The big game is bigger on McIntyre's huge screens.
Hey, the Cowboys didn’t make it to the end. That’s something San Antonians will have to live with. But chances are, most locals will be watching the Super Bowl on February 12 anyway. The commercials are (mostly) clever. Riri is performing for the first time in years. And, at the very least, it’s an excuse to tackle a mountain of mozzarella sticks. Whatever one’s reason for watching the big game, it’s more fun to watch with a crowd. Let these 10 local spots be your weekend goal.
Backyard on Broadway
This Alamo Heights-area complex is kid-friendly until 9 pm, which should be just enough time to see the last touchdown. It’s pet-friendly, too, in case Rover is a big Eagles fan.
Big’z Burger Joint
This UTSA-area hangout is full of genius ideas for the championship day. For one, the $2 Gatorade shots are a brilliant blend of hydration and intoxication. Have one too many? Soak them up with the All-American burger, a monster half-pound Angus patty topped with a butterflied hot dog.
Charlie Brown’s
With plenty of screens to watch the action and a quiet enough atmosphere to discuss the commercials, this North Side neighborhood haunt is as comfortable as an old jersey. The food wears equally well, especially the pizza and its killer rib eye deal.
The Friendly Spot
No, the name wasn’t plucked out of a hat. This rambling bar really is one of the most sociable spots in town. Keep the camaraderie going with hundreds of craft brews and shareable snacks like Buffalo chicken jalapeño poppers and fried cheese curds. Then, settle in to watch the big game on a giant inflatable screen.
The Hangar
Not a huge football fan? This Broadway strip bar has plenty of games to keep fair-weather fans busy until halftime. The menu is mainly fried, but there’s no sport in salads. Munch on the celery served with a dozen wings for a bit of roughage.
Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
No food pairs with football better than wings, so here’s the Sunday game plan. Head to this North Side icehouse and pony up $49.99 for 40 cluckers. Choose up to four sauces and wash it down with a $12 beer bucket. Way to be on the ball!
McIntyre's
Get cracking to this luxe Southtown sports bar, and you might go home $1,000 richer. Still, football squares isn’t the only game available. Cravorites will be dishing out crawfish from 2-6 pm, and the bar will be cranking out $20 mimosa carafes and domestic beer buckets until 8 pm. The big game, of course, will be broadcast from multiple flatscreens.
Picks Bar
This North San Antonio hot spot is staging a drag brunch and a Super Bowl watch party on the same day, which is reason enough to visit. It also has a sturdy cocktail program (both boozy and zero-proof) for those who punt on the usual longnecks.
Tony’s Siesta
There are Chiefs fans, there are Eagles fans, then there is the Rihanna Navy. The latter will be at Tony’s Siesta for a Gay-lentines bash featuring themed cocktails, bubbles, a food pop-up, a DJ, and the most important concert of the year. Score!
