It’s here once again, and this year things percolated like crazy in these parts in anticipation of Super Bowl XLIV, to be played on Sunday, February 7 in Miami.  During the NFL playoffs, area fans were hopeful that the New York Jets could somehow, despite their under-achieving past, get past the Indianapolis Colts and make it all the way to the world’s most-watched sporting event.  As it turns out, it will be the Colts and Peyton Manning taking on sentimental favorites the New Orleans Saints – but no matter who is playing in the big game, fans flock to the Super Bowl as much for the parties as anything that happens on the field. And nobody lays out a Super Bowl party like the clubs and establishments in Long Island and Queens.  From amazing big screen TVs to rockin’ sound systems to luscious food spreads to even more sumptuous babes and dudes clad in football jerseys, football parties are not to be missed.  Here’s a rundown on some of the best area Super Bowl parties – so don your cleats and helmets and get out there and enjoy the fun, be they full-blown parties or just great places to enjoy this pinnacle of sporting events. – The Editors

Nassau

Every year, The Court House Bar & Grill in Massapequa Park does something special on Super Bowl day – and this year is no exception.  The Court House is fast becoming known as Massapequa’s home for not only the big game, but for all the playoff games of the NFL season.  For complete information on this year’s Super Bowl event, call The Court House at (516) 798-9786.
Even lovelorn singles don’t have to without on Super Bowl day; some things are way more important than football.  A “Singles Super Bowl Party” will be Sunday, February 7 beginning at 5 pm at Callahan’s in East Meadow.  Cost is only $2 for this unique event, featuring a buffet, singles, and, of course, the big game.  For more information and to register for this event, log on to weekenddating.com; Callahan’s is located at 1964 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.
The Race Palace & Nassau Downs OTB, located at 1600 Round Swamp Road in Plainview, is usually a Super Bowl hot spot; the establishment is always a sports Mecca, with races and sporting events shown on big screen each day of the week.  For more information, log on to info.nassauotb.com or call (516) 572-8200.
Croxley’s Ale House & Eatery, with locations in Franklin Square, Rockville Centre, and Farmingdale, will feature its 17th annual “Croxley Bowl” on Super Bowl Sunday at all three establishments.  A tailgate party begins an hour before the game with open taps and an unlimited buffet throughout the game for $39.95 plus tax and service per person.  Reserve a table now as seating is limited; for complete information on every location, log on to Croxley.com.
Another establishment with three area locations, Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub (in Miller Place, Smithtown, and Northport) is already a favorite for NFL games with football lovers, thanks to their modern big screens and HDTV quality.  All three locations will be hot spots for the big game; for complete information, log on to nappertandysirishpub.com.  Every location offers popular drink and food specials during each NFL contest.
Another restaurant with an obvious sports theme is Plainview’s The Main Event, which offers the ultimate in dining, drinking and sports viewing in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Main Event features more than 40 televisions, as well as top-notch food and drinks.  No doubt, this is an establishment that rocks for the NFL.  The Main Event is located at 799 Old Country Road in Plainview; call them at (516) 935-5120.
Champions Sports Bar at the Long Island Marriott Hotel in Uniondale (across from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum) is one of the most popular venues for sports viewing in the region, particularly before and after wrestling and hockey events next door.   It’s not hard to figure why; the venue has more than 30 32" flat-panel HDTVs, four 46" flat-panel HDTVs, and three 52" plasma TVs. Call them at (516) 516) 229-5039.
Field Of Dreams Sports Bar & Grill (613 Old Country Road, Plainview, (516) 937-7603) is another pro sports and UFC haven, and is famous for its sports packages and drink specials during NFL football contests.
The Whale’s Tale in Long Beach is known primarily as a sumptuous seafood restaurant and oyster bar – but’s also a haven for sports fans each NFL game day.  They’ve been running specials throughout the playoffs, and expect more of the same on big game day.  Know as  “city by the food,” we can’t think of a more beautiful spot to watch the Bowl games.  For more information, call (516) 432-9587; the elegant restaurant is located at 916 West Beech Street.
The rockin’ K.J. Farrell’s Bar & Grill in Bellmore will also be the scene of raucous Super Bowl fun.  Famous for its $6 Miller High Life pitchers and 25 cent wings specials, you can expect a friendly crowd and lots of big game day fun at a place where the action never stops.  Check in with them at (516) 804-9925 or log on to kjfarrells.com to learn more about one of the hottest music clubs in the region.
Eleanor Rigby’s in Mineola specializes in “good time rock & roll music” on weekends, but it’s also a fine place for any kind of fun virtually anytime.  There’s usually a friendly crowd of revelers on hand, and after the fantastic NFL playoffs this year, you can expect more of the same for the big game.   Call them at (516) 739-6622; they’re located at 133 Mineola Boulevard.
Mugsy Magee’s, 24 Central Avenue, is usually proud to be clad in green as one of their slogans is “Proud To Be Irish.”  You can expect a lot more green at Mugsy’s on big game day if the Jets quality for the Super Bowl! In any event, Mugsy’s is already a favorite spot for sports fans, and should be rocking come Sunday afternoon.  For more information, call them at (516) 799-2424.
Minnesota’s Restaurant & Tavern in Long Beach should also be percolating come big game time, as its known for its fantastic fireplace and gigantic big screens perfect for football.  This friendly place (by all means, try the food) is usually filled with friendly faces, and it’s always busy on football days.  For more information, call them at (516) 432-4080; they’re located at 959 West Beech Street.

