After Dark: Sports Bars

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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.

Cubby Bear and Harry Caray's

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. A new addition to the Wrigleyville nightlife scene, Harry Cary's Tavern in Wrigleyville is the local Italian restaurant favorite -- on steriods. Bow before the 123-inch flat screen TV, grab a seat in front of any of the other 52 TVs, or snag a spot on the patio and watch the ever-entertaining Wrigleyville revelry. The restaurant features tried-and-true bar fare alongside favoirites from Harry Caray's Italian steakhouse.

Dark Horse and Tryst

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.

Kincade's

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.

Harry Caray's, Joe's and Hawkeye's

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.

Stretch Run

Looking to put some skin in the game? At Stretch Run Sporting Club and Grille, guests can bet on a horse rase every day. Or take a break from the ponies with Stretch Run's wide array of arcade games -- including Golden Tee, Big Buck Hunter, Silver Strike Bowling and Target Toss Pro.

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nearby places of interest

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

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.

Joe's Sports Bar
940 W. Weed St., Chicago, IL 60622

Joe's Sports Bar is a sports bar featuring live music, good food, and its very own beer garden.

Market Restaurant and Sports Bar
1113 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607

Famed American cuisine is highlighted at the Market. It is a multi-faceted dining experience offering many different atmospheres in which to eat. Guests can sit outside and relax in the Sidewalk Cafe or have an innovative drink on the roof in the Rooftop Lounge. Inside, there is the Restaurant and Sports Bar with a contemporary vibe and flavorful food by Chef Joe Rosetti--and a Beer Garden connected to the outside.

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 ivy that grows along historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Located just south of Wrigley, you'll find hearty Italian fare at a reasonable prices, 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.

Rockwood Place
3466 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

New Wrigleyville neighborhood pre-game spot boasts pub grub, microbrew beer and a large whiskey list. Roadhouse-themed with free pool tables and 16 50-inch flatscreen TVs.

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!

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

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

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Chi Bar
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Created by renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, Chi Bar boasts innovative cocktails, shareabledelights, and sleek ambiance.

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

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.

Joe's Sports Bar
940 W. Weed St., Chicago, IL 60622

Joe's Sports Bar is a sports bar featuring live music, good food, and its very own beer garden.

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

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

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.

Rockwood Place
3466 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

New Wrigleyville neighborhood pre-game spot boasts pub grub, microbrew beer and a large whiskey list. Roadhouse-themed with free pool tables and 16 50-inch flatscreen TVs.

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 ComedySportz Theatre
929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

The ComedySportz show offers a unique blend of fast, funny and smart improvisational comedy that is appropriate for all ages. The Red and Blue teams battle it out in front of a referee in games that the audience selects, and points are awarded based on how hard they make you laugh! The eternal battle of Red vs. Blue is improvised 5 times weekly, and the show is never the same twice!

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

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 Bulls Basketball
1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60613

With six NBA championships under their belt, the Chicago Bulls and Bulls fans all over the city hope that another championship season is on the horizon. Fans flock to the United Center to watch the Chicago Bulls and head coach Vinny Del Negro in action; the lively atmosphere and incredible entertainment don't hurt either.

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.

The ComedySportz Theatre
929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657