Ah, Super Bowl Sunday. After three straight trips to the Super Bowl in a row for the New England Patriots, it practically feels like a city-wide holiday here in Boston. If you haven't yet tired of watching the Pats, um, win, consider taking Super Bowl LIII as an opportunity to branch out and try a new tradition. If you're not really looking forward to spending another game day on your brother-in-law's couch elbowing your relatives out of the way to get to the snack table, consider changing it up this year:
If you want to feast the day away
Old Magoun's Saloon in Somerville is kicking the day off at noon with their 14th annual
chili cook-off, where you can — for free — taste and judge up to 30 homemade chili entries. If you have any room left in your stomach after that, or if you just want to swing by at game time, they'll also serve an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet for $16 starting at 5 p.m. Find the full menu and more details
here.
If you're looking for live music and a pregame party
If you don't want to wait until kickoff to start celebrating, head to City Tap House for live music at 4 p.m. by Boston band The Royal Furs. In support of His Highness Tom Brady, they'll be offering the G.O.A.T Platter — “Greatest Of All ‘Tizers,” that is — for $22, in addition to the regular menu. There will be live music, games and chances to win prizes, and no cover charge — a spin on the classic sports bar scene. More info
here.
If you want to celebrate, but you don't want to watch the game
If your main motivation for going to a Super Bowl watch party on Sunday is the half-time show, the commercials and the company, you might want to be doing something else when the game is on. Jillian's Lucky Strike in Fenway has a full bowling alley, dozens of arcade games, and billiards to keep you entertained until Maroon 5 comes on, with no admission fee. They'll also have food specials, a game-day contest, and plenty of seating and space so you can sing along with the band — er, cheer on the team. Details
here.
If you're looking for laughs
No matter how the Patriots end up faring this Sunday, you may as well get a few belly laughs out of it. Boston-based comedian Lamont Price — named one of Comedy Central's "Comics to Watch" — will be emceeing a watch party at City Winery. Watch Price's stand-up performance prior to kickoff, and then dig into the Boston-themed buffet-style dinner, including New England Clam Chowder, lobster mac and cheese, and Boston cream pie brownies. Admission tickets are $15 if you book online, $20 at the door. Full menu and details
here.
If you're looking for community-focused fun
If you want to keep it close to home this Sunday, the Fenway Community Center is holding a neighborhood-wide potluck and viewing party in its community gathering space on Boylston Street. Partygoers are encouraged to bring their own favorite game-watching dish, or give a $5 donation to the nonprofit, which will also provide snacks. "The Super Bowl is something of a local holiday for a lot of people," Executive Director Robert Kordenbrock said, who added that after the success of their World Series viewing parties earlier this year, the Super Bowl was the next natural opportunity to get neighbors together. Full details
here.