If a last-minute trip to San Antonio isn’t in the cards, two New York watch parties are about as close as you’ll get to the Knicks action.

Attending one of MSG’s chaotic block parties may feel like mayhem. However, don’t fear as there’s a great option in Brooklyn for those looking to escape the carnage.

Doubling as one of the city’s Arsenal bars, FancyFree in Brooklyn has been a staple headquarters for Knicks fans to come and watch the game locally. 

“You get the feeling of like, Spike’s here, ‘lets gooo!" Marc Jean, who watches every Knicks game at FancyFree, told the Gazette.

Alongside Spike, mayor Zohran Mamdani is known to be a regular at this Forte Greene hotspot. He was spotted there just this past Saturday to watch Arsenal’s defeat in the record breaking game with PSG. His presence is expected again right before tip off for game 1. Although if you’re looking to watch the game with Zohran, you’ll have to plan accordingly.

Lines are known to be well out the door. Staffers highly recommend arriving an hour if not hours before the clock begins. According to what Alex Grutza told the Gazette, competition for a bar seat is fierce and overwhelming.

“If you think you’re going early, go earlier.”

FancyFree staff have been fielding consistent calls from fans hoping to pull an all day Knicks pilgrimage. Despite the fact the bar opens at 2pm with a forecasted 79 degrees and sunny, many are still hoping to arrive early enough to claim a good seat. 

When the Knicks inevitably win, the real party will be outside the bar and citywide.

After we eliminated Cleveland, the masses took over Lafayette avenue, flooding the streets with a parade of chants. Be sure to expect a repeat performance once Wembenyama meets his demise. 

https://grandarmygazette.substack.com/p/the-brooklyn-bar-where-spike-lee