March Madness: a cultural phenomenon that grips the nation for weeks, leaving even the most casual sports fan glued to the screen. But what if you're not a basketball enthusiast? Does romance have to take a backseat to bracket predictions and nail-biting finales? With a little creativity, you can turn March Madness into an unforgettable date night. These places to watch March Madness in Orlando will make it a night to remember!
So, grab your jersey (or your cutest outfit), lace up your sneakers, and let us help you navigate the best sports bars and places to watch basketball in Orlando, particularly March Madness.
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Best Orlando Sports Bars for March Madness Basketball
American Social Bar & Kitchen
7335 W Sand Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819
Since basketball is one of America’s most beloved sport, it seems fitting to watch games at this restaurant since its tagline is: “This is your place. This is American social.” Their talented chefs do Modern American with a twist, boundary pushing flavors, and seasonal features. Upmarket crowd pleasers, food curated for sharing, indulging, and having fun – here to fuel the good times.
Sweeten the deal with an interesting pour of a PB&J Old Fashioned, a blend of Maker’s Mark, Skrewball peanut butter, strawberry preserves, black walnut bitters, and garnished with a mini PB&J. Of course, there’s no shortage of televisions, so you can cheer on your team as you cheer with your bourbon (or other beverage of choice).
Cabana Live
4380 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771
When pulling into the parking lot of Cabana Live you may not realize what's in store. This waterfront restaurant is located inside the Port of Sanford Marina near I-4 and the Central Florida Zoo. This place has everything you need for a perfect day of watching basketball.
The large bar faces multiple TVs, as well as seating that faces the pool – yes, a pool! A small, but lovely pool welcomes everyone to cool off without missing the game. There are outdoor TVs including a massive multi-panel TV facing the pool that can act as one large display or four individual displays.
Plenty of tables inside and outside give you the option to still see the big games and choose the vibe that's right for you. There is a weekend brunch menu as well as specials each weekday including happy hour Monday – Thursday, Taco Tuesday, Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays, and more!
City Works Eatery & Pour House
1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830
City Works offers 90 local and global crafts on draft highlighting local brewers, American fare with chef-driven twists, upbeat vibes, and best-in-class service. It is a unique marriage of the ultimate sports bar and a delightful restaurant.
Bring your bracket and raise a glass to a victorious season with their limited-time Final Fourange cocktail, featuring the perfect blend of Ketel One Oranje, triple sec, zesty orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. Be sure to arrive early as seating and standing room are first-come, first-serve.
Additionally, those dining at City Works from now through April 8 will receive a scratch-off ticket for a chance to win one of five prizes, including gift cards, bar bites, dessert, and more. Every scratch-off is a winner so don’t miss out!
Dapper Duck
28 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
As fancy as the dapper namesake may be, expect casual American-style menu items, including typical tailgating favorites and more.
If you prefer to share liquor rather than a bucket of beers with your team of dining comrades, collectively order the Big Duck Drink, which is described as a giant shareable cocktail – Moscow mule, vodka Red Bull, or vodka lemonade ─ topped with a mini rubber duck. Quack-tastic!
FastBreak
6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819
If you find yourself on International Drive then consider making a break for FastBreak. Located at Hilton Orlando there is indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of TVs to watch basketball and other sports.
Friendly Confines
Multiple locations including Lake Mary & Winter Park
The logo of Friendly Confines features a baseball but basketball fans can have a ball here during the season and beyond. Fanatics may be thrilled to know that this restaurant also sells sports memorabilia with authenticated signatures.
In fact, the interior is decked out in ‘Confines Collectibles.’ Nosh on game day wings or one of Confines' huge sandwiches, such as a BLT, French dip, Italian beef, or Reuben.
Gator’s Dockside
Multiple locations including Baldwin Park, Hunter's Creek, Lake Mary, Orlando, Lake Nona, Oviedo, & Winter Springs
This large franchised tavern offers a crowd-pleasing experience with all the March Madness essentials: huge TVs, cold beers, and a diverse menu, including gluten-free selections. Placing bets on the game? Maybe the loser (or winner – depending on your bravery) has to eat an order of Gator Tail!
Hideaway Bar
516 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
This small place is a big hit with Dolphins’ fans. Hideaway claims to be “Your Neighborhood Sports Bar and Home of the DolFan Club of Orlando,” but it is still a great spot to catch some March Madness. And we give this place extra points for offering deep-fried jalapeno slices. Um, flavor touchdown!
