Are you ready for a month of riveting basketball?
The most thrilling time in college basketball begins at the end of March. If you’re a passionate college fan, love an underdog story, or are simply waiting for your bracket to bust, the NCAA Basketball Tournament will be on everyone’s minds for a full month of basketball enjoyment. From beer buckets to special food deals, these sports bars are the best places to watch March Madness in Chicago.
Woodie’s Flat
Starting March 19, guests can enjoy a full game-day spread for just $19.95, featuring a lineup of crowd favorites including crispy boneless wings, loaded pork fries, soft pretzels, chips and salsa, and classic fries, all paired with delicious dips.
For those tuning in to the Thursday and Friday matchups, Woodie’s Flat offers Happy Hour Monday to Friday, 5–7 p.m., adding even more value. Specials include $8 specialty cocktails and Ketel One espresso martinis, $25 Goose Island beer buckets, $20 Lil’ Chicken Littles sliders, $7 half-baked nachos, and $2 pretzels.
Cody’s Public House
This March, Cody’s Public House in West Lakeview becomes the ultimate headquarters for college hoops fans, featuring wall-to-wall NCAA Tournament action, high-energy game watch parties, and unbeatable drink specials.
Cody’s will open early throughout the tournament, welcoming fans to catch all the action on 16 65-inch TVs, including six located on the outdoor patio. Game day specials during the tournament will include $5 Miller Lite stadium cups, $6 Proper 12, $6 Dobel tequila, $6 Teremana Blanco and Reposado, $6 Jagermeister, $30 Surfside buckets, and a $16 Jager Shot Ski (teams of four).
Graystone Tavern
Experience college basketball fever at The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville, where fans can catch every round of the NCAA Tournament in a game-day atmosphere. Graystone will open early at 10:30 a.m. for tip-offs, and with nine TVs inside and even more screens in the heated beer garden, every seat offers a perfect view of the action.
Specials available throughout the tournament include $10 Burger and Fries, $6 Teremana shots, $6 Proper 12 and Proper 12 Apple shots, $6 Angry Orchard drafts, $6 Modelo drafts, $25 Domestic buckets, $30 Surfside buckets, and $30 Long Drink buckets.
Recess, a West Loop sports bar, is hosting its first-ever Malort Madness: an eight-drink, bracket-style cocktail playoff running from March 15 to April 2, 2026, with new matchups on Thursdays and Sundays and a finale on April 2. Guests can sample the cocktails, vote at the bar, and return for subsequent rounds.
Gaslight
This lively neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park features three full bars, a delicious menu, and a spacious patio that’s open year-round. It welcomes guests seven days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s the perfect spot for everyone to enjoy a beer and watch the NCAA Basketball Tournaments in Chicago.