Madness near the Garden: Top NYC Bars to Watch March Madness

PartyPlace

18 Mar 2025 — 3 min read

March Madness is here, and if you can’t be inside Madison Square Garden, the next best thing is watching the games with an electric crowd, ice-cold drinks, and wall-to-wall TVs.

Whether you’re pregaming for a Big East battle at MSG, catching every Cinderella story, or just looking for the best vibe to soak in the madness, here are some of the best spots in NYC to watch the tournament.

Skip the Guesswork – Reserve These Spots Now

March Madness crowds are no joke—the best bars will be packed fast. With PartyPlace, you can reserve tables at top sports bars across NYC, so you and your crew always have the best seats in the house.

1️⃣ The Rutherford

Location: Across the Street From MSG

🏀 Why go? A hidden gem for sports fans, The Rutherford has huge screens, a great craft beer selection, and an intimate yet lively atmosphere—perfect for watching every upset and buzzer-beater.

Reserve The Rutherford

2️⃣ Slattery's Midtown Pub

Location: Midtown – 5 blocks from MSG

🏀 Why go? One of NYC’s most beloved sports bars, Slattery’s brings multiple floors of TV screens, classic pub food, and a rowdy game-day crowd that makes every play feel even bigger.

Reserve Slattery's

3️⃣ Blue Haven South

Location: FIDI

🏀 Why go? If you’re looking for a spot that balances a great sports bar experience with killer food and drinks, Blue Haven South is the move. Plenty of TVs, awesome beer selections, and next-level wings make it a top-tier March Madness destination.

Reserve Blue Haven South

4️⃣ Rocco's Sports & Recreation

Location: Greenwich Village

🏀 Why go? This isn’t just a sports bar—it’s a game-day experience. With massive projectors, multiple viewing areas, and a strong lineup of cocktails and craft beers, Rocco’s makes every game feel like a championship moment.

Reserve Rocco's

🏀 Don’t leave your game day plans to chance. Book your spot now.

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