No Bears? No problem!

Super Bowl Sunday has a little something for everyone -- with or without your favorite team.

Music lovers can eagerly anticipate the halftime show, and with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers scheduled to appear this year, they should expect nothing but true-blue American rock.

Those with an accentuated funny bone can eye the multimillion-dollar commercials, and it goes without saying that this is the be-all, end-all event for avid sports fans.

It's like a movie buff's version of the Academy Awards, only dirtier, colder and without accountants.

Flatlander's

200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, flatlanders.com, (847) 821-1234

Don't spend Super Bowl Sunday watching football players when you can spend the day sitting next to actual pros. Chicago Bears greats Bobby Douglass, Revie Sorey and Robin Earl will be on hand to jot their John Hancocks down on sports paraphernalia starting at 3:30 p.m.

For $20 patrons will receive two drink tickets good for wine, well drinks and beer and an all-you-can-eat, finger-food buffet. Come early to meet the players and participate in a little football trivia. Raffle prizes include a bounty of autographed items from legendary figures Mike Ditka, Brian Urlacher, William Perry and Dick Butkus. The scoreboard may not have Chicago Bears up in lights this year, but the home team is well-represented here.

Brauer House

57 N. Hillside, Hillside, brauerhouse.com, (708) 449-8900

Football and food go together like peas and carrots, as Forrest Gump would say. Just listen to the sound of the alliteration of the two words. It's musical. For $9.95, eat your heart out at the Brauer House. A buffet to end all buffets (surely there's a Jimmy Buffett reference in here somewhere) awaits those who walk through the bar's doors. And this isn't just any ol' spread. Chicken Devon, prime rib, steak and fried chicken will line the table. Beverages help wash down the carnivore-friendly fare with Long Island Ice Teas going for $4, or pick up a $2 Bloody Mary for its full serving of veggies. The food-a-thon begins at 4 p.m. and don't worry -- there will be plenty to go around.

Penny Road Pub

545 Penny Road, South Barrington, pennyroadpub.com, (847) 428-0562

Enjoying the game of football isn't a requirement to have a good time during the Super Bowl. While it's hard to divert one's eyes away from the game, the bar's eight television screens (including one 50-inch plasma with surround sound) provide enough distractions to occupy the most ignorant partier. (Seriously, what is with tossing that yellow scarf around the field?) Spend some quality time mingling around the free buffet. There's a good chance you won't meet any single guys with the game on, so nothing says comfort like an Italian beef or sausage sandwich -- at least until halftime. If you play your cards right, or your free squares for that matter, you could walk away with the utensils for your very own party. Every hour and a quarter there's a chance to win television sets, coolers, sports chairs and hats. Imbibe $1.75 Bud and Bud Light pints and $1 Kamikaze shots.

Shoeless Joe's

10290 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, shoelessjoesrosemont.com, (847) 296-5760

If this were a World Series roundup, a Black Sox joke would be more than appropriate. Even a Ray Liotta dig could come in handy, but it's far too frigid outside to even think about baseball, let alone joke around about it. There's no kidding around about this bar's collection of 40 TVs. That's right, 40, including four high-definition, big-screen babies. The rabbit-like population of television sets, coupled with $2.50 20-ounce drafts of Miller Lite and Bud Light, sounds like Norm and Cliff heaven. The fun starts at 4 p.m., and the raffle prizes rival the day after Thanksgiving in merchandise. Win a plasma TV, a grill, or tickets to see the Bulls or Blackhawks play at the United Center. Parties of 10 or more must call ahead for reservations.

