Where to Watch March Madness 2024
With the end of winter and the dawn of spring quickly approaching, March is the perfect month to trade in movie nights on the couch for drinks, dining, and camaraderie out on the town. And with March Madness nearly upon us, there has never been a better time to throw on a jersey and head to your favorite sports bar in Newport Beach for some of the best entertainment that college sports has to offer. With a plethora of bars, bistros and breweries to enjoy, our city is the perfect place to enjoy each and every game. Read on to see our selections for the eight best spots to catch all the action of March Madness in Newport Beach!
A buzzy destination on PCH for beach bites and good vibes, Newport Beach Whaler has made a splash in Newport Beach since it opened last year. The restaurant and bar features plenty of TVs inside as well as plenty of patio space to kick back and compare brackets. They serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. if bottomless bubbles are in the cards, or you can indulge in sea-to-table bites from their all-day menu like oysters, crispy calamari and lobster rolls.
For a more upscale viewing experience, nothing beats the gorgeous, panoramic views of the harbor seen from Tavern House Kitchen + Bar. However, with several flatscreen TVs spread throughout the restaurant, this spot is also the perfect place to watch the March Madness games in Newport Beach. They offer weekly happy hour deals with discounts on appetizers, entrees, cocktails and a wide array of draft beers, making this a great place to gather with friends while you cheer on your team.
Located mere steps from the sand, Mutt Lynch’s is the ultimate hangout for basketball fans this season. Their sun-soaked patio draws in fans and friends from all over the area, and with plenty of delicious food options and an entire wall of domestic and imported beers, Mutt Lynch’s is sure to be packed this March. Order a schooner of your favorite brew and indulge in one of their restaurant-quality burgers for an afternoon that’ll have you buzzin’.
A true staple of the community, Stag Bar + Kitchen is known for its fun and action-packed contribution to Newport Beach’s nightlife scene, but by day, this bustling brewhouse is one of the best spots to gather at for game day. With happy hour running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days a week, with discounts on everything from drinks to drafts and appetizers, Stag Bar is easily one of the best bars on the Balboa boardwalk.
If it’s quality brews and even better burgers that you seek, look no further than Helmsman Ale House, one of Newport Beach’s favorite haunts! What began as a top-tier craft brewery has quickly become one of the most lively and happening spots on the Balboa Peninsula. And with happy hour offered every weekday from 2-6 p.m, Helmsman is sure to satisfy any craving that cheering on your alma mater may conjure. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the bar and order their Bavarian Pretzel with craft beer cheese sauce and dill pickles—the perfect game-day bite!
For those looking for an upscale option this March, JOEY Newport Beach at Fashion Island is a happening spot with a menu that runs the gamut. Grab a seat at the massive wrap-around bar for a front-row seat to all the action, and order a round of margaritas or martinis. You’ll also want to try their spice-rubbed hibachi wings, tuna and avocado crunch roll and lobster and prawn sushi tacos with mango, coconut lime dressing, avocado mousse, sushi rice and crispy wonton shells. JOEY guarantees an elevated game day experience you won’t find anywhere else.
For those seeking a classic Newport Beach sports bar experience where great food meets unrivaled fanfare, then Corona Del Mar’s The Place is the place for you. With over a dozen flatscreen TVs inside and another seven on their outdoor patio, The Place was built for the biggest of games. And with an incredibly diverse array of unique, specialty burgers, beers and savory flatbreads to indulge in, this CdM hotspot encourages all its guests to arrive with energy and an appetite as they pile in for March Madness.
This list would not be complete without the addition of one of Newport Beach’s favorite places to sip cervezas and indulge in some of the best tacos the city has to offer. Chihuahua Cerveza offers both an excellent happy hour every weekday as well as Taco Tuesday specials every week—think discounted tacos, margaritas and micheladas! And with plenty of screens to watch the games on, Chihuahua Cerveza is perfect for those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine to complement their gameday experience.
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
