Top Restaurants for March Madness

From Selection Sunday to that final “One Shining Moment,” this town can’t look away from March Madness. Whether we’re witnessing the next historic buzzer beater, tracking blue bloods on upset alert or just seeing how far the local teams can go, this college basketball paradise eats it all up. And speaking of food, in a town rich with college basketball traditions, sports bars have an equally important role in basketball watch parties. To help you game plan where you want to watch, check out these Chapel Hill institutions.

Top of the Hill

Thanks in part to its iconic balcony, this restaurant and brewery is a Franklin Street staple and one of the hottest spots to watch the field of 68 battle it out. After a short walk or elevator ride, patrons of “TOPO” will find themselves surrounded by historic UNC basketball pictures and fans adorned in Carolina blue. A large projector screen displays the games for diners as they’re treated to some of Chapel Hill’s tastiest food and beer, brewed in-house. If you’re looking for a classic setting to watch hoops, Top of the Hill is hard to beat.

Sup Dogs

An environment geared more toward young adults, Sup Dogs is always an energetic spot to catch the tournament. The Carolina-themed caricature murals on the walls are a fun addition to the already lively atmosphere. If you find yourself there for a game, walk around for some heroic images of Tar Heel greats and a comical depiction of Coach K. Tasty tater tots and an eclectic drink menu at the heart of Franklin Street makes Sup Dogs a slam dunk.

Four Corners

A restaurant named after Dean Smith’s iconic scheme, Four Corners delivers as an awesome watch party spot. This split-level sports bar has been frequented by basketball lovers for decades. Along with tasty pub food like burgers and fish and chips, Four Corners boasts the most televisions of any location on this list. Smith’s four corner stall was about holding onto the ball and watching basketball at the Four Corners Grille will have you holding onto the edge of your seat.

Carolina Brewery

The oldest brewery in the Triangle will make you feel right at home watching hoops at their Chapel Hill location. Though it may not get especially raucous at Carolina Brewery, there’s a palpable energy in the restaurant’s air when the NCAA tournament is on. Carolina Brewery prides itself on food and beer made with locally sourced ingredients. Throw in some March Madness and you can’t go wrong!

IP3

Italian Pizzeria III (IP3) cooks up authentic pizza and an intimate sports-watching experience. It’s the place to go if you are looking for a loud, high-energy viewing experience with total strangers that’ll become your closest friends by halftime. Sports are special because they bring people together, so grab a seat and a slice amongst fellow fans, surrounded by IP3’s impressive collection of Tar Heel memorabilia.

Trilogy

Downtown Chapel Hill is a blast, but if you’re seeking a more subdued vibe that’s a little closer to Glen Lennox, check out Trilogy at University Place. Trilogy has the fare you’d expect from any sports bar, like wings and sandwiches, as well as enough TVs to catch every March Madness game. What’s unique about the restaurant is its University Place location, within Silverspot Cinema. Create a new spin on the “double feature;” catch a game at Trilogy then a movie at a theater, mere steps away from your table.

Legends will be born and brackets will be busted. The thrill and agony of March Madness makes for memories that live forever in our hearts. Reserve your table or get to these beloved watch party host sites early so you don’t miss a minute of the action.