March Madness is back, and Tampa’s energy is off the charts as the city gears up to host the Women’s Final Four. Whether your bracket is thriving or completely shattered (we all had a gut feeling about a Yale Cinderella run), the real joy is in great food, cold drinks, and wall-to-wall screens showcasing every game-changing moment.
From legendary dive bars to high-energy sports lounges, here are Tampa’s top sports bars to catch every men’s and women’s NCAA tournament game.
Riveters
📍 2301 N Dale Mabry Hwy | Website
Come for the prime rib sliders, stay for the electric atmosphere. This Midtown hotspot is a go-to for University of Florida fans, so expect an electrified crowd every time the Gators take the court. With UF pulling off a massive upset over back-to-back champs UConn, the energy here will be unmatched. CHOMP CHOMP, Tampa!
Hattricks Tavern
📍 107 S Franklin St | Website
A true Tampa legend, Hattricks is the ultimate game-day destination with its famous wings, Italian egg rolls, and Bolt Pretzel. If your team blows a last-second lead, drown your sorrows in an ice-cold beer and some next-level bar food.
Bad Monkey Sports Bar
📍 1717 E 7th Ave (Ybor City) | Website
With 20 massive TVs, Bad Monkey guarantees you won’t miss a second of the action. The happy hour specials are elite, the food is top-tier, and the Ybor energy is always undefeated.
Top Shelf Sports Lounge
📍 401 E Jackson St | Website
This downtown gem delivers 15 high-definition TVs and a prime location inside AdventHealth Center Ice. Whether you’re sweating a buzzer-beater or celebrating a Cinderella story, this spot has the food and drinks to keep you locked in.
The Retreat
📍 123 S Hyde Park Ave | Website
A true Tampa icon, The Retreat is the city’s oldest continuously operating dive bar, serving up craft cocktails and ice-cold beer since 1938. Old-school charm meets game-day madness—what more could you ask for?
The Blind Goat
📍 4106 Henderson Blvd | Website
This prohibition-style sports bar has been a Tampa staple for 10+ years. Between the craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and Mediterranean small plates, there’s plenty to keep you happy—even if your bracket is in shambles.
The Press Box
📍 222 S Dale Mabry Hwy | Website
Show some love to South Tampa’s original sports bar. This place has been a game-day institution for 40 years, and they know exactly how to do March Madness right.
Ducky’s Sports Lounge
📍 1719 W Kennedy Blvd | Website
This Tampa icon delivers an all-out sports experience with massive TVs, top-notch food, and even mini bowling alleys. Yes, mini bowling. Come for the tournament, stay for the ultimate sports lounge vibes.
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux
📍 1140 Gramercy Ln | Website
Midtown Tampa is now home to one of the city’s most sprawling sports bars. The chef-driven concept serves Cajundillas, VooDoo shrimp and grits, and super-stuffed burgers. With TVs everywhere, the entire crew is hyped for all the basketball revelry.
Yard House
📍 450 Channelside Dr | Website
Yard House is celebrated for its huge beer selection (over 150 on tap) and extensive bar bites menu. Their poke nachos are a must-try, and the glass-enclosed keg room pours each beer at a perfect 36-38 degrees. Plus, the new location boasts an outdoor beer garden with a bar, picnic tables, and yard games.
Where to Watch Based on Your Team
- Auburn Tigers: Duffy’s Sports Grill, 1480 N Dale Mabry Hwy
- Tennessee Volunteers: Miller’s Ale House, 3860 W Columbus Dr
- Alabama Crimson Tide: Tampa Joe’s, 9316 Anderson Rd
- Ole Miss: Beef O Brady’s, 2819 S MacDill Ave
Tampa’s sports bars deliver unmatched energy, making them the perfect spots to soak in every dramatic NCAA moment. So grab your crew, find a seat, and let March Madness take over.
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