Looking for the best spots to watch the Final Four this weekend in San Antonio’s urban core? There’s no shortage of places bringing the energy, the screens, and the drinks. Start with Atlee’s Rally at St. Paul Square—just steps from the Alamodome—featuring a massive 27-foot video wall and two more oversized screens, all in a sleek, upscale sports bar setting. Over on the Eastside, Sky Smoke Bar on E. Houston Street offers rooftop views, indoor seating, live DJs, and a full menu of BBQ and drinks to keep you fired up between games. And don’t miss Burleson Yard Beer Garden, also on the Eastside near the Pearl and River North. It’s a laid-back, dog-friendly outdoor beer garden with plenty of TVs and picnic tables—perfect for soaking up both the sun and the tournament.
Southtown is going all out for Final Four weekend too. The Friendly Spot, known as the most family-friendly bar in the city, is pulling out all the stops by setting up two large LED screens specifically for the Final Four, making it one of the best places to catch every slam dunk and buzzer-beater. With an impressive beer selection and a welcoming vibe, it’s perfect for basketball fans of all ages. Just down the road, McIntyre’s on S. Presa offers a vibrant indoor-outdoor space with tons of TVs, drinks, and food—ideal for fans who like their game days a little louder and a lot more fun.
And don’t sleep on a hidden gem: Louie’s Ice House on Austin Street. Tucked away just east of downtown, this no-frills spot delivers strong drinks, a classic dive bar atmosphere, and a loyal crowd that knows how to watch sports the right way. With TVs positioned around the bar and a relaxed neighborhood vibe, it’s an under-the-radar favorite for locals who want to keep it simple and real while watching the madness unfold. Whether you’re looking for big screens, rooftop views, family-friendly fun, or just a solid seat with a cold drink, San Antonio’s urban core has your Final Four weekend covered.
THE VOICE:
Lorenzo Gomez III
Lorenzo Gomez III is a community builder, author, and public speaker who draws from his personal and professional experiences to inspire others. A former director at Rackspace Technology, Gomez is a key player in the development of San Antonio’s downtown entrepreneurial ecosystem. During Gomez’s four years as chairman and CEO of Geekdom, San Antonio’s premier collaborative startup community, Geekdom companies raised more than $422M in funding and its startups have created 2,489 jobs. A trusted advisor to Graham Weston, co-founder of Rackspace Technology, Gomez helped shape Weston’s 80|20 Foundation, which invests in San Antonio’s future by issuing grants to public charities that attract, grow, and retain San Antonio’s future workforce and job-creating entrepreneurs. Gomez has authored four books: Cilantro Diaries, Tafolla Toro, The Rack We Built, and The Bully in Your Pocket. All four are Amazon best sellers and two are winners of the 2021 International Latino Book Awards. Lorenzo’s driving passion is his love for his hometown, San Antonio, Texas. His goal is to recreate for every San Antonian the opportunities the startup world has provided him in this city on the rise.