March Madness is up and running, and the best place to be is right in the middle of it.  If you can’t be at the game, your next best option is to be surrounded by those who also wished they were at the game.  I’ve narrowed down the list of some of NYC’s Top Sports Bars to suit whatever mood you might be in.

Our Final Four Bars:

Standings

1.  Standings – A small, cozy bar, with a lot of heart and spirit.  They feature flags from a huge array of college sports teams, and has a tv in every direction you look.  With its superior beer, and raging authenticity to all things sports, you can’t go wrong here.   43 E 7th St.

Blondies

2.  Blondies – Known for having the most authentic buffalo wings in the city, that is reason enough for anyone to come here.  Paired with great 2 for 1 happy hours, and a bunch of tvs, this place is a best bet.   212 W 79th St.

3.  The Village Pourhouse - Though they have multiple locations around the city, it’s always a good choice to head to the original in the East Village.  With 100+ bottles of beer, 24 on tap, 22 HDTV flatscreens, and you throw in 50 cent wings and a mystery shot, you’re set.   64 3rd Ave.

Warren 77

4.  Warren 77 – If you are looking for a slightly different take on the sports bar, this is a popular option.  With a more lounge-like atmosphere, dark lighting, and great food, this place could also make do as a date night spot.  77 Warren St.

Our Elite 8 Bars:

Stout NYC – a huge, 16,000 sq. feet, 3 level behemoth of a sports bar. 125+ bottles, and 20 on draft.   133 W 33rd St.

The Hill – A lounge/sports bar with 33 HDTVs.  Full menu, local and import beers, and a selection of specialty cocktails.   416 3rd Ave.

The Hill

SNAP Sports Bar – stands for Sports, Nightlife, and Pastime, and resides in the MPD.  Aesthetically pleasing, with mahogany and luxe decor, and has their unique “Face Off” Table, which is a communal table with devoted fans of opposing sides.   248 W 14th St.

SideBar – With an ideal location in Union Square, this is an easy go to sports bar.  With a load of HDTV screens everywhere, and a somewhat younger crowd, this is one of the rowdiest of the bunch.  118 E 15th St.

Bleeker Heights Tavern – Known as the speakeasy of Sports bars, the entrance is hidden in the back of the burger joint, Five Guys.  It is a small bar, with great imported beers on tap, so get there early.  296 Bleecker St. entrance inside of Five Guys

Snap Sports Bar

Bounce Uptown – The set up is conducive to easy game watching, has a chill, low key vibe, and the food isn’t bad either.   1403 2nd Ave.

Stadium Grill -With 4 tiers of stadium seating facing a 50 ft. wall of HDTV, a David Burke designed menu, and a digital sports ticker, this place stands on its own.  It is just an added bonus that its home is inside of a bowling alley.   222 W 44th St.  inside Bowlmor Lanes

Stadium Grill at Bowlmor Lanes

The Ainsworth – This bar is spacious, with high ceilings, huge screens everywhere, and a unique take on traditional bar food.   122 W 26th St.