Local bars and restaurants offer variety of deals on Super Sunday
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

The backyard barbecue has long been a Super Bowl tradition.

It can be a lot of fun to lay out chips and dips, fire up the grill and stock the cooler full of tasty, icecold beverages. Of course, hosting a party can also mean dishes galore, a crowded house and tons of noise for your neighbors.

So, for those looking to escape the house-party scene this Sunday when the Chicago Bears battle the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI, the Camarillo Acorn sports department has compiled a list of some- though not all- of the finest local bars and restaurants to visit.

Whatever you decide to do, we suggest getting there a little early. The Super Bowl is a long game, and you don't want to get stuck standing for hours on end. Also, please remember to be responsible. If you're going to drink, make sure you've got a designated driver handy or the number for a local cab company.

Here are a few of our top choices:

Cronies

370 N. Lantana St.

This is the type of place the whole family can enjoy, and it's cozy, too. With long wooden benches stretching through the middle of the dining area, you can gather up a group of friends to rub elbows with and talk smack.

There are more than 15 TVs, including one big screen. The hottest menu item is the Buffalo wings, which come with Cronies' patented Thirsty Sauce. It's finger-lickin' good.

Cronies is also offering a Super Bowl package for customers who want to make sure they've got a place to rest their bones. For $25.95 plus tax, patrons get a reserved seat, Super Bowl T-shirt, meal, two beers or glasses of wine, and a raffle ticket for the "cheesiest prize ever."

"It's a fun place to come in," said manager Casey Cobey. "It's a family restaurant. We have lots of TVs, games, fun people that come by, lots of girls working and some of the best beers on tap."

Lamplighter Sports Bar

1936 Ventura Blvd.

Located on the north end of downtown, the Lamplighter can look a bit intimidating from the outside. Once you've made it through the door, though, you'll find some of the friendliest people Camarillo has to offer.

It's not a huge place, but there are three pool tables, a foosball table, Golden Tee golf and an old-school jukebox. Although there are only three TVs, rumor has it the owners are bringing in one, and perhaps two, flat screens for the game.

"I'll say it's going to be about 50/50 for the Colts and Bears," bartender Robin Frazier said. "We all just want to see a good game."

According to Ron Melton, a 28-year Camarillo resident, Frazier is the finest bartender the city has to offer. Melton, a Denver Broncos fan by nature, says he'll be rooting for the Bears.

"As a Denver fan, I get kicked around a lot," Melton said.

Bandits' Grill & Bar

1980 Ventura Blvd.

Located just a chip shot south of the Lamplighter, Bandits' offers a dining area and saloon, and customers can watch the day's action from both areas.

In the bar there are six TVs, including a pair of high-definition flat screens. The coolest thing might be the big barrels of peanuts that are free of charge. Oh, and don't worry about getting up to throw away the shells because you can toss them right on the ground. Seriously, how cool is that?

"I can't think of another place in Ventura County where you can do that," manager Dan Walden said. "It's unique to Camarillo, for sure."

Bandits also has a very good Super Bowl deal. In addition to the allday happy hour, customers who spend $20 on food or alcohol will receive a free appetizer platter. The promotion is going on in the restaurant as well. Club House Sports Bar & Grill

369 Arneill Rd.

The Club House is located in a strip mall, just across from the 99 Cent Store. If you're a sports memorabilia buff, this is definitely the place for you because they've got tons of cool stuff hanging on the walls- not to mention all the $1 bills taped to the ceiling.

"Most of this stuff is donated from people that come in the bar," manager Jonathan Brown said. "We even have American flags that some of the Air Force guys brought in from their time in Iraq."

In addition to the memorabilia, there are approximately 20 TVs, three pool tables, two electronic dartboards and Golden Tee golf.

During the Super Bowl there will be a chili cookoff, where patrons can bring in their homecooked chili to be sampled by others. Free hot dogs will be available and prizes will be given away throughout the evening.

JJ Brewsky's

2433 Ventura Rd.

At JJ Brewsky's, everything's new and the ceilings are about a mile high, so if you suffer from the smallest hint of claustrophobia, this is definitely your best bet.

All five TVs are located above the bar, including a beautiful 58-inch, high-definition flat screen that can make even the most highbrow television connoisseur blush. There are 36 taps with 21 beers ready to be poured at a moment's notice.

Of all the local bars and restaurants, JJ Brewsky's easily has the highest capacity. Along with the bar- probably the longest in the city- there's also a nice dining area where the entire family can grab a booth and cheer.

"We are clearly a restaurant influenced by a bar," manager Jeff Walker said. "You're sitting in a family restaurant, but you can keep your eye on the game, too . . . It's a raucous environment when football's on."

There will be food and drink specials all day long.