Experience Downtown Blog

Downtown Sports Bar Guide – Where to Partake in March Madness

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March Madness is upon us, and that means it’s time for basketball fans to gather, cheer, and celebrate every buzzer-beater, upset, and bracket-busting moment. 

If you’re looking for the best spots to rally with your clan, look no further than Downtown Milwaukee’s revered watering holes where cold drinks, great food and loyal fans converge.

And, ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers’ March 31st season opener, we’ve also noted the bars that will soon offer shuttles to AmFam Field.
So, pull up a barstool in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee. Browse our sports bar roundup below. 

3rd Street Market Hall, 301 W. Wisconsin Avenue
The main bar at 3rd Street Market Hall surrounds a ring of TVs, perfect for catching all the NCAA action. Not only does this Downtown hotspot offer prime game viewing for sports fans, it also offers interactive games. Plus, fans can satisfy their appetite by ordering up any of the flavors from the 20 vendors in the dining hall.

The Brewery, 1101 N. Water Street
Local memorabilia, artwork and neon signage celebrate The Brewery's rich history in Milwaukee. Enjoy casual small plate dining and handcrafted beers brewed right on-site. Beyond the TVs broadcasting the big games, guests will also appreciate the pool tables, shuffleboards and darts.

Brothers Bar & Grill, 1213 N. Water Street
Close to 50 televisions will broadcast the most in-demand games at Brothers Bar & Grill. Meanwhile, a full food menu of comfortable American fare, and a long bar stock-full of cold beer and drinks awaits hungry and thirsty fans. As a bonus, the two-story pub also features dart boards, pool tables and several pinball machines.

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, 320 E. Clybourn Street
For those looking for a more refined yet still energetic sports bar experience, Central Standard is a top choice. Known for its craft cocktails and upscale vibe, this bar offers a stylish atmosphere to catch all the March madness. 

Deer Camp MKE, 1023 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Inspired by Wisconsin’s outdoor traditions, this venue blends natural wood accents and antler décor with a modern sports bar vibe. Whether you’re unwinding after a day outdoors or joining friends for March Madness, Deer Camp provides a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both authentically local and playfully spirited.

Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, 320 W. Highland Avenue 
Known for its signature Old Fashioneds, local craft beers, and classic bar food like cheese curds and brats, Drink Wisconsinbly is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located near Fiserv Forum, it’s an ideal pre- or post-game stop for basketball fans looking to soak in some Wisconsin pride while cheering on their team.

Duke’s on Water + Varsity, 154 E. Juneau Avenue
These two adjoining bars fit the bill as your quintessential neighborhood pub. Sports fans pack these corner joints nightly to catch the biggest matchups on the TVs mounted around the expansive space. 

The Explorium Brewpub, 143 W. St. Paul Avenue
The Explorium Brewpub is located inside the iconic Pritzlaff Building. This historic venue showcases its timeless charm with cream city brick, timber post-and-beam construction, and original architectural details like exposed brick walls, wooden columns, and natural floors and joists. The result is a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the enjoyment of craft brews, delectable food, and expertly crafted cocktails.

Good City Brewing, 333 W. Juneau Avenue
Good City Brewing is a great spot for basketball fans who want to enjoy the tournament with top-notch beers and a relaxed atmosphere. The spacious brewery offers plenty of TVs, making it easy to catch all the action. With a solid lineup of house-brewed beers, including favorites like the Motta Pale Ale and Risk IPA, it's an ideal place for fans who want a lively, but comfortable game watching experience. 

Lucky Clover Irish Pub, 1048 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive 
Lucky Clover is a lively Irish pub for which to roar in your team’s glory. The bar’s menu offers a mix of classic Irish fare and American pub favorites, alongside a vast selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails. 

Major Goolsby’s, 340 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Walls covered in sports memorabilia and TVs in every direction, Major Goolsby’s is built for some serious game watching. This bar has been a fan favorite for decades, thanks to its no frills, classic sports bar feel and solid menu of burgers, wings, and cold beer. If you want an old-school sports bar with great energy, Major Goolsby’s is the spot.

