Win your Super Bowl party with takeout from one of these St. Louis restaurants

Everyone knows that the real MVP of any sports game is the food. Whether it's for a mid-season match or the Super Bowl, it’s always the big game when it comes to snacks. And though your Super Bowl party will probably look a bit different this year, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go 100 on your snack game. Luckily, there are plenty of spots in town where you can grab some killer carryout and avoid fumbling the ball. Whether you want to tell your friends you made the snacks yourself is up to you – we won’t say anything. 

Knowing that the teams playing in this year’s Super Bowl are from Kansas City and Tampa Bay, Florida, our first thought was “barbecue vs. seafood.” (Maybe we’ve watched too much Top Chef during the pandemic.) In any case, here are some carryout options that will help you complete the pass.

Barbecue

Salt + Smoke is running a Super Bowl special that includes 10 wings, 10 ribs and 10 toasted ravioli for $30. Pre-order a few of these bad boys and you’re in the game. Or just keep it classic with their dry rub smoked wings, fried pickles and a Bestie Combo (or two), which includes up to four proteins – pulled pork, brisket, St. Louis-cut ribs, et cetera – and two sides. various locations, 314.727.0200, saltandsmokebbq.com 

Though Bogart’s Smokehouse is temporarily closed, you can order some of their dishes from online vendor Market Wagon, like ribs, pit baked beans, meat rub and a number of barbecue sauces. If it’s wings you desire, score points by checking out sister restaurant Pappy’s Smokehouse and pre-order some for $10.95 per pound or 5 pounds for $50. Bogart’s Smokehouse, 1627 S. 9th St., St. Louis, 314.621.3107, bogartssmokehouse.com; Pappy’s Smokehouse, multiple locations, pappyssmokehouse.com 

With The Stellar Hog’s new location open, West County ‘que fans are much closer to the restaurant’s lauded ribs, smoked turkey, brisket, pulled pork and more. And with sides like brisket chili, red pepper slaw and creamy cabbage, this is a guaranteed field goal. 40 Clarkson Wilson Center, 636.778.9204, Chesterfield, thestellarhog.com

 Five Aces Barbecue is always a great option. Choose from ribs, smoked wings or rib tips, or just order a huge tray of pulled pork sandwiches. Add on some coleslaw, fries and baked beans and you will be in the end zone. 4000 Shaw Blvd., 314.771.4001, St. Louis, fiveacesbbq.com 

Seafood

Assuming you have a humongous kitchen counter or table, The Mad Crab’s create-your-own boil bags are an awesome choice. Pick between Dungeness crab, king crab legs, snow crab legs or lobster tail, and then add on components like corn on the cob, potatoes, pork sausage and more. Definitely make it spicy. Pick up a couple conversion points by adding some crawfish for an appetizer. multiple locations, themadcrabstl.com

Delmar chicken and fish spot Too Much Sauce will have your game day covered, from Super Bowl wing (and more) specials to their excellent fried catfish and shrimp, which you should order as much of as possible. Make sure to get a strong team of sauces, as well as some fries and fried green beans. And some nachos for good measure. And maybe some napkins, to avoid any unsportsmanlike conduct. 5249 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.448.6260, facebook.com/toomuchsaucestl 

You can’t go wrong with Peacemaker Lobster and Crab Co.’s peel-and-eat shrimp, but your squad really needs a few boil kits. Choose between lobster and shrimp; they come with potatoes, andouille sausage, homemade biscuits and more. Score the extra point by adding a few orders of hush puppies. 1831 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314.772.8858, peacemakerlobstercrab.com 

Perhaps your Super Bowl party is aiming to be a bit more upscale. That’s just fine, it’s OK to call an audible sometimes. Luckily for you, Bait is doing carryout. Find everything from crab cakes, scallops and lobster fries to Chilean sea bass, alligator tacos and seafood chowder. 4239 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314.405.2797, baitstl.com