So long, sunlight. Farewell, fresh air. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament has arrived. You spent hours picking the winners for your office pool (or at least choosing the teams with the best names). Now it’s time to watch your bracket sheet become useless after the first round. Whether you’re gaga over Gonzaga or high on the Illini, you can watch the games and grab a few deals at these bars.
Joe’s Bar
Specials or not, this place could be crowned king of Chicago sports bars due to its 140 televisions. Fortunately for you, Joe’s is a benevolent monarch and is offering $7 Miller Lite pitchers throughout the tournament. Expect the cavernous bar to be crowded with various alumni clubs from around the city. However, with 16 10-foot screens, it’s a safe bet you’ll have a good view from wherever you sit. 940 W. Weed St. 312-337-3486.
Durkin’s
A mediocre Boilermaker season has not dampened the spirits of this Purdue-friendly bar. Although Purdue made it to the NIT, the team didn’t get an NCAA bid. But Durkin’s is still throwing a party to kick off the tournament tonight. The bar’s $25 special includes unlimited domestic drafts and pizza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., one lucky participant will win two tickets to the tournament regional finals in Atlanta, a two-night hotel stay and $600 cash. 810 W. Diversey Pkwy. 773-525-2515.
Avenue Tavern
Escape the frat house feel of many sports bars when you catch the games at this trendy Lincoln Park hang. A full menu of bar food complements $2.50 Bud Light drafts, $4 Absolut Citron cocktails and 25 cent wings during the games. When your team gets knocked out in the first round, find some release on the Deer Hunter video game. 2916 N. Broadway, 773-975-7000.
Finn McCool’s
This Gold Coast bar has made a name for itself (despite its lame name) with its appetizing daily food specials. Tonight get a half-pound burger for only $1.99, along with $3 Heineken and Amstel Lights, and Friday it’s all-you-can-eat fish and chips for $6.99. Wash down your meal with a Miller Lite draft, which is only $2.50 during the games. 15 W. Division St. 312-337-4349.
Piece
As if Dick Vitale’s screaming head wasn’t scary enough on TV, now you can have it bobbing over your mantle. Play the Piece brackets game and you could win an autographed Vitale bobblehead, gift certificates and oodles of Piece swag. In addition to its regular daily specials, the Wicker Park pizzeria and brewpub also will offer a Piece brew for $3.50 and a potato-and-bacon tournament-edition pizza for the games. 1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422.
Cullinan’s Stadium Club
Players aren’t the only ones who get to score some buckets during the tournament. This popular South Side spot is dishing out five-bottle buckets of Budweiser beers for $10 and Miller beers for $11. After your championship pick is upset by a no-name state college, feel free to place an empty bucket over your head and bang it repeatedly against the table. 11610 S. Western Ave. 773-445-5620.
Glascott’s
Cheer on your favorite team at this March Madness kickoff party. Your $25 admission includes beer, wine and cocktails, and you’ll even be supporting charity: Proceeds benefit the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 6 p.m.-2 a.m. tonight. $25. 2158 N. Halsted St. 773-281-1205.