Harry Caray's

70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, harrycarays.com, (630) 953-3400

While Mr. Caray might trigger thoughts of Cubbie blue (again with the baseball analogies!), there's no reason to get all depressed this early in the year. Who knows? Maybe Wrigley Field will host another blockbuster concert. At least that way management can guarantee cheering emitting from the stands. Despite his baseball ties, the hall of famer's namesake establishment is an equal-opportunity sports enclave. And why not watch the Super Bowl in style? In addition to complimentary plates of potato chips -- a Taste of Chicago staple -- indulge in mini Tallgrass cheeseburgers. Maine lobster roll and Vesuvio-style chicken wings are also featured on game day's special menu. Sure beats a microwave pizza and egg rolls.

Ye Olde Town Inn

18 W. Busse Ave., Mount Prospect, yeoldetowninn.net, (847) 392-3750

According to the owner, the interior of Ye Olde Town Inn resembles a museum or the Addams Family's humble abode. Plus, the average Super Bowl crowd comes dressed in hula skirts and coconut bras -- men, of course, and more specifically Bears fans. So far this party sounds right at home with VH1's daily lineup of twisted celeb-reality shows. Is Bret Michaels or, better yet, Chachi hiding in the corner ready to pounce on unsuspecting female sports fans? Priced at $6, Long Island Ice Teas fit right in with that mental image. The celebrity-free festivities start at 2 p.m., and guests can gorge on a free selection of grub, including chili, hot dogs and Polish sausage. Pitchers of domestic beer will run you $7. Looking ahead to a sweltering summer, raffle prizes include a swimming pool lounge chair.

J.J. Kelley's

2455 Bernice Road, Lansing, jjkelleyslansing.com, (708) 474-9977

Merely a week before its Grand Re-opening, J.J. Kelley's is still up for throwing a killer bash. With more than $150,000 worth of renovations put into the building, it should be quite a sight to witness. Reservations are required to this soiree, and tickets cost $50, which includes a prime rib buffet and an all-you-can-drink, you-call-it bar. Instead of all the usual raffle prizes thrown about in bars across the nation on this esteemed day, this party has some interesting choices. Win a two-hour cocktail party for you and nine other guests at J.J. Kelley's or keep your eye on the "Sweetheart Pool" prize. Specially designed by Jo-Ellyn Kelley herself, this gift basket contains a bottle of Absolut, champagne and flutes, a $50 gift certificate to Ciao Restaurante, a $50 gift certificate to Victoria's Secret and $50 gift certificate for a mani and pedi at Salon on Ridge. Bring this home for your honey and you'll get away with coming home late after the game.

Duffy's

2070 N. Rand Road, Palatine, www.duffyspalatine.com, (847) 991-0002

Wouldn't a neon sign look good in the front picture window of your house? Think of the possibilities. It provides light and serves as a decorative talking point. This is just one of the many door prizes Duffy's has to offer. Expect to pay a $25 cover for a buffet (is anyone else seeing a pattern here?) and drinks. What kind of drinks? Well, that's up to you. Are you a beer drinker or a wine connoisseur? Or does Pepsi float your boat? All three are included, so feel free to mix and match. The buffet serves up quintessential football fare: wings, ham, Italian beef sandwiches and mostaccioli.

Alumni Club

871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, alumniclubchicago.com, (847) 397-3100

Remember the good 'ol days of "Super Mario Bros." and "Tetris"? Remember how Mario and Luigi could only walk in a horizontal direction and jump up to bump into a magic growth-inducing mushroom? Today, Nintendo's strides are palpable. Now, you can bowl and play tennis with the slight flick of a wrist. What will they think of next? Until then, become one with the Nintendo Wii console gaming system you could win at the Alumni Club on Super Bowl Sunday. Do you want to watch the Super Bowl or do you want to be a part of a fantasy-driven game where you can control even the weather? Yeah, we thought so. Drink specials include $2.50 Miller Lite and MGD drafts.

