For football fans still suffering from the San Francisco 49ers’ devastating loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game, the Super Bowl may have lost some of its sparkle. But with Sacramento’s great bar scene, one can’t help but be drawn to the festivities.
The Giants face the New England Patriots in Sunday’s game, a rematch of the Super Bowl game four years ago in which the Giants ended the Patriots’ perfect season. The Sacramento Press found these spots to celebrate – or drown your sorrows.
BarWest Burgers & Wings
2724 J St.
476-4550
19 flatscreen televisions, one 10-foot projection screen
At BarWest, the festivities start at 9 a.m. with an eating contest. The brave can take on the “Hot Mess,” a concoction that General Manager Ryan Pierini said has only been conquered once before.
Contestants have 30 minutes to finish the plate – English muffins piled with six eggs, six slices of bacon, six sausage links and country potatoes, covered in Hollandaise sauce. Participants must sign up with the bar by Saturday.
Winners do not have to pay for their food, and they will receive a gift certificate. Anyone who attempts the feat, Pierini said, will receive a consolation prize – a “Super Bowl shot” of their choice.
“We hope to make this an annual tradition,” Pierini said.
Bud Light and Coors Light Girls will be on hand, passing out “bar bucks” good for $1 off beer.
Ink Eats and Drinks
2730 N St.
456-2800
Four televisions
If beer isn’t your thing, perhaps Ink Eats and Drinks will draw you in. The restaurant and bar is running margarita specials on Sunday as part of a promotion with Jose Cuervo Platino tequila.
The Platino Girls will be on site from 3 – 5 p.m., said Jocelyn McGregor, marketing and promotions manager for Ink Eats and Drinks.
In addition to $3 appetizer plates, various fruit-flavored margaritas will be available for $5, and a Jose Cuervo Tradicional “touchdown shot” for $3. For $6, patrons can have a Pabst Blue Ribbon with a shot of Jose Cuervo Tradicional, McGregor said.
Monkey Bar
2730 Capitol Ave.
442-8490
Two televisions
Get started early with Monkey Bar’s happy hour special, ending at 2 p.m. A bottomless mimosa for $10 and Absolut Bloody Marys for $5 are available, and various drink specials will be available throughout the game, Manager Stacey Stell said.
The Depot Video Bar
2001 K St.
441-6823
34 televisions
The Depot Video Bar may have the best shot at a great view for the game with 34 televisions. Each one will show the game, said employee Tim Shaw.
The bar will run happy hour specials throughout the day, including $1 draft domestic beers and $3 pitchers of Miller, Shaw said. Pizza and peanuts will also be on hand.
Streets of London
1804 J St.
498-1388
Three televisions, including a big screen behind the bar
The typical happy hour fare will be offered during the game at Streets of London, Manager Brooke Tachibana said. Customers can enjoy a 20-ounce beer for $4 or get a pitcher for $11. Well cocktails are available for $3.50.
R15
1431 R St.
930-9191
14 televisions
If football alone isn’t enough, R15 will have the Budweiser Girls on hand to give out T-shirts and hats, said Manager Chris Randone.
“We’re going to have some beer,” Randone said. “The game will be shown on every single one of our TVs.”
R15 will also offer its usual bar appetizers, including pizzas, sliders and quesadillas.
Alley Katz
2019 O St.
442-2682
Seven televisions
Starting at noon, Alley Katz will offer happy hour pricing for patrons. Bartender Jon Alford said to arrive early for the best shot at staking out a spot. The bar has seven booths, and extra cocktail tables will be brought in to accommodate the Super Bowl crowd.
“We’ll have our $30 beer towers,” Alford said. “They are a yard tall and have their own taps – kind of fun if you have a group.”
Alley Katz has more than 200 different beers available, as well as a full bar and a variety of appetizers and sandwiches available for under $12.
The Golden Bear
2326 K St.
441-2242
One television
Many northern Californians had hoped to see a local team playing on Sunday, but San Francisco 49ers fans still have a place to watch the game.
“What we’re really hoping to offer is a safe haven for disappointed 49ers fans,” said co-owner Kimio Bazett, a lifelong fan. He added that a surprise drink special will be available for anyone who comes in wearing 49ers gear.
The Golden Bear’s football fare will be a general, all-American barbecue party, Bazett said.
“Our chefs are whipping up something crazy,” Bazett said, and added that they’ll offer $1 off Miller High Life, to keep with the American beer theme.
Where will you watch the game, and which team do you want to see take the win?
