The Roasting Company’s traditional chicken wings. Kristen Wile/UP

Super Bowl Sunday has become a beloved day-long celebration of sports and food. We cheer, we scream, we laugh, and we cry as our family and friends gather around a television and watch sports, expensive commercials, and an anticipated halftime show performance. Our attention might be locked on the television, but our subconscious is in for tailgate-style food and copious amounts of beverages. Super Bowl Sunday has become a day of eating.

Whether you are hosting a party or attending as a guest, Super Bowl parties can improve on the run-of-the-mill selections of frozen wings, crockpot queso, and college-price beers. Super Bowl food should remain quick, accessible, and finger-friendly.

Wings are a non-negotiable. They have to be there, so splurge a little and get them from your favorite joint. Dips are an obvious choice, but resist the urge to shop for commercial dips and redirect your attention to local purveyors. DIY food bars are fun, but have a few premium selections and then fill out the rest with traditional flare. Do not avoid dessert; there will always be at least one guest who has a sweet tooth and will only remember how you did not have anything chocolate. Finally, Charlotte is full of local breweries with a selection that can satisfy any preference. Mix some local brews among the domestic classics.

Try this Super Bowl Sunday menu:

DIY Sandwich Bar with chicken parmesan from Sal’s Pizza Factory and brisket from Sweet Lew’s BBQ with brioche buns from Verdant Bread. Sides including traditional and hot honey wings from The Roasting Company and pimento cheese and French onion dip from local purveyors at Rhino Market & Deli. For dessert, have a pre-Super Bowl Sunday activity at Sweet Spot Studio on Saturday and make a dessert platter of mini key lime pies, chocolate mousse cups, and brownie bites. To drink, the local beer selection is  Sycamore Countryside IPA and Southern Girl blonde ale.

Other one-stop shop places for your Super Bowl Sunday needs are Earl’s Grocery, Reid’s Fine Foods, and Lincoln’s Haberdashery.—Justin Burke-Samson