Basketball and Brews: March Madness in Rutland

A guide to the Big Dance in Downtown

Story by Lauren Fabian | March 22, 2019

March Madness is finally here — selection Sunday is over and the 68 team single-elimination tournament is under way. Whether you're watching casually to spend time with friends or betting on your bracket, here’s a guide to the best locations to catch the tournament in downtown Rutland.

Hop’ N Moose:

Hoops and hops, what more can you ask for? Treat yourself to a specialty pizza while you enjoy a flight of original beers from Rutland Beer Works at Hop’N Moose. Sit in the front row at the bar all tournament long or grab a table with friends to get a glimpse at games while cheering on your favorite teams. Whichever you decide, this family-friendly brewpub boasts a diverse menu with options for everyone.

Muckenschnabel’s:

This semi-sophisticated saloon and barroom is known for their friendly bartenders and great selection of drinks to choose from. Grab a barstool or a booth with friends to enjoy the dimly-lit, casual location to watch your favorite game play a game of darts during commercials. If you’re looking for a place to catch the late night games, Muck’s stays open ‘til at least 1 a.m every night with the exception of Sundays.

Two Shea’s:

Family owned and operated since 1990, Two Shea’s is the perfect walk-in destination to grab a drink, play some pool, and eat popcorn while you watch the game. This local hangout is open from 12pm to 2am seven days a week and features a partially covered patio with lots of seating. Located on 34 Wales Street in downtown, Two Shea’s is a go-to location to drop in this next couple of weeks.

Kelvans:

Opening at 11 a.m for lunch on Merchants Row, cozy up at the bar area of Kelvans to catch a day of anticipated games. The restaurant features a “Thirsty Thursday,” with $2.50 Coors Light Draft, Corona and Corona Light for $3.50, and house margaritas for $5.50. Their menu offers a variety of new and traditional American options if you’re looking for a bite to eat, too!

Table 24:

This rustic location provides an upscale dining area with a unique menu that includes choices for all types of appetites. Grab a bite to eat in the restaurant and then head to the bar area to watch the game on one of their three tvs, open from 11:30 am to 10pm every day. With their everyday lunch hour, this is another great location to catch one of those bracket buster games midday. For those looking for a lighter dining fair, if you’re 21 and up, after 4 p.m head straight to the bar area to grab one of their draft beers or signature cocktails to pair with a delicious appetizer and one of their burgers.

Other great places to catch a game include the Center Street Saloon, Union Jacks Pub, The Venue, Hideaway Tavern, and Center Street Alley. For more information on restaurant and bar hours and operations, please visit their linked websites. To view the March Madness schedule please visit https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/march-madness-dates-tournament-schedule