Drawing up a game plan
Super Bowl Sunday is upon us. Maybe it’s the only day that you deign to watch football, or maybe it marks the culmination of five months of blood, sweat and beers spent glued to the television out of devotion to your favorite team. Either way, it’s the one day of the year that America comes together over a singularly American sports obsession, and as such it’s a darn good reason to party. Sports bars and restaurants across the city will throw open their doors in a high-def blitz. Here are a few of our favorite options:
The Bungalow 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 899-8530 www.thebungalowsm.com
This gorgeous oceanside hideaway tucked in a mid-century Baja-style bungalow at the Fairmont Miramar hotel is hosting a parking lot barbecue and pig roast by chef Ray Garcia of Fig restaurant. The 70-pound pig will be used by Garcia in succulent tacos, and additional menu items ($7) include chips and guacamole, queso dip, vegetarian black bean chili, Texas-style beef chili and a Bungalow Burger. The game will be shown on multiple f lat-screen TVs around the venue, including a cozy outdoor patio. Admission is free.
The Corner Door 12477 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City (310) 313-5810 www.thecornerdoorla.com
This tasteful haven of dark wooden cabinetry, fried Brussels sprouts and tasty cocktails has never opened its doors in the daytime. An exception will be made Super Bowl Sunday, which will find the restaurant featuring bottomless Moscow mules ($18); $5 draft beers; ciderglazed wings; Texas chili; dirty South cheese dip and garbage fries. Yes, garbage fries, which come smothered in maple sausage gravy with Sriracha hollandaise sauce, crispy carnitas and pickled peppers.
MessHall 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., L.A. (323) 660-6377 www.messhallkitchen.com
The broad, wood patio with its glass fire pits or a sleek, communal interior are great places to watch the game at this newish Los Feliz kitchen. Particularly because the special game day menu promises to be a step above the typical greasy fare you’d get at most sports bars. Try the hot wings confit with celery and blue cheese, the fried chicken sandwich with spinach on a brioche bun, or the kale salad with avocado, goat cheese and baked croutons. (Yes, you can eat kale on Super Bowl Sunday and still call yourself an American.)
Tony’s Darts Away 1710 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank (818) 253-1710 www.tonysda.com
A vegan Super Bowl party? Yes it can and will be done — in Burbank, no less. Tony’s Darts Away is offering tasty vegan eats including nachos and pulled “pork” sandwiches made with rich jackfruit as well as Brussels sprouts with agave and spicy Sriracha sauce. If you need to feel like more of a “real” man (or woman) there is also a $20 bottomless beer special.