_Skorzewiak_via_Alamy.jpg?#)
A Newark guide to March Madness
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images If you find yourself at the east region games of the 2025 NCAA tournament, here is what you need to know New Jersey is hosting the East Regional 2025 men’s NCAA tournament at the Prudential Center in Newark. The home of the New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall basketball is known as “The Rock,” and the regional semifinals (Sweet 16) and finals (Elite Eight) will take place in the historic city of Newark. Located in the heart of downtown Newark, the Prudential Center is surrounded with enjoyable eateries and places to grab alcoholic beverages. Top’s Diner is a seven minute drive away from the Prudential Center in East Newark. Its eclectic menu, full of diverse options, provide the consumer with several filling choices with plenty of enticing accoutrements. Top’s Diner is a great location to eat before the game. If a vehicle isn’t accessible, Bello’s Pub and Grill is another excellent place to try before the game. Bello’s is located right next to the Newark-Penn Station; it’s a convenient option with a great sports atmosphere – perfect for a pregame. If you’re looking for good coffee to give you an extra boost before the game, check out Sihana Cafe. Their coffee and breakfast food are delectable and their atmosphere is alluring. One of the best places to celebrate a victory is located right across the street from the Prudential Center at Redd’s Biergarten. The beer, German food and atmosphere, along with the large televisions, make Redd’s Biergarten an enjoyable pre and post game experience, and the team presence is lively during the games as well. American Whiskey Newark is located right next to the arena and is a great alternative to Redd’s Biergarten, especially if you’re a whiskey/bourbon drinker. American Whiskey Newark’s bar is full of TVs and refreshing cocktails, as well as draft and canned beers. Their Cold Fashioned cocktail is a mix of irish coffee and an old fashioned, featuring Rittenhouse rye, mr. black cold brew liqueur, and the old fashioned patented orange bitters. It’s a great cocktail for those who enjoy coffee and whiskey. American Whiskey Newark also serves wine, so all the sports fans can celebrate with their beverage of choice after the win. If your favorite team loses and you’re looking to satiate your sadness through sweets, then Nasto’s Ice Cream is a great option that is fairly priced and delicious. Nasto’s is family owned and operated since 1939 and they do everything from ice cream to tartufos to gourmet cakes and fresh fruit sorbets. When your team gets blown out, or loses to a devastating buzzer beater, try and forget your sorrows with Nasto’s sweets. If ice cream doesn’t tickle your fancy, try Leleco Bakery, located north of the arena and just south of Newark-Penn Station. They’re very fresh and have a wide variety of baked goods to choose from and enjoy. You will not be disappointed. Newark has more to offer than just the March Madness tournament. The Newark Museum of Art has a renowned world-class collection of over 80 galleries, as well as a planetarium. The museum is the largest in the state of New Jersey and was established in 1909. It features artwork by Georgia O’Keeffe, Hiram Powers, Joseph Stella, and Edward Hopper. Newark also features the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Entertainers and talented individuals showcase their talents at one of New Jersey’s largest entertainment venues. The Sweet 16 is from March 28-29 and the Elite Eight is March 30-31st; here are the entertainers performing at NJPAC from March 28th-31st: March 28th: Alejandra Guzmán (brilla tour) March 30th: Dane Cook (comedy) March 31st: Backstage Pathways Open house (arts ed) If nature is more of your thing, take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Branch Brook Park to witness the beauty of their cherry blossom trees. The looped trail is 4.5 miles and the trees start to bloom in late March. The bars previously listed (Redd’s Biergarten, American Whiskey Newark, and Bello’s Pub and Grill) are all great options for a fun sports bar experience in Newark. Blitz Sports Bar is another location where true NJ sports fans congregate. Watch the games and shoot some pool with American & Portuguese snacks and food. Another location to try – with a speakeasy atmosphere – is Bar Vanquish. It’s known for its oysters, signature drinks, and comfortable layout. Newark is blessed with March Madness this year. There’s plenty of excellent establishments to grab chow and drinks that will enhance your overall traveling experience in the city of Newark. Enjoy, a may the odds be ever in favor of your team.