McGillycuddy’s Bar & Grill, 1135 N. Water Street
For over 20 years, this Irish & American pub has catered to sports fans with delicious eats and drinks. The pub spans three floors and sprawls out to an outdoor beer garden where TVs with the big game can also be found.

The Mecca Sports Bar, 1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue
This is the ultimate destination for NCAA basketball fans. Located across from Fiserv Forum, this massive sports bar is designed for the ultimate game-watching experience, featuring a gigantic 42-foot HD screen and dozens of additional TVs. The energy here is electric, especially during March Madness. 

Miller Time Pub & Grill, 509 W. Wisconsin Avenue
A classic sports bar in Downtown, Miller Time Pub & Grill is the perfect spot for catching a little March Madness with a cold beer in hand. Located inside the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, it combines a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of TVs for optimal game viewing. 

Milwaukee Brat House, 1013 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
This lively bar is known for its delicious sausages, ice-cold beer, and welcoming atmosphere. Their menu features Milwaukee favorites like cheese curds, jumbo pretzels, and their signature bratwursts. Milwaukee Brat House is a great place to enjoy the games with a beer in one hand and a brat in the other! Plus, don’t forget that Milwaukee Brat House offers shuttles to American Family Field for baseball season.

The New Fashioned, 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue
The New Fashioned is a perfect choice for fans looking for a more refined game-day experience without losing the energy of March Madness. It’s a beautiful place to catch the game while enjoying elevated comfort food, expertly crafted cocktails, and recreational games in between matchups. 

Oak Barrel Public House, 1033 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
A short walk from Fiserv Forum, Oak Barrel is an ideal choice for fans looking for a comfortable spot with great drinks, good food, and a fun crowd to watch the games. The menu features elevated pub fare, including burgers, wings, popcorn, and classic, Wisconsin cheese curds. Oak Barrel is another hotspot that will shuttle you and other Brew Crew lovers to American Family Field. 

On Tap, 1203 N. 10th Street 
On Tap is the ultimate spot for sports fans looking to immerse themselves in the March Madness excitement. It offers great food, craft brews, and a welcoming environment to cheer on your team. The lively crowd and sports-centered vibe make it a must-visit stop during March Madness. And when baseball season is upon us, On Tap also has you covered with shuttles to and from American Family Field.

SportClub, 750 N. Jefferson Street
With its upscale sports bar feel, plenty of big-screen TVs, and a lively atmosphere, SportClub is perfect for fans looking to enjoy the game with a crowd. The bar offers an expansive selection of craft beers and cocktails along with game-day favorites like wings and burgers. Plus, its location on Jefferson Street makes it an easy stop before or after other Downtown events.

State Street Pizza Pub, 322 W. State Street
A go-to spot for NCAA basketball fans who love great pizza with their game-day experience. State Street Pizza Pub offers a casual, lively atmosphere, and a solid lineup of beers on tap. It’s the perfect place to catch all the action. Their specialty pizzas, wings, and appetizers make it easy to settle in for multiple games, and the laid-back vibe attracts both diehard fans and casual viewers alike. 

Who’s on Third, 1007 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
A playful nod to classic sports banter, Who’s on Third injects a fresh dose of character into Downtown’s sport bar scene. Step inside to discover a vibrant atmosphere featuring state-of-the-art screens, quirky décor, and an inventive menu that reimagines game-day classics. Who’s on Third will also shuttle fans to and from Brewers games.

Uncle Buck’s, 1125 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Step into Uncle Buck’s and experience a relaxed game-day vibe! The menu is a tribute to classic comfort fare – think juicy burgers, crispy fries, and savory wings paired with a varied list of local beers and innovative cocktails! Uncle Buck’s transforms every game into a friendly neighborhood celebration.

Milwaukee’s dynamic array of sports bars makes a March Madness experience in Downtown a slam dunk. So, grab your friends, pick a spot, and let “The Big Dance” ensue.