Be there for all the basketball action at 12 of the best places to watch March Madness in Houston when it tips off Tuesday, March 14 through Monday, April 3, 2023.
Set your bracket, grab your face paint and find a spot from a dozen of our picks hosting March Madness watch parties where you can gather with fellow fanatics to catch the tournament when it tips off this week.
Houston has been named the site of the tournament’s Final Four, which brings with it a slate of free and ticketed fun to celebrate the end of March Madness. Keep an eye peeled for our rundown of Final Four festivities, but in the meantime, pick your place from watch parties below to cheer your team onto victory.
Top 12 March Madness Watch Parties in Houston
Avenida Houston in Downtown
This year, KHOU-11 teams up with Avenida Houston for a series of outdoor watch parties on the plaza outside George R. Brown Convention Center.
Gather with fellow fanatics to catch all the action from Round 1 to the Final Four, and take part in basketball-themed activities, meet with special guests and enjoy live music and giveaways.
And, as the tournament enters the Final Four stage, look for a series of kick-off events from Friday, March 31 to Monday, April 3, including the Fan Fest inside George R. Brown and a star-studded Music Festival across the street at Discovery Green.
8th Wonder Brewery in EaDo
Named for the iconic Astrodome, the popular EaDo brewery is a hometown headquarters for local sports on the road and down the road, where the Dynamo, Dash, Rockets and Astros all play.
During March Madness, you can sip on signature brews and catch games that play on the indoor screens, or get some air on the back patio that spans the rest of the block.
Plus, you can check out their nearby distillery and shop cannabis-infused products that carry the 8th Wonder namesake.
Pitch 25 Beer Park in EaDo
From Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching, this spacious soccer bar is known to get packed for footie matches, as well as Houston’s hometown teams and other major sporting events.
Throughout all of March Madness, you can stake your spot to catch the action on more than 55 TVs and two big screens throughout rows of indoor seating or on the breezy outdoor patio, with more than 100 beers on offer.
Plus, you can get into festivities during breaks in the games with bubble soccer, dodgeball and axe throwing.
East End Backyard in East End
Near the corner of Scott and Polk Streets, you can join up with UH Hispanic Alumni Association and plenty of other Cougars fans for March Madness watch parties throughout the tournament.
The dog-friendly patio provides spacious digs for casual hangouts and an outdoor projector screen so you can see all the action. Tough to beat on good weather days, the patio at East End Backyard also offers up cocktails and beer to wash down eats from food trucks that post up outside.
Social Beer Garden in Midtown
The Midtown beer garden hosts can’t-miss March Madness games throughout the tournament, screening across 20 indoor TVs and a large outdoor screen so you can enjoy the beautiful spring weather.
Enjoy drink specials, crawfish on Sundays, and wi-fi for those afternoon games at the kid- and pet-friendly drinkery.
Heights Bier Garten in the Heights
Just off Shepherd and 15th Street in the Heights, this sprawling beer garden offers plenty of shaded outdoor seating suitable for all sorts of weather and boasts an impressive beer list that you can sample from multiple bars throughout.
No matter where you sit, you’ll have line of sight on televisions so you can catch all the action but consider arriving early on weekends as parking and seating tend to get packed.
Wakefield Crowbar in the Heights
Catch every minute of the Cougars’ tournament at this dog-friendly Garden Oaks bar that also features sand volleyball courts, cornhole, a kids area and crawfish on Saturdays.
For those that can’t make the Final Four in person, Wakefield has you covered with deep drink specials for the end of the tournament, plus brunch until 2pm.
Biggio’s in Downtown
In the ground floor of the Marriott Marquis that overlooks Discovery Green, you’ll find this sports bar and kitchen named for the Houston Astros second base legend, Craig Biggio.
Grab a spot near the bar to munch on pub fare (think brisket tacos and plump cheeseburgers) and catch all the March Madness action on screens that stretch to the ceiling—or opt for more spacious seating around the corner, flanked by TVs so you don’t miss a minute.
Richmond Arms in West Houston
In West Houston, Richmond Arms has long been a bustling spot for World Cup and global soccer matches, but they also put on a spirited watch party for any of Houston’s hometown teams.
The outdoor patio can be configured for covered seating in all weather, but expect a packed indoor environment for major events as the intimate pub space is known to fill up often and early.
Kirby Ice House at Multiple Locations
With locations in Upper Kirby, Memorial and the Woodlands, all three Kirby Ice House outposts offer spacious patio settings with indoor and outdoor screens tuned into the tournament, so you can catch all the action.
More than 60 beers are on tap, in addition to the deep wine and liquor selections, so you’ll be sure to have a tasty beverage in hand from tip off to the final whistle.
Christian’s Tailgate at Multiple Locations
At its four locations—in the Heights, Midtown, West University and Energy Corridor—the bar and grill known for their burgers makes for a familiar spot for sports fans looking to see their favorite teams.
Dine on other pub fare, sip local brews and enjoy the bracket-busting action from one of many TVs posted throughout each location.
Little Woodrow’s at Multiple Locations
The Little Woodrow’s empire boasts nine Houston-area locations, including outside-the-loop spots in Katy, Tomball and Webster.
Each location is sure to be rooting on the Cougars throughout the tournament, but you can also get your hands on crawdads over the weekend, plus dozens of flowing taps, drink specials and plenty of sound-on TVs carrying the March Madness action.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.
Be sure to subscribe to our free Weekend Guide email to receive a round-up of great things to do this weekend in Houston in your inbox every Thursday.
If you don’t want to miss a thing, you can also opt in to our Daily Update emails (emailed 5 days a week).
