Where to Watch March Madness (Classic NC State Bars)

I’m a huge college sports fan, and March Madness is probably my favorite sporting event of the year. Held annually since 1939, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament has been battling colleges against each other in a 3-week long event that’s one of the most exciting in college basketball. And here in Raleigh, with both the men’s and women’s Wolfpack teams qualified, it’s hard not to get caught up in the drama and excitement of this 68-team knockout tournament – survive and advance, as they say!

I can’t think of a better place to take in all the action than around Hillsborough Street, the home of North Carolina State University. The NC State men’s team is in the big dance as an 11th seed and play Texas in the first round, and the women’s as a 7th seed. As for the other Triangle area teams, the UNC men’s team is a 6th seed, and the Duke men’s team is seeded #1 overall.

The 2026 March Madness men’s tournament starts on March 17th with the National Championship game on April 6th in Indianapolis. And the women’s tournament starts on March 18th, and their National Championship game is on April 5th in Phoenix, Arizona. Here is the Men’s bracket and the Women’s bracket.

If you’re looking to cheer on your college team, why not join in on the fun at one of the classic NC State bars where you can soak up the excitement alongside fellow students, alumni, and college basketball fans!

The Players Retreat

Kicking off our list is a classic NC State bar and true Raleigh landmark. The Players Retreat, affectionately known as the PR to the locals, has been a beloved sports bar for over 70 years, drawing in students, alumni, and sports aficionados alike. Located steps away from NC State’s main campus, the PR exudes old-school charm with its cozy booths, sidewalk tables, and abundance of TV screens broadcasting the games.

All fans welcome at the PR

But it’s not just the nostalgic atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back; it’s also the mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches that have earned the PR a reputation for serving some of the best burgers in Raleigh. And let’s not forget about their impressive collection of single malts – perfect for toasting your team’s victory!

Great burgers \ Mimi’s sausage dip

With a mix of bar and booth seating indoors, and ample outdoor seating options and outdoor TV’s and a diverse crowd, the PR is the quintessential neighborhood bar where you can cheer on your team throughout March. It’s where we watched State beat Duke in the Sweet Sixteen during their legendary Final 4 run – watch our video.

• Address: 105 Oberlin Road
• Website: PlayersRetreat.com

Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant

Amedeo’s is a classic NC State restaurant and bar and has been a Raleigh icon since 1963. As soon as you walk in, you’ll understand why it’s been a tradition for NC State Wolfpack fans for all these years with an incredible amount of memorabilia on the walls which is like taking a walk down memory lane of Wolfpack history.

Amedeo’s was founded by Amedeo (Dick) DeAngelis, a former NC State football player whose love for the game and great food inspired what has become a beloved Wolfpack gathering spot near campus. Here you’ll find students, staff, alumni, coaches and NC State fans all eating among themselves. You can choose to sit in a booth, in the casual dining room, or in the casual bar room setting.

Since 1963, they’ve been serving up authentic Italian flavors in a casual restaurant and pizzeria vibe, with the excitement of a sports-bar feel. As for the food, don’t miss their famous lasagna, the pizza and pasta is great, the meatballs and garlic bread, and the homemade cheesecake and Homemade Tiramisu. NOTE: they have gluten-free pasta and pizza bases and other GF items! HOT TIP: kids 10 and under eat FREE with purchase of adult entree on Monday evenings!

• Address: 3905 Western Blvd, Raleigh
• Website: amedeosrestaurant.com

Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill

A bit further up Hillsborough Street and heading west from campus is the Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill, another West Raleigh favorite that’s become a hotspot for sports enthusiasts. A large bar boasting ten 120″ projection screens indoors, and a spacious outdoor patio with screens, the Brickhouse is another fun place to gather with friends and watch March Madness.

Good wings + pizzas

The Brickhouse welcomes all fans, and with a wide selection of beers on tap, daily drink specials, and a large menu with popular favorites including their nachos, burgers, wings, and gluten-free pizzas, Brickhouse has everything you need for a watch party experience.

• Address: 3801 Hillsborough St
• Website: Brickhouse-nc.com

Mitch’s Tavern

Another Raleigh institution opposite NC State’s main campus on Hillsborough Street is Mitch’s Tavern. Established in 1974, when you step inside Mitch’s, it’s like stepping back in time. This iconic tavern stands as one of Raleigh’s cherished landmarks, particularly adored by NC State students and alumni for its prime location on Hillsborough St directly across from campus.

Cool NC State memorabilia

But it’s not just the setting that draws people in; it’s also the rich history, famously featured as the tavern in the 1988 film “Bull Durham.” Take a stroll around, and you’ll spot quirky NC State memorabilia adorning the walls, adding to the tavern’s allure. Known for serving up delectable sandwiches like the mouthwatering Mitch’s Reuben, hearty soups, nachos, spicy beef chili, and an array of beers – all at reasonable prices – Mitch’s offers a taste of nostalgia.

Mitch’s Reuben / Spicy beef chili

Despite not boasting a multitude of TVs like the other NC State bars, Mitch’s exudes an old-school classic college bar feel, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

• Address: 2426 Hillsborough St
• Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com

Sammy’s Tap & Grill

Next up, we have Sammy’s Tap & Grill, a beloved West Raleigh establishment that’s been a go-to spot for sports enthusiasts for over two decades. Conveniently located near NC State University’s Centennial Campus on Avent Ferry Rd, it’s a favorite hangout for Wolfpack fans (you might know it as a Steelers bar during NFL season).

With an abundance of TVs, including individual screens at each booth, you can catch all the action while enjoying your favorite bar bites and drinks. Whether you’re craving a pitcher of Yuengling or a plate of mouthwatering wings, Sammy’s has you covered. From weekly drink specials to trivia nights and live music, Sammy’s offers something for everyone, making it the ultimate destination for sports fans in Raleigh.

• Address:  2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh.
• Website: sammystapgrill.com

In Summary

So that’s where you can go to catch all the NCAA Basketball action. While Raleigh is the home of NC State on Hillsborough St, there’s a diverse college sports fan base in the area, so you will be sure to find the right vibes even if the Wolfpack are not competing. These bars offer the perfect blend of atmosphere, food, and camaraderie to make your March Madness experience one to remember. If you’re looking for more places to grab a bite to eat pre-game or post-game, check out these top Hillsborough Street restaurants.