The Definitive Guide to Chicago’s Essential Sports Bars
Chicago takes sports very seriously, so you better believe there are plenty of sports bars around this city! The long-time favorite bars are almost as much fun as being at Wrigley Field. That’s why you must know which sports bars are the very best! From quiet neighborhood dives to massive establishments perfect for groups, there is something for everyone. To help you find the best spots in Chicago to catch a Bears game or hang near Wrigley Field, check out our list with 9 of the best sports bars in Chicago.
1. Sluggers
3540 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-0055
Sluggers has everything you’d want in a sports bar from the big screens and great food to an arcade upstairs. Sit at the bar or grab a table with your buddies to watch the game, drink some brews, and enjoy some apps like their sliders, or get a bucket of wings for the table. When you’re done, head upstairs to keep the fun going! They’ve got skeeball, you can shoot some hoops, or better yet, hop in the batting cage and hit some dingers. When you’re done gaming, take your tickets over to the prize booth and claim your prize. You’ll feel like a kid again at sluggers, except now you can drink some beer while you play.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
2. Mullen’s Sports Bar and Grill
7301 N Western Ave, Chicago IL 60645, United States
(773) 465 2113
You can catch a game on one of the large screens at this warm and inviting location in West Rodgers Park. They have an exciting pub menu and a few food options. They are open seven days a week so you can never miss an important game or match. It’s also a great place to hang out with friends or colleagues over some drinks. They’ve got a pool table and darts and they boast some award-winning wings. Even if your main focus is on the game, it’s worth mentioning the atmosphere is very welcoming and the staff is friendly.
Photo credit: thrillist.com
3. The Fifty/50
2047 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
(773) 489 5050
The Fifty/50 believes they are the best sports bar in Chicago. Maybe that’s because real action unfolds here during significant games. They also have some well-respected wings in the city, an essential game day eat! We all know stiff drinks and good food are essential at a sports bar, and they are delivering. A burger and a beer from this spot will help you forget your losses and celebrate your victories. You can also reserve a game table for you and your friends so that you don’t miss somewhere to sit when the place gets packed. Be aware that you’ll probably be waiting if you don’t plan ahead! From the large crowds they attract, you can tell that their sports watching experience is exceptional. And even without a game on the screen, you can still have a good time.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
4. Old Town Pour House
1419 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
(312) 477 2800
If you want to experience one of the biggest beer lists in the city while you enjoy your game at the multitude of screens that line up the bar, visit Old Town Pour House. They have modern American food and 90 craft beers on tap. It’s the best location for entertaining big crowds. You can even reserve a table for over 15 people. They have tacos, burgers, salads, and more so there’s a little something for everyone. If you’re not really looking to watch a game and would like a fun spot to hang out with friends and family instead, they hold trivia nights during the week. Whether you are going for a game or just a night out on the town, it’s bound to be a great night!
Photo credit: themagnificentmile.com
5. Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
(773) 281 5356
The city is packed with plenty of sports bars, so you need something unique to attract people. And Murphy’s Bleachers is delivering on that front, with a super cool and modern feel throughout the space as well as great memorabilia throughout. This bar has been around since the 1930’s, and has always offered a fantastic game-day experience. It has an intimate setting that makes watching sports even more special. Their handmade pizza is made from scratch and is an excellent pairing to any type of brew you could want. Most especially, Murphy’s drinks menu shines the most with their fine selection of whiskeys and quality beer. And even better, the bar is right across the street from Wrigley Field! It’s one of the bars where fans show up in full gear to support their teams. Murphy’s also has lots of pub trivia nights, unless there’s a home game that day. Priorities!
Photo credit: surgebilliards.com
6. Surge Billiards
3241 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 961 8096
Surge Billiards lets their beautiful and old rustic design shine throughout the establishment. They also have exciting artwork throughout the space that makes the bar even more stylish. There are plenty of pool tables, food, and TVs so you can get a great “seat” no matter where you are in the bar. They just opened another location, but the atmosphere is still the same. Aside from watching sports, it’s a remarkable location to hold a party as the place is over 6,000 square feet. They always have a happy hour or some kind of special going on here. There is a full coffee shop every morning and a cocktail menu in the evening. They keep it local, so expect beers from around the region.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
7. The Globe Pub
1934 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613, United States
(773) 871 3757
Soccer fans are going to love this one. The Globe Pub is well known for having soccer games on, but it’s still a great spot to hunker down for other local sports. Their hours are subject to change based on the sporting events that are on. That shows their level of commitment to show you all the games that matter! Make sure to explore the beer menu. For food options, we suggest taking full advantage of their English-style pub fare which includes unique eats like scotch eggs, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie.
Photo credit: thrillist.com
8. The Pony Inn
1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
(773) 472 5139
At the Pony Inn, you can watch sports privately with your friends while enjoying cold beers and food. The games are broadcast on plasma TVs and tables with individual screens. They have a beautiful outdoor seating area for dining out on a sunny day. For added ambience, try out the rooftop bar with a retractable roof. Or catch the game at the first-floor bar and interact with the locals.
Photo credit: themoonlighterchicago.com
9. The Moonlighter
3204 W Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
(773) 360 8896
You feel transported into a different world and time every time you enter The Moonlighter! The cool and moody stone walls paired with the dim lighting makes this laidback hangout look so industrial and cool. The beer selection emphasizes sours-yum! They have house-made burgers, late-night eats, salads and more. There is a dog-friendly patio in case you just want to enjoy a meal in the company of your dog and relax after a game. However, the games are usually shown on the many TVs inside. The cocktail menu is also a highlight and just one more thing they got right! Walk-in tables are limited depending on the crowd. Reserve a table because it guarantees you and your party a seat before the games begin!
To find out where more of our favorite restaurants are in Chicago, IL, be sure to check out our page full of great spots you won’t want to miss!
Editors Note: This article was originally published on February 9, 2022 and last updated on October 26, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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