Where to Catch the Game: The Best Sports Bars Across Chicago

Why Chicago Sports Bars Are More Than Just a Place to Watch the Game

The best sports bars in chicago offer more than just TVs—they're where passionate fans gather to cheer on the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks in an atmosphere that's uniquely Chicago.

Quick Picks: Top Chicago Sports Bars by Category

Chicago takes its sports seriously. The city's sports bar scene reflects this dedication, with everything from classic dive bars to upscale lounges with chef-driven menus. Some spots cater to specific college alumni, while others welcome fans of every team. Many offer unique features beyond the standard big-screen setup, like retractable roofs, bocce ball courts, or converted camper bars.

Whether you want the best wings, a huge craft beer selection, or enough screens to catch every play, Chicago has a sports bar that fits your style.

For the Ultimate Fan Experience: Top Picks for Atmosphere and Screens

When the game is on, the goal is to be immersed in the action, surrounded by fellow fans, and never miss a crucial play. These Chicago sports bars go above and beyond, offering an unbeatable atmosphere and ensuring every angle is covered with an impressive array of screens.

Bars with the Most Screens

For many, the number of screens is paramount. Chicago's top sports bars understand this need, outfitting their spaces with an astounding number of televisions.

Benchmark in Old Town stands out with over 40 screens and a retractable roof, making it a top spot to watch a game. It also offers a "shot roulette" featuring Malört for a true Chicago experience.

In River North, Theory has over 35 TVs and plays Monday Night Football with audio, a feature dedicated fans appreciate in this upscale lounge.

Radio Room features an impressive 50-foot video wall for an immersive viewing experience, bringing a new level of style to the city.

Fatpour Tap Works, with locations including McCormick Place, offers multiple levels, 30+ TVs, and an extensive beer list with over 200 options.

Near the United Center, The Ogden has numerous 75-inch screens and individual TVs in every booth, ensuring there are no bad seats.

Other notable mentions for screen count include:

• Cleo's Bar and Grill: 16 HD screens for soccer and NFL fans.
• Sluggers World Class Sports Bar & Grill: Over 30 TVs, including six 10-foot screens, plus an indoor sports complex.
• Timothy O'Toole's Pub: 74 HD screens for reliable coverage.
• Kroll’s South Loop: 20 flatscreens and four large projector screens.
• Passport Bar Room: 17 TVs, including two on its winterized patio.
• Roundhouse Sports Bar: More than 20 screens.
• Park & Field: 14 60-inch TVs inside and three on its patio.
• The Pony Inn: Upwards of 30 TVs on its ground floor.
• Joe's on Weed St. and Guide's Sports Bar are also known for plentiful TVs.

Electric Game Day Atmosphere

Beyond just screens, the atmosphere is key to a memorable game day. A great atmosphere allows fans to feel the energy, hear the cheers, and be part of a collective experience.

The Fifty/50 is legendary for its passionate football crowds and lively, collective atmosphere.

For a classic Cubs experience, Murphy's Bleachers is a landmark by Wrigley Field itself. It's a quintessential spot for pre- and post-game festivities, and its location right outside the famed Wrigley Field bleachers makes it an iconic choice.

For those looking for an international flavor, The Globe Pub is renowned for its raucous crowds during soccer and rugby matches, offering a European-style drinking experience.

Will's Northwoods Inn provides a unique Wisconsin-style escape. Its distinctive decor and massive patio make it a haven for Wisconsin team fans, creating a vibrant, team-specific atmosphere.

The Pony Inn is known for hyped-up fans, making it a lively spot for various college teams like Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Central Florida.

For a more laid-back but still engaging atmosphere, O'Donovan's offers a unique blend of history and entertainment, with tableside magic shows on weekends adding a touch of whimsy to game day.

Cork & Kerry at the Park is a popular gathering spot before and after White Sox games, with a unique South Side charm and a humorous bias against Cubs fans.

The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field blends live sports with in-venue betting via 32 kiosks and seven betting windows, adding an interactive element to game day.

For those who enjoy a side of live entertainment, Joe's on Weed St. combines sports viewing with a live music venue, creating a dynamic atmosphere perfect for groups.

For a truly unique experience, Game Room Chicago offers arcade basketball, shuffleboard tables, and other interactive games, making it a great spot for playful competition alongside sports.

Even the upscale Theory ensures a focused game day by playing MNF with audio on, catering to a refined but passionate setting. And Turtle's Bar & Grill, a quick walk from Sox Park, gets packed with fans after baseball games.

Game Day Grub: Where to Find the Best Food and Beer

A great game day isn't complete without delicious food and a refreshing drink. These Chicago sports bars have perfected the art of game day grub, offering everything from award-winning wings to expansive craft beer selections.

The Best Sports Bars in Chicago for Wings

When thinking of game day food, wings are often at the top of the list. Chicago's sports bars deliver, with some truly exceptional options.

The Fifty/50 is renowned for its award-winning jumbo buffalo wings. The unique hot sauce, made from four kinds of peppers and aged for weeks, provides a deep flavor.

For those who like a serious challenge, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap offers a wide variety of wing sauces, including the infamous XXXX wings made with habanero, ghost, scorpion, and reaper peppers.

