This blog post is all about where to watch March Madness in New York City.
March Madness is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, featuring 68 teams battling it out in a high-stakes, single-elimination tournament.
It’s three weeks of intense basketball, buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and also championship glory. With games happening throughout the day, finding the right sports bar is so crucial to getting the best March Madness experience.
Whether you’re looking for a rowdy sports atmosphere, a laid-back pub with craft beer, or a massive screen-packed venue, New York City has no shortage of places to watch.
This blog covers everything you need to know about March Madness 2026, including the schedule, top teams to watch, and also the 21 best bars across NYC to catch the games.
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So if you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
This blog post is all about the best places to watch March Madness in New York.
March Madness 2026: Key Information
March Madness is the annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, featuring 68 teams in a single-elimination format.
Over three weeks, teams compete through multiple rounds, leading up to the Final Four and ultimately, the National Championship game.
March Madness 2026 Schedule
- Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 15
- First Four: March 17-18
- First round: March 19-20
- Second round: March 21-22
- Sweet 16: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
- NCAA championship game: April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
Times & Game Coverage
March Madness games will be spread out across the day, with early matchups starting around noon (ET) and prime-time games also in the evening. Expect wall-to-wall coverage on CBS, TBS, TNT, and also truTV.
Finding the right bar to watch March Madness in New York is key, as you’ll want multiple screens, a great atmosphere, and also food and drink specials to keep you going through the long hours of basketball.
Teams to Watch & NYC Fan Favourites
For NYC-based college basketball fans, expect to see a strong turnout for teams with local alumni groups and also strong followings in the city. These include:
- St. John’s Red Storm – NYC’s own team with a devoted local following.
- Syracuse Orange – Huge alumni base in NYC, meaning bars will be packed with orange jerseys.
- UConn Huskies – New England transplants and also locals rally behind this dominant team.
- Duke Blue Devils – One of the most popular college basketball teams in the country.
- Villanova Wildcats – Strong presence in NYC, given the school’s Northeast ties.
Useful Links & Resources
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Best Bars to Watch March Madness in New York
Now that you know when and who to watch, here’s where to watch March Madness and every game across all five boroughs.
These 21 bars offer the best screens, vibes, and also game-day specials for basketball fans.
Best Manhattan Bars to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are the best bars and also sports bars to watch March Madness in New York, in Manhattan.
1. Standings
Address: 43 East 7th Street
A tiny but legendary East Village sports bar with memorabilia-covered walls and a great craft beer selection.
It’s all about beer, sports, and also passionate fans. Perfect for serious March Madness followers who don’t need fancy cocktails, but just solid basketball vibes.
2. Blondies Sports
Address: 212 West 79th Street
If you love Buffalo wings and loud, dedicated sports fans, Blondies is your spot.
So expect college alumni groups repping their teams, creating one of the best atmospheres for watching March Madness in New York.
3. Smithfield Hall
Address: 138 West 25th Street
A Chelsea favourite with multiple huge screens, great pub food, and also plenty of seating.
The diverse crowd, beer selection, and excellent game-day energy make this a top-tier sports bar for the tournament.
4. The Three Monkeys
Address: 236 West 54th Street
A lively Midtown sports bar with multiple floors and also a rooftop patio.
Known for its craft beer variety and high-energy crowds, The Three Monkeys is so perfect for watching multiple games at once.
5. Off The Wagon (Where I’d Watch March Madness in New York)
Address: 109 MacDougal Street
A college-style sports bar with cheap drinks, loud fans, but with a fun, youthful energy. If you want a wild March Madness in New York party atmosphere, this is so it.
6. Benjamin Steakhouse
Address: The Chemists’ Club Hotel, 52 East 41st Street
A hotspot for tourists, celebrities and office workers alike, Benjamin Steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan will be showcasing all games throughout the tournament.
So grab a few friends or colleagues, order some porterhouse steaks and soak up the atmosphere of March Madness on the big screens.
7. Legends
Address: 6 West 33rd Street
A classic NYC sports bar with a giant projector screen, plenty of seating, and also excellent game-day drink specials.
8. The Ainsworth
Address: Multiple locations in NYC
A modern sports lounge with an upscale vibe, The Ainsworth is great for those who prefer elevated cocktails and gourmet food while still catching all the basketball action.
9. The Liberty
Address: 29 West 35th Street
With its spacious seating, upscale bar food, and also multiple TVs, The Liberty is ideal for those looking for a comfortable sports bar atmosphere without the chaos.
So if you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Best Bars in Brooklyn to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are the best bars and sports bars to watch March Madness in New York, in Brooklyn.
10. BK Backyard Bar
Address: 86 North 11th Street
A Williamsburg go-to with a projector screen, spacious outdoor seating, and also a beer garden vibe.
Perfect for watching the games in a laid-back but fun setting.
11. The Local Corner
Address: Time Out Market, 55 Water Street, Dumbo
This new spot located in the iconic Time Out Market will be showing every game of the March Madness tournament, with a rooftop projector and also streaming audible commentary.
You can have your pick of local favourite eats in Time Out Market while enjoying a locally New York-crafted drink and cheering on your favourite team, all at the same time.
12. Whiskey on Grand
Address: 524 Grand Street
A cozy but energetic whiskey bar with great drinks, friendly crowds, and multiple big screens.
13. The Montrose
Address: 47 5th Avenue
A Park Slope sports bar with a chill but engaged crowd, perfect for catching the biggest March Madness in New York moments.
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
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Best Bars in Queens to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are the best bars and sports bars to watch March Madness in New York, in Queens.
14. Break Bar Astoria
Address: 32-04 Broadway
This Astoria favourite combines a classic sports bar setup with arcade games, a huge projector, and also (most importantly) plenty of drink options.
15. Rocky McBride’s
Address: 27-01 23rd Avenue
An Irish pub known for its sports-loving crowd, affordable drinks, and so friendly vibe.
Best Bars in The Bronx to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are the best bars and sports bars to watch March Madness in New York, in the Bronx.
16. Billy’s Bar
Address: 856 River Avenue
A top-tier sports bar across from the Yankees Stadium with an amazing burger menu, and also big-screen TVs for game viewing.
17. O’Toole’s Way
Address: 3045 Buhre Avenue
A classic neighbourhood pub where Bronx locals gather to watch sports over strong drinks. But don’t worry, they welcome newcomers too!
Best Bars in Staten Island to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are the best bars and sports bars to watch March Madness in New York, in Staten Island.
18. The Kettle Black
Address: 415 Forest Avenue
A hidden gem with a loyal crowd, killer wings, and also an energetic March Madness in New York atmosphere.
19. The Hop Shoppe
Address: 372 Van Duzer Street
A trendy craft beer bar with a laid-back but engaged basketball crowd.
Bonus Bars to Watch March Madness in New York
Below are some of my personal favourite bars to watch March Madness in New York.
20. Down The Hatch (Manhattan)
Address: 179 West 4th Street
A legendary sports dive bar with beer pong and rowdy fans. It’s also my go-to sports bar in New York.
21. Stout NYC (Manhattan)
Address: 133 West 33rd Street
A massive sports bar near MSG, with an awesome crowd and also tons of seating.
Where Will You Watch March Madness in New York?
With 57 games packed into just a few weeks, finding the right sports bar in NYC is so key to enjoying March Madness to the fullest.
Whether you prefer rowdy college bars, craft beer havens, or chill neighbourhood spots, NYC has plenty of options across all five boroughs.
So now the real question is, which of these bars will you be hitting up first?
RELATED March Madness in New York blog posts to read:
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- How to Spend St. Patrick’s Day in New York City
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So, if you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
