around and the Packers haven’t completely choked (wait ’til the playoffs for that). What beats that?

Off the top of my head, at least a few things: TVs turned nearly every angle for maximum game-day viewing, a full-service bar, good grub, and space for the whole crew to sit. Luckily, River Prairie’s new sports bar has all that and more.

Playmakers Sports Bar recently hit the six-month mark since opening its doors in Altoona, settling into a groove just in time for peak fall season. Its owners aimed to make a sports bar experience with built-in ease, co-owner Chad Kosin said.

“It’s just easy,” Kosin said. “That’s the biggest key to going out anymore; Have appropriately priced cocktails, food, and drinks, and make it easy to come watch a game.

“And not to stir the pot, but we do have free parking.”

While three flatscreens above the bar take most of the attention, a dozen taps – featuring Blue Moon, Kona Big Wave, Coors Lite, Cider Boys, Miller Lite, Grain Belt Northeast, Hazy Little Thing, and more – plus about 20 bottled beers are within reach. Roughly 20 seltzer options are also up for grabs alongside a significant variety of liquors to make just about any kind of drink you can think of.

Yes, there are TVs outside for patio guests, too. And this tree.

As far as Playmakers’ food menu goes, wings have been a fan favorite so far. “We don’t deep-fry our wings,” Kosin said. “It’s kind of a cross between baking (and) an air fry convection system, so they stay crispier that way.

“We also do Italian hoagies, New York-style grinders, homemade pizza – we make the dough, the sauce; we take a lot of pride in that – and more.”

While the weather’s still right, garage doors can open up to the outdoor patio (yes, there are TVs out there too) where a fire pit and tabletop seating awaits. Back inside, neon signage and beer regalia are the backdrop of its bar stools and ample group seating.

Playmakers will soon transition to operating seven days a week, but for now, six days will have to do. After ironing out staffing and kitchen equipment, food will soon be available daily as well.

“Everybody likes it so far. It’s clean, bright, with big TVs,” Kosin said. “We’re right in the middle of River Prairie, so the free music outside during the summer – and all events that happen in the park – is literally right outside our door. We are very lucky to be in this wonderful place.”

And while Packer gameday specials are centerstage right now – $2 Miller Lite and Coors Lite; $3 rail drinks; various food specials – Playmakers will also debut poker, euchre, and bingo nights this winter.

If you haven’t caught a game at Playmakers yet, consider this your sign to do so. (Who knows how much longer the Packers will keep our hopes up.)

Learn more about Playmakers Sports Bar & Grill (1485 Front Porch Pl., Altoona) online • Playmakers is currently open from 2-11pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11am-11pm Saturday-Sunday • Keep up with Playmakers on social media for daily specials and future updates