March Madness is right around the corner with 68 teams (and fans) eager for upsets, buzzer beaters, and bragging rights. If you and your family want in on the action, visit our top sports spots that are kid, parent and basket ball friendly. Read on to find out where the best spots to watch March Madness in Portland are.
photo: The Independent via yelp
The Independent
The Independent is located in the historic Broadway Lights District. Everything about The Independent screams “BASEBALL”, as it was inspired by the Portland Mavericks. But, with 32 flat panel TVs and a projector screen, you will always find your game on, no matter which sport you love. Locally owned and operated by the same people that brought us The Station, this spot loves kids as much as they do sports. There’s a Little Leaguers menu, and they serve Football Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9-11. I mean, what kid doesn’t love TV and breakfast?! The Independent is proud to offer every fan a great seat, however parking can be a bit tricky so use the parking garage next door or get there early for street parking!
225 SW Broadway #100m, Portland
503-206-6745
Online: Independent PDX
Punch Bowl Social Portland
If you’ve ever been to a Punch Bowl Social location (and there are many), then you know why it’s on the list. PBS Portland is the biggest one yet, with 32,000 square feet of fun and entertainment for all ages. There are flat screen TVs throughout the space, for your viewing pleasure, but you don’t just have to sit and watch the game. Choose from bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke, billiards, ping pong, giant Jenga…the list goes on and on. There are also a variety of spaces you can rent, if you want to thrown your own Game Day bash. Kids are welcome until 10 p.m., and the Kid’s Menu features fun classics like Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, and spaghetti and meatballs. Speaking of which, the food at PBS is a cut above your typical sports bar. They use only grass fed, hormone-free beef, and hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., and you won’t want to miss the Mile High Granola or Chicken and Waffles. I’m getting hungry just writing about it.
340 SW Morrison St., Portland
503-334-0360
Online: Punch Bowl Social
photo: Punch Bowl Social via Yelp
Big Al’s
Giving you the opportunity to play, party and watch all in one location, Big Al’s is a great place to bring the whole team. Between 42 bowling lanes, shuffleboard, billiards, and even a 7,000-square-foot arcade, Big Al’s is a mainstay that entertains children and adults of all ages — even if they don’t have the attention span for an entire b-ball game game.
14950 SW Barrows Rd.
Beaverton
503-748-6118
16615 SE 18th St
Vancouver, WA 98683
360-944-6118
Online: I Love Big Al’s
Ladd Taphouse
Portland’s destination for sports, Ladd House has TVs circling the entire bar and superior service so you won’t miss a thing. With shuffleboard, pool, pinball, arcade games, and a 360 degree fireplace table there’s fun for everyone. Swish! They boast 50+ different craft beer and cider on draft including local award winning craft brews.
2239 SE 11th Ave.
Portland
503-236-3592
Online: laddtaphouse.com
photo: Big Als via Yelp
Migration Brewing
Migration Brewing is all about making moves towards your dreams and your beer. This neighborhood favorite is the spot for families to enjoy not only March Madness but Timbers and Blazers games. They rep straightforward pub grub (mac n’cheese and chicken sandwiches) that will appeal to all ages. If the weather is in your favor when you go, they have an extensive patio. Minors are welcome until 8 p.m.
2828 NE Glisan St.
Portland
503-206-5221
Insider tip: Happy hour takes place weekdays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and offers beer, wine and food specials.
Online: migrationbrewing.com
Spirit of ’77
Named for the spirited 1977 season the Trail Blazers had with Bill Walton leading the legitimization of Portland as a sports city, this is a great spot to watch others make history this season. We recommend you bring bigger kids (who’re old enough to safely navigate the tall bar stool seating) to enjoy the game with you. From The Buzzer Beater Basketball Arcade to skee-ball, and pinball to “Baby Foot” foosball there’s plenty to do if kids get a little restless. Minors are allowed until 10 p.m., so go ahead and cheer for overtime.
500 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Portland
503-232-9977
Insider tip: Happy hour takes place weekdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and offers drink specials.Online: spiritof77bar.com
Buffalo Wild Wings
Lovingly called B-Dubs by regulars, BWW is a premier spot for sports fans of all ages. They even support kids’ sports with their Team Up for Kids program. Each venue has a line-up of football food favorites that let you and your family go all out, no matter what you and your little buffalos are craving. They have highchairs galore, plus cute little crowns for kids (or adults feeling like having some fun). With 30-plus flat screen TVs across the dining room and bar, you can catch all the action. There are eight locations in the Vancouver-Portland area, so you’re sure to find one near you.
Online: Buffalo Wild Wings
photo: Stephanie-Rose Revels via flickr
Skybox Pub & Grill
Is your home team in Sellwood? Since 1999, this neighborhood staple has been the go-to sports bar. They come with a stacked lineup featuring a non-smoking, friendly atmosphere just three blocks from Westmoreland Park; 20 beers on tap and more than 18 TVs, including 92-inch and 102-inch projector screens. While they do not have a kid specific menu, everyone in your party is bound to find something they love with a classic menu that includes everything from burgers to sandwiches to salads (plus breakfast on weekends!).
7995 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland
503-731-6399
Insider tip: Happy hour takes place weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. offering drink and food specials.
Online: skyboxpub.com
The Station
This friendly neighborhood gastropub transforms into a sports bar in a moment’s notice. Located in the historic Northwestern Electric Company building, they are the go-to place to watch your favorite local NW teams. The Station is more than welcoming to all the short stops on your team, with a dedicated “Kid’s Zone” that has chalk boards, magnet toys, games, and more. Parents can watch their little players while enjoying a pint anywhere in the restaurant, and still follow the game on one of six large flatscreen TVs and two enormous drop-down projector screens. For the home field advantage, reserve your private table to get in on all the Super Bowl LIII action! Starting at $20 for a 2-person table, your reservation includes guaranteed seating, your choice of Super Bowl food specials, and beer from Rogue Ales. Raffle prizes will be given each quarter, and a Grand Prize package awarded to one lucky winner!
2703 NE Alberta St.
503-284-4491
Online: Station PDX
Insider tip: Happy hour takes place weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6p.m. and daily from 9:30 p.m. to close and offers drink and food specials
Online: stationpdx.com
—Annette Benedetti
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featured photo: Portland Trailblazers by Bruce Ely via NBA
