There are probably a thousand reasons to load up in the minivan and find an outside venue to watch a few choice bowl games.

First, an approved restaurant or sports bar is going to offer the number of televisions necessary to watch a multitude of games at the same time.

Second, why not leave the confines of a quiet home to join other gridiron enthusiasts in the viewing of said bowl games, and in the process amp up levels of spirit and enjoyment?

Third, why not treat yourself (it is the holiday season) to a fascinating and tasty array of food and spirits not available in your home (and who is going to serve you at home or clean up the mess)?

Lastly in our brief thesis, and perhaps the best reason to venture out to an upstanding establishment for bowl screening, is the opportunity to leave the confines of “in-law ville” and “family city” for but a few brief, yet oh-so-refreshing moments (and watch college football in the process).

Yes, why not leave the threshold of your house, your mom’s house, your sister-in-law’s house or your step-father-in-law’s house to pause for reflection and contemplation destined to make you a better family citizen (and order a big heaping helping of greasy chicken wings while somebody pummels somebody else on the gridiron)?

The following slideshow gallantly identifies 18 of the coolest chain restaurants in our great nation in which to go out and watch a bowl game.

This list gives options to both the home-bound and the brave holiday traveler who has packed their wrapped gifts, their candied nuts and their celebratory socks and travelled to a foreign shore of family fun.