Categories: Nightlife
After Dark: Sports Bars
Author: Audarshia Townsend
You just can't go anywhere in Chicago without running into a sports bar. Chicago is a big-time sports town and the locals take their games serious, from pro football to college hoops.
Wrigleyville—home of the Chicago Cubs—has more sports bars per block than any neighborhood in the city. And because there’s so many, it takes a lot to stand out! Doing just that is long-time favorite, Cubby Bear. Expect plenty of live music at this top sports bar and it’s a perfect spot for checking out the Chicago Bears during the NFL football season.
Check out upscale lounge concepts such as Dark Horse and Tryst, too. There’s something for everyone in Wrigleyville. During the warmer months, people flock to Murphy’s Bleachers and Sheffield’s for their expansive outdoor beer gardens.
For most sports fans, the “ultimate” sports bar concept is simple: multiple screens so they won’t miss any action, a menu of recognizable finger foods like wings, nachos and burgers, and their favorite beer on tap. That’s why places like the South Loop Club (1 E Balbo Ave; 312-427-2787) have lasted for so long. The walls at this well-worn watering hole pay homage to local teams and former stars, with posters, framed pictures, pennants and more. You’ll find mostly college students from area schools (Columbia, Roosevelt, DePaul) mingling with the locals as well as tourists. And save for a few nights where they have specials on food and drinks, what keeps these fans coming back is the friendly neighborhood vibe.
When it’s college sports season, the ‘hood to hit is Lincoln Park. All Big Ten schools are represented as well as other divisions. You’ll find pennants, school colors and other memorabilia inside and outside of bars like Kincade’s (University of Kansas), McGee’s (950 W Webster Ave; 312-549-8200) (University of Iowa) and Duffy’s Tavern (4201 W Diversey Ave #2; 773-549-9090) (Michigan State) to let you know who’s got allegiance for whom. Most of these bars tend to get rowdy and loud with college kids and twentysomething young professionals during prime time, so get ready for just about anything.
Looking to rub elbows with the rich and famous of the sports world? While a number of bars (sports bars and nightclubs) host meet-and-greet events all the time, it’s better to catch them in less formal environments. Professional athletes of all sports can be found dining at Harry Caray’s in River North. The central bar in the popular steakhouse is a perfect place to chat up a famous boxer, football player, and of course, baseball star. Joe’s in Lincoln Park, with its dozens and dozens of plasma screens, attracts its share of stars—especially professional basketball players following a game at the United Center. And Hawkeye’s Bar & Grill, in the heart of Little Italy, is a haven for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, who usually can be found hanging here after games.
Check out places of interest near After Dark: Sports Bars:
Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.
Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.
Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60613
Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.
Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
This trendy sports bar is named after the color of ivy that grows along the wall of historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Red Ivy is just south of Wrigley, on Clark Street. Hearty Italian fare at a reasonable price is what Red Ivy is all about, with pizzas being their specialty.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.
Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport,
Chicago, IL 60657
A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.
Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60654
This boutique beer, wine and spirits shop carries an inventory carefully selected by Kyle McHugh, a food and wine professional with years of experience in the restaurant and nightlife industries. Not just a shop, Drinks Over Dearborn will also offer a wide range of special events and tastings, including the "Rare & Luxurious Room." Sounds fun.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd.,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.
Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.
Mad River Bar and Grille
2909 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Mad River Bar and Grille offers an assortment of beers, cocktails, specialty drinks and more.
Moonshine
1824 W. Division St.,
Chicago, IL 60622
This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.
Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60613
Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.
Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>
Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
This trendy sports bar is named after the color of ivy that grows along the wall of historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Red Ivy is just south of Wrigley, on Clark Street. Hearty Italian fare at a reasonable price is what Red Ivy is all about, with pizzas being their specialty.
Redmoon
70 S. Arlington Heights Rd.,
Arlington Heights, IL 60605
A sophisticated suburban Chicago night spot with guest DJs weekly, Redmoon delivers with a wide-ranging martini menu and other club features like the huge projection screens showing all kinds of footage.
Rednofive
440 N. Halsted St,
Chicago, IL 60622
Dance club with funky atmosphere, intriguing lighting, and an upper VIP level that has been relevant for years now with constantly changing music line-ups and promotions.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.
Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60614
This popular gay and lesbian spot includes six bars and a large dance floor en route to one of the wilder nightlife experiences in all of Chicago.
Schoolyard Tavern & Grill
3258 N. Southport,
Chicago, IL 60657
A fun beer-and-a-shot spot on the city's North Side, Schoolyard is a good bar to begin your North Side evening...not far from Wrigley Field!
Schuba's Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Intimate setting and great sound blend for great live music shows and a casual environment are all represented at this North Side bar.
Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
This spacious club is appreciated for its highly social front piano and great people-watching that goes along with its location along one of the busiest boulevards in Boys Town.
The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.
Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.
10pin Bowling
330 N. State St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.
Chicago Fire Major League Soccer
7000 S. Harlem Ave.,
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Chicago has burned its way into Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Chicago Fire, now playing through their 10th season. See the Fire blaze past opponents to score goals and win games. With the addition of Cuauhtemoc Blanco in 2007, the Chicago Fire are now a soccer force with which to be reckoned.