Suffolk

Fans have enjoyed the NFL Sunday Ticket at The Zebra Club in Copiague all season – and now the showplace is gearing up for the biggest NFL game of all.  They’ll be showing the game on six televisions including two big screens.  Specials include $3 Buds and domestic beers. As always, there’s no admission, and there will be a free taco and chili party as well.  The Zebra is located at 1195 Merrick Road in Copiague; call them at (631) 226-7913.
J.C.’s Restaurant, located at The Pine Hills Golf & Country Club in Manorville, is famous for its yearly Super Bowl events, where the big game is viewed on venue’s famous big screen.  For complete information, contact J.C.’s at jcsbarandgrille.net or call (631) 909-3525. The restaurant is located at
The Piccolo Restaurant in Huntington (215 Wall Street) will celebrate the Super Bowl with its annual event beginning at 6 pm and running throughout the game.  Reservations are limited to 75 people, so make your plans as soon as possible. Cost is $100 per person (plus tax and gratuity), which includes the game on big screens, top shelf open bar, a dinner buffet, hot and cold appetizers, a Viennese table, raffles and prizes, and more.  For reservations and complete information, log on to piccolorestaurant.net or call (631) 424-5592.
A unique Super Bowl party will begin at 1 pm at Martha Clara Vineyards, located at 6025 Sound Avenue in Riverhead.  Events called "Wild Woman on Wine" and "Eat Like a Wild Man" are schedule, and at 5 pm the Super Bowl Viewing Party will commence. For more information, call (631) 298-0075 or write to info @ marthclaravineyards. Com.
Momo’s Sports Bar in Holbook is a sports fan’s haven – they’ll be screening the UFC 109 event the night before the Super Bowl – and their party will feature tons of raffle giveaways; with each drink you buy, you get a raffle ticket.  Prizes include tailgating chairs, barbecues, coolers, and other football-related items.  To contact one of the most popular sports bars in the region, log on to momossportsbar.com or call them at (631) 648-9669; the establishment is located at 50 Union Avenue in Holbrook.
Both Mulcahy’s locations – Wantagh and Centereach – offer all NFL playoff games on big screens, and the fun doesn’t stop there; during the January 24 Jets-Colts playoff game in Centereach, there was a “green bikini body painting” contest that was much easier on the eyes than even a Mark Sanchez touchdown pass.  For all the Mulcahy’s Super Bowl plans, log on their modern and colorful website at muls.com.
Both locations of The Changing Times Pub in East Northport and in Farmingdale have been favorites for each Jets playoff game, and they will certainly be rocking come Super Bowl day.  In addition, both locations will be showing the UFC 109 event the day before the big game.  For complete information, log on to thechangingtimespub.com.
The Post Office Café, located at 130 West Main Street in Babylon (telephone them at (631) 669-9224), is a favorite for its wing and drink specials during all NFL games.  For more information on this hot Babylon spot, log on to lessings.com.
You can tell just from its name that Instant Replay in Huntington Station (282 East Jericho Turnpike) is meant for sports fans, and in the past its Super Bowl parties have drawn large, raucous crowds.  There are more than 50 television sets located all around this large sports palace, which means wherever you are, you’ll get a great seat for the big event.  For more information, call Instant Replay at (631) 673-6161.
Rookies Sports Club in Huntington, located at 70 Gerard Street, has established itself as another top-notch family themed sports pub, with tons of TV monitors, two huge projection screens, and raves for their varied menu and entrees.  Look for tons of fun on big game day.  Call them at (631) 923-0424.
Other worthy landing spots on Super Bowl Sunday: Yogi’s All-American Grill & Sports Bar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Holtsville has personal speaker systems at each table, a full and varied menu, and a healthy coterie of regulars. They’re located at 1730 North Ocean Avenue; call them at (631) 758-2900.
C.J. Wellington’s Irish Pub & Sports Bar, 30 New Hyde Park Road in Franklin Square, is famous for its wings during NFL games, as well as being a place with multiple flat screen TVs, making it perfect for viewing any sport.  The club recently added a new fireplace, perfect for couples that might want to snuggle while place kickers are warming up.  There will be specials food and drink deals during the big game; give them at call at (516) 314-0594.

Queens/NYC

The luxurious Bar 43 in Sunnyside is featuring a “Super Bowl Fever” event starting with an “Early Tailgate Party” beginning at 3 pm with a BBQ in the venue’s Sidewalk Café.  This establishment features four 52" and five 44" HD plasma televisions, plus a whopping 120" HD big screen.  Featured will be a free drawing for everyone to guess the final score, with prizes awarded to whoever gets the closest score without going over.  Wear your team’s colors and you get free jello shots every time your team scores; food and drink specials will be offered all day.  Bar 43 is located at 43-06 43rd Street (between Queens Boulevard and 43rd Avenue) in Sunnyside; contact them at (718) 361-3090.

We’re listing Hooters here as they have a new location in Fresh Meadows that’s an out-of-the-box hit – but their outlets in Farmingdale, Islandia, and East Meadow boast loyalists who wouldn’t dream of watching football anywhere else.  Hey, if you’re not enamored with either of the teams playing in the big game, at least the friendly and bodacious Hooters Girls have a way of cheering you up.  Log on to hooters.com to learn more. Look for their “football-inspired menu” to pop up for the big event.
Finally, if you are of the means and inclination, why not actually go to The Super Bowl?  Premiere Sports Travel is offering a flight and tickets to the NFL’s biggest game, but act quickly, as slots are filling fast; for more information, log on to sportstravel.com.