If you find yourself at the east region games of the 2025 NCAA tournament, here is what you need to know
New Jersey is hosting the East Regional 2025 men’s NCAA tournament at the Prudential Center in Newark. The home of the New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall basketball is known as “The Rock,” and the regional semifinals (Sweet 16) and finals (Elite Eight) will take place in the historic city of Newark.
Located in the heart of downtown Newark, the Prudential Center is surrounded with enjoyable eateries and places to grab alcoholic beverages. Top’s Diner is a seven minute drive away from the Prudential Center in East Newark. Its eclectic menu, full of diverse options, provide the consumer with several filling choices with plenty of enticing accoutrements. Top’s Diner is a great location to eat before the game.
If a vehicle isn’t accessible, Bello’s Pub and Grill is another excellent place to try before the game. Bello’s is located right next to the Newark-Penn Station; it’s a convenient option with a great sports atmosphere – perfect for a pregame. If you’re looking for good coffee to give you an extra boost before the game, check out Sihana Cafe. Their coffee and breakfast food are delectable and their atmosphere is alluring.
One of the best places to celebrate a victory is located right across the street from the Prudential Center at Redd’s Biergarten. The beer, German food and atmosphere, along with the large televisions, make Redd’s Biergarten an enjoyable pre and post game experience, and the team presence is lively during the games as well.
American Whiskey Newark is located right next to the arena and is a great alternative to Redd’s Biergarten, especially if you’re a whiskey/bourbon drinker. American Whiskey Newark’s bar is full of TVs and refreshing cocktails, as well as draft and canned beers. Their Cold Fashioned cocktail is a mix of irish coffee and an old fashioned, featuring Rittenhouse rye, mr. black cold brew liqueur, and the old fashioned patented orange bitters. It’s a great cocktail for those who enjoy coffee and whiskey. American Whiskey Newark also serves wine, so all the sports fans can celebrate with their beverage of choice after the win.
If your favorite team loses and you’re looking to satiate your sadness through sweets, then Nasto’s Ice Cream is a great option that is fairly priced and delicious. Nasto’s is family owned and operated since 1939 and they do everything from ice cream to tartufos to gourmet cakes and fresh fruit sorbets. When your team gets blown out, or loses to a devastating buzzer beater, try and forget your sorrows with Nasto’s sweets.
If ice cream doesn’t tickle your fancy, try Leleco Bakery, located north of the arena and just south of Newark-Penn Station. They’re very fresh and have a wide variety of baked goods to choose from and enjoy. You will not be disappointed.
Newark has more to offer than just the March Madness tournament. The Newark Museum of Art has a renowned world-class collection of over 80 galleries, as well as a planetarium. The museum is the largest in the state of New Jersey and was established in 1909. It features artwork by Georgia O’Keeffe, Hiram Powers, Joseph Stella, and Edward Hopper.
Newark also features the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Entertainers and talented individuals showcase their talents at one of New Jersey’s largest entertainment venues. The Sweet 16 is from March 28-29 and the Elite Eight is March 30-31st; here are the entertainers performing at NJPAC from March 28th-31st:
March 28th: Alejandra Guzmán (brilla tour)
March 30th: Dane Cook (comedy)
March 31st: Backstage Pathways Open house (arts ed)
If nature is more of your thing, take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Branch Brook Park to witness the beauty of their cherry blossom trees. The looped trail is 4.5 miles and the trees start to bloom in late March.
The bars previously listed (Redd’s Biergarten, American Whiskey Newark, and Bello’s Pub and Grill) are all great options for a fun sports bar experience in Newark. Blitz Sports Bar is another location where true NJ sports fans congregate. Watch the games and shoot some pool with American & Portuguese snacks and food. Another location to try – with a speakeasy atmosphere – is Bar Vanquish. It’s known for its oysters, signature drinks, and comfortable layout.
Newark is blessed with March Madness this year. There’s plenty of excellent establishments to grab chow and drinks that will enhance your overall traveling experience in the city of Newark. Enjoy, a may the odds be ever in favor of your team.
