Fanatics Sports Bar & Pub

We were in Monticello for the weekend and we stopped in here and was decent and welcoming. We decided to come back around dinner time and have some drinks and such as it was close by to our hotel. When we got there it was all well and they had a DJ in the back playing decent tunes and a few people dancing and everything was very level and toned. Shortly later after being here for a couple of hours the mood and crowd began to change. It seemed the rowdy locals wanted in and move out all of the people who were there prior to their entrance. It was an extreme changeover in a very short period of time and felt uncomfortable. It wasnt long before two of us were approached to remove our hats. I was waiting for the make-​shift disgusting bathroom with a broken toilet hanging in pieces and the severe stench of urine permeating about so I was not approached, yet. Once I was able to finally use this bathroom which mind you is directly in front of the bar and on/​in the dance floor (no privacy, no amenity, nothing) I went outside to take in some air. While out there I heard over and over slangs and name calling going on and statements about crackers only to realize they were looking at me and talking to me since I had a hat on? Now we are in a SPORTS PUB, there are sports paraphernalia everywhere. there are even hats on display yet we are being berated for wearing them. As I decided outside wasnt the best place for me to be at that time I was heckled at about my hat and told to take it off as if «they cant wear theirs then I cannot wear mine»… I turned and told them good luck on that one and went inside where I was immediately met by a local who seemed to be the «mouth of the crowd» and told to take my hat off. as I inquired to know why I am once again being told not asked to take my hat off it was explained to be in a very stagnant and alcohol lined breath that its about gang signs and «they» are not allowed to wear their hats so neither are «we». I felt as though I had just stepped into the twilight zone. I wanted out immediately and we left. As we left we saw quite the rowdy crowd around the building like a swarm and there were State Troopers and local police making busts and such. We were def in the wrong place and very sad that at our middle ages we are subject to these things and grouped with the local thugs who apparently ruin it for everyone. It was almost like out of that movie Road House where the owner of the establishment lost his manhood along the way and sold out to this crowd. We will NEVER come back here EVER again.

While staying at a nearby inn, I came across Fanatics on Unilocal and decided to stop by. I am so glad that we did. Mike the bartender was great and Joey the owner was awesome. They are very accommodating and friendly. The place is great for drinks, watching sports and food. The prices are very reasonable and the beer flight specials were a hit with my boyfriend. We enjoyed talking to Mike and Joey about sports and various other topics.
The chicken quesadilla was by far one of the best I’ve ever had. I will definitely visit again if/​when I am back in the area.

Great staff, tons of TVs to watch any ball game and the best Mac and cheese in the Northeast! It’s bomb! The food here won’t disappoint and the beer is ice cold. Can’t go wrong with that combo.

We’ve eaten @ Fanatics before — last summer to be specific, and decided to go there two weeks ago. People in our party loved their Seared Tuna Sandwich, the Chicken Pot Pie, Small pizza, etc. Totally new menu now, and the above mentioned items are not on it. Instead, Mexican fare which was a poor excuse for Mexican food. The Mac & Cheese was good. Sorry guys — will not be back, unless maybe for a burger.

The Burgers here are seriously the best in town! Always very attentive bartenders and a good atmosphere for a sports bar pub feel. Definitely the best spot around to grab a burger and a beer. their hangover burger with a fried egg on top is to die for! Also try the Ruben burger this place doesn’t mess around! Yum yum yum! One of the few places on Broadway in Monticello you would want to take a casual date thanks for making Monticello slightly less desolate!

So Pilar and I decided to try out Fanatics Sports Bar and Pub, the restaurant section as we are not drinkers. We’d heard they offered delicious yummies and happened to be hungry as we passed by and so went in. It was a Monday night so we figured it would be quiet, no loud drunks or loud music, and we were right for the most part.
It is what it is no matter what day or time one steps in. Primarily a bar with some tables as an after-​thought.
The menu featured typical pub fare for this area. Pilar decided to start with the Potato Soup and I with the French Onion Soup. Hers was nicely garnished with real bacon and the bit I tasted was very good. Mine featured unusually gooey cheese… not in a bad sense… I loved it. I am, after all, a cheese devourer. The French Onion Soup was perfectly tart.
Main course, Pilar had the Steak Tacos with Rice & Black Beans and I had a HUGE Pastrami on Rye with Fries and Coleslaw/​Pickle.
Pilar usually takes her time eating like a Lady and finishes long past the time I have devoured my last morsel, but this time she was finished about 10 minutes before I finished! I asked if she was extraordinarily hungry and she stated that she was not but that the food was so good she ate at a more rapid pace than is her norm. She said that in particular, the cilantro was super fresh and the sauce was super yummy (she didn’t actually say «yummy» by the way.)
My Pastrami Sandwich was piled high was Pastrami, aaaaaaaalmost like the type you find in a real Jewish New York City Deli, and there was enough for two meals!
The fries were crisp, the coleslaw nice and cold and the pickle very crisp, as a pickle should be.
The service was excellent as well. Mindful yet non-​intrusive and our server was a cheerful fellow.
Keeping in mind that this IS primarily a bar, and one which caters to sports fans with its dozen or so big TV screens lining the walls, I would say that this is not a place to bring children. Not because of the bar, but because of the constant «F» bombs exclaimed at random and rather loudly by the bar patrons… and there were only seven. I can imagine a Friday or Saturday night!
Notwithstanding the «F» bombs, we had a pleasant evening with good solid American style entries and a nice server.
Fanatics Sports Bar and Pub
400 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12 701
Phone: (845) 791‑1103
* Good for Singles, Couples (not for romantic evenings though), and of course, SPORTS FANS
* Street Parking
* $$
* Rated R for naughty bar patron language (not for young children.)
* Deck for outdoor summer dining

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, «Self, I want to go to a restaurant managed/​own by a pompous ass, and get horrible service IN MONTICELLO (of all places).» This, ladies and gentleman, is your place.
I can’t help bit wonder how the creep I encountered sleeps at night thinking about his elite sports bar (again) IN MONTICELLO.

Ok, they have wings and fries and «pub food», but Matthew Sheiner and the rest of the cooks are turning out amazing food. He posts pics of his latest creations on the What’s Cookin’ Sullivan County Page, and it is definitely not bar fare. The last time I was there, I had the wasabi calamari (I was still too full from the Yanni’s I ate earlier) and it had a wonderful heat without being soggy from the sauce. All of the burgers I’ve had are big and tasty, and the wings are huge! They have a hangover brunch on Saturday and Sunday-​check them out!