by Abigail Luftig

Created on: March 04, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The phrase "sports bar" conjures up a plethora of mental stereotypes, mainly guys watching sports while having beer and pretzels in a smoke-filled room. Rookies Sports Bar on Derry Street is categorically none of the above. It is a relatively sprawling, two-story open building with a full menu, polite staff, and a family-centric atmosphere. It is that very atmosphere that sets Rookies apart. "Think of Rookie's like Chuck E. Cheese for grown-ups," explains owner Konstantine Pappas.

"We're a family-oriented establishment," declares Pappas. "Mom and Dad can come to get a drink, bring the kids and watch the game as a family." The rules for behaving in Rookies are fairly simple: no profanity, no arrogant drunks, no arguments, no smoking, no exceptions. "This is my house and I demand respect. Wouldn't you demand respect in your house?" Pappas explains. There are even signs posted all around the restaurant exclaiming "No Profanity - No Exceptions."

Rookies opened in April 2002 as a joint venture between Pappas and Gilligan's owner George Lois. In June 2005, Pappas bought Lois' half of the business and set out to make the place truly his own. His goal is to eventually expand the restaurant into a three-branch franchise.

So what's the draw for non-sports fans? Rookies claims to serve the "best burgers in the burg" and there is a fair amount of truth to that claim. All burgers have a sports-themed name, and from the classic BLT and cheese topped First & 10 to the Italian themed Provolone, Parmesan and Marinara topped Winner, there is a juicy lb burger to suit everyone's taste. Not in the mood for beef? Try one of the chicken sandwiches and wraps or the portabello-based vegetarian options.

Great food aside, community is what gives Rookies it's unique appeal. Pappas has organized a West Virginia club, where alumni of WVU come together whenever there's a Mountaineers game. There are plans in the works to create a similar group for Steelers fan. Rookies is a melting pot of sports fans where everyone gets along for good sports, good beer and good burgers. So whether you're an Eagles fan or a Steelers fan, a Penn State Nittany Lion or a WV Mountaineer, or just a fan of good beer and good burgers, Rookie's is the place for you.

Article previously published in FLY Magazine. More information can be found at both http://www.flymagazine.net/ and http://www.rookiesbarandgrille.com/

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