For many, March means the beginning of spring, the celebration of the Irish or of Women’s history. Yet for the avid sports fan, with March comes madness.
March Madness is finally upon us and 64 teams competing for the chance to cut down the nets in Houston in a few weeks has the sports world buzzing. For the college basketball fans of Philly, there are many places to take in a game and pray your bracket doesn’t fall apart in front of your eyes. Here is a list of a few of my favorite Philly bars where I have had my eyes glued to the TV and my plate fully stocked during game day.
Chickie’s and Pete’s 1526 Packer Ave
When it comes to sports bars, Chickie’s and Pete’s is as reliable as they come. This place isn’t a unique low-key spot, but it is one of the best viewing/dining experiences in the city to catch a game. The restaurant is packed full of TVs and the selection of food is excellent for March Madness. You can score a basket of their signature, flavorful and delectably greasy “Crabfries” while watching your favorite team on the court. Another meal I recommend there is their cutlet sandwich on their signature seeded roll. Chickie’s and Pete’s is a classic sports bar and a staple of South Philly.
Sports & Social Philly 900 Packer Ave
A few blocks down the street from Chickie’s and Pete’s at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind sports watching experience. Sports & Social Philly has wall to wall TVs that can fit as many games as you can watch, so you will never miss a moment of basketball bliss. The hot wings have a perfect amount of breading for you to enjoy as you watch the madness ensue. Since the restaurant is right next to the sportsbook in the casino, it allows for a unique experience where you can get your head in the game, make some bets and hopefully leave with more money in your wallet than you came with.
Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse 1913 Sansom St
Award-winning wings, signature sauce and a large array of HD TVs? Sounds like a March Madness superfan’s paradise. Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse is the type of place where you are glued to your bar seat and don’t move until the last game ends. The bar has a great game day atmosphere and has all the necessities for watching the big dance these next few weeks. Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse is known for being a bar that is frequented by University of Tennessee fans in the area, so expect a home crowd on Thursday night when the Vols take on Louisiana in the first round of the tournament.
