Although we invariably change over to the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet more often than we should probably admit (kitten half-time shows and baby hedgehog cheerleaders…c’mon!) for most red-blooded Americans, the Super Bowl is, by far, the most important televised event of the year. But it’s not the same to watch it at home on your aging plasma TV, surrounded by bottles of Michelob Ultra and football-shaped cheese logs — especially when you can take advantage of the viewing parties at some of the best sports bars in town.

Mugs is an unpretentious, Irish-style tavern that just happens to rock a kickass beer selection. Don’t bother getting fancier with the food than order of chicken wings or nachos, but you should definitely ditch the Bud and Coors Light in favor of Bear Republic Café Racer, Brooklyn There will be Black IPA, and cask-drawn Stone Smoked Chipotle Porter.

125 Bedford Ave, (718) 486-8232

This multi-level Greenpoint sports bar is a must for watching the big game, with 40 HDTV’s, 14 beers on tap, and People’s Choice Award-winning Raspberry BBQ wings (from The Best Wings in Brooklyn competition, 2011 and 2012). You can get them for a song during the all-day Sunday special — a bucket of Bud and 12 wings sell for $23.

37 Greenpoint Ave, (718) 349-0149

This boisterous Bay Ridge bar and grill is a favorite haunt for local fireman (a garage-style front door opens up onto a converted, vintage fire engine in the entranceway). The pub grub is infinately better than it needs to be (Irish nachos, 4-alarm chili, French Dip sandwiches and individual pan pizzas), and two giant screens plus 14 flat screen TV’s guarantee you won’t miss a single play.

7509 3rd Ave, (718) 238-0030

There’s no competing with this Park Slope bar (and fairly legitimate restaurant) when it comes to game day — there are more than 100 high def. screens dotting every conceivable surface. Settle in with sliders, skins and atomic wings (or short ribs, fried chicken and shrimp scampi), washed down with your choice of over 50 draft beers and bottles.

200 5th Ave, (718) 638-2925

This Texas-style sports bar offers over 40 HDTV’s, as well as smoky burgers and saucy ‘cue served from the outdoor grill on their sprawling deck (which boasts even more HDTV’s). There’s also an all you can eat and drink special on game day for $35pp (no top shelf, no shots), plus $2.00 jello shots and $4.00 cherry and jaegger bombs.

8703 5th Ave, (718) 833-5180

Although they’re currently serving a limited food and drink menu, we’re thrilled that the funky, laidback Ice House is back up and running after Hurricane Sandy. It’s the perfect place for the more casual sports watcher (the two TV’s are secondary to a sweet selection of board games), to kick back with a $5 beer and a shot, accompanied by a Cheesy Pete, a fantastic pulled pork sandwich, and an order of nubby sweet potato fries.

318 Van Brunt St, (718) 222-1865

Although they’re generally a futbol (and not football) bar, this Prospect Heights spot is perfect for picklebacks, Fuckit Baskets (6 cans for the price of 5), sloppy sandwiches, and 50-inch flat screens. They’re also celebrating a three-year anniversary right around game day, so it’s an excellent time to go help them celebrate (we’re sure they’ll be extra generous with the specials).

583 Vanderbilt Ave, (718) 857-5777

This Fort Greene sports bar is eagerly ringing in Super Bowl VLVII with tasty grub and drink specials all night long. They’ll also be raffling off a 32-inch flat screen during the game, so make sure to grab a ticket asap!

71 Lafayette Ave, (718) 797-7606

This Cobble Hill bar boasts a beer list over 25 pages long (850 bottles, 21 taps, 1 cask, and over 30 nationalities represented). They even suggest pairings for their ultra casual cuisine — try the Long Trail IPA from Vermont with the Old Bay Chicken Wings, the Belgian De Koninck with the jalapeno poppers, and NY’s own Ommegang Rare Vos Dark Ale with the veggie enchiladas.

160 Court St, (718) 625-2835

Mulholland’s
This genial Williamsburg sports bar may not boast the most screens (although it’s not too shabby with 12 oversized plasmas, plus an extra in the backyard), but it kills the competition when it comes to game day grub. Not only does Mulholland’s serve our favorite wings in the city (dry rubbed, with a squeeze of lime), they also have their own hot dog company, making the sausages a pretty safe order. Although that being said, it’s hard to turn down the other barroom fare, which includes baked potato eggrolls, fried pickles, and homemade glazed donuts.

312 Grand St, (718) 486-3473