Nightlife

Outside Game

The Top Five Patios for March Madness

Your bracket: shaping up nicely. Dallas weather: doing the same. Below, the town’s finest spots for watching tournament hoops under the sun. Hey, the office pool manager has to work somewhere.

THE ANTI-SPORTS BAR

Primebar

The game plan: Skip the 15 indoor flat-screens and head to the patio. You’ll have two TVs, four community tables and a gentle Texas breeze at your disposal. Also: beef skewers.
Key stats: There are 118 draft beers. And 67 total games. Your mission is clear.

THE BEER GARDEN

Katy Trail Ice House

The game plan: The biggest sporting event of the year requires the biggest beer garden in Dallas—and 50 beers on tap.
Key stats: Tables 60 and 70 are closest to the two outdoor TVs (and to the dulcet tones of Gus Johnson).

THE BEER GARDEN: PART DEUX

Goodfriend

The game plan: Avoid the mobs by posting up near the two flat-screens at this off-the-beaten-path beer garden.
Key stats: Two—the number of chili peppers (habanero and jalapeño) in a Pepper Bomb burger.

THE INDOOR/OUTDOOR OPTION

Three Sheets

The game plan: Rain or shine, you’ll be ready to play (or, you know, drink beers and sit). Under this covered patio, you’ll round up a couple flatbreads by the TV over the fireplace.
Key stats: Two pool tables and one foosball table on the patio, in case your team loses to VCU.

THE BURGER JOINT

Jakes

The game plan: Call in sick (or take an epic lunch) to catch the midday games here. Take your time with the Red Steer burger, a couple schooners and the check.
Key stats: Eight high-defs on the patio. A full 32 games on Thursday and Friday. You do the math.