Where to Watch the Super Bowl

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Okay, so the Chargers aren’t playing, but the Super Bowl is still a great reason to meet friends at one of San Diego’s coastal sports bars and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers duke it out for No. 1.

Sunday game time is at 3:30 pm on FOX, with halftime entertainment provided by the Black Eyed Peas. Of course, you need to rate the commercials too. But what’s most important is the score; you want the scores to add up right for your Super Bowl football pool numbers. I still have a few squares open. Anyone?

• . In the heart of Carlsbad Village, you’ll find this traditional style pub. The pub serves Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and 14 other beers on tap. Plus they have a large selection of Irish and Scotch whiskeys. O’Sullivans has 9 LCD TVs and cozy firepits on the patio. For Super Bowl Sunday, O’Sullivan’s offers a free appetizer buffet starting at 3 p.m., and you can order some of Rich’s world famous Irish Smokies. 640 Grand Ave., Carlsbad, 760-729-7234.
• . The Lumberyard’s Super Bowl Bash plans to sell out quickly, so reserve a seat. Your $30 per person fee goes toward your food and drink tab. The Lumberyard will be offering a special hot dog menu and drink specials. Plus there will be jersey giveaways and more. The tavern is warm and welcoming and fun for the kids too. Chow down on any of their many menu choices, including veggie burgers and the kid’s menu. Plus lots of beer, wine and a full bar. 967 S. Coast Highway 101 (I Street), Encinitas, 760-479-1657.

• Stadium Sports Bar and Grill. Do you want lots of space and so many TVs that you won’t be able to miss a play? Then, the Stadium is where you want to be. Here, each booth has its own TV, but if you’re not lucky enough to snag one of these booths, don’t worry–all the other TVs in the restaurant won’t make you think you have a bad seat. As for food, get one of their burgers and choose from 30 beers on tap. 149 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-944-1065.

• . Tucked away off of Fay Avenue, the La Jolla Brew House is a favorite hangout for locals, young and old, especially during football games. Sports fans can watch the game on new LCD TVs with surround sound or the giant 8x10 projector. The back private party room offers a full bar. The patio opens up to the bar pub and has comfortable sofa seating, a fire pit and is dog friendly. Doors open at 11 a.m., and early arrival is recommended. Specials include $3 pints, $10 pitchers, $4 Build your Own Bloody Mary Bar, $5 1800 Margaritas and $4 Mimosas. Food specials will be available all day. And just for fun, the La Jolla Brew House will have special giveaways and a halftime trivia game. 7536 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858-456-6279.

• La Jolla Strip Club. Now get your mind out of the gutter, we’re talking about the La Jolla Strip Club as in “strip” steaks. Located at the former Trophy’s by UTC, it takes on the same theme as its sister restaurant, the Gaslamp Strip Club, as a casual steak house where you grill your own dinner. The doors open at 2 p.m. for the big game party on Sunday. Patrons can enjoy game day specials of $2 Tall Boys, two pounds of hot wings for $8.99, the Strip Club appetizer sampler with a pitcher of beer for $20 and 7 appetizers for $7 all day and night. There will be a raffle during the first and third quarters for gift certificates. Besides the 16 HD flat screens, guests can watch games in the Pool Lounge with free billiards and comfortable lounge seating, or reserve the private Champagne Room. The La Jolla Strip Club is for 21 and older only. I’m told it’s because of the open grills, not due to any pole dancing. 4282 Esplanade Ct., San Diego, 858-450-1400.