March Madness is back, with basketball teams from 68 colleges competing against each other for the championship trophy. Basketball lovers in San Diego can have this unique experience at some of the best bars and restaurants in the area. With big screens, good food and drinks, and everyone cheering loudly, March Madness cannot get better than this!
Highlights
- March 18 to April 7, 2025, will be the period when bars and eateries will be filled with sports lovers.
- Sixty-eight teams will play with each other in a seven-round, single-elimination tournament.
- If someone missed tickets for the stadium, come to San Diego and have a similar experience.
Best Places to Watch March Madness in San Diego
When any tournament kicks off, people wish to enjoy it to the fullest by cheering aloud with their friends. Good food and beer become the cherry on top! So, here are some of the best places in San Diego where the buzz of March Madness can be felt.
Time Out Sports Tavern
Time Out Sports Tavern, a sports bar like no other (Source – Google Reviews)
Time Out Sports Tavern is one of the best sports bars in San Diego. It hosts an unpaid screening of sports events and a favorable stop for game nights, parties, and celebrations. Massive HD screens and high energy give a stadium-like feel.
They have a ‘fan favorite’ menu. Visitors relish loaded nachos, burgers, cocktails, craft beers, and many more finger-licking dishes while watching matches. To enjoy March Madness, this should be on the list.
Location: 634 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Barleymash
Good food and entertainment in the heart of Gaslamp (Source – Google Reviews)
Barleymash is one of the best and most loved restaurants in Gaslamp. With its special iron fries, flatbreads, and barley’s special mac n cheese, the fun of watching March Madness will double. People can visit this spot with big screens and craft bites to catch the ultimate NCAA tournament fun.
Location: 600 5th Ave., Gaslamp District, San Diego, CA
The Smoking Gun
Don’t miss a single moment of the match (Source – Google Reviews)
With the best chicken wings and burgers, The Smoking Gun has become a home for sports fans in San Diego. In partnership with University of Alabama Alumni, this place will offer food and drink specials 30 minutes before the game begins.
Location: 555 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hasta Mañana Cantina
Participate in the bracket challenge and enjoy the gift (Source – Google Reviews)
It is a place with a whopping 29 TVs so that everyone can catch all the moments of the match from any seat. They host the March Madness bracket challenge. Winners get a $100-$300 gift card. Not only do they offer great food and drinks, but they also contribute $1 from each cocktail sold to a scholarship fund.
Location: 310 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Duck Dive
A happening place near the beach (Source – Google Reviews)
A beach bar with the best happy hour is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the NCAA tournament. Game time specials at this popular beach bar will keep everyone energized. Grab anything from $10 fried pickles, $12 shot and beer, $20 carne asada fries, and keep cheering.
Location: 4650 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
San Diego is full of spots where the thrill of the March Madness tournament can be enjoyed. Whether someone selects an energetic bar or a laid-back pub, all options are available. All basketball lovers can gather here and have the time of their lives!
