Broad Ripple’s Top Spots to Catch March Madness
Writer / Jon Shoulders
March Madness is upon us, and some of the biggest decisions to make as the first round of post-season college hoops approaches (other than filling out your tournament bracket predictions, of course) involve choosing the best venues for an optimal midtown viewing experience. Is food your biggest factor? Are the best and brightest big screens your bag? Check out the list below for a little help deciding.
Broad Ripple Tavern
745 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-257-6030
A Broad Ripple Village institution, Broad Ripple Tavern provides a comfortable setting for rooting on your team, shooting a game of pool and choosing from an ample drink menu that includes local brews. Everything on the all-day menu is made in-house from scratch and includes breakfast burritos, burgers, tenderloins, fish & chips, soups and salads, apps and more.
Kilroy’s
831 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-257-7849
There’s no shortage of flatscreen TVs at Kilroy’s, and no matter where you sit you’ll likely have a clear game-time vantage point. Make sure to arrive well before tip-off — Kilroy’s can get crowded quickly, especially on the weekend — and don’t forget about the late-night menu that includes stuffed breadsticks, buffalo chicken dip, sandwiches and specialty pizzas.
Plump’s Last Shot
6416 Cornell Avenue
317-257-5867
Named in honor of Bobby Plump, who sank a last-second shot back in 1954 to win a men’s basketball state title for Milan High School and eventually inspire the award-winning movie Hoosiers, Plump’s offers an atmosphere sure to get you in the March Madness mood. Souvenirs and memorabilia adorn the walls, and the menu features burgers, wings, quesadillas, salads and a popular pork tenderloin.
Old Pro’s Table
827 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-255-5417
As Broad Ripple’s oldest sports bar, OPT is equipped with 18 high-definition plasma televisions displaying all the hoops action you could ask for. Get your pre-game meal on and choose from nachos, wings, Bavarian pretzel sticks, pizzas, tacos, burgers, wraps and a lot more.
Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co.
1021 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-255-5151
Craft beer and a sizable menu including specialty pizzas are the name of the game here, and an abundance of well-placed screens make cheering on your team easy. Craft your own pie or choose from house specialties like the sriracha chicken, four-cheese white, hoppy cheesesteak, Mediterranean pesto and more.
Brothers Bar & Grill
910 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-252-5530
brothersbar.com/indianapolisbr
With drink specials all week long and family-friendly dining every day until 9:00 p.m., Brothers offers a casual setting for March Madness viewers. Try some unique apps like cheese curds, battered cauliflower and breaded pickles before choosing from salads, wraps, tacos, burgers and sandwiches.
HopCat
6280 North College Avenue
317-565-4236
hopcat.com/contact/broad-ripple
HopCat’s 130 beer taps and full menu of appetizers (don’t leave without trying the crack fries), entrées and desserts will give you plenty of fuel to support your favorite squad. Screens placed throughout the restaurant and around the bar make it easy for your party to get a good viewing angle for can’t-miss games.
Union Jack Pub
924 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-257-4343
An all-ages, English-style pub, Union Jack’s multiple flat screens are displayed amidst an array of sports memorabilia, framed pictures and beer signage. The restaurant is known for their deep dish pizza (it typically takes about 40 minutes to prepare, so make sure to plan accordingly), and there are plenty of other options like burgers, wraps, sandwiches, soups and vegetarian selections.
Moe & Johnny’s
5380 North College Avenue
317-255-6376
You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere at Moe & Johnny’s, complete with an extensive appetizer, entree and cocktail menu. Need a caffeine pick-me-up between games? Stop into their sister establishment, Cornerstone Coffee House, for a steaming hot coffee or custom-blended tea.
Keystone Sports Review
5602 North Keystone Avenue
317-251-9902
Eight HD TVs bring the action to you and your crew at Keystone Sports Review, which opened its doors back in 1990. The establishment specializes in made-to-order steaks, hand-breaded tenderloins, wings and thin crust pizza, and be sure to ask about daily drink and food specials.
Average Joe’s Sports Pub
816 Broad Ripple Avenue
317-253-5844
restaurantji.com/in/indianapolis/average-joes-/
Don’t let its modest size, nestled in the heart of Broad Ripple Avenue, fool you — there are plenty of screens, bar and table seats, pool tables and drink selections here. Food and beverage specials are consistently offered, and the food menu boasts pizza, nachos, burgers, sandwich melts and wings.
Sahm’s Place
2411 East 65th Street
317-202-1577
Sahm’s provides a great setting for those seeking out a comfy, neighborhood bar and grill setting, and multiple flat screens spaced around the interior don’t hurt either. The drink menu includes local beers like Big Lug (Sahm’s sister restaurant & brewery), Sun King and Three Floyds, as well as wine and spirits.
Fat Dan’s Chicago Style Deli
5410 North College Avenue
317-600-3333
The staff at Fat Dan’s, an authentic Chicago-style pub and deli, make sure their TVs are tuned in to the tourney games all day long through March. Enjoy Chicago dogs, Italian beef, pulled pork, sandwich selections like corned beef and grilled cheese, dirty tots and much more during your viewing.
Twenty Tap
5406-08 North College Avenue
317-602-8840
Twenty Tap typically unveils its massive TV display during March Madness so everyone in the bar can easily keep tabs on the action. Local and regional brews abound, and choose from burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads and offbeat starters like harissa Brussels sprouts, poutine and veggie buffalo wings.
