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A long bar space with walls entirely covered in TV screens.
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field is pretty.
Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Great Chicago Sports Bars to Watch Football and Other Games

Great food and drink make the losses feel a little less worse

by Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field is pretty.
| Chris Peters/Eater Chicago
by Eater Staff Updated

Chicago sure loves to root for its local teams, no matter how miserable doing that can be. Fortunately, this city also likes to drink and eat, so that helps when a team isn’t performing up to expectations. The nectar obviously tastes sweeter when the teams do what their management wants. In Chicago, apparently, that’s to stay just competitive enough — perhaps a second-place finish — to leave fans wanting more. Championships aren’t important. No one would ever actually want to pretend this is the third-largest market in the country and spend money properly.

If that’s a bitter perspective, just remember: this is the city that produces Jeppson’s Malört. Turn those frowns upside down and try to enjoy some sports at one of these wonderful bars with great ambiance, food, and drink.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Mullen's Sports Bar & Grill

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A friendly Rogers Park place that has the hallmarks of a dive, but can also accommodate families with young children during the day. The food can be hit or miss depending on who’s in the kitchen. The atmosphere and staff are the main draws, and that energy helps create a fun game day.

7301 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 465-2113
(773) 465-2113

Murphy's Bleachers

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In an area of the city saturated by sports bars, Murphy’s Bleachers rises above the fray. Open under various “bleachers” names since the 1930’s, it offers a singular gameday experience just across the street from Wrigley Field with plenty of streetside space for watching the world go by.

3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-5356
(773) 281-5356

Also featured in:

DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field

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Winters don’t have to be drab in Wrigleyvile. DraftKings, the online sportsbook, has built a bar outside of the Friendly Confines, a two-level space where fans can rent out private events and be overloaded with sports info on the many screens. The food is from Levy, the Cubs’ caterer.

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
A long bar space with walls entirely covered in TV screens. Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

The Pony Inn

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A Lakeview classic for a lot of University of Kentucky fans. There’s a classic pub menu with wings, tacos, and more. The fans here tend to get hyped for the games, so if you’re there on a gameday on a date — unless you and your partner are there for the sports — maybe take your night elsewhere.

1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-5139
(773) 472-5139

Also featured in:

Broken Barrel Bar

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Lincoln Park has seemingly lost its title as the neighborhood with the most annoying sports bars in Chicago. The current champion may be Wicker Park. But not all sports bars are awful. Broken Barrel, on a quiet residential strip, is an example. It’s got plenty of TVs, a friendly waitstaff, and a bar menu that won’t make fans regret staying through overtime. The chicken wings come in fried or smoked, which are some of the best. And there’s a patio.

2548 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-4900
(773) 327-4900

Also featured in:

Park & Field

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Logan Square’s retro sports bar offers daily games on the bocce court, a massive outdoor space in front, and weekend bottomless boozy brunches.

3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7373
(773) 360-7373
A white room filled with leather couches, tables, and two televisions.
Park & Field’s unusual sports bar
Nick Fochtman/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

The Albion Manor

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Julia Shell knows a thing about bars. The longtime PR executive has taken over a Lincoln Park space with a charming sports bar with a serious food menu. Albion Manor should appeal to soccer fans of all leagues with thoughtful drinks and a menu that includes sausage sliders, wings, and fish and chips.

1480 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-4686
(773) 697-4686
A bar with dark wood stools.
Albion Manor is a champion.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

The Moonlighter

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From the owners of the Scofflaw, this Logan Square bar caters to sports fans with TVs and a pub menu that includes burgers, wings, and salads. The beer selection is simple (with an emphasis on sours), but the cocktails are the highlights, as Scofflaw is one of the city’s best cocktail bars, and they’ve shared some of that magic to their younger sibling. There’s also a patio.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896
A blue building sits far back with the words “the Moonlighter” written in yellow. In front, there is a large patio with yellow umbrellas over black tables. Two short wooden walls separate the patio from the sidewalk. The Moonlighter [Official Photo]

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Lottie's Pub

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This longtime Wisconsin and Kansas bar in Bucktown is always packed. It’s also a popular setting for TV’s Chicago Fire.

