Area venues plan special Super Bowl Sunday

For decades, professional football has made eating and drinking before, during and after the Super Bowl a game in itself. This week, sports fans are counting down to Super Bowl Sunday when the New England Patriots will battle the New York Giants for the title.

Across town, restaurant and bar owners are getting ready for the crowds, and many of them are offering special deals for people who want to cheer on their favorite team somewhere other than from their own couch.

Julie Pate and her family, who own several Naples restaurants, are from New England. She says people can expect a big New England crowd at their pub location, Pate's Pub, to support the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

"We'll be rooting for the Patriots because the Pate family is originally from New England, so come join us to support our favorite team," she says.

Other places are taking advantage of Naples' warm weather by extending their Super Bowl celebrations outside. Boston Beer Garden in North Naples is having a tailgate party in its outside courtyard with an 8-by-8-foot projector screen, with an additional 16 flat screen TVs with sound on the outdoor patio. The Zetos, who own Boston Beer Garden, are also rooting for the Patriots.

"Because we are a family-owned-and-operated organization from Boston, we would love to see the Patriots win this time," said General Manager Michael Zeto. "The Zetos welcome people to the Boston Beer Garden to come out and join us for a fun-filled afternoon and evening."

While many places like Pate's Pub and Boston Beer Garden are not charging admission or per person charges, other places are charging an admission fee that includes a guaranteed table and all-you-can-eat buffets, among drink specials.

Here are a few highlights of special offers local bars and restaurants are offering for readers who plan to venture out to watch the big game:

■ Bokamper's Sports Bar & Grill

Where: 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, North Naples

When: 5:30 p.m. until end of game

Cost: $65 per person Party Pass

Information: 239-431-7611; www.bokampers.com

■ Boston Beer Garden

What: Tailgate party in outside courtyard with projector screen, 16 TVs outside on patio and more than 50 TVs indoors. Live music for halftime, raffle and squares Reservations available for tables of four or less. Grilling burgers and hot sausage outside plus regular menu indoors

Where: Green Tree Center, 2936 Immokalee Road, North Naples

When: 5 p.m.

Cost: No admission charge

Information: 239-596-2337; www.bostonbeergardennaples.com

■ Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar

What: Happy hour 3 to 7 p.m.: $2 draft, $6.95 pitcher, food specials throughout the day; 18 TV screens (including TVs in bathroom)

Where: Sugden Park Plaza, 4270 U.S. 41 E., East Naples

When: 11 a.m. until game whistle

Cost: No reservations, but go early

Information: 239-692-9294; bostons.com

■ Chrissy's Courthouse Tavern

What: Half-price pizzas, $5 pitchers and drink specials.

Where: 3340 U.S. 41 E., East Naples, Courthouse Shadows shopping center

When: 5 p.m. to end of game

239-775-0101

■ The English Pub

What: "Super 'PUB' Bowl Party" with first keg of Bud Light free for the house to share while supplies last; halftime hog roast and free happy hour prices all night; $10 raffle ticket for 60-inch flat screen TV (must be present to win)

Where: 5047 U.S. 41 E., East Naples

When: 6 p.m. until end of game

Cost: No admission fee

Information: 239-775-3727; www.naplesenglishpub.com

■ Foxboro Sports Tavern

What: Outdoor tent will include TVs, full bar and food.

Where: Shops at Hammock Cove, 4420 Thomasson Drive, East Naples

Information: 239-530-2337; www.foxborotavern.com

■ Lee Roy Selmon's

What: Super Spread Sunday XLVI: Includes unlimited food and drinks from Super Spread Menu including St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, sliders, wings, baked beans, cornbread casserole, coleslaw and more.

Where: 5056 Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers

When: 5:30 p.m. until final whistle

Cost: $63 all-access pass (not including taxes and gratuity)

Information: 239-690-3287; www.leeroyselmons.com

■ Mongello's & Nick's Place

What: Tailgate and $12.95 all-you-can-eat buffet, $10 buckets domestic beers, $2 draft domestic beer; pet-friendly outdoor patio.

Where: 4221 U.S. 41 E., East Naples

When: Tailgate from 3 p.m. to the start of the game

Information: 239-793-2644; www.mongellos.com

■ New York Pizza and Pasta

What: $19.95 Super Bowl party buffet and a la carte; $59.95 includes buffet and all drinks

Where: 11140 U.S. 41 N. at Immokalee Road, North Naples

When: 6 p.m. to end of game

Information: 239-594-3500; www.newyorkpp.com

■ Pate's Pub

What: $2 Sam Adams by the bottle, happy hour half-price drinks until 7 p.m. Regular menu begins at 5 p.m., plus special Super Bowl menu with wings, nachos, sliders, free chips and salsa and other menu items

Where: Ramada Inn, 1100 U.S. 41 N., Naples.

When: 4:30 p.m. until end of game

Information: 239-263-4581; www.naplesramada.com

■ Tavern on the Bay

What: Tailgate Party (no reservations) with buffet, $5 Oak and Cokes, $5 Soco lime shots, $2 Coors and Bud Light bottles. Super Bowl Game (reservations strongly suggested) includes guaranteed table, one complimentary drink and entree per person and one complimentary appetizer per table.

Where: 489 Bayfront Place, Naples

When: 2 to 5 p.m. tailgate part; game starts at 6 p.m.

Cost: $20 tailgate party, $30 Super Bowl Game or $40 both events

Information: 239-530-2225; www.tavernonthebay.net

■ TGI Friday's

What: $2 wells and $2 beers plus $4 Long Island Ice Teas, Cosmopolitans and Margaritas. $25 All-you-can-eat wings and club sandwiches, and chips and salsa

Where: 2110 U.S. 41 N., Naples

When: 6 p.m. until end of game

Information: 239-263-1771; www.tgifridays.com

■ Wharf Tavern

What: Maine lobsters with french fries and coleslaw for $15.99 for a single or $29.99 for two in the restaurant or at the bar.

Where: 909 10th St. S., Naples

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Information: 239-331-4053