Courtesy of The Armory STL
The Armory STL in St. Louis
The Armory STL
With six bars, a quarter of a million square feet, and humongous TVs, The Armory is a natural choice for watching those brackets whittle down. It's kicking things off in appropriate style on Thursday with early opening and a Pop-A-Shot tournament. 3660 Market.
While the “ballpark” in Ballpark Village might emphasize baseball, the venue's also a prime spot for watching basketball. BPV will show every game, along with drink specials, games, and prizes. Go for a $25 bucket of Budweiser, Bud Select, or Bud Light; buy-one-get-one shot specials; and free entry into a million-dollar bracket challenge. 601 Clark.
Friendly’s South City STL Sports Bar and Grill
Friendly’s in South City is a great place to catch all of the games. The neighborhood bar has shuffleboard, skee-ball, and more pub games for pregame festivities. Watch the game on its myriad screens. And if the weather cooperates, the heated patio is a great (and dog-friendly) option, too. 3503 Roger Place.
Huge TVs, drink specials, pizza, and wings—Helen Fitzgerald’s is about that life! Visit to watch all of the games at the Irish grill and pub, which is a sister spot to Syberg’s. 3650 S. Lindbergh.
With a serious focus on craft beer and food, the Mizzou alum–owned iTap calls itself “a bar that likes sports.” It's going to be showing the games, and it has locations across the state, so you can even stop by if you’re on the road for a game. See website for locations.
Beyond the myriad TVs and sports memorabilia, there are house-smoked meats, fine sandwiches, and delicious matzo ball and chicken noodle soups. 9906 Clayton.
Jim and Joe O’Brien have made this Brentwood bar a favorite for sports fans. That familiar-looking guy at the corner of the bar? He’s worth a double-take—Blues alumni are among the regulars. 1921 S. Brentwood.
Why not fill out your bracket at a swanky, gambling-themed sports bar on Wash. Ave.? With nearly 40 HD flat screens, it’s pretty straightforward what the specialty is at the Over/Under. The patio has a 150-inch HD projector for game days when the weather cooperates. 911 Washington.
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The former back bar at the renowned Tony Faust's restaurant is the focal point of two seating areas at The Pitch
The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern
Situated across the street from CITYPARK, at Union Station, the 200-seat sports and soccer bar serves up distinctive sandwiches and bar appetizers, including products from Carnegie Deli. As Steve O’Loughlin, president & COO of LHM, describes the atmosphere, it has a “Las Vegas sports bar vibe, with high design and high energy, while at the same time being comfortable and nostalgic.”
This haven for sports fans has an extensive appetizer menu. “Post-Its” come in three varieties: garlic cheese bread bites, bacon chicken ranch, and pepperoni pizza. See website for locations.
If you can’t fathom watching college ball without eating shark chunks, then Syberg’s is your go-to—and it spans eight locations across the city, so there’s likely one close at hand. It also has a bracket challenge underway. See website for locations.
Head for Weber’s Front Row for a classic sports bar experience that doesn’t skimp on the food. Yes, there are nachos and wings, but you can also tuck into baked stuffed mushrooms, a hefty salad selection, and some solid pizza. 8169 Big Bend; 3930 Vogel.
PHOTO BY KEVIN A. ROBERTS
Westport Social
The space houses live music, shuffleboard, foosball, giant kickball-pool, hoops, darts, ping-pong, huge TVs, sleek lounges, a full kitchen, and an even fuller bar. It’s an entertainment gathering spot for fun, long lunches. 910 Westport Plaza.
Click here for a list of some of the metro area's best bars, including a top sports bars.
