Brackets and beer: The best bars in the Valley to watch March Madness

PHOENIX — Some will tell you that the greatest time of the year is around the December for the holiday season.

Just two words can put that proclamation into question: March Madness.

It’s a time where family, friends and co-workers come together to not give gifts, but instead root for college basketball teams you’ve never heard of for bragging rights. What a time to be alive.

The real question for those living in the Valley is where is the best place around to watch these exciting games?

Well, we rounded up some of the best bars in the Phoenix area to watch March Madness, and if you think we’re missing a good one, let us know, and we just might add it to the list. If we don’t, we probably assumed you were the one choosing a 16-seed to upset a 1-seed this year.

Majerle’s Sports Grill

The sports bar created by the Phoenix Suns’ legend Dan Majerle himself offers up March Madness fun at its five different locations around the Valley. They are located in downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, Chandler and Goodyear, while also recently adding a location in Flagstaff.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

The sports bar that takes pride in their — yep, you guessed it — cold beer and cheeseburgers is offering up a bracket challenge with prizes. A gift card worth $1,000 is given to the ultimate winner, with daily prizes also available at each one of their seven locations in the Valley.

Half Moon

There are two different Half Moon locations in the Valley, with Half Moon Windy City Sports Grill sitting in the heart of Phoenix and Half Moon Sports Grill in the Moon Valley area in north Phoenix. If you’re from the Chicago area or cheering on Northwestern, who made it to the national tournament for the first time in history, then the perfect choice is obvious. If you’d rather stay neutral, then the Moon Valley Half Moon might be a better choice. Both offer up plenty of TVs and good food.

K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar and Grill

K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar and Grill located in Scottsdale calls themselves a “welcoming and casual fine food sports bar.” They offer over 50 TVs, which is essential for March Madness, while providing 16 beers on tap.

Outback Steakhouse

Though not a typical sports bar, Outback Steakhouse is offering up a special March Madness item.

BREAKING: Outback unveils 3-Point Bloomin' Onion topped w/cheese fries & steak, sold during Tournament starting 3/15 pic.twitter.com/gcFIlntjRb

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 13, 2017

Though you might not need to eat for a week, this appetizer with bloomin’ onion, cheese fries and steak will surely bring in some sports fans. There’s numerous locations surrounding the Valley.

Armadillo Grill

Armadillo Grill was recently named the best sports bar in Phoenix, and for good reason because of the quality of their food. They also have 44 TVs, including eight that are at least 60 inches. The central phoenix sports bar is offering a free bracket challenge, with prizes for first, second and third place.

Coach’s Corner

Coach’s Corner is close to Chase Field and Talking Stick Resort Arena. They offer 31 signature drinks and have draft beers, with of course, a great March Madness environment.

Stingers 

This sports bar located in Glendale is perfect for the March Madness watchers who want to play games at the same time. There are 20 TVs, 15 pool tables and nine dart boards available.

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