Fun/convenient area in Fresno

Due to its proximity to both Northern and Southern CA, a bunch of college buddies of mine are having a reunion in Fresno the weekend of the Super Bowl. Can anyone suggest a hotel/motel in a fun area that has bars/restaurants we can walk to? We definitely do not want to be driving.

Thank you

Fun/convenient area in Fresno

I%26#39;ve been trying to think of a specific hotel that you could walk to from a sports bar or other spot to celebrate the super bowl. Most are a bit of a hike. Check out marriott properties-residence inn, town suites or holiday inn express in north fresno. There%26#39;s also an extended stay in north fresno. The best place to watch the super bowl would probably be the Worlds sports cafe in river park. There%26#39;s also a logan%26#39;s road house, chevy%26#39;s mexican grill, Pf changs, elephant bar, california pizza kitchen, macaroni grill to name a few.

Fun/convenient area in Fresno

Good idea about not drinking and driving. Fresno has zero tolerance for that behavior these days, the city police department runs the largest number of DUI checkpoints of any city in the US along with undercover operations outside bars.

muffya was talking about the RiverPark area, the hotels she mentioned would be about a 3/4 mile walk. World Sports Cafe is owned by former SF 49er Tim McDonald.

Another area is the Fashion Fair Mall area at Freeway 41 and Shaw. The Silver Dollar Hofbrau is a sports bar that should be packed that weekend. You can also find Cheesecake Factory, Flemings Steakhouse and other places in the area. Motels in walking distance would be the Courtyard by Marriott (the 140 East Shaw Avenue location), Ramada Inn (324 East Shaw), or the Quality Inn (480 East Shaw).

Old Town Clovis on the east side of Fresno is also an area for bars and restaurants. An old restored downtown, it is a small walking area of shops, restaurants, and bars. I%26#39;m not sure what would have the best sports atmosphere. Your 2 hotel choices would be Comfort Suites (143 Clovis Ave, Clovis) or the Best Western Clovis Cole Inn (415 Clovis Ave.).

You might also think about checking out one of the Casino/Hotel complexes in the Fresno area. Both are isolated from other attractions but are large complexes with a full selection of restaurants, bars, plus gambling.

My favorite of the casino/hotels is Chukchansi Gold Resort in Coarsegold, in the foothills about 35 minutes north of Fresno on Highway 41. We were there last weekend and caught part of the playoffs on the big screens in the casino. They have 3 or 4 bar areas and I think 6 restaurants.

http://www.chukchansigold.com

The other casino/hotel is The Tahci Palace near Lemoore about 45 minutes south of Fresno off Highway 41.

Besides Fresno I would also take a look at meeting in Visalia, about 45 minutes south of Fresno. The downtown area there is about 20 square blocks filled with 50 restaurants, bars with live music, a sports bar/brewpub, shops, etc. The 2 hotels to think about would be the Visalia Marriott (just opened) or the Comfort Suites.

I would go for the River Park area for my first choice. Aside from the Sports Bar previously mentioned, you will be right in the midst of some pretty great eats. Dai Bai Dang, Fuzios Universal Pasta, Johnny Rockets, Mimi%26#39;s Cafe and Yoshino%26#39;s for some really good Japanese food. There is also the Edward%26#39;s Theater if you want to take in a movie or two while you%26#39;re in town. In n Out is also right here!

If you decide to stay around the Fashion Fair area, you may want to check out the Doghouse Grill across the street from California State University. They have some really good BBQ food and I%26#39;m sure there will be lots of commaradarie going on there on Super Bowl Sunday. If you want high end dining, Fleming%26#39;s as previously mentioned is VERY good and VERY pricey, we dined there on New Year%26#39;s Eve and will be going again this weekend to try some new things. :)

Old Town Clovis will be more quiet, there is a bar right across the street from the Clovis Cole that should have some things going on. You will definitely be able to walk to some really great eats from the Clovis Cole. Right across the street is Trelio for fine dining, the owner used to be the Sommelier at Erna%26#39;s Elderberry House in Oakhurst. Also within walking distance there is La Posada on Pollasky for Mexican food or Bobby Salazar%26#39;s. Luna%26#39;s Pizzeria for Italian and for some really great sandwiches and salads, the Corner Cafe is one of our weekly lunch places. We love the Cajun Chicken sammies there. Have fun! :)

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