March Madness Breakdown in Tyler, TX

March Madness is just around the corner, with the first tournament dates slated for the middle of the month. If you’re ready to watch the games, you’ll be happy to find that Tyler has plenty of sports bars ready for the tournament.

Selection Sunday on March 12 leads into the First Four on March 14 and 15. You can catch the first round on March 16 and 17 and the second round on March 18 and 19. This leads to the Sweet 16 on March 23 and 24, with the Elite Eight playing on March 25 and 26. The Final Four will play on April 1, all culminating with the NCAA championship scheduled for April 3.

Look no further if you’ve been scouting out sports bars to watch the games. Here are a few that we’re excited about.

Where’s Rufus Sports Bar

Where’s Rufus Sports Bar has plenty of TVs, so it’s a great spot to catch your favorite team this March. In fact, the bar boasts at least 22 televisions. Since 2006, the bar has offered a great place to kick back with drinks and watch a game. Not only does the sports bar offer food and daily drink specials, but it also offers a variety of spirits in addition to darts and pool tables. Plus, the outdoor patio offers fire pits so you can stay warm as you watch.

Food offerings include hot dogs and pizzas, so you can grab a snack while you watch. You can expect plenty of specials depending on which day you want to watch the games. For instance, the bar has a beer of the month special on Mondays and cheaper drafts on Thursdays.

Location: 6100 S. Broadway Ave., #100, Tyler.

Hours: From 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, and noon to midnight Sunday.

The SportsZone Bar & Grill

You’ll find The SportsZone Bar & Grill in downtown Tyler. It provides a lively atmosphere in addition to food and drinks. Since 2003, the sports bar has provided a place to enjoy favorite games and much more. In 2016, the owners revamped the menu to include some tasty dishes. You’ll be able to enjoy a great meal while watching a game from any of the bar’s dozen televisions. Plus, the bar features two happy hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.

Today, you’ll find 10 local, domestic, and imported beers on tap. Behind the bar, you’ll find a variety of canned and bottled options. Liquor is also available. On the food menu, you’ll spot chicken strips and fries, churro bites filled with cheddar and green chili, chili cheese waffle fries, burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, pizza, and seasonal treats.

Location: 115 E. Erwin St., in Tyler.

Hours: From 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday.

Republic Icehouse

Republic Icehouse may be right across from the University of Texas in Tyler, but it’s a game-day destination for all types of fans. If you’re interested in craft beers and distilled spirits, this laidback restaurant and bar is the spot to visit. The menu is extensive and contains something for everybody. Not only does the bar boast 19 high-definition TVs, but it also has a massive projection screen for big games. While you watch, feel free to enjoy the two patios, pool table, shuffleboard, and more.

The food items at Republic Icehouse include various starters. You’ll find choices like bacon-wrapped jalapenos and firecracker shrimp on offer. Boneless wings, sandwiches, soups, burgers, and stone-oven pizza are all on the menu. Fried pickles and egg rolls are great additions to a meal.

Location: 3807 University Blvd., Tyler.

Hours: From 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday.

South Tyler Speakeasy

The South Tyler Speakeasy prides itself on being a local bar with great food, drinks, and entertainment. The atmosphere is more like a sports bar than a speakeasy, making it a great place to watch the games. It’s a casual but cozy spot with outdoor patios as well.

The food menu features overstuffed pizzas, including a chicken enchilada pizza. You’ll also notice a variety of Texas favorites. These include mozzarella sticks, dill pickle strips, and Sicilian fries. You should also check out the egg rolls and fried apple hand pies if you’re looking for something different.

Location: 16884 FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Highway), Tyler.

Hours: From 2 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, and noon to midnight Sunday.

Times Square Grand Slam

The Infield Restaurant & Sports Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The restaurant is at Times Square Grand Slam — an entertainment center featuring a movie theater, arcade, and more. This is the best place to catch a game if you’re bringing the whole family for an outing. The menu at Infield offers something for everybody. Some popular menu options include the tater boats, fried mushrooms, chicken wings, and toasted ravioli.

Suppose you’d rather skip the restaurant and head straight for the bar (and the televisions). If so, the VIP Lounge & Bar is also in the same building. You can even watch a game while you bowl. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a great vantage point for a TV. The drink menu includes signature cocktails, margaritas, shots, and a selection of brews.

Location: 5201 S. Broadway Ave., in Tyler.

Hours: From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

No matter how invested you are in any of the teams during March Madness, it’s always fun to visit local sports bars and join the crowd. You can cheer on your favorite team with a drink and a hearty meal at any of these local joints. At Mercedes-Benz of Tyler, we’re happy to find local spots with great food and a welcoming environment. Where will you be watching March Madness this year?

Image by Markus Spiske is licensed with Unsplash License