Best Bars To Watch College Basketball In Minnesota
Sneaker's Sports Bar & Grill
207 W. 1st St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727-7494
www.facebook.com/sneakersduluth
Tucked away in the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth is Sneaker's, a sports-themed bar and grill. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the games on one of 27 flat screens that dot the bar. If you're a Minnesota sports team enthusiast, you'll feel right at home among Sneaker's walls, which are decorated with Timberwolves, Twins and other local team memorabilia. Park it at the bar or pull up a table with your best buds and catch all the action over a brew and one of Sneaker's monthly food specials. And if you should happen to consume too much over the excitement of the game, you can check yourself into the hotel and sleep it off.
Whistle Binkies On The Lake
247 Woodlake Drive S.E.
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 424-1227
www.whistlebinkiespub.com
Named for a Scottish term for a traveling musician who plays weddings or gatherings, Whistle Binkies is a much-loved sports bar and grill in Rochester, raved about by locals as a great place to catch a game. With a huge beer selection, a plethora of flat screens and tasty bar eats, it's hard to disagree. During summer months, there's spacious and scenic outdoor seating with views of the "lake," and even sand volleyball courts for patrons to get in on the action. Hungry? Tide yourself over with a bowl of free popcorn or order up one of Whistle Binkies special Melts Of The Week as you cheer on your favorite team. Whistle Binkies on the Lake is just one of two locations. Be sure to check out Whistle Binkies' other location at 3120 Wellner Drive Northeast.
Mac's Industrial Sports Bar
312 Central Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-3379
www.macsindustrial.com
Mac's is the quintessential sports bar, lined with flat screens dedicated to showcasing the latest sporting event. Mac's possesses a laid-back, neighborhood sports bar feel, which is elevated to the next level with its 27 beer offerings (which are primarily dedicated to local and national craft beers) and the huge food menu. Strike up a conversation with fellow patrons and place your prediction on who will advance during the tournament. Cheer on your favorite team and make Mac's your official tournament-watching headquarters. If you happen to be in attendance on a Saturday, don't miss out on Surly Saturdays for drink specials on this beloved local brew, and to snack on specialty beer-inspired dishes.
Huberts Sports Bar & Grill
600 1st Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 767-2960
www.hubertsmpls.com
Huberts is a downtown Minneapolis favorite, a great place to pre-game before going to a game or just to catch the game. Its TV-lined bar and jersey and sports memorabilia-clad walls make it an ideal place for the avid sports fan. Huberts is usually packed with enthusiastic sports fans during big games, making it a great place to catch the tournament. Known for its great happy hours and for having specials during games, an evening out won't empty your wallet. With several mainstream beers on tap, Huberts will keep your whistle whet all game long. Order up a burger and some wings when hunger pangs strike.
Legends Bar & Grill
825 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-8781
www.legendsbarandgrill.com
Boasting "big city excitement with a small town atmosphere," Legends has the quintessential collegiate atmosphere ideal for catching games with your buds over a brew. You can't go wrong with Legends' bar food offerings and nightly drink specials to wash it down. Grab your gang and head to Legends to cheer on your favorite contender. Do a victory dance on Friday and Saturday evenings when DJs spin the hottest mixes live.
A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
