We planned the perfect Sunday: visiting the Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co. at Legacy Hall – a flight of their best beers while settling in to watching the Patriots vs. Buccaneers and Bears vs. Giants. We showed up, ready to blog about the ideal game day experience, only to find the taproom unexpectedly closed. Our whole plan was busted!

Plano’s Food & Entertainment Destination

For anyone traveling to Plano, Texas, who hasn’t experienced it, Legacy Hall is one of the largest and most unique food and entertainment destinations in the country.

It’s a massive, three-story European-style food hall, home to over 20 chef-curated food stalls, five distinct bars, and anchored by its own award-winning, in-house craft brewery, Unlawful Assembly Brewing Co.

Our original goal was to hit the brewery’s third-floor taproom, which overlooks the expansive outdoor entertainment space, the Lexus Box Garden.

A Custom Flight at The Good View Bar

Instead of packing up, we made the quick decision to head over to the Good View Bar on the second floor, and when their incredible bartender realized we were there to visit the brewery, he put together an impromptu flight for us turning our major disappointment into a creative, custom experience.

Navigating the Food Hall Chaos

With so many fantastic choices and options for food, it is really hard to choose, but we ultimately landed on these pairings that became the real highlight of the afternoon:

Andy: I paired the malty, toasty Antagonist Amber Lager (5.2% ABV) with the smoky BBQ brisket from Dry Rub. The caramel notes of the lager perfectly cut the richness of the BBQ sauce, making it a great football pairing.

Leesl: I paired the refreshing Legado Mexican Lager (4.5% ABV) with savory tacos from Chilangos Tacos. The crisp, clean finish of the Legado was the ideal light companion for the spice and flavor of the tacos – my favorite of the day!

The Flight Review – Favorites and a Wildcard

While the flight of six was a generous gesture, the true standouts were the two we strategically paired with food, along with a wildcard:

• The surprise beer of the flight was the Idol Time: Passionfruit Pineapple Wheat. It was bold and unique, offering a punchy, fruity profile, but it was just too much of a wildcard to pair with our savory game day spread. But we would definitely try it again on another visit.

The Day was Saved!

Ultimately, the custom flight and the quick change of location resulted in a massive win. We got the great food and beer we were looking for, watched some thrilling football—and best of all, the games paid off! Not only did Andy’s Bears win, but my Patriots pick against the Buccaneers secured a crucial tie in our ongoing NFL battle. Sometimes, the best stories come from plans that go hilariously wrong. Next time you’re at Legacy Hall and need a game day spot with great food and resourceful bartenders, head to the Good View Bar on the second floor.

Plan a Visit!

If you want to try your own game day food and drink pairings at Legacy Hall, here’s a link with the info you need: Legacy Hall in Plano.