BY MARSHALL JAMES KAVANAUGH | For some New Yorkers, it’s an occasion more celebrated than New Years. “Probably, the biggest night out around town for bars and restaurants is the night that the Super Bowl is going on,” said Jeff Simmons from the Downtown Alliance.
It’s Super Bowl Sunday, the New York Giants have made it all the way and the whole city is going to be watching and hoping for a big win. The only question that remains is where to watch the game. Look no further. Downtown boasts a plethora of parties geared toward Big Blue fans.
For those just wanting to watch the game:
Dark Horse
(17 Murray St. New York, NY 10007)
Opened just last year, the bar offers 18 flat screen televisions, usually playing various sporting events, but on Sunday night all televisions will be turned to the Super Bowl. Dark Horse will have both floors open to the public including their downstairs private events room. There’s no door charge and along with drink specials during the game they’ll have a complimentary buffet at half-time. You’ll want to get there early though. The bar owner, Gavin, tells us, “We’ve been packed for the last few games. [Two Sundays ago] we even had to turn a few larger groups away”.
M1-5
(52 Walker St. New York, NY 10013)
M1-5 was open during the 2007-2008 season the last time the Giants won the Super Bowl. The owner Serge Zborovsky said, “It was a blast”.
Another bar you won’t have to pay to get into on game day, M1-5 offers 8 large HD televisions as well as a projector screen. There is plenty of room if you end up being turned away from some of your other favorite bars. They’ll have a special treat for patrons with their happy hour special with half priced well drinks, wine, and beer continuing throughout game time.
For those with a hankering for Mexican food:
Mad Dog & Beans
(83 Pearl St. New York, NY 10004)
At Mad Dog & Beans $50 will get you a Bucket of 6 Mexican beers and unlimited Mexican nachos & hot wings. At half time they’ll hold a taco-eating contest, with the biggest eater going home with a $100 gift card. It’s guaranteed to be quite a fiesta.
For those with a taste for history:
The Porterhouse at Fraunces Tavern
(58 Pearl St. New York, NY 10004)
Since 1762, Fraunces Tavern has catered to the flavors of Ireland. The beer hall is full of history including the presence of notable figures such as George Washington who have dined within. For $50 you can see and feel this historic game on an 80-inch projector screen with surround sound while enjoying the food and drink specials as well as a complimentary buffet. There will also be prize giveaways at the end of each quarter.
For those who want to be wined and dined:
City Winery
(155 Varick St. New York, NY 10013)
Reservations are a must for this event, but City Winery has what looks to be the most extravagant Super Bowl party in the Downtown area. For $35 guests can participate in a Giants influenced wine tasting with wines all made onsite. At kick off guests will be served a glass of the Varick & Vine Chardonnay. As the game progresses a glass of the Downtown Roussanne ’09 will be placed your way. After half-time is the CW Spring Street Pinot Noir and to finish off the game a final white wine the New York City Cab. Each person to participate in the wine pairing will be entered into a drawing to win a mixed case of all four of the City Winery made wines. Also at half time there will be a drawing for a pair of seats for an upcoming City Winery concert valued at $150. Oh, and then there’s the game too, right? Well, City Winery has three 150-inch projector screens with surround sound, so every hit can be experienced in full detail. This is City Winery’s third-year hosting a Super Bowl party and with the Giants placed to win, it’s sure to be a fine dining evening.