The Hammered Lamb
1235 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
You know what goes great with college basketball? Bloody Mary’s! Seriously… I can’t be the only one who thinks so. For Sunday brunch, a herd can always be found at The Hammered Lamb across from Lake Ivanhoe. Their Bloody Mary toppings often include peppers, hot sauces galore, and all the fixings your basketball lovin’ heart desires.
The Hammered Lamb doesn’t have as many television screens as other sports establishments so be sure to request a table with optimal game viewing.
Hooch
25 Wall St, Suite A, Orlando, FL 32801
The corner of Wall Street Plaza that now houses Hooch was previously the center of Florida’s largest moonshine operation (back in the 1920s). Enjoy unique cocktails, bottled and draft beer in one of Orlando’s hottest spots. Inside you’ll find industrial & steam-punk decor or head outside for fresh air on our large patio. Whether you are out for a night with friends, dancing the night away, or looking to watch the big game, Hooch has something for everyone.
TopGolf
Multiple locations including Lake Mary & Orlando
Don’t let the ‘golf’ namesake sack your game day plans because this place is absolutely on par for basketball viewing. This “Vegas-style bar and lounge” is outfitted with tons of TVs (including a 25-foot big screen), an ample menu, and drink specials to keep you well-hydrated from tipoff to the final seconds of play.
BONUS IDEA – Another similar spot to play golf and watch basketball in Orlando is PopStroke.
Vanbarry’s Public House
4120 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
This restaurant is part of the Orlando Public Houses family (along with Ollie’s in College Park) so you know it will satisfy both your food and your basketball cravings. Take a seat at an outside patio table to watch games on large-screen TVs with a backdrop of Lake Jennie Jewel. Nibble on fun shareables, such as the Nacho Mama, Bacon Caramel Fries, or Fried Pickles, as you sip cold ones amidst the crisp spring air.
The View at Clermont National
2601 Diamond Club Dr, Clermont, FL 34711
The View at Clermont National is where delicious food meets a vibrant bar scene with incredible views, outdoor seating, and a Top Tracer Golf Range. Enjoy mouthwatering food options while you watch your favorite sports team on TV. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and local brews on tap. Families are welcomed, with kid-friendly activities, outdoor yard games, and live music on the weekends.
Stadium Club
8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
This new sports experience bar and restaurant is not your typical sports bar. Set inside the beautiful Caribe Royale resort near Walt Disney World, Stadium Club offers large screens in a stadium setting with an upscale bar in the middle, seating around the perimeter, and private game bays. These private bays are available to reserve in 1-hour blocks with personalized service and a high-tech simulator that allows you to play golf, soccer, hockey, and other sports plus fun carnival-style games.
Related: Orlando's Best Burgers
Wing Shack Restaurant & Bar
4650 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32812
Stop by this neighborhood pub on game day to watch your favorite basketball teams battle it out on large projection screens with outdoor viewing options. Wing Shack was voted Best Wings multiple years in a row so grab your wing-man and head to the Conway area.
World of Beer
Multiple locations including Downtown Orlando & Lake Buena Vista
The perfect Sunday Funday in Downtown Orlando can include basketball. Stroll through Lake Eola farmer’s market, stop to gaze at the ducks and turtles, and then, feast on “beerunch.” Whether you’re in the mood for the Hangover Skillet, Chimay Burger, or Black & Blue Flatbread, this brew-tastic eatery has over 50 craft beers on tap and 500 in the cooler to salute your favorite basketball team.
There is also a popular World of Beer location in Lake Buena Vista in the Palm Parkway and Daryl Carter Parkway area.
Wreckers Sports Bar Pub
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
The resort’s multi-level bar, which features a 37′ sports screen, boasts loads of game-worthy appetizers, hearty concoctions, and plenty of beers on tap. This much-loved hub (and best-kept secret) is a must-visit for sports fans.
More places to watch basketball in Orlando
- Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen in Thornton Park
- NBC Sports Grille & Brew at Universal CityWalk
- Splitsville at Disney Springs
- Teak Neighborhood Grille in Maitland and Orlando
- Yard House at ICON Park
- Aloma Bowling Centers in Orlando, Winter Park, and Sanford
- The Porch in Holden Heights
- Solorzano's Pizzeria and Poolside Bistro Orlando (Mall of Millennia area)
