With the ACC and NCAA tournaments quickly approaching, many fans may want to take in the game at a local grill or bar. There are many choices to pick from when deciding where to watch the game. 

On campus, the Wolves’ Den provides students with a convenient place to watch N.C. State athletic events. There are a few screens located around the dining area that will show the game. The food at Wolves Den arrives fast but if you are looking for something other than typical fast food, you’ll have to go somewhere else. 

The campus cinema also shows athletic events. The atmosphere in the cinema can differ depending on how many students are in attendance and the Wolfpack’s opponent. However, you won’t get anywhere close to a full meal. 

The best restaurants to watch sporting events are off campus. If you are searching for decent food and a TV to watch the game, almost every restaurant on Hillsborough Street will meet those requirements. If you really want a great experience, you’re going to have to pick a place that has separated itself from the others. 

With lots of bars and grills around the area, the choice is difficult, but a few places rise above the rest of the competition. 

Village Draft House 

Village Draft house is one of the best sports bars in the area, according to Google rankings. Located in the Cameron Village Shopping Center, their extensive menu will be sure to satisfy whatever you are looking for in a restaurant. 

According to Village Draft House’s website, “Our extensive menu features award winning hand-pattied burgers, excellent sandwiches, dinners, and appetizers including our signature Pickle Chips.” 

The restaurant also has great entertainment available. According to their website, “The atmosphere is relaxed and the conversation good. The game is always on because we have large f lat screen TV’s everywhere and more satellite subscriptions and sports packages than you can shake a remote at.” 

If you have your parent’s credit card, Village Draft House is the place to go. The food and entertainment are great, but there aren’t many college budget friendly options on the menu. 

Mitch’s Tavern 

Mitch’s Tavern is a student-friendly place to watch N.C. State events. With large servings of good food and walking distance from campus, the Hillsborough street restaurant brings all the desirable features of a sports bar together. 

The food at Mitch’s is unique; their menu contains gluten-free soups, chilies and gumbos and includes vegetarian and vegan friendly options. The price is very reasonable – most dishes start at about six dollars. The entertainment at Mitch’s Tavern is great, and during games there will be plenty of Wolfpack fans present to create an intense atmosphere. 

Sammy’s Tap and Grill 

Sammy’s Tap and Grill also provides students with a great place to watch the game and eat. Their food is more expensive than Mitch’s but less than Village Draft House. Located across the street from the Avent Ferry Residence Hall, the restaurant has 57 LCD TVs that show almost any game. 

According to their website, Sammy’s plays host to several fan clubs. “Sammy’s is the home for NC State Wolfpack fans, the Georgia Bulldog Club, the Triangle Nebraska Cornhusker Club, the Pittsburgh Steelers – Steel Triangle Club, the West Virginia Mountaineer – RTP Chapter.” 

Any of these off-campus locations will offer great food and an energetic atmosphere for students to enjoy March Madness.