If New York City bars had an actual month-long holiday, March Madness may be it. Think about it: non-stop action for three straight weeks, during which you’ll need to practically drown yourself in alcohol to numb the anxiety over your tournament bracket selections. Yeah, they’re practically giddy right now.
Still, in a city of tens of thousands of bars, narrowing down the odds for the ultimate watch spot can be tough. You don’t want to be the bricklayer of this situation. People don’t forget mistakes like that.
So what if we told you we could get you into the Elite 8 of college basketball bars in NYC without even breaking a sweat?
Seriously, go ahead and bet on us when it comes to any of these elite 8 spots.
1. The Royal (127 4th Avenue)
When it comes to any sports watching whatsoever, it’s really hard to top The Royal. First of all, the place is huge. Not to mention, it’s smack dab in the middle of Union Square, eliminating the “But there are no trains near there!” gripes that are common with group bar outings in NYC.
As far as March Madness, they class it up more than the average sports bar, complete with a DJ and bottle service should you feel so inclined.
This may be the best part, however: they have-- count ’em-- 45 flat screens. It’s literally impossible to miss any action here.
[anad]
2. Village Pourhouse (64 3rd Avenue - 982 Amsterdam Avenue)
We could go on and on about how Village Pourhouse is on standby when it comes to beer, sports, and especially mixing the two-- because it’s true. Its got the TVs (a respectable 20), the crowd (always rowdy), and the food (pretzel-crusted chicken tenders = YES).
What it also has is an all-you-can-eat buffet for drinking. Typically for March Madness, the bar rolls out an open bar and apps for a fixed price. So, I mean, whether your team gets knocked off or not… someone is ALWAYS scoring in there.
3. Josie Woods (11 Waverly Place)
If want a little “bohemian” with your March Madness insanity, Josie Woods is your spot. It’s retro-scene is achieved with wooden booths, pool tables, datrt boards, and classic rock-filled jukebox that you can control with your smartphone.
But don’t let the chill vibes fool you, it takes its sports seriously and will be streaming all the Madness on one of its many flat screens. Plus, their menu goes a well beyond the typical bar food, so prepare to park it here all day.
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4. Standings (43 East 7th Street)
Whoever said good things come in small packages must have been talking about Standings. In fact, maybe it was the owner, that would make sense.
Nonetheless, for sports fans, this spot is an absolute must. Aside from slinging dozens of craft brews in giant Oktoberfest-like steins, the cozy bar is plastered with pennants from the regulars’ alma maters, jerseys, and chalkboards listing the sports standings (we can neither confirm nor deny this is where the name comes from.)
They also have free pizza on Fridays. In other words, this is basically the ultimate man-cave.
,5. Public House (140 East 41st Street)
Take it to the house! Sorry we had to, it was right there. Hilarious puns aside, this is a place worth taking yourself to, and not just because it’s definitely bigger than most houses.
They’ve got comfy chairs throughout, a higher-end menu (crab cakes!), cocktails (a crazy strong lemonade!), and upwards of 25+ brews. They’re not messing around with the March Madness specials, either. This year, they are dishing out unlimited wings plus Bud & Bud Lights for $40.
Got a big group? They’ve got a private dining room that can be specially rented out. Again, it’s definitely bigger than most other bars in NYC alone.
[anad]
6. Red Star (37 Greenpoint Avenue - Brooklyn)
Where Brooklyn at? Red Star, that’s where. Understandably so, since the bi-level establishment is a whopping 6,000 square feet, also known as the size of the apartment you’ll never have. It was converted from an old warehouse, and keeps that vibe alive via old window frames and tin walls.
Aside from food (don’t miss $1 Taco Tuesdays!) and the bar’s own signature lagers, sports is at the forefront here, with a dozen 42-inch flat screens streaming the action. All of which you'll likely miss if you partake in their famous 128-ounce beer tower.
We’ll pray for you.
7. Blondies Sports (212 West 79th Street)
Who knew the Upper West Side was housing one of the best sports bars in the city? Well, we did, that’s why it's on this list. C’mon!
This spot channels the college days so accurately you’ll borderline think you’re at a parking lot tailgate, minus the parking lot because there's 60 more TVs. Yes, we said 60. Ladies and gentleman, we have a winner for most TVs. Watch out, Best Buy.
Also don’t you dare go here and NOT get the buffalo wings. This isn’t a Buffalo-centric bar for nothing.
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8. The Ainsworth (122 West 26th Street - 111 East 18th Street)
Chelsea isn’t typically synonymous with sports bars. Enter the Ainsworth: an upscale spot boxing out (see what we did there?) the competition by adding a little swank to the typical March Madness scene.
This doesn't mean they're not stocked with flat screens-- and a giant projection screen-- but it does mean this is where you go if you’re looking to swap out your early 20-somethings with the late 20-somethings (or dare we say, early 30-somethings).
Let's put it to you this way: they serve duck spring rolls and no one even considers swinging from one of the bar’s many chandeliers. (Editor's note: there's also a second location not too far away off Park Avenue, just as spacious, and oftentimes not as packed.)
Feature article image courtesy of Ainsworth Park NYC.