1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0738
(773) 489-0738
An awning outside a brick bar reads “Lottie’s Since 1934”
Lottie’s first opened in 1934.
Lottie’s [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Joe's on Weed St.

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Illinois bars are a dime a dozen, but all alums seemingly eventually find themselves at Joe’s. This large entertainment complex near Lincoln Park is good for those who want to start the day with sports and end with some music.

940 W Weed St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 337-3486
(312) 337-3486
View this post on Instagram

No regrets here. #DaBears #Bears100

A post shared by Joe's on Weed St. (@joesonweedst) on

Also featured in:

The Fifty/50

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The Fifty/50, with their infamous chicken wings and 25 TVs, is one of Wicker Park’s OGs for sports.

2047 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-5050
(773) 489-5050

Also featured in:

Cleo’s Bar and Grill

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Cleo’s is more known as an international soccer bar, but it also offers NFL Sunday Ticket on its 16 HD screens for the other type of football.

1935 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 243-5600
(312) 243-5600
A corner of a sports bar with a television and soccer scarves on the wall.
Cleos leans toward soccer but doesn’t discriminate.
Cleos Bar and Grill [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Monarch & Lion, A British Pub

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A new bar that specializes in British food — which is fish and chips or chicken tikka — has opened in Streeterville. It’s from the owners of Rooh Chicago and Bar Goa, a classy spot for the big game, even soccer and races.

302 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 973-2623
(312) 973-2623
The interior of a pub. Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Passport Bar Room

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There’s a lot to take in at Passport, which caters to the international sports fan with soccer and F1 racing. There’s also a separate basement speakeasy-style bar for when the score gets out of hand or fans need a break.

1601 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 877-5241
(312) 877-5241
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Theory

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One of the city’s best sports bars has a quality menu that will satisfy non-sports fans dragged to a gamewatch.

9 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 644-0004
(312) 644-0004

Also featured in:

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Ranalli's West Loop

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For 14 years, WestEnd served the sports fans near the United Center, living between dive and upscale, providing patrons with something for everyone. WestEnd’s owners closed the bar during the pandemic to convert it into a location of its popular Ranalli’s bar that’s been a Lincoln Park fan favorite. Customers haven’t missed much. The decor is brighter and there’s build-your-own tavern-style pizzas. 

1326 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 981-7100
(312) 981-7100

Also featured in:

Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick

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The South Loop spinoff of the Wicker Park bar is back near McCormick Place. It features a large beer list, Sunday brunch, and it’s probably the closest bar to Soldier Field.

2206 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 878-9292
(312) 878-9292
A large bar space is filled with dark wood tables and chairs. A tiled wall behind the bar offsets bottles, taps, and coolers. The brown ceiling appears to be wood woven into a basket-weave texture. Three TVs hang over the bar.
Fatpour McCormick boasts beer and brunch.
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar

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South Siders of a certain age have warm feeling surrounding Williams Inn, a restaurant that featured Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Closed for years, Williams Inn reopened in September as a sports bar that strives inclusivity. Watch the Bears, the Sky, and baseball while sinking your teeth into the same stuffed pizza that fueled so many memories.

2210 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 753-3108
(312) 753-3108
Two glorious Chicago deep-dish pizzas Williams Inn Pizzeria [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Turtle's Bar & Grill

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A quick walk from Sox Park, Turtle’s gets crowded after baseball games as fans crowd the space. It’s got a deep beer list, popular burgers, and pizza to sate any fan. This is a favorite among South Side Chicago chefs.

238 W 33rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7333
(312) 225-7333

Also featured in:

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

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When a James Beard Award winner opens a sports bar, food-loving fans should take notice. Daisy’s Po-Boy opened in August with sandwiches, gumbo, fried chicken, and more. Williams is channeling is aunt with southern food inside a spacious restaurant with plenty of TVs and draft and packaged beer. It’s a rare Black-owned sports bar in the city of Chicago.

