UPDATED FOR 2011

Sometimes it seems like the Super Bowl is more about getting together with friends to watch the big game than the game itself. Every once in a while the NFL’s premier event lives up to it’s billing. Most times it falls short.

So, what to do when the game lets you down. How about eat, drink and socialize with friends. If you’re not going to a private get together, then, a trip to one of our Sarasota restaurants to watch the game is a more than suitable substitute.

Of course there are lots of choices. Super Bowl specials and happenings abound in Sarasota. Here’s a list of some of your possible viewing spots. Sorry in advance if we didn’t list your favorite.

Cosimo’s Too!
8201 S. Tamiami Tr.
Westfield Sarasota Sq.
Sarasota, FL 34238
941-927-3800

Lee Roy Selmon’s
8253 Cooper Creek Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34201
941-360-3287

Siesta Key Oyster Bar
5238 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242
941-346-5443

Mattison’s Forty One
7275 South Tamaimi Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34231
941-921-3400

Mattison’s City Grille
1 North Lemon Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-330-0440

Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar
1200 Old Stickney Point Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34242
941-349-3885

Gecko’s Grill & Pub
The Landings
4870 S. Tamiami Tr.
Sarasota, FL 34321
941-923-8896

Gecko’s Grill & Pub
Braden River Plaza
4310 SR 64E
Bradenton, FL 34208
941-744-2664

Gecko’s Grill & Pub
Twelve Oaks Plaza
SR 70 and I-75
7228 55th Avenue E.
Bradenton, FL 34203
941-727-8988

Gecko’s Grill & Pub
Palmer Crossing
5585 Palmer Crossing Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-923-6061

Legacy Grille Sarasota
6606 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-924-1918

If you know of a great place to watch Sunday’s game that we didn’t list, leave a comment and let others know.

Looking for something to do here in Sarasota this St. Patrick’s Day? There’s all kinds of things going on. Here are some ideas to get you started. If there is something that we forgot to mention (and I’m sure there is), please add it as a comment to this post.

Siesta Village Pub Crawl – Siesta Key Village, 9pm to 2am – Food, music and of course drinks

Gator Club St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, 1490 Main St., Sarasota, 7pm to 2am – Live entertainment, green themed beer specials

Irish Rover St. Patty’s Day Party, 6518 Gulf Gate Dr., 12pm to 12am – Lots of food, drinks and fun at the Gulf Gate Irish hot spot

Polo Grill & Bar – “Wee Taste of the Irish”, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 9pm to close – Great food and drink specials

Ed’s Tavern “Who’s Your Paddy?” St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, 10719 Rodeo Dr., Lakewood Ranch, 5pm to 10om – Food and drink specials all evening

OK, that should give you some ideas. There’s lots to do around town, so get out there and do it!