Downtown Tourney Watching Spots

So, some of us will be "working" on Thursday and Friday... and the only difference between "working" and "taking the day off" during the NCAA tournament is that when you are "working", you dont watch the games at home; you sneak to the break room, a bar, long lunches, etc...

I have snuck out to various locations over the years to catch key games, not a problem. This year, however, there are critical games early in the day on both Thursday & Friday (PSU, GU and SMC all start before 10am)...

So this leads to an interesting problem, since most sports bars dont open until 11am: Where is a good spot downtown to catch these games? Criteria include: (1) Open early; (2) TV, preferably large and more than one; (3) Breakfast served; (4) Within reasonable walking/transit distance.

Anyone have thoughts/suggestions? The only place I have come up with that meets all criteria so far is the Red Star Tavern...

Call the Lucky Lab. They might open up. They were open all hours of the day or night for World Cup games.

All you need is one bartender who wants to see the games too.

I'd try the original on Hawthorne first.

Same goes for the Thirsy Lion on 2nd. I know they were open early for all the World Cup games and I *think* they were for March Madness too.

Other than that... sheesh. I'm not sure. I'll think about it..

hmmm, thirsty lion. good idea... will call them. nice and close to the office.

you can also watch online at the cbs sportsline website.

Yeah, my employer blocks all streaming video, etc... so thats not an option.

FYI: The Thirsty Lion doesnt open until 11am.

Red Star it is.