10 New York Super Bowl Parties That Are Way Better Than The One You’re Going To

Yes, the Super Bowl is being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but make no mistake: the true epicenter of Super Bowl frenzy is really right across the Hudson River, in Manhattan. That’s where the city’s finest restaurants are serving prime rib to NFL legends, where the nation’s sports broadcasters are knocking back manhattans in the city’s swankiest bars, and where anyone who wants to live like a Super Bowl VIP leading up to the Broncos-Seahawks to-do has carte blanche to enjoy himself to the hilt. And probably nowhere else on the planet will you find elegant Game Day venues like you’ll find in New York City. So what are your plans for Sunday? Probably nothing like what you’ll find at these 10 only-in-New-York Super Bowl watching spots.

Jimmy at The James New York hotel, a luxurious rooftop bar in SoHo with 360-degree views of Manhattan, will be serving Kobe franks, prime short-rib empanadas, classic manhattans, and grilled pineapple mojitos to guests watching the Super Bowl on large HDTVs. But with the competing city views, it might be hard to keep your eye on the game.

With drop-dead views of Columbus Circle and Central Park, A Voce Columbus is stylish but not effete. The posh restaurant is hosting a Tailgate Prix Fixe on the Friday and Saturday before the game, with Italian specialties from Executive Chef Filippo Gozzoli and large-format wine selections from beverage director Olivier Flosse. On Game Day Sunday, Chef Gozzoli rolls out a gourmet buffet while the AV squad rolls out 60-inch screen TV’s so guests can watch the Super Bowl action in hi-def.

What would football be without cheerleaders? Well, it would still be football, but not nearly as picturesque. The Court Hotel-A St. Giles Premier Hotel in Murray Hill, for your edification, is bringing the Gotham City Cheerleaders (“Unofficial Cheerleaders of the New York Giants”) to the Icon restaurant, not to mention plenty of hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.

Not a party, per se, but just a nice, neighborhood football gathering—at one of the poshest spots in town: The Maccioni family of Le Cirque fame is happy to invite you to the bar and lounge of its Sirio Restaurant at the tony Pierre hotel this Sunday. Leave the hot wings and chips to the Times Square hangouts; at this Upper East Side resto, you’ll enjoy cod cakes, oysters, spicy steak tartare, and a wide choice of craft and Italian beers.

What better place for a Super Bowl party than at the Super Bowl itself. Manhattan’s Sofitel New York Hotel is offering inveterate fans the Ultimate Super Bowl Experience Package. The promotion includes 10 luxury suites for three nights, 20 tickets to the Super Bowl, group transportation to the game, and breakfast for 20 at Gaby Brasserie Francaise. Your cost: $100,000.

How about listening to pre-game analysis from football heroes Joe Montana and Dwight Clark, roaming among five entrée stations prepared by Chef Mina Newman, and drinking only the finest top-shelf liquor in the art-deco splendor of the Edison Ballroom in Times Square. That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Catch Game Day Experience. Also in attendance will be Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady, actor Wesley Snipes, and comedian Tony Rock. Watch the game on any of 20 large flat screens stationed throughout the ballroom.

Lots of legendary NFLers will be staying at the elegant Waldorf-Astoria, and indeed you could have a great time watching the game over a steak dinner at the hotel’s Bull & Bear restaurant or with Super Bowl-themed cocktails in Peacock Alley. But for the ultimate in luxury football-watching, check into one of the 123 suites at the Towers at the Waldorf Astoria, a hotel within a hotel. The Towers’ “Suite Specialists” will set up your space with leather recliners and sofas, big screen TVs, a selection of craft beers and whiskies, and anything else your heart desires--and can afford.

At the Trump SoHo New York, book one of the hotel’s eight cushy penthouse suites for your party. The suites are roomy—1,600 to 2,300 square feet--and perfect for entertaining. The space will be decorated in the colors of your favorite team, and you’ll be presented with an autographed piece of memorabilia from one of the team’s players. No need to bring your own Cheetos, because Executive Chef Desmond Lim will cater your group’s meal in high style. Lemon pepper tortilla chips, anyone?

If you prefer, you can watch the game in a mansion—the Villard Mansion, to be exact, which now houses Tavern on 51 and serves as the entrance to Midtown’s New York Palace hotel. Tavern on 51 is a classic upscale New York drinkery, with low lighting, rich carpeting, and a new wood bar calling your name. Although there’s no special Super Bowl menu, there is a collection of rare Scotches, plus plenty of TVs to watch the gridiron goings-on.

The 50 Yard Lounge (pictured), a temporary party palace housed in a massive tent next to Madison Square Garden, is the place to watch the game, with celebrity chefs (Marc Forgione, Johnny Iuzzini and many more), NFL superstars (Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, Cris Carter), and live music. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out for Sunday afternoon, but there are Super Bowl-themed events still available on Friday, Saturday, and pre-game Sunday, with plenty of food and celebs.