What to expect at Super Bowl parties in South Florida bars

Super Bowl Weekend is upon us — officially now a holiday on the order of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, with Dr. Anthony Fauci’s admonishment about Sunday watch-party gatherings.

And people around much of the country will wisely choose to “lay low and cool it,” as Fauci recommends, watching Super Bowl LV huddled at home, due to COVID concerns.

But in South Florida the day presents a uniquely irresistible opportunity to gather outdoors (it’ll be around 80 at game time) to mock the cross-state upstarts in Tampa. And their football team. To say nothing of the civic duty of rooting against Tom Brady.

Likely this is what drove enthusiasm at Bokamper’s Sports Bar and Grill in Fort Lauderdale, where a $99-per-person VIP Super Bowl feast is sold out.

Here are other ways a few South Florida hot spots will host Super Bowl events that benefit from an outdoor setting or an extra layer of COVID safety. Kickoff of Super Bowl LV between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7.

Not that you need a view, but if you are looking for a watch party that comes with the opportunity to taunt relatives on Instagram, you have several options.

At in downtown Fort Lauderdale (1 W. Las Olas Blvd.), the minutes before kickoff will tick off as the sunset glows against the surrounding skyline. Hard to beat. The viewing party includes separate VIP couch sections for four-six guests, with unobstructed view of the TVs, 12 beers or cans of High Noon sparkling vodka and one liquor bottle (up to $350) and three mixers. Rooftop menu avail

As you might expect, Bokamper’s Sports Bar and Grill in Fort Lauderdale, with a large outdoor patio overlooking the Intracoastal, is a popular spot to watch Super Bowl LV.