A lot of sports fans will tell you that college basketball doesn’t really start until March, and it’s hard to argue with 350 programs all having a shot to be one of the 68 teams who qualify for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

This tournament is affectionately known as March Madness for both its smorgasbord of games to feast on and major upsets taking place across the tournament’s three-week span.

March Madness kicks off with the First Four games March 19 and the first and second round games running March 21-24. The Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight matchups take place one week later on March 28-31, and the Final Four will be held in Arizona on Saturday, April 6.

And there’s no better way to witness this year’s narrative of Cinderella’s taking down the sport’s goliaths, the ecstasy of survival, and the heartbreak of defeat than by watching with friends, a cold beer, and some hot food.

On that note, let’s take a look at the best places in Bossier to delve into March Madness.

The Sportsbook at Margaritaville

A very popular trend among fans is sports betting. Margaritaville offers 20 sports betting kiosks and five ticket writer stations, offering thousands of betting options. They also have food and what some have called the largest TV in north Louisiana. So, even for the non-risktakers, there is still some fun to be had.

Muddy Waters Sports Bar and Grille

Located in Benton, Muddy Waters has been somewhat of a haven for north Bossier residents. Offering a great menu of steaks, wings, and burgers with SIXTEEN high-def TVs and both indoor and outdoor seating, any type of sports fan can be comfortable and well-fed this March Madness season.

BeauxJax Crafthouse

Already a go-to spot for both locals and tourists, BeauxJax serves up some of the most acclaimed Cajun cuisine in northwest Louisiana. Slide up to their bar to catch this year’s games while scarfing down a poboy or seafood mac & cheese and washing it down with handcrafted spirits and unique beverages.

The Seventh Tap

Neighbors of BeauxJax, The Seventh Tap is the newest addition to Bossier City’s expanding East Bank District entertainment district. Originally started by three friends in Shreveport, their second taproom opened March 1 to much excitement among local craft beer aficionados. While not dedicated to sports, this spot offers variety for those who want to try some unique brews, a burger, and also catch a game or two.

End Zone Sports Bar

Voted the No. 1 Sports Bar by SB Magazine, The End Zone Sports Bar is the perfect place to relax, grab a drink, and watch a basketball game on one of their 16 TVs. They feature happy hour Monday through Saturday and, maybe best of all, free popcorn!

What’s On Tap II

While it’s their second location, the original having opened in Shreveport, What’s on Tap’s Bossier City spot differs by offering food. And, while they are a bar with daily happy hour specials and plenty of TVs, word is that What’s on Tap II has some of the best chicken wings in town. Nothing says March Madness like wings and beer!