The month of March fills our calendars with special occasions and memorable events. In March, we celebrate International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the National Cherry Blossoms Festival and of course, March Madness. With its thrilling match-ups, buzzer-beating shots, and Cinderella stories, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (March Madness) captivates audiences and ignites a frenzy of excitement. 

During March Madness, there’s no better way to experience the excitement of college basketball’s biggest tournament than by watching the games at a lively sports bar. In the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, sports bars come alive during March Madness. Offering a thrilling atmosphere with seasonal beer, handcrafted cocktails and plenty of big screens to catch the action. Join Bhlen as we highlight some of the best sports bars in the DMV area to watch March Madness.

Click on the Bhlen Link HERE and let the madness begin!

Note: Our links are location based so it works best if you’re within 125 miles of the Washington DC area with your smartphone location feature turned on.

Some of the local favorites throughout the DMV for sports bars include.

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern:

Located just steps from the Verizon Center, Penn Quarter Sports Tavern is a popular spot for sports fans looking to catch all the March Madness action. With over 30 HD TVs, including a massive projection screen, there’s not a bad seat in the house to watch the games.

First Down Sports Bar & Grill:

Conveniently located across the street from the Ballston Metro Station, First Down Sports Bar & Grill is easily accessible to everyone. Locally owned and operated since 2009 and in that time they have mastered the art of creating that “hometown feel” when you enter their establishment. With over 30 televisions and 40+ flavors of wings, this is a great place to catch the March Madness action.

Dudley’s Sport and Ale:

Dudley’s Sport and Ale offer the largest Sports Bar and Rooftop in Northern Virginia for March Madness. Located in Shirlington Village, this venue has over 40 televisions and a 20 foot projector for your viewing pleasure. Whether you’re on the rooftop or outdoor patio, Dudley’s Sport and Ale is the right place to enjoy March Madness.

The Big Stick:

Located just steps from Nationals Park in Navy Yard, The Big Stick is a baseball-themed sports bar that’s perfect for catching March Madness games. The bar boasts an extensive beer list featuring local craft brews and a mouthwatering menu of gourmet sausages and sandwiches. 

Tom’s Watch Bar:

Tom’s Watch Bar defines the ultimate sports watching entertainment experience! With three locations in Washington DC and Maryland, Tom’s Watch Bar promises that you can see All The Sports, All The Time. Surrounded by high-definition screens, providing 360° viewing, every seat at Tom’s is the best seat in the house. 

Wait! We almost left out the best part about March Madness!

March Madness Brackets:

As the madness unfolds, we begin to realize that March Madness is more than just a basketball tournament of competitive college basketball teams trying to win. The madness of March somehow transforms into the art and science of fans filling out brackets, better known as bracketology. From office pools to family rivalries, the tournament’s single-elimination format and unpredictable outcomes create an atmosphere of thrilling excitement. With 68 teams vying for the coveted title of national champion, every game is a chance for glory and heartbreak, making March Madness a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan, alumni or just looking for an excuse to enjoy some good food and drinks, watching March Madness at a sports bar in the Washington DC area is an experience like no other that you don’t want to miss. So grab your brackets, rally your friends, and head to one of these top spots to cheer on your favorite teams.