Sports Lovers Unite at Chicago Bars
Roots Pizza
Chicago is home to sports-lovers from all across the world and there’s no doubt we have some of the rowdiest and most loyal fans around. While our beloved Bears season has come to an end, football playoffs are still going on and the Bulls and Blackhawks seasons are in full swing. So if you need a place to sit down with a good beer, your favorite game day foods and all the flat screens your heart desires, we’ve got you covered. Here's a guide to great bars in Chicago for cheering on your favorite team.
Roots Pizza {multiple locations}
There’s no better way to watch Chicago sports teams than with one of the city's most well-known dishes: PIZZA. Roots has locations across the city, but their South Loop location especially has an amazing game day atmosphere. From epic Mozzarella Sticks with housemade and hand-stretched mozzarella, to BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza with pulled pork, Hot Smokey BBQ and mozzarella, topped with Carolina Dirt BBQ rub and slaw, you’ll be eating so good you’ll feel like you just won the superbowl.
The Smoke Daddy {multiple locations}
If you’re wishing you could have a cookout and watch the games in your backyard with lawn chairs and your grill, head over to one of Smoke Daddy’s two locations to get your fix. The food here is a step above with main items like St. Louis Style Spare Ribs and Cajun Fish Sandwiches, as well as classic BBQ sides such as Cornbread, Mac-N-Cheese and Collard Greens.
Radio Room {400 North State Street, Chicago; 312.706.5228}
Sports fans of any team will delight in the games that play on Radio Room’s plentiful, PLENTIFUL screens. Located in the heart of River North, Radio Room provides plenty of bar space, as well as booths and tables spread throughout. With fan favorites like Fried Cheese Curds, Chicken Wings, Short Rib Sliders, as well as Sangria pitchers on game days, you can’t go wrong here. Every seat is the best seat in the house as you can see from the photo above!
Mable's Table {1655 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.904.7433}
If you really want to focus on the game, this Bucktown spot has the perfect intimate bar seating for that. Owner and chef Anthony Reyes serves up home cooked meals you WISH your mother made growing up at Mable’s Table, named after his own mom. They offer their full menu at bar seating, which will give you a front row view of your favorite team. And with menu items like classic cuts of steak and their famous Mae’s Meatballs, you’ll want to stay for more even when the game is over.
BarStool River North {14 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.366.2109}
Barstool Sports, the digital media company loved by fans around the world, officially opened their first Chicago bar location. Located in River North on Hubbard, the bar atmosphere includes advertisements and Instagram-worthy photo ops, an abundance of TVs, a full bar and food anyone - not just those in their 20’s - would love! If you’re in the neighborhood stop at this new spot for all things sports.
Homeslice {938 West Webster Avenue, Chicago; 312.789.4600}
There’s no doubt HomeSlice is a fan favorite when it comes to good pizza and fun decor. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood close to Depaul's campus, this imaginative thin-crust pizza place offers good food and drinks in a rustic-style lodge room with tree-trunk tables & TVs. If you are stopping by for game day, make sure to order the Elote Dip with chihuahua cheese, corn, pico de gallo, cream cheese and jalapeños, served with chips, as well as the Strike a Posner Pizza with romas, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a pesto base.
Lottie's Pub {1925 West Cortland Street, Chicago; 773.489.0738}
If you’ve lived in Chicago for even a short amount of time, you’ve likely heard of Lottie’s. The famous spot opened in 1934 and offers a vintage vibe with classic game day eats like Chicken Tenders, pizzas, burgers, Cheese Curds, plus S’Mores for dessert, and an array of draft and bottle beers to choose from. If you want a no frill, classic sports bar to watch your favorite team, head over to this local favorite in Bucktown.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent