Five Ways to Celebrate Super Bowl

Sure, the Jets couldn't eke out a win and make Super Bowl Sunday more interesting, but that doesn't stop you from enjoying the biggest day in sports. Throughout the weekend, numerous Ridgewood institutions offer specials, parties, or themed food for Sunday's game—Jets or no Jets. 

1. Elk's Lodge: Now open to nonmembers, the Ridgewood Elk's Lodge will start its Super Bowl festivities at 3 p.m. Feb. 7. Watch the Colts-Saints on four TVs in their cocktail lounge, while enjoying half-priced drinks, free snacks, and a free halftime spread. That's right—cheap drinks and free food.

2. Takeout—Pizza: Hosting a party at home has its advantages (usually cheaper drinks), but guessing the correct amount of food needed can be trying. Often, takeout is your best option. The problem: Everyone gets takeout on Super Bowl Sunday.

For most places, it's better to order now. At La Bella Pizza—located at the plaza near King's—there is free delivery, but all orders must be placed by Friday. In addition to heroes and wings, La Bella offers three pizza combos: $10 large cheese pizzas (toppings are extra and you must order at least two pies); two large cheese pizzas, 20 wings and two 2-liter bottles of soda: $40; and three large cheese pies, 40 wings and two 2-liter bottles: $65. 

3. Takeout—Nonpizza: Billy Woods of the Chestnut Deli says food service places root harder for the home teams. "Everyone loves to have the local teams in the Super Bowl," Woods said. "When the Giants were in it, we did five times more business than we usually do."

He still says the Super Bowl is the single biggest annual takeout day of the year (sometimes various parties beat it for a one-day sale). Playing to the pigskin theme, Woods offers football-shaped heroes that feed about 12 people each. Chestnut Deli will deliver mozzarella sticks, Buffalo wings, vegetarian platters, and chili, in addition to three- and six-foot heroes.

People should order today—Friday at latest—Woods says.

4. Chili Cook-off—Get your football fix a day early as the Community Center at Village Hall hosts its fourth-annual tailgate party Saturday. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 6, the Community Center serves up chili, hot dogs, salad, bread, desserts and beverages—all for $5.

Tickets must be reserved by calling the Community Center at 201-670-5500, ext 301.

5. The classic route: Bars—Root against Peyton Manning and the Colts at The Office or Mac Murphy's. Although neither venue is having a specific special, there's definitely something about watching the game at a bar. However, the Office will offer takeout specials—a dozen free wings with the purchase of a party platter.