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Kahleah Copper and the Chicago Sky are looking for a repeat.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Great Chicago Sports Bars Worth Leaving the House For on Game Day

Catch the reigning WNBA champion Chicago Sky or some pigskin action

by Eater Staff Updated
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Kahleah Copper and the Chicago Sky are looking for a repeat.
| Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
by Eater Staff Updated

Post-season baseball is an unlikely endeavor for Chicago (at least the South Side has its Italian beef balls). But not all’s lost for the city’s loyal sports fans. The Chicago Sky and Kahleah Copper (“KFC” for those in the know) made basketball fans feel like it was the ‘90s when the reigning WNBA champions dispatched the New York Liberty in the Big Apple. It brought back the joy of seeing Michael Jeffrey Jordan send the Knicks packing. The excitement isn’t limited to hoops as the NFL and college football are back in action. For those battling cabin fever, a sports bar offers an escape.

But finding the right venue is a challenge. Fear not and check out Eater Chicago’s picks for best sports bars in the city. These spots provide the right ambience to check out a game and won’t shame customers who want to play dress up in their baseball cap and jersey. Put on some face paint, it’s OK.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
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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:

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

Kirkwood

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Kirkwood might be a considered a relic of sports bars past, when food wasn’t a draw and cheap pitchers dominated the landscape. But the world has changed and so has the Kirkwood. Over the years, ownership has upgraded its menu and beer lists. That’s enabled the bar to draw college alumni groups and out-of-town fanbases who keep calling Kirkwood their home away from home.

2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 770-0700
(773) 770-0700

Also featured in:

Bob Inn

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The Bob Inn is an old person’s bar only until it isn’t. This is a dive for shots and a beer, with the type of aesthetic that big beer companies love to steal for its commercials. Yes, the crowd skews younger as the night goes on, but make no mistake: This bar takes its baseball seriously. Check out the neon sign in the front declaring it a North Side White Sox bar.

2609 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 342-2309
(773) 342-2309

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]

Also featured in:

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:

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:

Radio Room

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The bar’s owners, DineAmic Hospitality, know what it takes to throw a party. They revamped the former Public House, added twinkle lights, high-end finishes, and a new menu. This place has all the amenities a sports fan would want, and there’s no need to move if postgame festivities are desired. DineAmic will bring the party to the fans.

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 706-5228
(312) 706-5228
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Miller's Pub

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Drinking at the Loop can be an adventure, and Miller’s Pub, with its familiar green and red sign, wants to be part of your night. The pizza and ribs are Chicago classics, while the bar oozes history with vintage photos and other trinkets throughout the space. There aren’t too many TVs in the space, but the fans who are paying attention to the game will soon become your best friends. You may even become penpals.

134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-4988
(312) 263-4988
Miller’s Pub/Facebook

Also featured in:

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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

Copy Link

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

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

Kirkwood

2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Kirkwood might be a considered a relic of sports bars past, when food wasn’t a draw and cheap pitchers dominated the landscape. But the world has changed and so has the Kirkwood. Over the years, ownership has upgraded its menu and beer lists. That’s enabled the bar to draw college alumni groups and out-of-town fanbases who keep calling Kirkwood their home away from home.

2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 770-0700
(773) 770-0700

Bob Inn

2609 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Bob Inn is an old person’s bar only until it isn’t. This is a dive for shots and a beer, with the type of aesthetic that big beer companies love to steal for its commercials. Yes, the crowd skews younger as the night goes on, but make no mistake: This bar takes its baseball seriously. Check out the neon sign in the front declaring it a North Side White Sox bar.

2609 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 342-2309
(773) 342-2309

Park & Field

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

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
A bar with dark wood stools.
Albion Manor is a champion.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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
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]

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
An awning outside a brick bar reads “Lottie’s Since 1934”
Lottie’s first opened in 1934.
Lottie’s [Official Photo]

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
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]

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]

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

Radio Room

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

The bar’s owners, DineAmic Hospitality, know what it takes to throw a party. They revamped the former Public House, added twinkle lights, high-end finishes, and a new menu. This place has all the amenities a sports fan would want, and there’s no need to move if postgame festivities are desired. DineAmic will bring the party to the fans.

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 706-5228
(312) 706-5228
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Miller's Pub

134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Miller’s Pub/Facebook

Drinking at the Loop can be an adventure, and Miller’s Pub, with its familiar green and red sign, wants to be part of your night. The pizza and ribs are Chicago classics, while the bar oozes history with vintage photos and other trinkets throughout the space. There aren’t too many TVs in the space, but the fans who are paying attention to the game will soon become your best friends. You may even become penpals.

134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 263-4988
(312) 263-4988
Miller’s Pub/Facebook

Related Maps

Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick

2206 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
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]

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
Two glorious Chicago deep-dish pizzas Williams Inn Pizzeria [Official Photo]

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
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

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
Woodlawn tap chicago Woodlawn Tap

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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