Top Bars To Watch College Basketball In Philadelphia

In 1939, the expression "March Madness" was coined to describe the Illinois State High School basketball tournament. Eventually, the term came to be used for the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) series of tournaments that lead up to the final four games to determine the winner of the Men's NCAA Basketball Championship. It's a tradition for many college hoops fans to watch the action at their favorite watering hole, and Philadelphia is well known for bars that celebrate the madness.

McFadden's Ballpark
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 952-0300
www.mcfaddensballpark.com

McFadden's Ballpark is known as the place to be for the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers and NCAA games. It specializes in hosting pre-game parties and game-watching events. McFadden's is available to host various group events as well and offers a full menu that includes appetizers such as chicken fingers, buffalo wings, fried mozzarella sticks and more. This is the perfect place to indulge in bar food while watching your favorite collegiate team.

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City Tap House
3925 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 662-0105
www.citytaphouse.com

Well-known for its 60-tap draft list, City Tap House also draws in foodies with its menu, designed by Chef Ralph Kane. For starters, choose from pastrami burger sliders, the chef's seasonal soup of the day, chickpea fritters, Serrano garlic shrimp and more. Or, try some brick-oven pizza or the pulpo (octopus) flatbread. The salad options include Angus steak, salmon, scallops, garlic shrimp and others. And the bar's signature burgers, called "craftwiches," are legendary - the Tap Burger, Lamb Burger, Avenue Hoagie and others are all delicious. A daily supper menu is also featured. Whatever you decide to eat, pair it with an ice-cold beer at City Tap House.

Tony Luke's Beef & Beer Sports Bar
26 E. Oregon Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 551-5725
www.tonylukes.com

Located across the street from Tony Luke's original location, Tony Luke's Beef & Beer Sports Bar is the place to be. Eat a Philly cheesesteak, have a drink and root for your favorite NCAA team at this nationally recognized restaurant. The restaurant's owner, Tony Luke Jr., is also an actor, musician and entertainer. While it may be famous for cheesesteaks, Tony Luke's is also at the top of the list when it comes to other sandwiches and french fries.

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Field House Sports & Beer Hall
Philadelphia Convention Center
1150 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 629-1520
www.fieldhousephilly.com

The Field House Sports & Beer Hall, which was renovated recently, offers moderately priced American classic pub eats. Well-known to visitors of the Philadelphia Convention Center, it is a prime location to view any sporting event. In addition to its new face, new floors, new walls, new lighting and new bathrooms, the venue also added two additional sound zones, providing the bar with five different ones. The Field House's menu includes favorites like mozzarella sticks and Buffalo wings for appetizers. Lunch and dinner offerings include cheesesteak dumplings, double-smoked bacon popcorn, the Field House cheesesteak, slow-roasted pork and many more sandwiches, entrees and salads. There's also a beer menu featuring 40 different brews from within a 100-mile radius. The bar also sponsors various "sports" leagues, including baggo, bocce tournaments and pong.

Misconduct Tavern
1511 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-5797
www.misconduct-tavern.com

Open daily, Misconduct Tavern offers happy hour Monday through Friday between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. featuring all draft beer and house wines for $4 and house cocktails at half price. With 10 HD flatscreen TVs, it is the perfect place to indulge in a drink and meal while enjoying the college basketball tournament. The tavern features 12 draft beers, a number of craft beers and a 50-plus bottle beer list. The menu includes brunch items such as duck hash served with a fried egg, citrus-cured salmon sliders, huevos rancheros and others.

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