Local bars and restaurants offer many deals on Super Sunday
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

Super Bowl XLI is almost upon us. Finally.

Over the years, you may have had a hard time watching the big game for a variety of reasons. Maybe it was a house with 30 people attending and only one couch and television, and only one bowl of chips. Maybe you were stuck next to the person who says, "I'm rooting for them only because I need them to get two safeties in the next two minutes for me to win a square."

To avoid getting stuck next to the fan rooting for the Colts because they think they still play their home games in Baltimore, there is a solution: Leave the house and go to a bar or restaurant where the real fans reside.

In Moorpark, here are some of our favorites.

Moorpark Billiards

476 West New L.A. Ave.

Noted as a place to play pool, Billiards should be a great place to watch the game for one reason: Samuel Adams beer on tap for 50 cents. Yes, you heard right, 50 freaking cents, while it lasts. When that keg runs out the deal becomes Bud Light for a whole dollar, until that keg runs out.

As far as food goes, Billiards will be hosting a potluck, so whatever a person can bring is appreciated, but it's not mandatory. Assistant manager Billy Box believes Moorpark Billiards will be the best place to watch the game not only for the deals, but because it has a little something for everyone.

"I think it's the No. 1 family establishment place to watch the game," Box said.

"If you want to play pool while watching the game, we have that. If you want to drop your kids off while watching the game, we have a big arcade for them to play in. It's very roomy with a lot of couches and TVs, so you don't find yourself looking over people to see the game," Box said.

During the game Billiards will be giving away pool cues, cases and concert tickets to The Canyon club in Agoura Hills. If you decide to come, whom you root for is not a problem, according to Box.

"To tell you the truth, most of us are Raider fans here, so that shouldn't be a problem," Box said. "But football is football and we all love to watch the game. You can't go wrong by watching the game here."

Chuy's

590 Princeton Ave.

Chuy's offers eight TVs to watch the game and a menu that features one of the best tri-tip sandwiches in town. The restaurant has an outdoor patio for smokers- and a friendly atmosphere due to the regulars who've been going there for years.

"We have a friendly atmosphere here with everyone knowing each other," bartender Celia Lozano said. "So it doesn't matter who you root for if you come watch the game here. We will be having happy-hour prices during the game and raffling off prizes."

With a Super Bowl menu that includes a half pan of homemade tri-tip chili for $33, enough to feed 25 people, Chuy's is great for groups. Another special is a half pan of hot wings (56 wings) for $23.99.

Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill

540 New L.A. Ave.

This steakhouse located near the 23 Freeway is known for its BBQ ribs, but should also be a quality place to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. The bar features two big screen TVs and many tables at which to sit. Overall, the bar is small, but that should just add to the friendly trash-talk that always seems to go on.

"I think it's a great place to watch the game because we got an upbeat, fun atmosphere," general manager Danielle Barraza said. "It gets pretty rowdy in here for games, but we are open to fans of either team."

Wood Ranch will be serving happyhour prices for the duration of the game. The happy hour includes $2 off all mixed drinks, draft beers and wine by the glass. All appetizers drop $2 as well. According to Barraza, the restaurant is known for its tasty spinach artichoke dip, which carries a price of $6.95 during the game.

Lamppost Pizza

530 East L.A. Ave. Ste. 101

Just a stone's throw away from Wood Ranch is Lamppost Pizza, which features some of the best pizza in town. The place has two big screen TVs and numerous long tables and benches for big groups. According to manager Ash Kumar, all pitchers of beer will be $1 off during the game.

"We used to do all kinds of deals during the game, like halfoff beer every time somebody scores a touchdown, but it just turned out to be too much beer," Kumar said with a laugh. "I do think that it's a great place to watch the game because we have the best pizza in town and we have an arcade for the kids, so you can pay more attention to the game."

Whatever you decide to do, we suggest arriving early. The Super Bowl is a long game, and you don't want to be stuck standing for hours on end.

Also, please remember to be responsible. If you're going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver handy or the number for a local cab company.