Super Bowl parties have almost disappeared from the Pittsburgh area.

There is surely a correlation to if or how long our beloved Steelers are playing in January as to whether we start elaborate plans for the big day and the big game. This year we have the added obstacle of COVID-19 and all the restrictions that come with this type of get-together.

But we really do have a blessing in that most of our old favorite restaurants and finger-food options have survived the pandemic, the economic recession and natural selection of business failures.

However, at least one fell victim to a transfer of ownership that saw most of the favorites eliminated from the menu, including the basic food group for any party: chicken wings.

Well, they almost survived, but were reduced to “wingdings” (that’s a funny name for not the whole wing). But no one in western Pennsylvania really considers those wings.

Other items were doctored to suit the new owner, and they have lost favor with the public.

But the tried and true of Butler have other excellent choices for great Super Bowl feasts. There are still great wing options at the Monroe Hotel, The Beacon Hotel, The 11th Frame: no imposters there. You can get hoagies and meatball sandwiches from The Hoagie Shoppe or pizza from a wide variety of local establishments.

Soups? Some of the best soup options around include Natili’s, Cannella’s and Mama Rosa. Butler restaurants offer scrumptious chili and fried mushrooms. You can’t beat Monroe’s mushrooms. Anna Marie’s and Mac’s Café offer wonderful options, including wraps and hoagies.

While we may not have a dog in the fight Sunday, we have hots (pickle only) at the Brighton Hot Dog Shop, The Dog House in the Greater Butler Shopping Mart, and of course Burger Hut.

We may not have our favorite team in the game, but we can still host and celebrate (within the COVID-19 rules, mind you) like real champions.

Let’s support these great local merchants like we would our Steelers. Crank up the sound, and please wear your mask.

— RV