While we wouldn’t consider Overland Park a “college town” in the traditional sense, it hosts its fair share of college hoop fans with the Big 12 Tournament being hosted in nearby Kansas City. So, if you enjoy college hoops and let’s be real - nearly everyone is taking a shot at filling out a bracket or two. March Madness is a great time to get out and enjoy the restaurants of Overland Park and watch a few NCAA games with fellow like-minded people. Here’s your guide to Overland Park’s March Madness bars.
If you’re rooting for the Big 12 teams…
If you’re looking for a college-esque atmosphere, head to one of two Johnny’s Taverns in Overland Park. Johnny’s Tavern started in Lawrence in 1953 by John Wilson. And back then, Johnny’s Tavern became a haven with plenty of beer and music on the jukebox. Many years later, Johnny’s expanded into the Kansas City area, bringing area Big 12 fans together like back in the good ‘ole college days.
If you want to bar hop…
Downtown Overland Park gives off serious small-town college vibes. Start your day at Maloney’s Sports Bar & Grill to catch some games on its ever-expanding patio, a heated awning, and rooftop bar. If the weather is nice, go straight to the rooftop deck. Then head to The Peanut on Santa Fe for more games and WINGS. Get the wings, trust us. Still ready to hop? Next go to The Other Place. You won't miss a second of the game with the amount of TVs here. And finish off your day with craft beer at Brew Lab. There are plenty of big screens to catch any of the games.
If you’re with the kids…
True to its name, Chicken N Pickle is a spot for pickleball lovers. But Chicken N Pickle is more than that. It’s an indoor/outdoor entertainment venue that includes pickleball courts, yard games, and enough space to let the kids run around. There is also a casual, chef-driven restaurant, and a sports bar. It’s an easy choice to watch March Madness while also watching the madness of your children. But no, really, Chicken N Pickle should be on your list of spots to catch March Madness game or two when you have the kids.
If you’re trying to hide from the boss while “working from home”…
You can watch NCAA and pretend to be a college student across the street at Gert’s Grille. Gert’s Grille is a neighborhood sports bar has the regulars – beer, cocktails, and bar food but it also has some of the best soup in Kansas City and it’s served in bread bowls. There are plenty of TVs and Gert’s is sure to have all the NCAA packages and plenty of free Wifi so you can get those emails off to your boss in between games. What happens at Gert’s, stays at Gert’s. Shhhh -- your boss will never know.
If you prefer to watch the games outside …
The patio life is the best way to have a beer and watch March Madness. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, Coach’s has heated patios to get your outdoors fix. There are two Coach’s Bar & Grill’s in Overland Park. The Coach’s off 135th is a firepit with a view. It has two outdoor fire pit areas on a fantastic rooftop deck. And the Coach’s off Metcalf also has two outdoor fire pits with lounge seats if you prefer to stay on the ground. Both Coach’s serves comfort-food-meets-sports-bar with sports memorabilia lining the walls.
If you want to bring your dog to the games too...
All dogs are welcome at Rock & Brews! So much so that your dog has its own menu to order from. Go ahead and order up the Barkin' Bacon or the Bow Wow Burger for your pup while you also keep your bracket from busting. Rock & Brews serves American comfort food with a non-traditional and creative spin. There's even a menu for your 'Lil basketball fans too -- the human ones.