Broken Barrel Bar also offers delicious fried or smoked chicken wings, while Roundhouse Sports Bar provides a unique twist with wings in a General Tso’s glaze.

Top Spots for Craft Beer

A well-curated beer selection can make all the difference. Chicago's craft beer scene is thriving, and many sports bars offer extensive lists of local and international brews.

Old Town Pour House stands out with an impressive 90 craft beers on tap, including many local brews and seasonal rotations. Six-ounce tasting pours are available, making it a prime spot for beer connoisseurs.

High Dive lives up to its name with a 50-beer strong selection. Will's Northwoods Inn offers classic Wisconsin brews like Leinenkugel or Sprecher. Fatpour Tap Works offers over 200 beers in bottles and cans, with 60 on tap. Timothy O'Toole's Pub boasts 48 craft brews on draught, and Graystone Tavern has over 42 varieties of beer and cider. The Ogden also features nearly 20 beers on tap.

Unique Bar Bites

Beyond wings, many Chicago sports bars offer creative and satisfying bar bites.

• The Pony Inn: Serves the legendary "Clydesdale," a 16-inch grilled cheese, plus filet mignon sliders.
• Park & Field: Known for liftd pub fare like delicious smoked meats and giant pretzels.
• Will's Northwoods Inn: Offers classic Wisconsin cheese curds.
• The Moonlighter: Features giant pretzels with beer cheese and vegan barbecue cheeseburgers.
• Radio Room: Provides an upscale menu with a "grand plateau" appetizer tower and steak frites.
• Cork & Kerry at the Park: Serves unique egg rolls with corned beef, cabbage, and cheese.
• Emerald Loop Bar & Grill: Offers upscale pub grub for a sophisticated crowd.
• Uncle Mike’s Sports Bar: Allows customers to bring their own food from nearby spots.
• Kroll’s South Loop: Provides a hearty menu with ribs, pizza, burgers, and brisket sliders.
• Passport Bar Room: Features an eclectic global menu with chicharrones, panzerotti, and Thai noodles.
• The Fifty/50: Also serves Montreal-style brisket sandwiches and buffalo cauliflower bites.
• The Globe Pub: Offers British classics like shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash.
• Timothy O’Toole’s: Has traditional pub fare and a "Big Timmy" burger challenge.
• Ranalli's West Loop: Allows build-your-own tavern-style pizzas.
• Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar: Famous for classic Chicago-style stuffed pizza.
• Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern: A sports bar serving delicious po'boys and Southern food.
• Signature: Owned by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, it offers a refined menu.

The Best Sports Bars in Chicago by Neighborhood

Chicago is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and fantastic sports bars. No matter the neighborhood, a top-tier spot to catch the game is usually just a short trip away.

Wrigleyville & Lakeview

This area is synonymous with Chicago sports, especially baseball. The energy here is palpable on game days.

• Murphy's Bleachers: Located right outside Wrigley Field, this is an iconic Cubs bar for pre- and post-game celebrations. Its history and location make it a must-visit.
• The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field: Adjacent to the ballpark, it offers an in-venue betting experience with numerous kiosks, adding excitement to game day.
• Will's Northwoods Inn: A unique gem in Lakeview, it's the official home for Wisconsin team fans, with a massive patio bar and TVs for outdoor viewing.
• Graystone Tavern: In Wrigleyville, this spot offers a relaxed neighborhood charm and is popular with Chelsea FC fans.
• The Pony Inn: On Belmont Ave, this lively spot is known for passionate crowds supporting college teams like Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Central Florida.

The Loop & River North

For those living or working downtown, these neighborhoods offer sophisticated and vibrant options for sports viewing.

• Theory: This River North "upscale sports lounge" has over 35 TVs, great food, and MNF with audio, making it a refined choice for catching a game after work. More info about the best things to do in the Loop Chicago and Find the best restaurants in the Loop.
• Game Room Chicago: In the Loop, this spot offers arcade basketball and shuffleboard for a fun, interactive atmosphere.
• Emerald Loop Bar & Grill: Provides an upscale pub experience with city views, attracting a professional crowd after work.
• Broken Barrel Bar: This River North choice offers a diverse menu and hosts various events.
• South Loop Spots: In the South Loop, Signature, owned by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, offers upscale bar bites, while Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick has two levels of TVs and a deep beer list. Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar serves classic Chicago-style stuffed pizza.

West Loop & West Town

These dynamic neighborhoods offer a mix of industrial chic and classic Chicago charm, with sports bars that cater to diverse tastes.

• The Ogden: Conveniently near the United Center, it's a prime spot for Bulls or Blackhawks games, with 75-inch screens and individual TVs in every booth.
• The Barn Hockey Bar: Claims to be Chicago's only dedicated hockey bar, ideal for rallying before a Blackhawks game.
• Ranalli's West Loop: A great choice for casual viewing, known for its build-your-own tavern-style pizzas. Check out other great bars in the area.
• The Fifty/50: This award-winning West Town spot is known for passionate crowds and excellent food, especially its wings.
• Bar La Rue: In Fulton Market, this bar offers a more discreet sports viewing experience with French American fare.

