FOOTBALL SEASON

For many, this time of year is bittersweet. The carefree days of summer are almost over, while the tempering weather provides some consolation. But at Diamond Billiard Club, this time of year is simply sweet — as sweet as the restaurant’s award-winning blackberry bourbon Sriracha wing sauce.

“It’s the last month without football! And we’re excited about that,” said Jesse Howard, Diamond’s general manager.

Throughout football season, Diamond offers the full NFL package. Those screenings pair perfectly with any one of the restaurant’s menu items, described by Jesse as “chef-driven sports bar” fare.

“We’re known for revamping our menu,” Jesse said. “This will be the third or fourth time we’ve done it in six years. Basically, we’re going to take the things we do well and do them exceptionally well.”

With the revamp new items will also be added to the menu; for example, there will be two new hot dog options.

“There is a lot you can do with hot dogs,” Jesse said.

The two new dishes both feature quarter-pound all-beef dogs — the first topped with classic chili and cheese; and the second wrapped in bacon and smothered in slaw, smoked pork, smoked cheddar and barbecue sauce.

If the promise of football doesn’t sweeten summer’s final farewell, then that epic recipe certainly will.