Sunday, March 15, 2009

Top 5 Places for March Madness in Syracuse

The Syracuse University basketball team may have gotten bounced from the Big East Tournament Championship, but that doesn't mean that Orange madness has to stop there. If your ideal place to watch an SU game is a low-key establishment with the sound off, this list is not for you. This is strictly for enjoying a game with good food, plenty of TVs, and and high-fiving really loud Orange fans that you've never met before. The following are some of the best (and loudest) sports bars to eat pub food and enjoy the Big Dance in Syracuse.

And as always, the 'cuse is in the house oh my gawd, oh my gawd.

1) Blarney Stone: 314 Avery Ave, Syracuse, NY
A staple to Tipp Hill and arguably one of the best places in the city for wings, the Blarney Stone has plenty of flat screen TVs for you to enjoy the game. Not to mention $5 burgers that are big, perfectly formed, cooked to order, juicy and delicious. Although it can get very crowded on some occasions, don't miss their 20 cent wing special on Thursday nights and during all SU games. [link] [photo] [map]

2) Rosie's Sports Pub & Grill: 1443 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY
At the risk of mentioning the Tipperary Hill region once too many times (c'mon, it's March!). Rosie's Sports Pub & Grill, formerly owned by Mayor Matt Driscol and now by the owner of Coleman's, has become a Westside favorite for sports bars in Syracuse. Good wings and plenty of TVs here. They even have a huge TV in the bathroom so you never have to miss a play. [link] [map]

3) Chuck's Cafe: 727 S Crouse Ave Ste 6, Syracuse, NY
You cannot have an SU basketball list without mentioning a place on University Hill. Chuck's may be a bit more rowdy than some of its nearby bars and restaurants, but it's hard to complain when you are in the heart of the Syracuse University social scene enjoying burgers (like the Dr. Praeger's Veggie Burger for $4.50), french bread pizzas, or chicken tenders. Chuck's also boasts $3 pitchers during Happy Hour and $1 drafts and 25 cent wings on Sundays. [link] [map]

4) Change of Pace: 1802 Grand Blvd, Syracuse, NY
"The 1st sports bar in Syracuse" and another contender for the best wings in the city is Change of Pace on the city's Northside. Plenty of seating with 11 TVs to enjoy SU basketball while chowing down on delicious burgers, subs, pizza, and juicy wings. Bonus points: The kitchen is open until midnight! [link] [map]

5) Syracuse Suds Factory: 320 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY
Located on the corner of Clinton and Walton Streets, Suds Factory has been serving up food and beer to the Armory Square crowd for over 18 years now. Enjoy the game with burgers, chili, factory fries, locally-brewed pitchers of beer, loud TV's, and an energetic crowd. Not a bad way to watch. [link] [map]

Honorable Mention
OC's Fat Boy BBQ: 317 N Salina St, Syracuse, NY
A hidden gem of sorts near the city's Little Italy district. Though it may be a bit more toned down than others on this list, OC's has pool tables, dart boards, dozens of TVs, and a traditional pub and bar-b-que focused menu with items like a 1/2 rack of ribs and two sides for $11.50 and the pulled pork platter and 2 sides for $4.95! [link] [map]

1 comment:

Josef Lorenz said...

sigh. how could i leave out nibsy's... how i love thee.