5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 675-8767
(773) 675-8767
An empty bar with tables with green and white tablecloths.
Daisy’s is a sports bar in Hyde Park with food from a James Beard Award winning chef.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Woodlawn Tap

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This Hyde Park classic continues to chug with a friendly clientele and famous pitchers and burgers. The cheap prices may appeal to college kids at the University of Chicago, but the bar formerly known as Jimmy’s welcomes all. Note: They’re cash only.

1172 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-5516
(773) 643-5516
Woodlawn tap chicago Woodlawn Tap

Also featured in:

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Mullen's Sports Bar & Grill

7301 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

A friendly Rogers Park place that has the hallmarks of a dive, but can also accommodate families with young children during the day. The food can be hit or miss depending on who’s in the kitchen. The atmosphere and staff are the main draws, and that energy helps create a fun game day.

7301 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 465-2113
(773) 465-2113

Murphy's Bleachers

3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

In an area of the city saturated by sports bars, Murphy’s Bleachers rises above the fray. Open under various “bleachers” names since the 1930’s, it offers a singular gameday experience just across the street from Wrigley Field with plenty of streetside space for watching the world go by.

3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 281-5356
(773) 281-5356

DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613

Winters don’t have to be drab in Wrigleyvile. DraftKings, the online sportsbook, has built a bar outside of the Friendly Confines, a two-level space where fans can rent out private events and be overloaded with sports info on the many screens. The food is from Levy, the Cubs’ caterer.

1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
A long bar space with walls entirely covered in TV screens. Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

The Pony Inn

1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

A Lakeview classic for a lot of University of Kentucky fans. There’s a classic pub menu with wings, tacos, and more. The fans here tend to get hyped for the games, so if you’re there on a gameday on a date — unless you and your partner are there for the sports — maybe take your night elsewhere.

1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 472-5139
(773) 472-5139

Broken Barrel Bar

2548 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park has seemingly lost its title as the neighborhood with the most annoying sports bars in Chicago. The current champion may be Wicker Park. But not all sports bars are awful. Broken Barrel, on a quiet residential strip, is an example. It’s got plenty of TVs, a friendly waitstaff, and a bar menu that won’t make fans regret staying through overtime. The chicken wings come in fried or smoked, which are some of the best. And there’s a patio.

2548 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-4900
(773) 327-4900

Park & Field

3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Logan Square’s retro sports bar offers daily games on the bocce court, a massive outdoor space in front, and weekend bottomless boozy brunches.

3509 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-7373
(773) 360-7373
A white room filled with leather couches, tables, and two televisions.
Park & Field’s unusual sports bar
Nick Fochtman/Eater Chicago

The Albion Manor

1480 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Julia Shell knows a thing about bars. The longtime PR executive has taken over a Lincoln Park space with a charming sports bar with a serious food menu. Albion Manor should appeal to soccer fans of all leagues with thoughtful drinks and a menu that includes sausage sliders, wings, and fish and chips.

1480 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-4686
(773) 697-4686
A bar with dark wood stools.
Albion Manor is a champion.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

The Moonlighter

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

From the owners of the Scofflaw, this Logan Square bar caters to sports fans with TVs and a pub menu that includes burgers, wings, and salads. The beer selection is simple (with an emphasis on sours), but the cocktails are the highlights, as Scofflaw is one of the city’s best cocktail bars, and they’ve shared some of that magic to their younger sibling. There’s also a patio.

3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 360-8896
(773) 360-8896
A blue building sits far back with the words “the Moonlighter” written in yellow. In front, there is a large patio with yellow umbrellas over black tables. Two short wooden walls separate the patio from the sidewalk. The Moonlighter [Official Photo]

Lottie's Pub

1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622

This longtime Wisconsin and Kansas bar in Bucktown is always packed. It’s also a popular setting for TV’s Chicago Fire.

1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-0738
(773) 489-0738
An awning outside a brick bar reads “Lottie’s Since 1934”
Lottie’s first opened in 1934.
Lottie’s [Official Photo]

Joe's on Weed St.

940 W Weed St, Chicago, IL 60642

Illinois bars are a dime a dozen, but all alums seemingly eventually find themselves at Joe’s. This large entertainment complex near Lincoln Park is good for those who want to start the day with sports and end with some music.

