NEW YORK — For many people in this city, the real Super Bowl hasn’t happened yet. It’s about to go down this Sunday night at the 85th Annual Academy Awards, with the broadcast set to start at 8:30 p.m. on ABC, and red carpet pre-show starting at 4:30 p.m.
Given that the ceremony is considered one of the biggest entertainment events of the year, it’s only fitting that bars and restaurants in the five boroughs are honoring the occasion in styles as diverse as the nine Best Picture nominees.
Here's a look at some of the top Oscar parties in the city:
Go Old Hollywood
KTCHN — inside the “straight-friendly hotel” The Out at 508 W 42nd St. — builds on the 1920s revival boomlet by offering a special prix fixe menu modeled after the meal served at the first Oscars celebration at the Roosevelt Hotel in 1929. But before that, enjoy their cocktail hour at 7 p.m. where you can watch the red carpet arrivals while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne cocktail specials. Reservations are recommended. Book them at www.ktchnnyc.com.
Go Grassroots
Like a little activism with your celebrity adoration? Girls Write Now, a non-profit devoted to mentoring and empowering girls, will be throwing an Oscar viewing party at PJ Hanley’s at 449 Court St. in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. For $25 in advance or $30 day of, enjoy the grandeur of the red carpet starting at 7 p.m. with light food and one complimentary drink. Raffle prizes will also be awarded.
Go Guffaw
If there was ever a celebration deserving of mockery, it is this self-aggrandizing occasion. Comedians Dave Hill and Jena Friedman of the micro-blogging comedy site Witstream.com will host The Bell House’s Oscar Party at 149 7th St. in Brooklyn. Starting at 7 p.m. the free event will be accompanied by drink specials like the “Abraham Drinkin,” “Les Fizz” and “Cecil B. DeMiller Time.”
Go to the Movies
The short films highlighted at the Oscars are likely the least-viewed works at the fete, but you can educate yourself with Nitehawk Cinema’s week-long series of screenings of the animated and live action short films that are nominated this year. Nitehawk’s Oscars Party is already sold out, but you’ve got until Thursday, Feb. 28 to enjoy these mini movies before they’re gone.
Go Vintage
Wine vintage, that is. Brooklyn Winery, at 213 N. 8th St. in Brooklyn, will bring an air of sophistication to the proceedings with a viewing party in their atrium, complete with Oscar-themed sparkling cocktail specials and ballots available so that you may keep track of how many winners you’ve selected.
Go Big
Humphrey in the Eventi Hotel at 851 6th Ave. will employ a massive 16-by-30-foot screen to show the red carpet and Academy Awards programs. Join the restaurant’s Oscar pool by submitting your ballot by 4 p.m. on Sunday and enjoy one of the drink specials, like the $3 beers and $6 Oscar-themed cocktails.
Go Home
Astoria’s beloved Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden at 29-19 24th Ave. will be offering several dinner-for-two specials during their Oscars viewing party. Paired with either a bottle of champagne or a pitcher of Pilsner Urquell, the two-portion entrees of steak, trout, pork or chicken Schnitzel ($40-$55) come with homemade crepes for dessert.
