We all have a Dave. The frozen wings he buys are gross, his TV sucks, and you suspect his couch is made entirely of plywood. Dave means well, but his place is a disaster. Enough about Dave, dammit - we‘re here to talk about sports bars.
Short of being at the stadium itself, you just can’t beat a community watering hole that always has the game on. A place with history in the walls and ice cold beer on tap, preferably. Those are the exact kinds of Chicago sports bars we’re going to highlight today.
Enter For A Chance To Win An Exclusive Old Style Local Legends Swag Bag!
Photo Via Jefferson Tap & Grille
325 N Jefferson St. - Fulton Market
Jefferson Tap is the bar equivalent of that friend who knows how to throw a party without trying too hard. With two full bars, a dog-friendly patio, and a perfect mix of classy and casual, it’s the Fulton River District’s late-night legend. Open until 4 a.m. on weekends, because who needs sleep when you’ve got wings, whiskey, and a cold Old Style?
Photo Via Graystone Tavern
3441 N Sheffield Ave - Wrigleyville
In the heart of Cubs territory, Graystone Tavern sits as the perfect pre-game pit stop, where the beer is cold, the wings are hot, and the Cubs fans are always optimistic—at least until the 7th inning stretch. A cozy spot where you can yell at the TV without judgment. Oh, and Fido can come too - they have a dog-friendly beer garden!
Photo Via Broken Barrel
2548 N Southport Ave - West Loop
Broken Barrel Bar is the place where whiskey dreams come true. With a selection that would make a distillery jealous and award-winning pub grub, it’s the perfect spot to pretend you’re a bourbon connoisseur. Make sure to grab an ice cold Old Style to sip on while enjoying their 2000 square foot beer garden!
Photo Via Instagram/GracieO'Malley's
1635 N Milwaukee Ave - Wicker Park
Named after the notorious Irish pirate queen, Gracie O’Malley’s is the Irish pub that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With local beers on tap and a menu that includes everything from shepherd’s pie to whiskey flights, it’s the spot where you can pretend you’re in Dublin without the jet lag.
Photo Via Timothy O'Toole's
622 N Fairbanks Ct - West Loop
Diner’s Choice favorite, family-owned and operated, Timothy O’Toole’s, is the sports bar that’s always in season and has been for 30 years! With walls lined with TVs, a menu that includes everything from burgers to award-winning wings, and a crowd that knows how to cheer, it’s the place to be when you want to watch the game and eat like a champion.
Photo Via Clover
810 W Diversey Parkway - Lincoln Park
Prime Lincoln Park activity bar, Clover, is the spot to bring any chill date or bestie night. Enjoy a variety of games - steel tipped darts, pop-a-shot, golden tee, or even rent out a private karaoke room! After a bucket of Old Styles even your roommates rendition of “Someone Like You” sounds amazing.
Photo Via Theory
9. W Hubbard St. - River North
Theory is the sports bar for people who want more than just nachos and beer. With an upscale menu, craft cocktails, and a crowd that knows how to appreciate the finer things in life, it’s the place to be when you want to watch the game without sacrificing taste.
Photo Via Birds Nest
2500 N Southport Ave - Lincoln Park
Bird’s Nest is the dive bar that’s been serving up wings since 1995. With a menu that includes everything from buffalo to teriyaki, and specials that make your wallet happy, it’s the spot to be when you want to eat well without breaking the bank. Order up an Old Style and some wings to get the true local watering hole experience.
2105 S. State St. - Near South Side
If you want to pregame before the White Sox game or are thirsty after the game, Reggies is the place to be. This punk rock bar is the perfect spot to grab a cold beer, knock down some mouth-watering wings, and watch the games with friends. They even have a shuttle that takes you to Guarantee Rate Field and back for every home game!
Photo Via: Facebook / Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave. - Wrigleyville
Conveniently located right outside of Wrigley Field, Murphy’s Bleachers has plenty of outdoor space and multiple TVs inside so you never miss a second of the game. Stop on by, secure a spot, and cheer on those Cubbies!
1925 W. Cortland St. - Bucktown
Looking for a high-energy atmosphere to watch the games? Well, you’re in luck because Lotties Pub knows how to party. The pub is always watching local sports and provides some of the coldest drinks in Bucktown. Trust us; you’ll have a great time!
3540 N. Clark St. - Wrigleyville
Sluggers has earned the title of a “world-class sports bar” because of the fun you’ll have with friends. The bar provides many activities, including batting catches, arcade games, and a large dance floor to watch their iconic dueling pianos and more! Once you step inside you’ll understand the hype!
1935 W. Chicago Ave. - West Town
Maybe baseball isn’t your thing. Perhaps you prefer to watch soccer on the big screen. Well, we got the spot for you! Cleos in West Town is home to international soccer. They love their Chicago Fire and religiously watch the futbòl games from around the world. Grab a pint, sit down, and watch the boys and girls take the pitch!
1059 W. Addison St. - Wrigleyville
The Cubby Bear is another bar located just outside Wrigley Field, where flocks of guests stop by before, during, and after the ballgame to hang with friends and locals. The bar even hosts great live music later in the evening to keep you entertained, and best of all, they always have ice cold beer ready to go.
5 W. Hubbard St. - River North
Like it says outside the bar, “All sports all the time.” They aren’t kidding! Mother Hubbard’s Sports Pub has so many TVs with sports on them you will have no idea where to look. Stop by and see for yourself!
Photo Via: Facebook / The Globe
1934 W. Irving Park Ave. - North Center
A die-hard soccer bar with everything you need to catch the game. Friendly staff, HD-TVs, cold beer, and loyal sports fans. What more can you ask for?
1658 W. Barry Ave - Lakeview
Ah, Cody’s Public House. A cozy little bar tucked away in Lakeview where true Chicago sports fans go and watch the game.
Photo Via: Facebook / Wills Northwood Inn
3030 N. Racine Ave. - Lakeview
So, you are one of those “Wisconsin & Packers Fans?” Well, Wills Northwoods Inn is a Wisconsin bar located in Lakeview. They party hard and love watching sports. Although we love Chicago sports, this bar is always fun and will never disappoint.
3801 N. Ashland Ave. - Lakeview
AJ Hudson’s Public House is dedicated to all things soccer. They live, breathe, and bleed soccer and always have it on their TVs. Along with soccer, they proudly display Chicago sports teams all year long, so you never miss a second of the action!
3258 S. Princeton Ave. - Armour Square
Located just a block north of Guaranteed Rate Field, Cork & Kerry at The Park is always filled with loyal Sox fans that know every stat about every player. This is a classic South Side bar you don’t want to miss.
Photo Via: Facebook / The Butcher's Tap
3553 N. Southport Ave. - Lakeview
The Butcher’s Tap is an Ohio-dedicated bar that has great food, lots of beer, and a bunch of Ohio State memorabilia. Looking to cheer on the Buckeyes? Then you’ll definitely want to check this place out as they go crazy during game day!
1419 N. Wells St. - Old Town
A spacious and modern sports bar that has a plethora of TVs where you and a large group of friends can hang out and watch the game. Might as well get a bucket of beer while you are there!
1510 N. Wells St. - Old Town
Benchmark Chicago is a unique sports bar that has a retractable roof where you can mingle with friends, soak in the rays, and catch your favorite Chicago sports team.
There you have it - the best Sports Bars in Chicago that aren’t your buddy Dave’s house.
