Best Bars and Restaurants in Rochester To Watch March Madness This Year
March Madness has officially started, and the first day alone had about 9.1 million people watching. According to Yahoo Sports, the Final Four and championship games could potentially increase viewership to over 20 million people.
If you are in Rochester and you are planning to watch March Madness, you've got two choices:
1) Sit at home, or
2) Be surrounded by fans, food, and wall-to-wall TV's playing all of the games...where a stranger may give you a high-five when that last-second three-pointer makes it in the basket to win the game.
If you were hoping to find a restaurant or bar in Rochester to catch some of the March Madness games this year, here are a few of the local favorites to check out.
Best Restaurants & Bars in Rochester, Minnesota For March Madness Games
Full Disclosure: I am an Iowa State Alum...and I am pretty proud of my Cyclones. But I would love to know if there is a place in Rochester where all the Cyclone fans meet up, because watching March Madness with a group wearing red and gold would feel like 1997 again for me. I was in school at that time, living in Maple (the dorms across the street from Hilton Coliseum), when our men's basketball team made it to the Sweet 16. If you know a place in Rochester where a group of Cyclones get together, please send me a note over on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.
If you were hoping to just catch a few games and enjoy some great food and drinks while you watch, here are some of the top restaurants and bars in Rochester to watch March Madness. And yes, all fans...regardless of the team you are cheering for...are welcome at all.
- 3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 140, Rochester
- great for groups - they've got games, simulators, and a bar
- 3401 Northern Valley Pl NE, Rochester
- spacious setup with TVs, lots of room for a crowd, and a great menu to enjoy
- 19 1st Ave. SW, Rochester
- If you are looking for a place where you can socialize and watch the games, this Irish pub might be a great pick for you
- 2650 S Broadway, Suite 600, Rochester
- Big beer selection and a casual atmosphere with TVs available to watch the games
- 247 Woodlake Dr., Rochester
- If you are looking for that classic sports bar feel, this place has solid food, great for groups, and has multiple TVs
Whistle Binkies Olde World Pub
- 3120 Wellner Dr NE, #4905, Rochester
- Massive beer list with a sports bar feel. Meet up with your friends and enjoy one of the games on the TVs
- 304 1st Ave. SW, Rochester
- Food is a bit elevated from your typical bar food. They also have a strong drink menu and lots of room for a group.
- 2280 Superior Dr NW, Rochester
- stay for one game or stay all day - the place is packed with TVs, has a full bar, and tons of space
- 4576 Maine Ave SE, Rochester
- slightly more laid-back than a few of the other options for a watch party. If you show up, the bar will be ready and the TVs will be on
Psst...if you want something less crowded but still perfect for watching every game, quite a few locals tell me that the Rooster's locations are some of the best-kept secrets in Rochester. Personally, I have been there for breakfast, so I can vouch for the food. Let me know what you think if you stop by to watch the games.
- 1536 Greenview Dr SW, Rochester
- One of the most popular true sports bars in town is this place - packed with TVs, great burgers and wings too
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Gallery Credit: Minnesota Now
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