Like many of my fellow college students living in Isla Vista, utility payments become a sense of necessity. Sure, I pay for high-speed Wi-Fi, electricity and of course Spotify Premium, but cable is not something I’m willing to cough up the big bucks for. Going home to Mom and Dad’s usually results in me binge-watching garbage TV that I can’t stream, live action news or, if you’re like my family, sports. So with the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, Feb. 2, and me having no time or money to head home for the big game, I have to figure out the places I can go to get a decent meal and a flat-screen TV.
So if you happen to be in the same boat as me, aimlessly looking for the perfect parlor or swanky sports bar to park your caboose in, then this article is something you’re going to want to read.

Pei Chiao Lin / Daily Nexus

Comfort is close to home, so if you’re planning on staying in Isla Vista for the big game, then you have a few options.
The first place that you’ll likely want to check out is Woodstock’s Pizza. They have several high-def TVs strategically located around the restaurant, and for those just trying to enjoy the crowds, they have outdoor patio seating. On Sunday they will be providing their All-You-Can-Eat slices for $8.95 a person and a mega party deal that includes three extra-large combo pizzas and two 18-count wing party packs for $100 even. Be sure to get there early, though, because even on a regular football night it can get pretty packed.

Sam’s To Go will also be hosting the game, and the owner suggested that nothing is set in stone, but they may be offering select beers for 99 cents. Either way, the restaurant has great, filling sandwiches and plenty of outdoor communal seating.

Dublin’s and Pizza My Heart will also be broadcasting the games and offering their standard happy hour drink pricing. Dublin’s is offering $5 well drinks and $9 pitchers of Rolling Rock and Bud Light, while PMH will have their $3.50 jars of Long Hammer.

Venture out a bit further into the wild world of Goleta and you’ll find yourself some proper sports bars and breweries that are the perfect post-up spots. M. Special is broadcasting the game and offering $1 off pints during the game.

High Sierra Bar and Grill will be hosting its standard NFL happy hour menu with premium quality appetizers and down-n-dirty grub ranging from $3 to $8 an order. Domestic beer is $5 for a 22 oz. or $13 for a pitcher. Import is $6 for 22 oz. or $18 for a pitcher. Well drinks, margaritas, house wines and shots are all $5.

Specialty cocktails, premium shots and select shooters are priced at $6.
However, if you’re looking for fun for a group of sports-fanatics to Super Bowl snackers alike, then Zodo’s is where it is happening. Their crazy Super Bowl party kicks off at 2 p.m. and offers $3 everything. Bowling games, shoe rentals and 50 arcade tokens are all $3 each per person. Food deals include hot dogs, pizza and tater tots all for $3 each. Libations can either be consumed as Bud Light pints or Modelo bottles for, you guessed it, $3!

You’re likely to find many sports bars along State Street and sporadically around the Funk Zone hosting the game. Most of these places are first come first serve and offer their standard menus, but if you’re looking for more of a VIP experience, then for $50 you can gain access to the Baja Sharkeez Super Bowl party and open bar. Tickets must be purchased online but include cover charge and bar.