Four Top: Four Sports Bars for March Madness

You know how the saying goes: “In 49 other states, it’s just basketball.” March Madness is almost here, which means the city will soon be in the throes of Hoosier hysteria for our favorite hometown sport.

From the storied halls of Hinkle Fieldhouse to the headquarters of the NCAA, Indianapolis breathes basketball history. There’s no better place to be when the buzzer sounds than surrounded by fellow fans, an ice-cold beer, a tasty bite and the feeling of March Madness magic in the air. When the tournament tips off, these four premier sports bars offer the perfect blend of camaraderie, stellar viewing experiences and game day grub worthy of a championship run. 

The Bulldog Lounge

The Bulldog Lounge is back and better than ever. Previously “The Bulldog,” which operated from 1974 to 1994, this spot has a long history as a Butler Bulldog hot spot and is also one of the top places to watch a game in the city. 

Nestled in the heart of SoBro and conveniently located near Hinkle Fieldhouse, The Bulldog Lounge is every sports fan’s dream with over 50 TVs, two walls of self-serve beer taps and the tasty eats of a full-service restaurant. Plus, with a Pizza King inside the Bulldog Hub and a cocktail lounge, there’s no shortage of food and beverage options to satisfy all of your cravings. 

The Bulldog Lounge has a lively and close-knit atmosphere where basketball fans unite in shared excitement, filling every corner with collective team spirit. At the bar, strangers become instant companions, creating a vibrant community where every basket and buzzer-beater is celebrated together. Be sure to get there well before tip-off; space is limited and fills up fast on game days.

Ale Emporium

This family-run sports pub has been a local favorite for game-day gatherings since 1982, starting with its flagship Castleton location. With 137 TVs and 66 draft lines, Ale Emporium is known for way more than its award-winning pizza and wings. 

This sprawling bar and restaurant has the space needed to catch the game with groups of any size, making it easy to find the perfect spot for the next bracket buster. Half of the pub maintains a classic, traditional sports bar feel while the other half caters to a more elevated sports-watching experience with upgraded features. 

Ale’s brews and bites are Indianapolis staples. The pub boasts a full-service bar and an extensive list of beers on tap including local, regional, craft, import, domestic and cider selections. The Hermanaki wings are Ale Emporium’s claim to fame, made with peppers, spices, Ale’s secret sauce and teriyaki.

Kilroy’s Bar and Grill

Known for its famous stuffed breadsticks, 32-ounce Long Islands and signature shooters, Kilroy’s is a fun, upbeat spot to catch the next matchup. Its downtown location is a sports destination in the heart of the city, within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. With a second location in Broad Ripple, Kilroy’s has established itself as a prime destination for sports fans across the city.

Patrons are greeted with a vast, colorful menu of shots, bombs, Long Islands, and more. But the drink menu isn’t the only thing covering the walls; the bar has over 40 TVs to watch the next upset. Kilroy’s supersized cocktails and cheeky drink names set the tone for a rowdier celebration, putting the madness in March Madness.

High Velocity

High Velocity offers an elegant sports-watching experience for the more discerning fan. Nestled inside the JW Marriott across the street from Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis, High Velocity’s menu features everything from gourmet game-day grub to more sophisticated entrees like steak and pasta.

If you’re looking for a more low-key, upscale place to watch a tournament game, High Velocity is where it’s at. The restaurant has two full bars, including craft cocktails, wine and beer. Plus, they offer a blonde ale exclusive to the JW Marriott: Metazoa’s Golden Griffin.

With more intimate seating and a wide range of tasty eats, High Velocity provides a unique ambiance for game-day festivities. With HDTVs lining the wall and the perfect menu for any foodie sports fan, High Velocity embodies its slogan: “Eat, Drink, Sports.”