940 W Weed St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 337-3486
(312) 337-3486
View this post on Instagram

No regrets here. #DaBears #Bears100

A post shared by Joe's on Weed St. (@joesonweedst) on

The Fifty/50

2047 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

The Fifty/50, with their infamous chicken wings and 25 TVs, is one of Wicker Park’s OGs for sports.

2047 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-5050
(773) 489-5050

Cleo’s Bar and Grill

1935 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Cleo’s is more known as an international soccer bar, but it also offers NFL Sunday Ticket on its 16 HD screens for the other type of football.

1935 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 243-5600
(312) 243-5600
A corner of a sports bar with a television and soccer scarves on the wall.
Cleos leans toward soccer but doesn’t discriminate.
Cleos Bar and Grill [Official Photo]

Monarch & Lion, A British Pub

302 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611

A new bar that specializes in British food — which is fish and chips or chicken tikka — has opened in Streeterville. It’s from the owners of Rooh Chicago and Bar Goa, a classy spot for the big game, even soccer and races.

302 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 973-2623
(312) 973-2623
The interior of a pub. Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Passport Bar Room

1601 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

There’s a lot to take in at Passport, which caters to the international sports fan with soccer and F1 racing. There’s also a separate basement speakeasy-style bar for when the score gets out of hand or fans need a break.

1601 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 877-5241
(312) 877-5241
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Theory

9 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

One of the city’s best sports bars has a quality menu that will satisfy non-sports fans dragged to a gamewatch.

9 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 644-0004
(312) 644-0004

Related Maps

Ranalli's West Loop

1326 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

For 14 years, WestEnd served the sports fans near the United Center, living between dive and upscale, providing patrons with something for everyone. WestEnd’s owners closed the bar during the pandemic to convert it into a location of its popular Ranalli’s bar that’s been a Lincoln Park fan favorite. Customers haven’t missed much. The decor is brighter and there’s build-your-own tavern-style pizzas. 

1326 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 981-7100
(312) 981-7100

Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick

2206 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

The South Loop spinoff of the Wicker Park bar is back near McCormick Place. It features a large beer list, Sunday brunch, and it’s probably the closest bar to Soldier Field.

2206 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 878-9292
(312) 878-9292
A large bar space is filled with dark wood tables and chairs. A tiled wall behind the bar offsets bottles, taps, and coolers. The brown ceiling appears to be wood woven into a basket-weave texture. Three TVs hang over the bar.
Fatpour McCormick boasts beer and brunch.
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick [Official Photo]

Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar

2210 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

South Siders of a certain age have warm feeling surrounding Williams Inn, a restaurant that featured Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Closed for years, Williams Inn reopened in September as a sports bar that strives inclusivity. Watch the Bears, the Sky, and baseball while sinking your teeth into the same stuffed pizza that fueled so many memories.

2210 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 753-3108
(312) 753-3108
Two glorious Chicago deep-dish pizzas Williams Inn Pizzeria [Official Photo]

Turtle's Bar & Grill

238 W 33rd St, Chicago, IL 60616

A quick walk from Sox Park, Turtle’s gets crowded after baseball games as fans crowd the space. It’s got a deep beer list, popular burgers, and pizza to sate any fan. This is a favorite among South Side Chicago chefs.

238 W 33rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7333
(312) 225-7333

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

When a James Beard Award winner opens a sports bar, food-loving fans should take notice. Daisy’s Po-Boy opened in August with sandwiches, gumbo, fried chicken, and more. Williams is channeling is aunt with southern food inside a spacious restaurant with plenty of TVs and draft and packaged beer. It’s a rare Black-owned sports bar in the city of Chicago.

5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 675-8767
(773) 675-8767
An empty bar with tables with green and white tablecloths.
Daisy’s is a sports bar in Hyde Park with food from a James Beard Award winning chef.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Woodlawn Tap

1172 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

This Hyde Park classic continues to chug with a friendly clientele and famous pitchers and burgers. The cheap prices may appeal to college kids at the University of Chicago, but the bar formerly known as Jimmy’s welcomes all. Note: They’re cash only.

1172 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-5516
(773) 643-5516
Woodlawn tap chicago Woodlawn Tap

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