Top March Madness Bars In Philadelphia
The first round of the NCAA Basketball Championship begins on March 18, and the final championship game takes place on April 7. This is the time of year when your grandmother always beats you in the family pool or you walk away with your co-workers' money. Since you've worked so hard on trying to create the perfect bracket, why spend even more time finding the perfect bar to watch the games? Look no further than this list when deciding where to head during March Madness.
Buffalo Billiards
118 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-7665
www.buffalobilliards.com
Buffalo Billiards, which is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday through Friday and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sundays, has 17 HD plasma TVs on which to watch the games. If you need to take a break from watching basketball, you can do so with any of the pool tables, shuffleboard tables, dartboards, skeeball, foosball or arcade games this Old City bar has. Buffalo Billiards is spacious, with two floors, two bars and numerous chairs and couches to lounge on. The menu consists of snacks and sandwiches and all drafts are only $3 during happy hour.
Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse
1823 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9500
www.cavsrittenhouse.com
Cavanaugh's is one of the premier spots in Rittenhouse to watch a game. During games, patrons can enjoy drink specials, including 16-ounce Miller Lite drafts for only $3.50. This bi-level bar has 20 HDTVs for your viewing pleasure and a great beer selection. The menu is made up of American fare (burgers, mac and cheese, chicken fingers and more) and some pretty awesome bar food. Don't forget to try the award-winning wings!
City Tap House
3925 Walnut St.
Philadephia, PA 19104
(215) 662-0105
www.citytaphouse.com
City Tap House is one of the best places to watch a game in West Philly (especially for a large group) and was even voted "Best Bar to Watch a Game" by Philly Bar Scene Magazine in both 2011 and 2012. It boasts a humongous craft beer list, with 60 beers on tap, and serves innovative American pub fare, like 'craftwiches' (its name for sandwiches), brick-oven pizzas, appetizers and large plates (steak, ribs, scallops). Need a break from the game? Head upstairs to enjoy the view on the rooftop terrace, complete with fire pits.
Related: Philadelphia's Top Sports Bars
Field House
1150 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 629-1520
www.fieldhousephilly.com
Field House is conveniently located near the PA Convention Center and above the Market East Train Station in Center City. This newly renovated two-story sports bar has state-of-the-art sound and more than 35 HDTVs in five distinct sound zones. Field House supports local breweries within a 100-mile radius and has 40 local brews on tap. The menu was inspired by American pub food. Try any of the Philly favorites (cheesesteaks, slow-roasted pork) or one of Field House's many sandwiches, salads or pizzas.
Misconduct Tavern
1511 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-5797
www.misconduct-tavern.com
Misconduct has 10 HD flatscreen TVs strategically placed around the bar for optimal viewing of all sports games. This Center City sports bar has 12 rotating seasonal and local draft beers, plus more than 50 bottles of imported and craft beer. The kitchen prepares elevated pub food, such as avocado fries, house made hotdogs and mussels. If you're looking to catch an early afternoon game, this tavern even serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
