The tournament is here, and we’ve got you covered with 10 bars to watch March Madness across New Jersey
The first round of March Madness tips off March 20, and New Jersey has the perfect spots to watch every game. From Atlantic City’s casino floors to neighborhood pubs, here are the best places to fill out your bracket, order wings, and root for your Cinderella story.
March Madness in New Jersey
Mickey’s Bar & Grill – Lyndhurst
Self-styled as the Best Sports Bar in Jersey, Mickey’s in Lyndhurst has the TVs to back up that claim. This beloved North Jersey institution packs the room with screens at every angle, ensuring no seat in the house is a bad one come tournament time. Known for its lively atmosphere, the wings are legendary and the staff keeps the energy infectious.
Mickey’s opens at noon on weekends, making it perfect for settling in with your bracket, some friends, and a few pints of ice-cold beer.
Address: 601 Riverside Ave #136, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 | (201) 935-3337
Madd Hatter – Hoboken
Hoboken’s go-to destination for major sporting events. With a massive interior, plenty of screens, and a brunch menu that starts at 11 a.m. on weekends, it’s perfectly positioned for catching early tournament tip-offs—maybe with a mimosa in hand? The food matches the setting—wings and burgers have earned local acclaim—and the bartenders and servers keep things running like a well-oiled machine… even when the bar is four rows deep.
The Madd Hatter draws a younger, energetic crowd that knows how to fill a room with noise when the underdogs start making runs.
Address: 221 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030 | (201) 856-0597
Blitz Sportsbar – Newark
For North Jersey fans looking for an Ironbound spot with real sports bar credentials, Blitz fits the bill. Through cold beer, a lively crowd, and a mix of Portuguese and American fare, Blitz has built its reputation as one of the best places in the area to catch a game. For soccer fans, this is the spot for you if you can’t choose between March Madness and the Beautiful Game—why not both?
Blitz opens at 11 a.m. and big game days see the energy building early.
Address: 179 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105 | (973) 465-1313
Bello’s Pub and Grill – Newark
Steps from Newark Penn Station and right across from the Prudential Center, Bello’s has become a staple of Newark’s sports bar scene. This acclaimed gastropub brings something more to the game, with a menu that’s drawn consistent raves and an eye-popping 180+ beers to choose from. During the tournament, Bello’s turns into a lively hub for commuters, local regulars, and sports fans converging on downtown Newark.
The convenient location is the true draw, allowing you to segue lunch, a game, and some beers into a night at Prudential Center to watch the Devils or Sirens take the ice.
Address: 376 Market St, Newark, NJ 07105 | (973) 465-0052
Horseshoe Tavern – Morristown
In the heart of downtown Morristown, this Western-themed bar has earned a devoted local following as one of Morris County’s premier spots. The place comes alive during big sporting events—and March Madness is among the most anticipated on the calendar. With a lively bar scene, solid food menu, and the ability to host private parties upstairs, The Horseshoe a great all-around option for groups looking to make a day of the tournament.
The Horseshoe opens at 11:45 a.m. daily, so you’ll be in your seat ready for tip-off without missing a minute.
Address: 36 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 | (973) 998-8447
The Village Pub – Sewell
TVs fill this New Jersey bar—and they’ve got the cold beer, shaken drinks, and pub fare to complement a lengthy afternoon of big games. Crispy wings and juicy burgers remain the fuel behind the energetic bar crowd. Seriously, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to see your bracket through in the area. The Village Pub is consistent and the hospitable staff delivers the experience to prove it.
The Village Pub opens at 11 a.m. daily.
Address: 139 Egg Harbor Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 | (856) 270-2522
Blue 42 – Elmwood Park
Known throughout the area for having some of the best wings in New Jersey, Blue 42 is a neighborhood institution where all fans are welcome. The signature item here is the wings—180 different sauces means you’ll find your flavor—and they’ve earned a devoted following for good reason. The lively atmosphere, packed with TVs and passionate fans, makes this the place to be for any big game.
Blue 42’s loyal following and welcoming vibe make it a local landmark. Open at noon daily.
Address: 158 Market St, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 | (201) 773-0970
The Gallery Bar at Ocean Casino Resort – Atlantic City
If you want to go big for March Madness, the Gallery Bar at Ocean Casino Resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the undisputed king of the experience. This 24-hour casino sports bar boasts an enormous bank of HD screens and a sportsbook that lets you put your bracket knowledge where your mouth is. The energy here during tournament weekends is absolutely electric—crowds are passionate, drinks are flowing, and with multiple overlapping games broadcasting simultaneously, you’ll never miss a second of the action.
Combine it with a stay at the resort and make a full weekend out of the Madness. Ocean Casino Resort is the definitive destination for New Jersey sports fans who want to take their viewing experience to the next level.
Address: 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | (609) 783-8000
Asbury Ale House – Asbury Park
Asbury Park has become one of New Jersey’s most vibrant destinations, and the Asbury Ale House on Cookman Avenue captures that spirit perfectly. This sprawling bar and restaurant features televisions throughout its impressive interior and ample outdoor seating, with a tap list that showcases the best of NJ’s craft beer scene, plus other domestic and imported favorites. The Ale House makes sitting through a six-game Saturday feel effortless.
Asbury Ale House opens at 12 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends—deal for fans who want great beer options, solid food, and a lively crowd.
Address: 531 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 | (732) 455-3808
Kaminski’s Sports Bar & Restaurant – Cherry Hill
Rounding out our list is another South Jersey standout: Kaminski’s on Brace Road in Cherry Hill. A true neighborhood institution with decades of loyal fans, Kaminski’s offers a classic, unpretentious bar experience backed by a kitchen dishing out tasty bar grub. The pizza has become legendary, the wings draw repeat visitors from across the county, and the bartenders keep the drinks flowing.
If you’re in South Jersey and want a reliable, welcoming place to watch the tournament, this is it.
Address: 1424 Brace Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 | (856) 428-2555
March Madness Viewing
Whether you’re heading down the Shore for a full tournament weekend or settling into your neighborhood bar for a weeknight game, New Jersey has you covered.
Fill out your bracket, gather your crew, and enjoy March Madness at these Garden State bars.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
