Not long after Punxsutawney Phil sees (or doesn’t see) his shadow on Sunday, we’ll be settling in for a Big Game. You might know it by another, more familiar name. But the NFL is particular about how and where the two words before LIV are used.
Utah Beer News is undoubtedly flying within the NFL’s radar right now thanks to our killer coverage. So we’ll play it safe, lest we receive any unwelcome knocks on our door this weekend.
While the chances of the NFL sending us a cease and desist letter are minimal, one thing’s guaranteed: For Sunday’s Big Game, the biggest of Big Beer will dip into its deep pockets in an attempt to market to the masses.
And the free world will spend hours trying to determine whether Bud Light Seltzer is, in fact, a sparkling fruit-flavored Bud Light. Why else would they call it Bud Light Seltzer?
Sure, it’s fun to hoot and holler at your TV from the comfort of your couch. But wouldn’t you rather watch the game from one of Utah’s finer craft beer establishments?
Sure you would.
Fortunately, Utah breweries are planning special events and watch parties catering to the Big Game crowd.
Pre-Game Festivities
By the way, if you’re looking to get a jump on your weekend festivities, hop on over to Hopkins Brewing Co. on Friday. The Sugar House brewery is planning to roll out a series of small-batch beers every other Friday starting Jan. 31.
We’ve stopped in twice to sample some of the small-batch offerings and they’re worth your time if you’re looking for something off the beaten beer path.
Chad Hopkins tells us that on Jan. 31, he’s planning to serve the following: Cranberry Farmhouse, Apple Pie Amber, Citra Hefeweizen, Dankster Saison, Kitchen Sink Session IPA, Mango-Lime Ale, The Dude Ale, and Early Morning Stout.
As the name suggests, these are limited releases and won’t last long.
And just down the hill in South Salt Lake on Friday, Level Crossing Brewing is hosting a party to celebrate the release of its new Belgian Blonde — Dallas Alice. Party starts at 4 p.m.
Big Game & Utah Beer
Here are several Sunday game-day festivities we came across. If you know of others, feel free to send us a link or drop a line in the comments.
As always, it’s a good idea to confirm event details with individual establishments before finalizing your plans.
Bewilder Brewing Co.
The new kids on the beer block are showcasing their culinary chops on Super Sunday. Bewilder Brewing Co. plans to appease fans of either team with a signature dish:
- San Francisco 49ers Fans: Show your support with Bewilder’s house-made spinach artichoke dip served in a San Francisco-style sourdough bread bowl.
- Kansas City Chiefs Fans: Show your support with our house-made saveloy cocktail sausages served with KC BBQ sauce in a bread bowl.
The festivities start at 2 p.m.
Craft by Proper
Craft by Proper, another establishment that’s new since this time last year, is offering $10 draft pitchers (and with 36 taps of Utah-only beer, your choices are immense). Plus, order food from Hopkins Brewing Co. across the street.
Desert Edge Pub & Brewery
The Trolley Square institution is inviting football fans (or others) to check out its recently remodeled dining area. Desert Edge Pub & Brewery is offering $1 street tacos and $8 pitchers of craft beer.
And if you’d prefer to watch the Big Game elsewhere (i.e. your living room), Desert Edge is filling growlers for $4 on Sunday.
Diversion — A Social Eatery
We visited this place for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it. Great food, chill vibe, friendly staff, nice local beer list. What more could you want? How about the Big Game on three big-screen TVs and 25% off food after 4 p.m.? Diversion — A Social Eatery has you covered.
Hoppers Grill & Brewing Co.
The Midvale pub is filling growlers for $5 on Saturday (Feb. 1) only. Plus, if you need wings to take to your Big Game gathering, Hoppers has you covered in that department as well.
Policy Kings Brewery
Enjoy drinking beer outside the Salt Lake Valley? Not to worry. Cedar City’s Policy Kings Brewery will be celebrating Super Sunday with a good old-fashioned neighborhood potluck party. Wear your favorite jersey and bring a dish to share.
Drink a couple of beers, cheer for your team, and don’t forget to check out the rad new wall art.
Red Rock Brewery
Red Rock Brewery is adding a 75-inch television to its downtown location especially for Super Sunday! Drink and dine with friends while watching the game (or the commercials, if that’s your thing).
Attention Super Bowl Fans:We still have reservations available for Super Bowl Sunday at the downtown location. We are bringing in a 75” TV that will be located in the front section of the restaurant 🍻🏈
Posted by Red Rock Brewing on Monday, January 27, 2020
RoHa Brewing Project
RoHa Brewing Project generally isn’t open on Sundays, but the doors open wide on Super Sunday. Pop in from 12-8 p.m. for the Big Game. “Patty will be serving up some hot food and has requested that you bring in your favorite food to share. Potluck style!”
UTOG Brewing Co.
Ogden’s UTOG Brewing Co. is serving up a Super Sunday Brunch for all football fans (and folks who simply enjoy good food and tasty beer) starting at 10:30 a.m.
On the Big Screen at Brewvies
And, while not a brewery, Brewvies Cinema Pub in Salt Lake serves beer and will broadcast the Big Game on one of its supersized silver screens. An all-you-can-eat buffet costs $12 (and includes a $4 drink voucher). But you’re welcome to enjoy the game for free.
Never mind the watch party seems to be sponsored by a certain mass-produced light beer. The pub carries plenty of Utah-brewed beers as well. Touchdown!
Super Sunday
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend (50 degrees in Salt Lake on Sunday!). Enjoy the game, everyone. And cheers to drinking good (local) beer. Don’t forget to check in on Untappd on Sunday to receive the prestigious Brew Bowl LIV badge.
