Bites Nearby: Your Game Plan at The Englander

Each Thursday afternoon, Patch will feature a local place to eat out. This week, our pick just had to include lots of televisions, good food and plentifully flowing beer. 

has been a hub of San Leandro’s social scene for almost 17 years.

What better reason to return or explore it anew than Super Bowl 45? Jot Mangatt, founder and owner of The Englander, says the establishment can expect to see between 200-300 people this Sunday.

“We will just have a party,” Mangatt says with a big laugh, as “sports and beer go hand in hand.”

Even though both Super Bowl teams are from other parts of the country, Mangatt says there are plenty of Steelers and Packers fans in the area, and he will be setting up two big screens on the patio to accommodate outdoor game viewing in addition to the large indoor seating area.

Super Bowl Sunday at The Englander will offer several drink specials that will quench even the most die-hard sports-fan’s thirst. With over 90 beers on tap, there will be a beverage to fit any fancy.

This place boasts a true sports bar feel, with three big screen TVs, and 21 plasma screens located throughout the pub.

The English pub twist is authentic too, as Mangatt grew up in England. You will see favorite British classics like “bangers and mash,” cottage pie, and fish and chips on the menu.

While the French are known to use a lot of wine in their recipes, Mangatt explains that beer is a British cooking staple. This adds a heartiness and flavor you're not likely to find elsewhere in San Leandro.

The menu also includes an impressive array of pasta dishes, a kid’s menu, classic pub food like burgers and nachos, and more. Sprinkled in the mix are international dishes that really offer something for everyone.

Thai curry, chicken tikka masala, pot stickers and jambalaya are just a few selections exemplifying the range of possibilities. And the salads are claimed to be “humungous!”

The Englander is also a lot more than a great place to spend Super Bowl Sunday. There are banquet rooms for special and corporate occasions, and a clubroom with it’s own bar, where comedy shows and open mikes nights liven up the last Saturday of every month.

Just next door, Mangatt proudly showed me his new wine bar, , which opened in June. This classy establishment serves only wine, mostly from Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Chile, and fine Belgian beer.  Tapas, small plates of delicate dishes, are also available.

The Vine hosts wine tastings every Tuesday, and frequent special events like a three-course Valentines Day Dinner, with entrees starting at $25. It is also available for private parties.

Mangatt knows how to make his customers feel at home, and since he also enjoys sports, he makes each game a special and fun experience. So if you need a last minute game plan, head over to 101 Parrot St.

Just make sure you are hungry, thirsty, and ready for a great time!