It’s the middle of March, and conference champions have been crowned. This can only mean one thing: the most exciting two weeks of college basketball have begun. Whether you’re visiting Overland Park with kiddos in tow or here to hang with friends, check out this list of great places for the whole crew to join the madness.
FOR THE SUPER-FANS
If you track your bracket like a DoorDash delivery, there are plenty of spots that deliver an ideal sports bar experience.
Johnny’s Tavern, Coach’s, and Tanner’s each have multiple locations around Overland Park, and are bound to have a lively game day crowd. Barley’s, Talk of the Town, Fox & Hound, and The Other Place are neighborhood mainstays, too. And if you need eyes on every game, skip checking scores on your phone and let Brew Top’s wall-to-wall TVs do the work!
Rain or shine, Maloney’s is a great spot to visit in downtown OP, with two full-service bars and a covered rooftop space. From warm afternoons to cool evenings, garage doors and heated awnings make it easy for the rooftop bar to flex between indoor/outdoor service.
HANGING WITH THE KIDS
Entertain the whole family during your travels at SERV and Craft Putt. With six food concepts, SERV has something for everyone. A turf lawn sits next to the outdoor stage/projector, making it easy to keep tabs on the current match-up while entertaining the kids.
If you need to keep game day activities indoors, head to Craft Putt! The 9,000-square-foot space holds a 10-hole mini golf course, full-service restaurant and bar.
NOT A FAN, BUT ALONG FOR THE RIDE
We get it—not everyone spends all their free time in March watching college basketball. TopGolf is an easy crowd pleaser. Sneak in a round of golf and peruse the brunch menu while the hardcore fans tune into morning games. After brunch, roll into Freddy T’s for the afternoon and post up at the pool tables.
Equally fun for everyone is Chicken N Pickle. This entertainment complex has open seating inside and out, plus TVs in their upstairs sports bar and lower level indoor area/bar. Challenge your friends to a game of pickleball on the indoor or outdoor courts, or play other yard games like cornhole, bocce, and giant Jenga.
When evening rolls around, The Peanut is the perfect spot to post up with fellow fans or friends. They have plenty of TVs, and when you find it impossible to choose between their iconic wings or BLT, just order both.
LOOKING THE PART AND WHERE TO SHOP
Whether you’re a diehard fan or don’t remember the last time you watched a game, everyone loves some swag. While visiting Overland Park, swing through Rally House, Scheels or Academy Sports for gear to support your favorite teams year round!