Downtown is overrun with visitors watching the basketball games and enjoying the area and Power & Light District. I won't try to give an overview of places for basketball tourists to hang out today -- KC Beer Blog beat me to it with a comprehensive list including everything from the very close places like Willie's, Czar Bar and the Bulldog to the worth-the-drive journeys like Harry's Country Club.
What Beer Blog doesn't cover is places where locals are going to watch the games. The two local teams, Missouri and KU, are playing far away, and television is the only option for most of us. Friday, KU's matchup starts at 11:30 a.m. and Mizzou follows at 3 p.m.
As a KU graduate I have only limited knowledge of where Mizzou fans hang out to watch the game. Harpo's in Westport won't be as fanatic as its sister bar in Columbia -- which Sports Illustrated named the number two college bar in the country -- but it will still be rocking.
For KU fans I am much more knowledgeable.
Real fans who have the day
off of work will make the trip to Lawrence. For those who graduated more than five years ago, the Yacht Club
just off of Sixth Street has remodeled itself into a sleek sports bar
with good hot wings and affordable yards of beer. More off the beaten path, Bigg's BBQ in a shopping center on 24th and Iowa has large plasma screens with good views from every seat.
On Massachusetts Street, Quinton's
is always packed with college kids screaming their lungs out and while
service can be spotty when busy (it can be hard just getting to the bar) it
will be worth the wait for the after-party if KU wins.
Across the street at 623 Vermont, Dempsey's Pub has a big selection of flatscreens but without the huge crowds. Those looking for a little gourmet in their day will be happy to discover that Dempsey's recently
started offering kobe burgers, truffle fries and other upscale
grub.
This just scratches the surface of good,
fiercely loyal sports bars and I truly hope both teams advance so I can add to this list next week.
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oooooohh I hope not. I'm actually watching the game from home with a cup of coffee while checking e-mail.
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