Chicago is home to an array of legendary pro sports teams, from the iconic Bulls basketball team to the Cubs vs. Sox baseball rivalry to the Sky dominating the WNBA. And a city with such a storied athletic legacy needs some great sports bars. Here are some of the top game day sports bars near Chicago’s arenas and stadiums.
Sports bars by Wrigley Field
Head to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood for all things Cubs. The streets around Wrigley Field are lined with sports bars, and you really can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose. Join the party before, after, and during the game at these long-time favorites and cool new spots that are nearly as much fun as being at the stadium.
Murphy’s Bleachers: A local favorite for almost 80 years, Murphy’s is the ultimate game-day stop for beers and hot dogs.
Cubby Bear: Just across from the iconic Wrigley Field marquee, the Cubby Bear is a popular spot to stop before the game or to listen to live music after.
Sports Corner: Three levels are filled with fan madness on game day at this Wrigleyville sports bar. Facing Wrigley Field at the corner of Addison and Sheffield, you can look right out at the stadium from the open-air roof deck.
Deuces Major League Bar: An industrially hip bar complete with a Miami-style patio and gourmet burgers that won’t disappoint.
Sluggers: You’ll find batting cages, skeeball, and other games on the second floor, along with a dueling piano bar.
Stretch Bar & Grill: A sleek, cedar-paneled room awaits, plus draft beer, craft cocktails, and refined American bar food.
Sports bars by Guaranteed Rate Field
Chicago White Sox fan? You’re a little spoiled for choices at the ballpark itself. Guaranteed Rate Field’s very own ChiSox Bar & Grill is a lively hangout where you’ll enjoy drinks, pub grub, flat-screen TVs for miles, and a fair bit of memorabilia. Here are a few more spots close to Guaranteed Rate Field.
Cork & Kerry: Sox fans flock to this Bridgeport bar to drink beer and indulge in Irish fare. The venue hosts live music after every Sox home game.
Turtle’s Bar & Grill: Indulge in homemade appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Check the chalkboard for specials and pick your ideal seat indoors or outdoors.
Mitchell’s Tap: A low-key spot for classic bar grub, live music, and TVs for all us sports fans.
Sports bars by Soldier Field
Located right on the shores of Lake Michigan, the views from Soldier Field are hard to beat. When it comes to pre- and post-game sports bar hopping, however, locals have a few favorites. Here’s where to hang out before or after a Chicago Bears game or a Chicago Fire match. These bars are also within easy distance of Wintrust Arena, home to the WNBA Chicago Sky.
Weather Mark Tavern: Located within a quick walk to Solider Field, this casual bar is a great stop for a bite before or after a game.
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar: Family-owned since 1969, this modern spot offers Chicago-style pan pizza, wings, beer, and more.
Fatpour Tap Works: This spacious brewpub has a beer list with more than 200 options, tons of TVs, and a kitchen that’s open late.
Kasey’s Tavern: A top-shelf beer list and TVs can be found within this vintage storefront bar, one of the oldest taverns in the city.
Sports bars by United Center
Located on the Near West Side, the United Center sits in the midst of a vibrant, urban setting, surrounded by lots of food and drink options. Here are a few sports bar go-to sports bars for Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks fans. Many of these spots even offer a shuttle service to the United Center for ticketholders.
Passport Bar Room: This international sports bar features a globe-trotting menu, a sidewalk patio, and a sophisticated speakeasy in the basement.
Park Tavern: Go upscale at the Park Tavern, where you’ll find refined American fare and craft brews in a modern lodge setting, with TVs and a beer garden.
Ranalli’s West Loop: This large, family-friendly sports bar specialized in delicious pizza and Italian cuisine.
Reggie’s: This live music venue also offers a full pub grub menu, a rooftop bar, and easy access to the United Center.
Haymarket Pub & Brewery: With more than 30 TVs, you won’t miss a second of the action at this long-standing brewpub.
Chicago sports bars for watching soccer
Whether it’s the World Cup or a local match, you can catch all the action on the pitch at these sports bars for soccer fans in Chicago.
AJ Hudson’s Public House: Chicago’s original soccer pub, this Wrigleyville bar is beloved for its relaxed vibe, extensive beer menu, and seasonal sidewalk patio.
The Globe Pub: Locals know this spot as a haven for soccer fans. The Globe Pub is housed in a 100-year-old building and feels like a British pub — with 20 smart TVs playing as many international and national sporting events as possible. They also have one of the longest beer lists in the city.
Cleo’s Bar and Grill: This casual neighborhood spot is popular with game-day crowds. You can catch all the American and international match-ups at Cleo’s, particularly the Premier League games on the weekends.
GO Tavern: A liquor store/full-service bar, GO Tavern hosts regular watch parties for Chicago Fire away games and most United States men’s national soccer team games. They’ve also got an extensive beer list, plus lots of bottles to bring home with you.
fado: This classic Irish pub in the heart of River North opens early for English premier League games on the weekends. Fado is also considered the official Chicago home of Manchester United fans.
Sports bars in downtown Chicago
If you’re looking for a spot to catch the game and cheer with fellow fans, Chicago’s Loop and River North areas are packed with options no matter your favorite sport.
Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch: Located next door to The Chicago Sports Museum, where you’ll find one of the biggest Chicago sports memorabilia collections on display, Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch is named after the legendary sportscaster. The menu here is dominated by local craft beers and classic comfort foods.
Harry Caray’s Tavern: If you’re headed to Navy Pier, hang out at the Harry Caray’s Tavern outpost there. And if it’s summertime (aka baseball season), have your drinks on the patio where TVs light up the outside bar.
Butch McGuire’s: This has been a staple in the Chicago bar scene for decades; even Hugh Hefner used to frequent the place!
Miller’s Pub: This is a favorite Loop locale. Grab a beer during the week and toast to the legendary Bill Veeck, who has his own honorary corner of the bar. “Veeck’s Corner” pays tribute to the man who brought ivy to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, and fireworks to home run moments for the Chicago White Sox.
