Need a local bar to watch NCAA play? Try these Lexington spots to soak up March Madness
The first round of games in the 2022 NCAA basketball championship were announced Sunday. If you’re looking for a spot around Lexington to kick back and watch, we’ve got some suggestions.
While Kentucky’s men’s team is preparing for its first contest against St. Peter’s Thursday, the women’s team will play Princeton Saturday.
Winchell’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Praised for its take on the classic Kentucky hot brown, most seek out Winchell’s for simple, Southern comfort food at a family owned and operated establishment that’s been an institution on 348 Southland Drive for more than 25 years.
That aside, proprietor Graham Waller said Winchell’s is a tough spot to beat on game day. That’s owing to its 35 TVs and the quality of the food on offer, Waller told the Herald-Leader.
And with the men’s team playing Thursday, patrons can take advantage of the St. Patrick’s Day specials running all day long, he said.
“We’re excited,” Waller said of the upcoming matchup Thursday between No. 2 seed Kentucky and No. 15 seed and MAAC champion St. Peter’s.
Shamrock Bar & Grill
If you’re looking to double up on St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness, Shamrock Bar & Grill on Patchen Drive and Hartland Parkway can’t be beat.
With warm, wooden interiors, the Shamrock makes for a cozy spot to catch tourney play.
“It’s sort of become a Lexington staple for UK games,” owner C.O. Trump told the Herald-Leader.
At the Shamrock, there’s always great beer on offer, but the place goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day, Trump said, adding you never know when someone might bust out the bagpipes.
And if you’re looking to get outside Thursday, Trump also owns the Cellar Bar & Grille 3256 Lansdowne Drive, which boasts a beautiful patio that can seat more than 100 people and featuring 30 high-def TVs to catch all the NCAA action.
Henry Clay Public House
While it doesn’t offer dozens of TVs and game-day viewing angles, the Henry Clay Public House is the most stately spot to take in Thursday’s March Madness matchup.
At 112 North Upper St., the Henry Clay Public House is in the heart of Lexington’s downtown entertainment district.
The pub takes its name from Kentucky’s own Henry Clay, who owned the property from 1805 to 1816, according to the business’ Facebook account.
Here, you can sip small batch bourbon, single barrels, barrel proofs and even the Van Winkle collection while taking in the game on a centrally placed TV just above the bar.
What are some other game day spots to check out for NCAA play?
- KSBar & Grille: 1030 South Broadway in Lexington. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays. Check out its website for the latest information on daily specials.
- Drake’s: Locations at 3347 Tates Creek Road and 1880 Pleasant Ridge Drive in Lexington. Open 11 a.m. to midnight Thursdays. Now featuring a specialty Irish menu and on St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, $3 Coors Light in a color-changing cup (while supplies last), $5 Guinness and $5 Lucky Drinks all day.
- Banners: 3650 Boston Road, No. 196 in Lexington. Open 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursdays. Offers 75-cent wing Thursdays.
This story was originally published March 14, 2022 at 4:07 PM.