Where to watch Super Bowl LII in Beijing

The best places to grab breakfast and watch the big game live next Monday

With an estimated 110 million people glued to their television screens and 14 billion USD consumer splurging, America's most popular sporting broadcast – the Super Bowl – is on the horizon. With sales of refrigerated dips, barbecue sauce and processed cheese at an all time high and ad revenue hitting 5 million USD for a 30 second slot, American Football's showpiece event is more or less a US national holiday. This year will be the 52nd edition and will be played between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots in Minneapolis at the US Bank Stadium.

If you're not from Stateside or never watched a game of American Football in your life, don't worry; Jay Ajayi, London-born Eagles star player, says he's still convincing family and friends back in Europe that it's a pretty big deal. The Super Bowl is also the most watched music event of the year, with Justin Timberlake leading this year's half time show. We're just hoping that the 10-time Grammy Award-winner won't cause as much controversy as his 2010 Super Bowl performance, when he notoriously ripped a panel from Janet Jackson's costume to reveal her breast on national television (leading to the coining of the term 'wardrobe malfunction'). This year will also see millennial idol Kris Wu, whose face occupies a large percentage of Beijing's billboards, become the first Chinese artist of all time to perform during the 10-day series.

For those in China, the game will kick off at 7.30am, allowing you to ease into the week with a big ol' fry up and some early morning cocktails. Here's where you can settle down and watch:

Beersmith Gastropub

For white-collar fans who aren't looking to cross town on a Monday morning, Hotel Jen's enormous Beersmith Gastropub can whip you up an American breakfast alongside tea, coffee and a home brew. No entrance fee. 7-10am.

Caravan

You heard right – only 30 people will be allocated a space at popular Moroccan joint Caravan. Tickets are priced at 300RMB and include an open bar and breakfast buffet. Visit their website for more information and to book a ticket – we hear there's not many left! 7am-onwards.

Home Plate BBQ (Sanlitun)

This year looks set to be a big one at Home Plate, a go-to spot for Sanlitun's carnivores. Tickets are priced at 275RMB (300RMB on the door), which includes an American buffet breakfast (we hear pancakes with bacon and maple syrup will feature), free-flow Budweiser, basic mixers and morning cocktails to get you going. If that's not an excuse to be drinking mimosa's on a Monday morning, we don't know what is. 6.30am-12.25pm.

Kerry Hotel

Every year the Kerry Beijing's Centro Bar screens the NFL on giant screens alongside a buffet breakfast, unlimited Budweiser and games where you could win NFL memorabilia. Tickets are on the higher end at 388RMB, and if you really want to make a party out of it (or need some space to commiserate alone afterwards), room deals are also available. 6.30-11.30am.

Pyro Pizza

For students out in Wudaokou who don't have the time, energy or budget to trek halfway across the city in the early hours, Pyro Pizza has you covered. We're yet to hear whether there will be any deals on food and drink, so if you're thinking of paying a visit, call and check the details in advance. 7.30am-onwards.

Plan B

Plan B has got all of those living down in Shuangjing covered; and with few other screenings in the neighbourhood, they're hoping to become everyone's Plan A. With four large screens, a cooked breakfast, and free-flow Tiger beer and selected cocktails (till the end of the game), it sounds like a deal. Tickets are 200RMB, and with limited space available it's recommended to book early. 7am-onwards.

Paddy O'Shea's

Beijing's premier Irish bar will be opening its doors from the oh-so-early hours of 6am for those who are keen to secure a spot. With its central location and loyal fans, we're sure this place will get busy. Food and drink will be available, no need to make a reservation. 6am-onwards.

Q Mex

If six screens and a giant projector don't leave you in fear of sensory overload, head down to Q Mex to watch the game. Featuring American and Mexican breakfasts and Happy Hour deals, you can tank up before heading back to the daily grind. No entrance fee. 7am-onwards.

Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub

Slow Boat's flagship Sanlitun brewpub will be opening up its doors at 7am, welcoming guests to watch the game on its third floor, which is kitted out with three large flatscreens. They are also preparing an open breakfast buffet featuring scrambled eggs, home fries, sausages, toast, pancakes and a soft drink/draught beer (150RMB), with the option to add free-flow draught beer for an extra 150RMB. Spots are limited, register through Yoopay to reserve. 7.30am. 

The Local

A solid venue for watching sport in Beijing, The Local will be offering punters a seat, breakfast sandwich or wrap and a drink for 100RMB (150RMB on the door). With its central location and loyal following, we expect this place to sell out quickly; just head into the bar to purchase a ticket. 7am-1pm.

Online

Tencent Sports, NFL China, LeSports and PPTV will all be streaming the game live; the only moves you'll need to make are to the fridge and back. Alternatively, stream sneakily in the background at work.

For full venue details, hit 'Read more'.

More from Time Out Beijing