Get Your Game On

CHICAGO’S SPORTS BARS FOR THE WIN!

By Leentje De Leeuw Winter Olympics, Australian Open, Six Nations, the Superbowl, European soccer, March Madness, and more—February and March have a lot of exciting sports in store. Here’s a rundown of some of Chicago’s best watering holes with enough beers and screens for all!

Near United Center/Near West Side

The Ogden

Reopening this winter under new management, The Ogden is a true sports bar with TVs everywhere, including at your own personal booth. Located steps away from the United Center, it’s perfect before, during, or after a game. Just don’t forget to grab some of their comfort food made from scratch. Did someone order a brick oven pizza?

The Third Rail

This old school Chicago tavern in the heart of the West Loop pours over 90 beers and bourbons, 61 tequilas, 36 Scotches, and plenty of other options to keep you hydrated while cheering on your favorite team.

Palace Grill

‘The Madhouse on Madison’ and its owner George are true Chicago classics, especially if you’re a Blackhawks fan. Palace Grill closes in the afternoon—except on Blackhawks home game days when they’re open until the puck drops. Go Hawks!

The CrossRoads Bar & Grill

This West Loop saloon has it all: a fieldstone-lined fireplace, wood-paneled walls, and tables fashioned from whiskey barrels. Plus, lots of sports-filled screens of course. A free shuttle to United Center games is also available.

Watch a game, grab a beer, and get in on the action. For those tired of just watching sports, Kaiser Tiger has the perfect solution. Curling! Book your own curling lane through their website for some guaranteed winter fun. Free shuttles are available to and from United Center games.

Ranalli’s West Loop

From the same group as the former West End, Ranalli’s West Loop offers a free shuttle service to the United Center on game days while also offering plenty of screens for viewing. Ranalli's is also a longstanding neighborhood pizza bar known for their apps, drinks, and communal setting.

The Embassy Public House

The Irish management at the Embassy Public House will go above and beyond to accommodate you at their recently-opened sports bar on West Taylor (Little Italy). Dozens of screens, a cozy fireplace, and plenty of beer and whiskey? What more could you want?

Wrigleyville /North

The Cubby Bear

This bar has deep roots in Chicago’s music and nightlife scene having witnessed some of the most iconic moments in Cubs history. Even before baseball season kicks off, this is one of Chicago’s top destinations for sports entertainment.

Sluggers

In and out of baseball season, Sluggers is the place to be for top-notch entertainment. It’s not just a great place to watch a game, it’s a great place to play one. Their batting cages attract kids of all ages, as do their other games: skee-ball, air hockey, pinball, and their world famous dueling pianos!

AJ Hudson’s

If you’re into European soccer, it’s not always easy to find a place that opens with the start of the games. AJ Hudson Public House is one of the few places in Chicago that’ll welcome you as early as 6 a.m.

Murphy’s Bleachers

Murphy’s has been a Wrigleyville fixture for almost 80 years. Both a hub of the neighborhood and a haven for Cubs fans, it is one of the best places to enjoy your favorite game.