BAMBERG, Germany — Nestled in the shadow of Bamberg’s Jako Arena is a small slice of home, if you like bar food.
Inside and out, the Play Off American Sports Bar feels as if it’s been lifted out of Downtown, U.S.A.
From the appetizers to the daily buffet specials to the extensive drink menu, diners looking for a quick bite while attending a concert or sporting event — or those who simply have a hankering for chicken wings — should be pleased.
Open Monday through Friday starting at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m., the Play Off has dinner deals nearly every day of the week, most with prices cut in half for kids under 10. Wednesdays is all-you-can-eat ribs for just under 9 euros. Thursdays feature a barbecue buffet for about 13 euros. Friday is "Big Burger Day."
Sundays see the doors open at 9 a.m., with a 9.99 euros Big Breakfast Buffet. For those not in the mood to eat, the Play Off serves a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits. Happy Hour is every day from 5 to 8 p.m., with half off all cocktails. The menu is presently featuring Summer milkshake and ice cream specials.
Almost all of the menu items have a decidedly American feel, with appetizers running anywhere from 3.90 to 7.80 euros, and entrees from around 10 to a high of 14.90 euros. The Play Off’s large burger menu averages about 7 euros.
If you can’t get tickets to whatever event Jako Arena’s featuring, the Play Off has a rather large number of TVs, where games are often broadcast live.
The wait staff is prompt and friendly, and the Play Off is large and open. On an Arena off night, parking and seating should be both easy and quick.
Play Off American Sports Bar
Bamberg, Germany
Operating Hours: Opens Monday through Friday at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m.
Prices: Appetizers cost between 3.90 and 7.80 euros. Entrees are from about 10 to 14.90 euros. The burger menu averages 7 euros.
Clientele: Runs the gamut.
Menus: English menus are available.
Drinks: An extensive drink menu along with daily Happy Hour.
Specialties: American cuisine. Most nights have special meal deals, usually with half off for kids under 10.
Dress: Casual
Telephone: 0951-1339650
Web site:www.playoff-bamberg.de
Directions: From the main gate on Warner Barracks (gate 3), drive down Zollnerstrasse and take a left onto Berliner Ring. Follow signs to Jako Arena. The turn is about 1½ miles down on the right.
