The teams may change every year, but the celebration never does.
On Sunday, Feb. 3 the New England Patriots are challenging the Los Angeles Rams for the coveted 53rd Super Bowl championship title. They may not be local teams, but they’re still American. And the unofficial American holiday calls for appetizers, drinks and barbeque just as Thanksgiving calls for turkey and pumpkin pie.
Many locals will be watching the game in the comfort of their living rooms, but for those choosing to watch the Super Bowl elsewhere, a variety of local venues are providing hospitality, food and fun on the annual Sunday-funday.
Grillin and Chillin Alehouse in Hollister is promising a relaxing atmosphere for the whole family. “We’ll have a tailgate special—a barbecue plate,” says Chuck Frowein, owner of the restaurant located at 401 McCray Street.
There will be fun games at no cost, gift cards, and swag, Frowein says. “It will be a little busier this year since Cheap Seats closed,” he adds. But with the recent addition of the barrelhouse to the restaurant and bar—it is now a sprawling 7,000 square feet—seating shouldn’t be an issue.
In its barrelhouse, a new Dark Side Stout—being made for Valentine’s Day—will be released on Super Bowl Sunday. Having already sampled it, Frowein raves of its flavors. “It’s going to taste like tiramisu,” he says.
Though the alehouse makes their own beers, they also have forty beers on tap, as well as regular beer and red beers. They also carry wine from local wineries such as Eden Rift Vineyards and De Rose Winery.
Frowein’s other establishment, Grillin and Chillin Roadhouse on 3650 San Juan Road in Hollister, will also be open for football fans. The Roadhouse is able to sells spirits, unlike the Alehouse, says Frowein.
On Super Bowl Sunday, both establishments will be open their normal hours, from 11am to 9pm (or possibly later, if the game goes into overtime).
Hollister House Bar and Grill at 500 San Benito Street is another family-friendly place to watch the big game. It will be open from 11am to 9pm and will be providing complimentary appetizers, drink specials, and a full menu to customers coming to enjoy the game on four of its flat-screen TVs.
For those seeking more of an adult setting, Johnny’s Bar and Grill at 526 San Benito Street in Hollister will also have the game on for its regular customers. It is open from 10am to 2am and is planning on having raffle prizes for its guests.
Daisy’s Saloon, at 213 Third Street in San Juan Bautista, is also hosting a viewing party. It is asking attending guests to bring potluck items to share. Its hours are 10am to 10pm on Sundays.
Down the street from Daisy’s is the 18th Barrel Tasting Room, at 322 Third Street in San Juan Bautista. Owner, Monica Ramirez, says Super Bowl Sunday lands in the middle of San Francisco Beer Week—and her wine and beer establishment is hosting an event for the gala.
“We are doing a collaboration beer release on that Sunday,” says Ramirez.
Brewery Twenty Five (from San Juan Bautista) and Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing will be presenting their new beer release, ‘By Land Or By Sea,’ at the 18th Barrel.
“You can come and meet the brewers (Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing) who are releasing this beer,” she adds.
A food truck will be at the site and guests can enjoy raffles and prizes, as well as a big screen TV (being brought in just for the event) guests can watch the game on. It will be open from 12pm to 7pm; the beer release event begins at 1 pm.
But perhaps going out for the Super Bowl isn’t an option, and neither is cooking for a large home-gathering. For those who still want that home-cooked barbeque meal, Ed’s Smoked Out BBQ is another option over the usual take-out choices. The Hollister-based company is currently taking orders for pick-up on Super Bowl Sunday. Customers can place orders at 831.537.7652.
Whatever the game plan may be, good food and good surroundings will always score big among football fans.
