Sure, you could just watch March Madness in your living room...
But your living room probably doesn't have drink deals, bar food, and rowdy company. You know what places DO have those deals? The bars below, of course.
We made a little round-up of the best places in Austin to experience March Madness this year. Criteria for greatness include comprehensive beer offerings, plenty o' screens for watching the games, snacks to sate your munchies, and ineffably good bar vibes.
Contributed by Matthew Carlin
____________________________________
Photo via facebook
Various Locations
Bouldin Acres has something for everyone - multiple screens, taps, a pickleball court, dog-friendly patio, and craft cocktails. Home to BBQ food truck CM Smokehouse, this is the perfect place to enjoy a day in the sun while sipping on an ice cold beer and devouring a brisket crunchwrap.
_____________________________________
Photo via @Ninebandedwhiskey
2310 Manor Rd
Though they offer an extensive menu—which includes sandwiches, burgers, and their pride and joy, poutine (aka french fries topped with gravy and melting cheese curds)—Haymaker is the brainchild of the people behind Black Sheep Lodge, and thus, we can’t help but characterize them as a bar. But a bar with really, really good food (not unlike BSL). Stop by to watch sports or to play pool. Talk and hang out, either outdoors or in. Enjoy a Karbach or four.
_____________________________________
Photo via facebook
2700 W. Anderson Ln. Ste #202
2800 N-IH 35, Ste 200
A true crowd-pleaser, Cover 3 is just as much about the food as it is about the sports. It's won numerous accolades for both its ambiance and menu, and it's even been listed as one of the top 10 sports bars in the country.
_____________________________________
Photo via instagram
10106 Menchaca Rd
A South Austin staple. Combining plenty of outdoor space, a dog-friendly patio, live music, food trucks, and a large screen for the game, Armadillo Den checks all the boxes for a perfect day of hoops, beer, and tunes. Take a rideshare to get there and they’ll take 10% off your tab. Now that’s a deal!
_____________________________________
photo via instagram
2108 S Lamar Blvd
Black Sheep Lodge has everything you could need in an eating and drinking establishment: a dog-friendly patio, tons of TVs, shuffleboard, darts, pool, the “Best Burger in South Austin,” and Wi-Fi for all your March Madness needs.
_____________________________________
photo via instagram
613 W 6th St
With several beers on tap (hence the name) and a giant LED screen. The Rustic Tap is a great spot for you to bust your bracket but not your wallet. This West Sixth staple has plenty of screens and quality cocktails to enjoy while you cheer on your favorite team.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
214 East 6th Street
Burgers! Beers! Games! Oh My! What more could you want? How about TVs the entire length of the bar? Say Less. With a menu including wings, sandwiches, wraps, and all of your favorite bar food. Watch the madness on Dirty.
________________________________
Photo via facebook
1901 S Lamar Blvd
Corner Bar is your neighborhood hangout with a laid-back patio that wraps around the building. You'll never miss a second of the action with TVs on the patio and behind the bar. Corner Bar is also home to one of the best Thai food trucks in Austin, Kindii.
________________________________
Photo via lavaca st. bar
Various Locations
Last but not least, Lavaca Street Bar needs to be on your March Madness radar. They've got just about as many taps as TVs, (24 and 23 respectively, just in case you were wondering,) and most importantly, gameday bucket deals.
____________________________________
MORE GREAT BARS TO WATCH MARCH MADNESS:
317 E 6th St
907 W 24th St
2911 San Jacinto Blvd
Various Locations
Did we miss something? Shoot us an email at
