By now you’ve finished agonizing over which team to put where in those all-important brackets. W’hoop it up and follow NCAA March Madness action with fellow hoopsters over thirst-slaking bevvies and game munchies, be they shareable snacks or something more substantial. Atlanta restaurants are all over the court with brews, views and fan-worthy fare that banish stadium popcorn and peanuts to the cheap seats.
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland courts basketball fans with craft beers by draft, bottle or can, cocktails, wine for day or night drinking along with an Always Available menu of favorite appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Fast action and cold brews hanker for Guinness-dipped pretzels, pimento cheese and stout mustard, Big Green Egg smoked wings, Atkins Park confit wings and Atkins Park nachos and Southern “Totchos” ($7-$12). While players sink baskets, sink teeth into a Bruno burger or Big Green Egg pulled pork on a jalapeño bun and affirm the full-court press over a pressed Cuban sandwich or grilled chicken panini ($10-$11). Plenty of screens for almost-courtside viewing.
Glued to the games over the weekend? Gather to toast and rehash the win (or drown sorrows) over specially priced drinks and half-priced appetizers at Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse in Buckhead. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the conveniently located steakhouse tosses out prices of $4.50 for draft beer, $8 house wines, $8 house caipirinhas and $8 for house martinis. Snap up half-priced appetizers Monday through Friday from 4:30-7 p.m. Stave hunger over a dozen marinated and grilled Chama wings ($7.50), shrimp or steak nachos ($6), charcuterie and aged cheeses ($8), or grilled delicacies of picanha ($5.75), shrimp ($5.50), chicken breast and filet mignon wrapped in bacon ($6) or two Australian lamb chops ($8). Game days, follow the action on two screens in the bar area while enjoying drinks, appetizers, lunch or dinner. Break away and enjoy some downtime outdoors over a relaxing patio meal of grilled picanha, filet mignon, rib-eye, Australian lamb chops, chicken breast or shrimp ($24-$38), as well as appetizers, soup and salads. Another way to celebrate a win and score points with your teammate? Take advantage of the restaurant’s March Malbec wine-and-dine special: a bottle of Catena Alta malbec and weekday lunch for two is $110; $130 for Sunday brunch for two or $150 for a bottle with dinner for two.
Bracket followers in Brookhaven and Midtown can watch their teams progress on big screens at both HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern locations. Sip bourbon from the comprehensive list, go with craft brews or signature cocktails or toast wins with wine while enjoying mouthwatering tavern fare prepared with Southern flair. During the NCAA March Madness Final Four, March 31-April 2, adults wearing team gear from any of the Final Four teams can score a free shot during the game at HOBNOB Midtown or Town Brookhaven.
Taco Mac slam dunks it as a sports-watching venue with the most craft beers on draft, award-winning wings and multitudes of screens. Throughout March, specials on Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Shock Top beers prevail including 60-ounce pitchers ($11.95), 20-ounce drafts ($4.75) and mix-and-match buckets filled with four beers ($13.99). Taco Mac’s annual Bracket Showdown is already underway. The guest with the best bracket at each location receives a $100 Taco Mac gift card; guests who correctly predict 60+ games take home $5,000; and those who predict a perfect 63-game bracket win $10,000 cash. One Overall Bracket Champion will ride home on a brand-new Harley-Davidson XG500 Street.
Think high-spirited rim shots, as in shots of tequila or salty-rimmed signature margaritas, at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina or choose cool bottled, draft or pitchers of beer to quench hoop-induced thirsts. Tin Lizzy’s multiplies game-viewing ops with multiple cantina locations, lots of screens tuned into the games and a star-studded roster of tacos, quesadillas, skillets, nachos and more. Staying on the home court? Let Tin Lizzy’s cater your home or office viewing party.