Fox and Hound Smokehouse & Tavern, 910 W. Dundee, Arlington Heights, tentcorp.com, (847) 590-9019

While we all mourn the fact that our Chicago Bears didn't make it to the final game this season, at least we can stick it to those Green Bay Packers fans, especially the Illinois-born Bret Favre lovers. Everyone knows or is related to at least one. You know the type -- lifelong Bears devotee, until they play the Packers, that is, and suddenly yellow foam cheeseheads come out of the closet instead of the tried and true blue and orange gear. With the New York Giants and the New England Patriots battling each other, maybe some families out there can remain intact, instead of ostracizing the lone Green Bay fan. Join fans of all teams for a $50 package that includes (what else?) a buffet and five free drink tickets. Those eschewing food can take advantage of the $4 Jack Daniels and Coke special, $5 Jager Bombs and a fully stocked Bloody Mary bar.

Super Bowl events

Exposure Tapas Restaurant & Supper Club, 1315 S. Wabahs Ave., Chicago, throws a "Super, Super Bowl Party" with food and drink specials at 4 p.m. Sunday, including a "free single beer" to people living or working in the South Loop, while out-of-town visitors get 10 percent off their bills. Reservations recommended (312) 662-1082.

Harry Caray's, at 33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago; 10233 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, and 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, all feature food and drink specials with prize drawings during the Super Bowl. Reservations recommended. Respectively call (312) 828-0966, (847) 699-1200 or (630) 953-3400.

Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, aims to lure men and women to watch the Super Bowl by offering drink specials and manicures at 5 p.m. Sunday. (312) 822-2900.

O'Donovan's, 2100 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, throws a "Super, Super Bowl Party" at 4 p.m. Sunday. For $40, you get visits to a big buffet plus domestic bottles and drafts. (773) 478-2100.

Stretch Run Sports Club Grille, 544 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, offers up prizes for the first 100 people to play in the restaurant's "Super Bowl Squares" contest at 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (312) 644-4477 for reservations.

Mardi Gras

Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, hosts a "Rio de Janeiro" theme party on Tuesday. There's live salsa music, Brazilian samba dancers, costumed staff, food and drink specials and prize giveaways. Reservations recommended. (312) 850-5005.

Heaven on Seven, locations at 111 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, 600 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, and 224 S. Main St., Naperville, each go all out for Mardi Gras on Tuesday with special d#233;cor, face-painting, live music and several specials on staples from its New Orleans menu. Respectively call (312) 263-6443, (312) 280-7774 or (630) 932-4460 for reservations.

Lunar New Year

Le Lan, 749 N. Clark St., Chicago, serves up a three-course tasting menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Thursday to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Cost is $40 (tax and gratuity not included). (312) 280-9100.

Opera, 1301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, celebrates its fifth anniversary with a Chinese New Year Wine Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The six-course tasting menu paired with wines from the Bobby Katcher portfolio is $80 per person (tax and gratuity not included). (312) 461-0161.

Special events

Brasserie JO, 59 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, celebrates the French holiday "La Fete de la Chandeleur" with crepes and fortunes for dessert crepes from 5 to 11 p.m. today and Saturday. Call (312) 595-0800 for more information.

Kit Kat Lounge Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., Chicago, hosts a "Stupid Cupid" singles event with a four-course prix-fixe dinner and a martini making event at 7 p.m. Thursday. Cost is $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations required. (773) 525-1111.

Wine events

foodlife, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, and the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association hosts a "Wine Down" event featuring Mo#235;t Chandon from 6 to 8 p.m. today with master sommelier Alpana Singh of the Chicago PBS series "Check, Please!" Cost of admission is $15 and no reservations required. (312) 335-3663 ext. 354.

Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. hosts its annual Comparative Bordeaux Tasting at 6:30 p.m. today at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago. Nearly 40 wines from 20 Chateaux are featured. Cost to attend it $275. Call (312) 482-9766 for tickets. A live auction for benchmark Bordeaux and rare burgundy is at Tru Restaurant, 676 N. St. Clair St., Chicago, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Attendance is open to the public and free. Lunch reservations start at $75 and can be made by calling (312) 482-9996.