Sure, you could watch Super Bowl LIV at home. It starts at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 2 on Fox. Put out a bowl of chips, have a few friends over, flip on the TV and watch the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a community experience, local restaurants and bars offer to add to the game’s excitement.
In downtown Vancouver, Feral Public House declares itself part of the Niner Empire PDX. As of earlier this week, Feral still had 15 tickets left for its “VIP Party in the Crypt,” that is, in the pub’s 2,000-square-foot basement with plumbing pipes hanging from the ceiling and only one restroom. But there will also be five TVs, drinks and a buffet, all for $49.
If you prefer to stay above ground, there’s no cover charge, and Feral will offer happy hour prices all day. You can also get your face painted for free from 2 to 4 p.m. — assuming you pick the 49ers’ “scarlet” and gold, as opposed to the Chiefs’ “red” and gold.
In central Vancouver, Ben’s Bottle Shop is offering its version of football squares: Superb Owl Squares of Destiny. (Why the strange name? Ask a lawyer.) The restaurant and tap room invites prospective players to claim one square for free by close of business at 11 p.m. Feb. 1. The list of prizes and deals won’t be revealed until game day. (There’s no charge and no money to win because this is not gambling, the manager said.) Every score change and end-of-quarter score will determine a winning square. Participants must be present to win.
If you’re just looking for the biggest TV possible, head to Big Al’s in east Vancouver, where seating in front of the 55-foot-wide HD projection screen will be first come, first served.
Here’s a list of a few places that are getting into the Super Bowl spirit:
• Ben’s Bottle Shop: 8052 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver; www.bensbottleshop.com; 360-314-6209.
Features: Superb Owl Squares of Destiny game with prizes; 24 beers on draft; wings while they last; minors allowed until 8 p.m.
• Big Al’s: 16615 S.E. 18th St.; ilovebigals.com; 360-944-6118
Features: Giant 55-foot wide HD projection screen and smaller ones throughout the venue; family-friendly, with bowling and arcade specials.
• Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill: 3315 N.E. 112th Ave., Suite A1, Vancouver; charliessportsbar.com; 360-718-8814.
Features: Forty-plus TVs; raffles after the game; buckets of Saint Archer Gold, six bottles for $15; minors allowed until 10 p.m.
• Heathen Brewing Feral Public House: 1109 Washington St.; heathenbrewing.com; 360-836-5255.
Features: Plenty of 49ers fans; kid-friendly; free face painting from 2 to 4 p.m; happy hour prices all day; $49 for a 3 p.m. VIP party in the basement “Crypt” with food and drink.
• Hooligan’s Sports Bar & Grill: 8220 N.E. Vancouver Plaza Drive, Vancouver; www.hooliganssportsbarandgrill.com; 360-828-1388.
Features: Fifty-plus TVs; raffles after the game with prizes that include a Yeti cooler; minors allowed until 10 p.m.
