Modesto, valley businesses offer Super Bowl specials; find local watch parties
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s a pretty big game happening this Sunday.
But before you settle in to watch the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, here are some local suggestions to maximize your viewing experience. Sure, for some it’s as easy as turning on the TV, sitting on the couch and finishing off that bag of chips.
But for those who want a little more pizzazz to go with this de facto national holiday, here are some Central Valley groups and businesses offering to help with your party prep or places to watch with a crowd.
A look at ways to add some local flair and community spirit to your Super Bowl Sunday:
Super Bowl Food
Your favorite area restaurants will all, no doubt, be hopping with takeout and delivery orders. Word to the wise, if you want wings, put your order in in the morning or you won’t get them until after the game. While savory bites often dominate game day menus, local bakeries are also putting their game faces on. Modesto’s Mocha Magic Cafe & Bakery and Village Baking Company as well as Turlock’s Old Thyme Pastries are offering special Super Bowl themed cookies and other sweet treats.
Just a few of the other local restaurants and caterers offering Super Bowl specials:
Neto’s Catering: 1318 N. Golden State Blvd., Turlock. The popular catering company offers its annual Super Bowl takeout barbecue menu. Pick from whole tri-tip, wings, ribs and chicken. Pickup runs 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Prices range from $12 to $15. 209-669-3733.
Rub BBQ & Grilling: 621 Ninth St., Modesto. The barbecue food truck in the Modesto Grub Hubs downtown food court is offering a Super Bowl catering menu. Pick from ribs, tri-tip, chicken, pulled pork, wings and a variety of sides. Call in an order by noon Saturday to have your food ready by game time. Costs range from $15-$25. 209-250-9506.
The Village Butcher: 1700 McHenry Ave., Suite 65, Modesto. The new artisan butcher shop in McHenry Village is offering smoked brisket, whole tri-tip, pulled pork, ribs, burnt ends, wings, sides and more. Place a reservation for Saturday or Sunday pickup. Prices range from $9.99 to $21. 209-841-0109.
Kimoto Sake and Sushi: 1809 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Looking for a non-BBQ feast instead? The popular Japanese spot is offering sushi rolls, pot stickers and edamame party trays. Prices range from $25 to $50. 209-579-9690.
Super Bowl Parties
If you don’t feel like hosting, almost any local bar, let alone sports bar, should have its TVs tuned to the Super Bowl come kickoff time at 3:30 p.m. Local craft breweries are also getting in the action with viewing parties at Turlock’s Dust Bowl Brewing Co., Modesto’s Contentment Brewing Company and Oakdale’s Last Call Brewing Co. But if you’re looking for more community-based viewing, here are a few suggestions:
Church in the Park Super Bowl: 2:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday at Church in the Park, 236 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Suite A, Modesto. The nondenominational church that ministers to those in need, including many of the area’s homeless, is holding a free, family-friendly viewing party at its south Modesto warehouse. The event will feature a potluck, though it is not required to bring a dish to attend. No alcohol or foul language will be allowed. The game will be shown on the facility’s 200-inch screen and other TVs. 209-324-4733.
Turlock Super Bowl Party: 2-8 p.m. Sunday at The Grand Oak, 1450 N. Soderquist Road. This new event center located in the old Turlock Turf Club is throwing an all-inclusive Super Bowl party. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of tri-tip, pizza, wings, hot dogs, chili, nachos and more. There’s also unlimited beer, wine and cocktails included in admission. The space has a 180-inch TV, as well as other flat-panel TVs both inside and outside. Tickets are $60. 209-484-0353.
Ripon VFW Super Bowl Party: 3 p.m. Sunday at Ripon VFW Post 1051, 12455 West Ripon Road. The VFW Post will serve fried chicken, and guests are invited to bring other food for the event. Food service will start at 1 p.m., and there will be a raffle at halftime. The festivities are free and open to the public. 209-599-6815.
Super Bowl Party at Modesto #1282: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Modesto Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way. The lodge will project the game onto multiple walls. Hot dogs and chili will be served, and guests are encouraged to bring side dishes to share. The event will include raffles, bingo and more. Entry is free for Modesto Elks members and $5 for nonmembers. 209-524-4421.
And, no matter how you are celebrating this Sunday, the Modesto Police Department reminds everyone to drink responsibly and designate a driver or call a taxi or ride share program if you are going to imbibe at a viewing party. The department is stepping up patrols on Sunday, funded through a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety, to catch drivers under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. And, no matter who wins, officials said setting off fireworks or firing guns into the air is illegal, and they will respond to calls reporting them. So stay safe, have fun and enjoy the game.
This story was originally published January 30, 2020 at 2:52 PM.
