Football was something my family was always into. They were Patriots fans long before Tom Brady turned them into a dynasty (I eventually came around, but that story’s for another time). As a kid, I remember the team losing a lot, way more losses than wins, but in the 1996 season, things started to shift. Fans, as superstitious as ever, refused to say too much out loud, so they used the code name “Jambalaya.” The big game was in New Orleans that year, and somehow talking about it that way felt safer, like it might help tip the universe in the right direction.

Naturally, when the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl, we cooked a giant pot of jambalaya. We made a lot of other food too, and honestly, that’s when I realized that maybe football was something I should care about…if it came with that kind of a spread. I’ve always considered myself a professional taste tester, so when the biggest snack day of the year arrives, let’s just say I have my plate ready.

You might not agree on who you want to win, who’s performing the halftime show, or whether the commercials are even worth watching, but we can all rally around the wings, dips, and all the delicious things that make Super Bowl Sunday the true culinary event it is.

So if you’re in it for the snacks, here are some great local spots to load up for game day.

E&D Pizza – Offering catering as well as traditional takeout, E&D has classic wings, grinders, pastas, and hearty pizza, making this a go to for game day spreads. They also have salads and eggplant fries if you’re looking for a little balance. Grab a mix of flavors and a few pies to feed the whole crew.

DaCapo – An under the radar favorite for wings, DaCapo serves them in classic buffalo, garlic parmesan, or sweet Asian ginger with blue cheese dressing. They also offer brick oven pizza in 12 or 16 inch sizes, gluten free crust available. A great spot to pair wings with pizza for the ultimate spread.

Dish n Dat – Casual and creative catering, with bone in and boneless wings, mac n’ cheese bites, sliders, and more, all travel well. Can’t decide between the massive nacho platter or loaded potato skins? Order both! Catering requires just 48 hours notice, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Cherry Brook Pizza & Grocery – Known for their New York style pizza, Cherry Brook also offers seven flavors of wings, grinders, mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, and calzones. Their hearty menu makes it easy to build a full snack spread.

Fork & Fire – If you haven’t tried Fork & Fire, you might not realize their wings rival J Tim’s. That’s not an exaggeration, they’re just that good. Pair them with their black truffle onion dip and you’ve got your main Super Bowl snack groups covered.

Naples Pizza – Famous for their pizza pies, you can build your own or choose from one of their twelve specialty pies. Naples also has buffalo wings, fried mozzarella and grinders. Perfect for feeding a hungry group without fuss.

Plan B Burger Bar – Burgers, sliders, and wings all in one spot. Their shareable options, like nachos and spinach & artichoke dip, are perfect for game day snacking. They also offer platters for larger crowds, making it easy to feed a hungry group.

Iron Horse Pub – With several locations (including West Hartford, Unionville, and Bristol), Iron Horse Pub offers classic pub fare such as bone in and boneless wings, nachos, and loaded tots. Ideal for bringing a traditional sports bar vibe to your Super Bowl gathering at home.

Beachland Tavern – Come for the wings. Stay for the debate about whether they’re better than J Tim’s. Choose from traditional or slow-smoked wings in flavors ranging from classic buffalo to sweet garlic chili and honey chipotle. A must-stop for serious wing fans.

Savoy Pizzeria & Craft Bar – For gatherings that are all about the food, Savoy takes it up a notch. They serve wood fired pizza and bold appetizers like sweet potato skins, veal pancetta meatballs, and Calabrian wings with your choice of ranch or blue cheese. A premium pick for the Super Bowl.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Take Your Child to the Library Day — February 7th

It’s the 15th annual celebration, and three local libraries are getting in on the fun!

West Hartford (Noah Webster Branch)
A full day of library fun! Enjoy all-day scavenger hunts and bookmark coloring, picture frame crafts, plus preschool storytimes (ages 3–5) in the morning and early afternoon.

Farmington
Celebrate with a special scavenger hunt, Tinker the Mechanical Horse rides all day, and prize giveaways in the Youth Services Department. Drop in while supplies last!

The Friends of Farmington Library are also hosting a children’s book sale, where you can buy books for as low as 50 cents. The sale will take place on Saturday 9 AM -5 PM and Sunday 1 - 4 PM.

Avon
Library day meets Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! Head to the 2nd Floor Storytime Room & Art Studio (10:30–11:30 AM) for free Tulmeadow ice cream with toppings, including non-dairy options.

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.