Tailgate Tavern & Grill

During a stint at the University of Buffalo in New York in the '80s, Marina Alter frequented a pub that was a bit like the one in Cheers, where everyone knew each other, and she hoped to use the same concept here some day. After finding out that the Tailgate Tavern was up for sale, she jumped at the opportunity, moved to Parker and took the place over in late 2008. And the Tailgate indeed has a bit of a Cheers vibe, which helps explain why the bar attracts so many folks from all lines of work and backgrounds. While it's a fine place to check out a game, as its name suggests, the Tailgate also brings in live rock bands on the weekends, and the menu includes breakfast, burgers, steaks, seafood and sandwiches.