Goal posts

Super Bowl Sunday has evolved into a pseudo-national holiday, even though the football game it's centered on generates little more than passing interest for most. Of course, missing the game will at minimum leave you out in the cold for Monday’s water-cooler commercial recap, so watching is more or less mandatory. Here then are Decider’s suggestions for places to enjoy the festivities, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Jordan’s Big 10 Pub
Jordan’s is unabashedly Badgers-first, and for sure a sports bar, but it doesn’t really feel like it. It’s cozy and full of little nooks, so conversations held at a normal volume are more than doable.
TV situation: Nothing too huge, but the interior’s peppered with tubes, so there’s always one in sight. For those with bad eyes, some booths even have individual mini-TVs.
Binge on: One of the 12 burger varieties, or the half-assedly healthy BLT salad.
For: Those who wish it were possible for the Badgers to play in the Super Bowl.

Wilson’s Bar
When a game’s on at Wilson’s, be prepared to pay attention—the regulars are rabid. Plus, the TVs are cranked so loud it’ll be hard to do much of anything but submit to all things pigskin-related.
TV situation: More than you could ever imagine, or need. To wit: There are individual TVs above each urinal in the men’s room.
Binge on: The Sunday special of Alaskan king crab legs.
For: Those who want a sports bar melded with the friendly neighborhood vibe of the isthmus.

Laurel Tavern
Sports are definitely top-of-mind at the Laurel, but the small capacity and family-restaurant feel of the sit-down dining area balances out the whoops and yelps from the bar.
TV situation: The crystal-clear flat-screens that hang above the bar are excellent for those lucky enough to snag a seat up front.
Binge on: Experimental appetizers like fried green beans and “pretzarella sticks” (mozzarella cheese sticks dipped in crumbled pretzels, and of course, fried).
For: Those who don’t like particularly big crowds.

Old Town Pub
Old Town Pub is besieged by big-name, far-West-Side chains, so it provides a welcome local oasis of beer, darts, and video slot machines.
TV situation: Nothing that’ll blow your HD mind, but plenty to get the job done.
Binge on: The nachos. Old Town Pub loads them up with chili. Yes, chili.
For: Those who figure they might as well check in on the game after spending the afternoon at the mall.

Quaker Steak And Lube
Are you ready for some football? How about full-sized motorcycles and snowmobiles hanging from the ceiling? The soothing sounds of revving Harleys? The Lube has all of this, plus a racing-themed menu.
TV situation: First-rate. They’re big and omnipresent.
Binge on: Wings. Choose anything and everything from wimpy honey-mustard to badass “atomic” sauce.
For: Those who want a massive motor oil-themed sports bar with testosterone wafting at nostril-singeing levels.