Go big with Super Bowl-worthy snacks

When it comes to Super Bowl menus, restaurants that deviate from the wings-and-pizza formula are more likely to stand out. Some operators are choosing to look outside the pizza box and deliver unique game-day dishes that just might attract more than your average jersey-clad beer guzzler.

Brennan’s of Houston, for example, plans to wow guests with an upscale take on classic football fare. Executive chef Danny Trace offers Blue Crab and Caviar Nachos with Fire Roasted Corn, St. Andre Queso, Alligator Pear (avocado), Mirliton Pico de Gallo and Lime Crema, crowned with an ounce of Petrossian caviar. The nachos weigh in at $100 per serving.

Brennan’s will also prepare a Borracho Lamb Chili (St. Arnold's beer stewed with crispy chips, cheddar, green onions and sour cream); Absinthe Mac & Cheese (creamed spinach and noodles splashed with Absinthe and oyster liquor); and Jimmy's Shrimp Corndogs (pickled okra, Crystal hot sauce and Leblanc's five-pepper jelly).

Other notable Super Bowl snacks from around the country:

• Wild Boar Chop (sweet potato gratin, shaved marble brussels, maple mustard demi)—Anthony David's; Hoboken, NJ

• The Bear (hotdog topped with Cracker Jack kernels) and The Chicago (hotdog wrapped in Indian naan bread)—Short Leash Sit … Stay; Phoenix

• Guacamole Tartar (avocado, goat cheese, edamame, black sesame seeds, toasted corn chips)—Communal Oven & Earth, NYC

• Short Rib Nachos (crema hondurena, white beans, cheddar, guacamole)—La Bodega 47, NYC

• Drunken Bean Dip (goat cheese, tomato, chorizo, grilled flatbread) – Bell Book & Candle, NYC

• Tacos Enchapulinados (chapulin crusted shrimp, habanero garlic aioli, cabbage slaw)—The Black Ant, NYC

• Camaron Tacos (sautéed shrimp with zucchini, red onion, guajillo, red cabbage, chipotle aioli)—Cafe Frida, NYC

• Shrimp Cheesesteak Tacos (shrimp, onion, chipotle aioli, chihuahua cheese, cabbage slaw)—Orale, Jersey City, NJ