Where to enjoy the Super Bowl even though your beloved Bears, and your heart, aren’t in it
Super Bowl LX will apparently still be played on Sunday, Feb. 8, despite the Chicago Bears being eliminated from the playoffs. Harrumph.
The Seattle Seahawks (grumble) and the New England Patriots (yawn) will battle for the Lombardi Trophy at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m.
The problem is, you really can’t ignore it. Super Bowl Sunday is an annual cultural phenomena beyond just the game; you’ve got eight hours of pregame, commercials to judge and the halftime show to watch, so you might as well try to enjoy yourself while it’s happening.
Start early
A big game day could benefit from a big brunch. Bub City in Rosemont has a Big Game Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where you’ll score a gift card equal to your check (redeemable on a future visit).
You can also stick around/come back later and watch the game on wall-to-wall screens. Their Game Day Platter for the table ($135+) comes with a full slab of ribs, eight ounces each of pulled pork and brisket, smoked wings, chicken nachos, mac and cheese, General Joe’s Buffalo Bites and coleslaw.
Pick a side
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar has incentive for you to have some skin in the game. Any guest who wears any NFL jersey and declares for a team before kickoff can celebrate each TD their team scores with a $1 tequila shot.
And while the game is on, dine-in guests can get a taco platter with 10 tacos for $25.
Fat Rosie’s has locations in Frankfort, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Naperville, Oak Brook, Rosemont and Schaumburg.
Watch the game outside
Well, you’ll technically be outside, but it’s warm inside the heated igloo at Old Republic Kitchen + Bar in Elgin.
You can make ordering easy and grab an AFC or NFC party package for your table. The $50 AFC package features a dozen boneless wings, a large pizza (toppings extra) and an SB bucket. The $75 NFC package doubles the wings and pizza. Drink specials include $5 Bud Light mini pitchers and $6 tall Modelos.
Reservations start at 4 p.m. and the game will be on 50 big screens indoors and in the igloo.
To reserve a table, go to oldrepublicbar.com or call (224) 535-9544. You get a free order of beer nuggets with your reservation.
Surround yourself with TVs, beer and people
Broken Oar in Port Barrington likes to go big every year with their Super Bowl Bash. Watch on wall-to-wall TVs with surround-sound and enjoy drink specials throughout the game, such as $20 domestic beer buckets and $5 mimosas and Carbliss RTD cocktails.
At halftime they roll out the free chili and nacho bar buffet. There also will be a free TV raffle. Get there early to grab your seats.
City Works Eatery and Pour House locations in Schaumburg and Vernon Hills have dozens of high-def TVs and more than 90 beers on tap. The math adds up to a good place to watch a game you only sort of care about.
Draft Picks in Mt. Prospect has a $70 inclusive watch party package that includes a food buffet, beer, wine and well drinks. They’ll also have prizes and giveaways. Call (847) 290-9000 for reservations.
Real Time Sports Bar and Grill in Elk Grove Village is also offering a package deal, with a full buffet featuring burgers, hot dogs, pizza, wings and more, plus draft beer, wine, well cocktails and soda from the beginning of the game until the end of the fourth quarter. It’s $65 for adults; $30 for the buffet only. Expect tons of giveaways, too. Call (847) 534-5000 for reservations.
If you want to give your game day some coastal vibes, The Hampton Social, with locations in Burr Ridge, Skokie and South Barrington, has food and drink specials starting at 5 p.m. and running throughout the game. Highlights include $1.50 oysters as well as Wagyu smashburger taco, honey-glazed Brussels sprouts, Parmesan truffle tries, guacamole, and Buffalo cauliflower, all $9. Drink specials include the pearl diver cocktail, Hampton skinny margarita, Golden Hour cocktail, martinis (gin, vodka or espresso) and select wines, all $9. Select beers are $6. Make reservations at OpenTable.