Most of us in Baltimore were proud of our Ravens for making it as far as they did this year, but let’s not be deflated about not being in the big game this Sunday (see what we did there?). That said, we’re obviously going to still honor the nation’s unrecognized national holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, and why not do it with some seriously good brews and food around Charm City? Here are some spots to head for a “low pressure” environment (yes, we did it again).

Venice Tavern
Looking for a cozy local place to settle in and watch the game like you’re at home? This is it. This Highlandtown basement bar serves up tons of damn good craft beers at only $3 a pop, and since it’s a local haunt, you can expect to likely get a bar stool (or at least a comfy standing spot) where you can easily watch. (339 S Conkling St.; 410-732-3045)

Smokehouse BBQ
With 55 or more craft beers on tap, several large televisions and plenty of bar and high top seating, Smokehouse BBQ (previously JD’s Smokehouse) is an ideal spot to watch the game. And, while the Smoking Swine has done a hell of a job with their pop up here in recent months, this week Chef Jesse Sandlin (of Top Chef contestant fame and known for her killer food at Abacrombie and Oliver Speck’s) takes the helm in the kitchen, so expect some pretty epic smoked meats and sides to nosh on while throwing back those brews. (3000 O’Donnell St.; 410-675-4029)

Kisling’s Tavern
With wings so good their website is actually www.baltimoresbestwings.com, how could we not add Kisling’s to the lineup? We spent a good part of the summer watching World Cup matches here, and have sipped away many a Sunday watching football at this corner mainstay as well. There are plenty of behind-the-bar televisions, an elevated corner television for those in the booths to enjoy and an upstairs area as well. (2100 Fleet St.; 410-327-5477)

Miguel’s Cocina
This Silo Point Mexican-inspired restaurant runs top notch specials all season, so we expect nothing less for Super Bowl Sunday in this spirited spot. We’re big fans of the nachos or chicken wings with a pitcher special. If your pitcher choice is beer, it’s $20 for the combination and only $5 more if your pitcher is margaritas. Yum. (1700 Beason St.; 443-438-3139)

La Scala Ristorante
Watch the Super Bowl in Little Italy? What? Yes. We watched the Ravens win the Super Bowl here a few years ago and it was one of the best parties in town. For $25 dollars, reserve your seat in their private room upstairs with other fans cheering on their team (or A team, obviously most would be cheering the Ravens if they could) on the enormous projection television. What else does that $25 get you? Access to the buffet including unlimited wings, sausage and peppers, meatballs and penne vodka. For drinks, there are plenty of local and Italian selections (Peroni, anyone?) and if your spirits are as deflated as the Patriots’ balls, their Espresso Martini is will get you two buzzes in one drink. (1012 Eastern Ave.; 410-783-9209)

Hard Rock Cafe
This Inner Harbor spot is making a week out of the Super Bowl, with specials starting on Monday, January 26 and lasting through February 1. Food specials just for the week include new menu items like the Triple Threat Sliders including a Macaroni and Cheese Burger (topped with macaroni & cheese on a Bavarian pretzel roll), a Double Pork Burger (burger glazed with sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, hand pulled pork, smoked bacon, aged cheddar and Monterrey jack cheese on a Bavarian pretzel roll), and a Tangy Buffalo Burger (beef burger topped with tangy buffalo wing sauce, blue cheese and Monterey jack cheese on a Bavarian pretzel roll), The Chili Frito Bowl which includes three bean chili topped with cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, crispy Fritos and Pico de Gallo sour cream and the Loaded Hard Rock Fries, topped with three bean chili and mixed cheeses. Sunday will also feature an all day happy hour, and who doesn’t love that? (601 E Pratt St.; 410-347-7625)

BoatHouse Canton
With a brunch menu that lasts till 5 PM, you can get here early and enjoy some customized bloody marys and benedicts to die for, or you can indulge the rest of the night with their regular menu with wings or the biggest bowl of nachos you’ve ever laid eyes on. The bar seating is pretty expansive, but just like most of their seats have waterfront seating, the majority of seats are also within a short distance of a few televisions, so there is plenty of space for football fans to enjoy the game without the crowding. (2809 Boston St.; 410-773-9795)

Max’s Taphouse
This one is a no-brainer for local beer and sports lovers. Hundreds of beers on tap, standard bar noshes and it’s in the heart of Fell’s Point. You won’t be hard-pressed to find someone else happy to yell expletives at Tom Brady with you at this spot. (737 S Broadway; 410-675-6297)

City Limits
If you’re in Locust Point, you know this is the place to catch the local games. They’re sure to have specials, and with 19 HDTVs and a projection screen, it’s nearly impossible to find a spot where you can’t see the game. Added bonus: these guys have some pretty amazing wings. (1700 E Fort Ave.; 410-244-8084)

Photo via Flickr