March Madness leaves no one out. Rabid basketball fans get to devour extra games. Gambling types get to indulge their habit. Even the designer-clad sorority types at brunch this weekend are literally watching their brackets at all times.
If you’re somehow totally out of the loop, the NCAA brings the tail end of its tournament this weekend to Dallas, where the Final Four teams face off in games to be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday. Then comes to the national championship game on Monday night.
Even if you’re not among the lucky few who scored tickets, there are still ample opportunities to get in on the action. Superfans should check out Bracket Town, a meet-up for anyone bitten by the March Madness bug. And even if you couldn’t care less about the sport, there’s a free music festival for you, Friday through Sunday. If you’re only interested in the proceedings for bragging rights in your office tournament and as an excuse for the few extra drinks you’re allowing yourself this week, here’s where you should watch your teams:
The watering hole: Henderson Tap House
What’s happening: The new bar with big garage doors is tailored for sports aficionados (TVs everywhere), beer lovers (two bars, 24 draft brews), pizza eaters (the wood-fired kind), and readers (there’s a library).
The watering hole: Katy Trail Ice House
What’s happening: This is always a go-to game spot. Though we can’t get enough of the patio, this time we’d choose to be inside surrounded by TVs, a bar with 50 beers on tap, and burgers.
The watering hole: Lakewood’s 1st and 10
What’s happening: Wisconsin Badgers fans are making this their home base on Saturday, but everyone’s welcome. Cold beer and TV screens abound.
The watering hole: Knox Street Bar and Grill
What’s happening: The pub opens early on game days and serves $14 buckets of domestic beers throughout March Madness.
The watering hole: Primebar
What’s happening: Take comfort in knowing the food you’ll eventually order while buzzed will be better than boring nachos and greasy fries. Also, beer buckets of Michelob Ultra and Bud Light are $15.
The watering hole: Christies Sports Bar
What’s happening: When we’re feeling low-key, we hit up Christies. Amid the McKinney Avenue madness is this old standby with plenty of TVs, our go-to beer choices, and maybe a few specialty shots, like the Honey Badger with whiskey and root beer.
The watering hole: The Nodding Donkey
What’s happening: Should the weather allow, you’ll get a riled-up crowd that makes rooting for your team more exciting, plus fresh air with the bars’ walls open to the Uptown neighborhood.
The watering hole: The MAT
What’s happening: The only special is Blue Moon’s seasonal variety on tap for $2, but no matter. With inexpensive beers and bar food already on the menu, we’re there for the games and guaranteed people watching.
Research by Lane Watkins.
