5 Best Places to Catch the March Madness Final Four
It’s that time…
March is winding down and with it the madness. With only the final four and the championship game left in the NCAA month-long tournament, the competition is heating up and the time has come to stake out your seat at your favorite local establishment with your watch party. So take out your list and check it twice. Deck yourself out in your favorite school’s colors and get ready to play nice. Here is a quick list of all the official places to watch the March Madness finals in East Austin.
1. Community First! Village
If you want to watch the madness in a really, really big way, head over to Community First! Village where they have a 40-foot outdoor screen. For the finals on April 2, you can arrive as early as 7:30 p.m. to pick your spot and eat your favorite snacks as you wait with bated breath for the final game of the season. Although this event is free, a $5 donation is suggested. Concessions are available on site though you can also bring your own.
9301 Hog Eye Rd. | mlf.org/community-cinema
2. Bucket’s Deli and Sports Bar
There is nothing fancy about Bucket’s, but they always have cold beer, good nosh, and a game on the TV. Plus, the crowd is always friendly, and the bartenders sure know how to sling a drink. So if you’re looking for a unassuming Eastside venue where you can watch the game in good company, this East 1st bar is for you. Just be aware, it’s cash only.
2020 E Cesar Chavez St.
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3. Haymaker
As usual, Haymaker and their specials make the list. Seriously, their deals are so good, we just have to reiterate. For the final games of March Madness, or any of the few days left in March, enjoy $2 Karbach taps all day long. If you’re serious about coordinating your watch party, call a few days in advance and they’ll even save you a table.
2310 Manor Rd. | haymakeraustin.com
4. Crown & Anchor Pub
Just a stone’s throw across the highway is Crown & Anchor where neighbors, students, and sports aficionados congregate to enjoy wine and beer and have a good time. Whether you want to pretend you’re back in school or you just want to relax and be merry with no strings attached, make your way to this little bar where there are over 30 taps and 100+ bottles and cans of brew. Keep your eye on the board for their daily pitcher and pint specials that last all day long. Oh, and don’t forget to bring Fido; he’s welcome on the patio which is perfect because then you won’t have to worry about letting him out mid-game.
2911 San Jacinto Blvd. | crownandanchorpub.com
5. Posse East
At another university staple, you can find $3.75 Dos Equis for the Final Four. Sadly, the home team won’t be playing for their avid fans, but there is still a good chance that the bar will be full of high spirits and lots of excitement. If you’re going for the championship game, arrive a little early so you can enjoy their excellent happy hour pub grub.
2900 Duval St. | posseeast.com
Honorable Mention:
Drive by Nice-n-Clean on E. 11th and see if they’ve set up the barbecue and the TV. Often this family-owned business will host impromptu watch parties where anyone and everyone is welcome.
1201 E 11th St.
Final Four
- When: Saturday, March 31
- TV: TBS
- Streaming: March Madness Live
- Time: Game 1 (No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago) tip: 6:09 p.m. ET | Game 2 (No.1 Villanova vs. No. 1 Kansas) tip: 8:49 p.m. ET
- Location: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
National Championship
- When: Monday, April 2
- TV: TBS
- Streaming: March Madness Live
- Time: 9:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
