This Rogers Park Irish pub is near Loyola’s campus — and was founded by a Loyola grad student — and provides an ideal backdrop to cheer on the Ramblers. Find cheap beer and plenty of students crowding this space.

The focus may be on billiards at Surge, as staff took a relic of a pool hall and modernized it. But ownership created a welcoming spot where patrons are no longer judged for watching TV or typing on their smartphone. There's coffee, specialty drinks, and pub food.

In Lakeview, this European-themed soccer bar is a good choice for hoops fans. There’s a solid pub food menu and plenty of TVs to catch all the action.

From the folks who gave Chicago the iconic cocktail bar Scofflaw, Moonlighter is the sports bar that Logan Square didn’t think it needed. Find burgers, wings, and a killer selection of local beer.

This Wisconsin and Kansas bar in Bucktown is always packed. It's also a popular setting for TV's Chicago Fire. Ownership is the Pioneer Tavern Group, also responsible for Frontier and Ina Mae Tavern.

Wells Street in Old Town has no short supply of bars with young college alums spilling onto the street. In an area oversaturated with bro bars, LG’s — an offshoot of Lady Gregory’s on the North Side — is a place where sports fans who are paying attention can find a little bit of respite. Not to say LG’s won’t turn up the music later in the night, but throughout the tourney, there are plenty of food and drink specials.

An old favorite in Wicker Park, Mac’s is a strong neighborhood pub that will put on the sound for select games. Find a strong beer selection, a tasty burger, and a no-frills atmosphere that’s comfortable for staying for the first game of the day until the nightcap.

This classy Hubbard Street bar with loyalties to Georgetown and Kansas encourages table reservations. One of those teams is relevant. Theory's got a tasty menu and wonderful service.

Many mourned the loss of WestEnd, a longtime sports bar near the United Center. In a pandemic era move, ownership converted that space into a pizzeria. Though it doesn’t have the same bar feeling as the old spot, Ranalli’s is an established brand and gives fans plenty to cheer for in the West Loop.

The Printer’s Row edition of this family favorite includes an outdoor area with a retractable roof. Find the same Quad Cities style pies that are also available in Lincoln Square, West Town, and Old Town. There’s a festive atmosphere inside, and kids are welcome.

An expansion of the mini chain from the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, customers know this spot is serious about the tournament because of the name. Locals are fans of the chicken wings here.

Before closing its previous location, Williams Inn’s deep-dish pizza was legendary on the South Side. It has since resurfaced as a sports bar in the South Loop with the same pizza recipe and a welcoming atmosphere.

Perhaps this popular Beverly Irish pub will bring some luck to your favorite team. This little joint will be showing key games. The Bridgeport location also serves food.