Logan Square & Bucktown

These vibrant neighborhoods are known for their unique character, and their sports bars reflect that.

• Park & Field: This unique Logan Square spot is modeled after a '50s gym, with a massive 6,000-square-foot patio, fire pits, and bocce ball courts.
• The Moonlighter: A dog-friendly Logan Square bar with a spacious patio, creative cocktails, and a solid pub menu.
• Lottie's Pub: A popular Bucktown neighborhood spot featured on TV's "Chicago Fire," with a classic pub atmosphere.
• Piece Brewery and Pizzeria: Combines New Haven-style pizza with craft beer in Bucktown.
• Cleo’s Bar and Grill: Near Bucktown, this international soccer bar also caters to NFL fans.
• The Albion Manor: A British-themed pub in Lincoln Park with a serious food menu and a wide range of streamed sports.

Unique and Upscale: Beyond the Traditional Sports Bar

Sometimes the occasion calls for more than just a place with screens and beer; it calls for a unique experience, an upscale ambiance, or special features that set a sports bar apart. Chicago's diverse scene delivers with venues that combine game viewing with unforgettable amenities.

The Best Sports Bars in Chicago for Outdoor Seating

Enjoying a game outdoors, especially during Chicago's beautiful warmer months, is a fantastic experience. These bars offer exceptional outdoor spaces.

Park & Field reigns supreme with its impressive 6,000-square-foot, all-seasons patio, complete with fire pits, bocce ball courts, and a camper converted into a bar. It's perfectly equipped for enjoying games outdoors.

Benchmark in Old Town features a retractable roof, offering an indoor-outdoor experience perfect for game day.

The Moonlighter in Logan Square boasts a spacious and dog-friendly patio for a relaxed spot to catch a game.

Murphy's Bleachers includes an outdoor patio area, adding to its classic Wrigleyville charm. Will's Northwoods Inn has a massive patio with its own bar and TVs, so no play is missed.

Other great outdoor options include Passport Bar Room with its winterized patio, and the beer gardens at Graystone Tavern and O'Donovan's.

Upscale and Themed Experiences

For those seeking a more refined or distinctive sports viewing experience, Chicago offers several options that lift the traditional sports bar concept.

Theory in River North is the epitome of an upscale sports lounge, combining game day excitement with a sophisticated atmosphere, award-winning cuisine, and a solid whiskey selection. Learn more about Theory, an upscale sports lounge.

The Albion Manor in Lincoln Park offers a charming English pub theme with thoughtful drinks and a serious food menu.

Game Room Chicago, located in the Loop, is an entertainment hub with arcade basketball, shuffleboard, and other games for interactive fun.

Radio Room presents an liftd sports bar concept with a stylish decor, a massive 50-foot video wall, and Southern comfort food.

Passport Bar Room offers a modern, eccentric vibe with an "EPCOT-esque" around-the-world menu and decor.

Signature, owned by former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, provides an upscale experience with chef-driven bar bites.

Emerald Loop Bar & Grill offers an upscale pub grub experience with city views, while No Vacancy straddles the line between fancy cocktails and casual comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Sports Bars

Finding the perfect spot to catch the game often comes with specific questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries about Chicago's vibrant sports bar scene.

Which Chicago sports bars are best for specific college teams?

Chicago is a melting pot of college alumni, and many bars cater to these dedicated fan bases.

• The Pony Inn is a hub for fans of Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Central Florida.
• Theory in River North is a go-to spot for University of Iowa fans.
• Will's Northwoods Inn in Lakeview is the unofficial headquarters for all Wisconsin teams.
• Many bars, like Murphy's Bleachers, also accommodate fans who want their alma mater's game on, so it's always worth asking.

Are there sports bars in Chicago that are good for private parties?

Absolutely! Many Chicago sports bars are equipped to host private events and group gatherings.

• Joe's on Weed St. is a fantastic option that combines sports viewing with a live music venue, making it ideal for private parties.
• Theory offers table service and group reservations for celebrating in style. You can call them directly to make reservations for groups of 6 or more.
• Larger venues like Fatpour Tap Works and Timothy O'Toole's Pub often have private or semi-private areas available for groups.

What are the top sports bars near the United Center?

Several great sports bars are conveniently located near the United Center for those attending a Bulls or Blackhawks game.

• The Ogden is a prime choice close to the arena, with numerous large screens and individual TVs in every booth.
• The Barn Hockey Bar is an excellent option for Blackhawks fans, claiming to be Chicago's only dedicated hockey bar.
• Other bars in the West Loop and West Town are also popular choices for United Center attendees due to their proximity.

Conclusion

From historic pubs in Wrigleyville to upscale lounges in River North, Chicago offers a sports bar for every type of fan and occasion. The key is finding the right combination of screens, food, and atmosphere for a crew. Whether seeking the thrill of a massive video wall, the comfort of award-winning wings, or the unique charm of a bocce ball patio, the best sports bars in chicago deliver. For those living downtown, exploring the city's vibrant sports scene is easy, with many of the best options just a short trip from communities like The Alfred. Explore everything The Loop has to offer.