Being a football fan is rough work, what with all that yelling and screaming at the television. It works up a powerful appetite. One that’s far bigger than mere clam dip and Ruffles.
So, forgo the easy chair and Fritos this weekend. We’ve got the region’s best spots to hang out this Superbowl Sunday — places where you can quell your raging hunger, drink a beer and watch televisions larger than your refrigerator. Places with nice, fat hamburgers, piles of fries and, did we mention, beer? Lots of beer. How could you go wrong?
Wings of Love: There’s no doubt that buffalo wings are a sort of religion when it comes to game day grub.
Wing Stop: A newcomer to Santa Rosa, this national chain offers buffalo wings in every hue and flavor of the rainbow. This 475-restaurant chain is expected to sell nearly 5 million wings on game day, with some restaurants opening early for pickups. Top picks: Original hot, lemon pepper and hickory smoked BBQ. 760 Stony Point Rd., 120C, Santa Rosa, 544-9464.
Jackson’s Bar and Oven: NeoClassical Buffalo Wings with Point Reyes Blue Cheese Dip, 135 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6900.
Russian River Pub’s Famous Chicken Wings: Super Bucket $28.95, 11829 River Road, Forestville (707) 887-7932.
Original Buffalo Wings; 219 Lakeville Street, Petaluma. Delivery and open throughout the day Sunday.
Super Spreads
McNear’s Restaurant: Budweiser specials, $9 pitchers, $3 draft, $2 PBR. Raffles each quarter for t-shirt and bar prizes; Bloody Mary Bar and 27 HD flat screen tvs. .50 chicken wings, $15 platters of sliders and Danger Dogs (bacon-wrapped weenies) and DIY nachos. Noon to 9pm. 23 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma.
Ausiello’s 5th St. Grill: Free appetizer spread and half-time lasagna dinner. With 17 televisions and a full bar, this is every fan’s dream spot. Stretch your legs at the outside patio, where you can eat, drink and let your pasty face get a few rays. Throughout the day, the grill will be fired up, serving the restaurant’s regular menu. Don’t miss the Lava Love burger, a big beefy hamburger with bacon, Swiss cheese and sweet-spicy BBQ sauce. 609 5th St, Santa Rosa, 579.9408.
All about the Beer: Spots where beer takes center stage.
Barley and Hops: Though the television over the bar isn’t huge, the beer list is. And that’s all that really matters, right? Did we mention that the food is pretty awesome, too? Great Bavarian-inspired tummy-fillers. 3688 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, 707.874.9037
Bear Republic Brewery: $5 apps include pigs in a blanket, guacamole and chips, chili cheese nachos, baby back ribs, and bacon-wrapped cream-cheese stuffed jalapenos. 3-7pm. 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 433.BEER.
Toad in the Hole: Enjoy the traditional English Sunday Roast lunch with meat and two vegetables from 12:30 to 7pm. 116 5th Street, Santa Rosa, 544-8623.
Third Street Ale Works: Regular menu and Sunday sliders. Daily specials. 610 3rd St., Santa Rosa 707-523-3060.
Russian River Brewing Co.: It’s no surprise that some of the best beer in Wine Country flows from the taps of SR’s own RRBC — downtown’s favorite rumpus room. Pizza and regular menu items. 725 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707.545.2337
Burger Spots
Beyond the Glory: Although the staff couldn’t go into much more details than “super awesome” when we called, apparently this Petaluma sports bar is a hot commodity for Feb. 6. The front of the bar is reserved for invite-only guests, but the back room is first-come first-serve for the 42-inch plasma screen tvs. 1371 N McDowell Boulevard, Suite 130, Petaluma, 866.377.7389.
West Side Grill: Solid burgers, a large bar and pool tables make this a decent bet for game day. 3082 Marlow Rd., Santa Rosa, 573-9453.