On Sunday, February 9th, Super Bowl LIX will air on TV screens around the globe as the Kansas City Chiefs return to the field to go up against the Philadelphia Eagles again. Or as some people call it, Taylor Swift’s second season.
Whether or not the Eagles will avenge the Super Bowl 57 loss is yet to be seen. Luckily, while you wait there’s plenty to nosh and time to take in a round of mini golf or watch Puppy Bowl XXI. That’s why many of the Denver-area bars airing the big game have other activities to offer at the same time. After all, if you’re into the Super Bowl for the snacks, commercials, and half-time show, you might as well have fun in between.
Team Bars
For Eagles Fans
For those who want to be in the company of fellow bird-watchers, East Fax Tap is the Eagles bar in town. A cozy dive on East Colfax covered in stone siding, East Fax has a dog-friendly fenced-in back patio, a long bar with plenty of seating, plus shuffleboard, board games, and card games. Happy hour runs from to 8 p.m. and features drink deals and specialty shots. 8001 E. Colfax, Denver, no website
For Chiefs Fans
The home for Chiefs fans in Denver is a historic 6th Avenue dive that’s been around since the 1940s. Recognizable by its snazzy neon signage, Don’s Club Tavern has a menu of game day drink specials including a $6 Bloody Mary bar and Jell-O shots. The gang of fans there even started its own dedicated Facebook page. During the game, patrons can also play pool, Skee-Ball, and foosball. 723 E. 6th Ave., Denver, donsclubtavern.com
Golf Between Plays
Holey Moley
Downtown’s themed miniature golf bar offers game day specials along with a watch party and retro-style mini-golf. Order the dizzying 80-ounce beer tower for just $20. Add on two pounds of wings for $20 more. Or, get two pizzas and a beer tower for $45. Let your friends watch the Super Bowl while you snack away, sneaking that golf ball into the hole when they aren’t looking. 1201 18th St., Denver, holeymoley.com
Puttshack
Classic mini-golf and technology unite at RiNo’s upscale restaurant and game venue. Inside you’ll find four different nine-hole courses built for people of all ages. But, unlike a regular miniature golf course, this one uses a digital ball to keep score.
Play the game in between catching the Super Bowl on one of the many large screen televisions situated around the bar. Elevated bar snacks such as crab or Buffalo chicken dips, meat skewers, flatbreads, hearty salads, and more can be had. As for drinks, expect the usual line up of beers, fancy cocktails, and a really good Espresso Martini to help wake you up if the game proves dull. Pro move, get it with tequila instead of vodka. 2813 Blake St., Denver, puttshack.com
Non-Football Games Galore
Pindustry
This Greenwood Village entertainment hub offers pinball, ping pong, bowling, foosball, darts, arcade games, shuffleboard, corn hole, and ice skating. There’s so much to do there, you don’t even have to watch the Super Bowl to have a good time.
Of course, the venue is also hosting a watch party, streaming the game on the 16-foot screen. Seating at the free event is first-come, first-served, though for parties over six you can reserve for a fee. At $144 for six people and $192 for eight, you not only get a saved place to perch, but a bucket of beer, pizza, and wings. Other than that, order classic bar food such as burgers, sandwiches, and shareable bites like nachos and giant pretzels. 7939 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village, pindustry.com
FlyteCo Tower
The former air control tower turned entertainment venue put together a Super Bowl delivery and takeout special for the big game. Those who buy two large pizzas will get a free large cheese pizza. Come early and bowl, play arcade games, throw axes, swing in virtual golf, and play ping pong. Then take your pies home to watch the Eagles and Chiefs go at it. 3120 Uinta St., Denver, flytecotower.com
Punch Bowl Social
The South Broadway game and food extravaganza will host a Super Bowl watch party starting an hour before kick-off at 3:30 p.m. The event includes football bingo and build-your-own six-can beer buckets for $30. But for those who don’t really care what’s happening on the big screen, or need a break from a boring game, take advantage of the free entertainment including corn hole, darts, and board games. Diners can also pay to claim a spot on the bowling lane, play arcade games, and even do karaoke. Reserve a spot for February 9 here. 65 Broadway, Denver, punchbowlsocial.com
Great Deals In Comfortable Spaces
Wynkoop
Colorado’s first brewpub is introducing pizza to its menu on February 9th, just in time for the big game. Paired with a pitcher of house-brewed Uber Lager, the pizza and beer deal is just $25. While the Super Bowl is the main event around the television sets, the upstairs level features several pool tables for those who would rather do something else. Or at the very least, hustle for some beer money. 1634 18th Street, Denver www.wynkoop.com
Number Thirty Eight
What more could you want than live music, volleyball, and an 18,000-square-foot dog-friendly outdoor patio to make your Super Sunday extra, well, super. How about 120 beers on tap and an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $25. The inside is also huge, so there’s plenty of seating. All you need for this extravaganza is a ticket, which you can find here. 3650 Chestnut Pl., Denver, nmbr38.com
The Perfect Team
In a non-competitive teaming up, head to LoDo and the Bavarian-inspired Rhein Haus and the adjacent Midwest-themed Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern. The two reside next door to each other, and both serve perfect game day food. While both places, owned by the same company, offer the usual menu, for the Super Bowl you can get a $26 playoff platter featuring half-traditional and half-boneless wings served with sauces, french fries, fried pickles, celery, and carrots. Beverage specials include discounted beer pitchers, as well as shots and cocktail specials. 1415 iMarket St., Denver, rheinhausdenver.com; and 1417 Market St., Denver, wallyswisconsin.com
McGregor Square
The place to be is on the second floor of Milepost Zero’s heated terrace, which overlooks the plaza below. You won’t miss a move on a 66-foot LED screen. Guests are given a free welcome beer and an all-you-can-eat pizza party from Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta. When you’re full and bored of balls flying, take a walk around the square and check out some of the cute shops. Advance ticket purchase is required, and it’s 21+. Get tickets here. 1901 Wazee St., Denver, mcgregorsquare.com