Whenever March rolls around there are a few different things on our mind… spring… St. Patrick’s Day… and of course, basketball. March Madness takes us into the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament that runs through 68 teams in just three weeks time. This year, March Madness starts March 17 and ends with the championship game on April 6. Plus, if you want an in-person sneak-peek of what’s to come, Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament from March 11-15 whose winner automatically get a bid into March Madness.
But, if you can’t make it to the Pittsburgh tournament nor the major cities hosting the March Madness games, there’s a way to still enjoy the fun with other like-minded sports fans. All across Pittsburgh, bars and restaurants open up their seating to fans of basketball for all of March Madness. Whether you stop in for every game or just the championship one, these establishments make sure you’re taken care of from brews to delicious bites and beyond.
March Madness Watch Parties in Pittsburgh
On the Big Screen
March 17-29, Bakery Square Courtyard
With Bakery Square’s endless options for food and beverage, their courtyard makes the perfect scene for a March Madness watch party. Grab a beer from City Kitchen, split a pizza from Alta Via, as well as ice cream from Jeni’s as you kick back on the lawn.
March Mania Watch Party
March 19-April 6, BetRivers Sportsbook at River’s Casino
Bet Rivers has the ultimate way to experience March Madness with exclusive parties on each of the big game days. Every event includes a different buffet menu for either lunch or dinner as you watch the competition go down on their huge video wall.
March Madness at City Works
March 19-April 6, City Works
The massive HDTVs at City Works in Downtown are perfect for watching star athletes on the court. All throughout the tournament you can stop in to try their exclusive boozy Orange Crush, feast on limited-time loaded fries, and recieve a scratch-off ticket for a chance to win gift cards, bar bites, desserts, and more.
Other Places to Watch
While these sites have not announced official March Madness parties, they’re always a fun spot for watching important games and often run specials for them too.
Tom’s Watch Bar
Possibly the biggest and most popular sports bar in the city, Tom’s Watch Bar boasts over 80 screens, 50 beers, and 50 specialty cocktails to keep you busy all night long. You can even check out their event guide to be sure your team is playing on the screens but more than likely every game will see the spotlight at this bar.
Shiloh Plate and Pour
Up on Mount Washington, you may pass by Shiloh Plate and Pour on a regular day but when it’s game day, you won’t want to miss your seat. This little bar packs some of the most passionate sports fans into one spot to form a community through games and specials. Plus, you may even see sports radio host Mark Madden hosting a watch party or two.
Steel City Sports Bar and Grub
Not only does Steel City Sports Bar and Grub have the HD TVs and classic American comfort food you crave, but they also have free pool every Tuesday. Whether you’re up and interacting with other fans or chilling in a booth with loved ones, this bar makes sure you’re taken care of from the start to the buzzer.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Watch Bar
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