It’s that time of year again … March Madness! Hogs fans have a legitimate reason to be excited with the team’s #5 seed and a real shot to make a deep run in this year’s tournament. And while watching all of the games in the confines of your home is enjoyable, nothing is as exciting as watching basketball with other crazed fans. With that said, here are 12 Local Places to Watch the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament:
Vino’s – Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Truth be told, Vino’s is my absolute favorite place to watch the games. What’s not to love? Great food, beer, and plenty of TVs in the back room to enjoy the games.
Piro Brick Oven & Barroom – Hours of Operation: Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Park yourself at the beautiful bar and take in a game on one of the flat screens while knocking back a cold beer … and some pizza. Just remember, Piro is also a sit down restaurant, so don’t get too rowdy.
The Tavern Sports Grill – Hours of Operation: Open seven days a week 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (kitchen) As one would expect from a classic sports bar setting, you’ll find TVs everywhere. Another bonus is that The Tavern does nightly food and drinks specials.
Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill – Hours of Operation: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. One of downtown’s newest dining destinations boasts 32 beers and 20 wines on tap. Reports on the food have been overwhelmingly positive thus far.
Bunkers at the Greens at North Hill – Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. As you can see, Bunkers is open every day of the week and also has plenty of food and drink specials. And if you get tired of watching the games, you can always go play a round of golf.
Lost Forty Brewing – Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. I imagine the combination of flowing beer and communal seating makes Lost Forty a fantastic spot to watch some tournament basketball.
ZAZA – Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. That beautiful TV upstairs in the loft area makes for some good game watching, but maybe be respectful of not clogging up a table for too long.
Dugan’s Pub – Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Another great spot in the heart of downtown to watch the game. Drinks specials, trivia, food, and beer …Dugan’s has it all.
Another Round Pub – Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-11 a.m.-close; Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-close. Make sure to know your times, as Another Round doesn’t open to until 3 p.m. on certain days. *I’ve just been informed that Another Round is now open for lunch at 11 a.m. seven days a week.* That said, this place is a good option for WLRers.
Damgoode Pies River Market – Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The tourney seems like an ideal time to go check out Damgoode’s new digs over in the River Market.
Gusano’s – Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Deep dish pizza, beer, and basketball … doesn’t sound like a bad plan to me.
Bonus….
Your Own Home – Rather sit in your favorite chair in front of your own TV? Chef Shuttle is offering March Madness specials all day Thursday-Sunday from Mellow Mushroom and Chuy’s. You can even mix and match your wings and cheese dip. Regular delivery options also available.