The Science of Game Day Guacamole
Before you head out to catch the big game, let's talk about that bowl of guacamole you're planning to bring. UCR researchers Mary Lu Arpaia and Eric Focht have the perfect game plan for superior guac.
Selection: Buy avocados green and ripen them at home to avoid bruising. Look for darker rinds that peel easily.
Technique: Go chunky – use a potato masher or do a coarse chop (Focht sometimes skips mashing entirely). Keep it simple with garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, salt and lime juice, adjusting ingredients based on your avocado's natural flavor.
Secret weapons: UCR Dining's senior cook Raul Hernandez Murillo adds fresh oregano, corn oil, and pickled jalapeño brine. His pro tip: let it rest 10 minutes to fully develop flavors.
Need more game day food inspiration? Check out last year's last-minute recipes for a winning spread.
Now here's where to catch the game around Riverside.
Bars & Restaurants
Route 30 Brewing Co. Super Bowl Watch Party
- 11620 Sterling Ave. Suite C
- 2:30-7 p.m.
- Free admission (reservations recommended)
- 142" screen with sound
- Craft beer, specialty pizzas, wings
- 3221 Iowa Ave.
- 30+ TVs (every table has a view)
- Food and drink specials
- Free vendor samples
- No cover charge, first come first served
- Free parking in lot + additional at Jack in the Box lot on Blaine
- 4088 Mission Inn Ave. (corner of Brockton & Mission Inn)
- Games start 12:30 p.m., open from 6 a.m.
- Outdoor bar with drink specials
- Seven TVs, music, games
- Authentic Mexican food ("fill up your tank!")
- 3737 Main St. #100
- "R&B Bowl Watch Party"
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Big screens with R&B soundtrack all day
Farm House Collective Tailgate & Watch Party
- 1393 University Ave.
- 11 a.m. start time
- VIP tickets available soon
- Check their Instagram for updates
American Legion Post 79 Watch Party
- 2979 Dexter Dr.
- Starts at 3:30 p.m.
- Food available for purchase
- Community atmosphere
Bowling & Games
- 7100 Arlington Ave., (951) 688-2695
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with live game streaming
- $12 per person: 1 hour bowling + shoes
- $18 per person: 2 hours bowling + shoes
- Reservations recommended
Take It Home
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery Super Bowl Party Packs
- 5225 Canyon Crest Dr. #9, (562) 896-5605
- Wings Combo: $65 - 50 double fried wings with fries (choice of flavor)
- Chicken Tenders: $75 - 25 hand battered jumbo tenders with fries
- Whole Smoked Brisket: $160 - 6-7 lbs, smoked low and slow, includes fixings
- Prime Whole Tri Tip: $85 - smoked then grilled, includes fixings
- Order ahead for pickup before kickoff
Zacatecas Cafe Super Bowl Party Platter
- 3767 Iowa Ave., (951) 683-3939
- $35 platter includes: 18 taquitos, 15 flautas, 12 chimichangas, salsa & guacamole
- Available starting Jan. 24 (order ahead - they go fast!)
- Open Tuesday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pro tip: Whether you're making UCR-perfected guac at home, grabbing a party platter from one of our featured spots or heading to your preferred viewing establishment, arriving early ensures the best seats and parking. Game time is 3:30 p.m., but most venues are opening early for pre-game festivities.
