Gracie’s
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Address: 326 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
Another great spot in Salt Lake City is Gracie’s, a two-floor gastropub with more than 20 beers on tap. Make sure you take the time to check out the second floor game room, where you can shoot some pool or throw darts if you need a break from the action.
- Location: Des Moines, Iowa
- Address: 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA
If you’re in town for the first round games in Des Moines, be sure to hit up The Keg Stand before you head to the arena. The Keg Stand has a whopping 82 beers on tap and features great specials throughout the week, including $5 burgers on Thursdays and 1/2 price bites on Saturdays.
- Location: Des Moines, Iowa
- Address: 3100 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA
While you’re in Des Moines be sure to stop by Jethro’s for some high-quality barbecue. Jethro’s is famous for its wings and dry rubs as well as a number of tremendous specials during the week.
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Address: 111 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL
One of the best places to hit in Jacksonville, the site of more first round action, is Sneakers Sports Grille. Sneakers not only has 8 HD screens that are over a story tall, but it is conveniently located right near the beach.
Culhane’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Address: 967 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, FL
Irish pubs aren’t the first thing you think of when it comes to Jacksonville, but Culhane’s is a wonderful exception. Culhane’s features plenty of great drink choices and Irish cuisine to enjoy even though Notre Dame didn’t make the tournament this year.