7 Chicago Sports Bars for Watching the Game

by Fred Schlatter - Citysearch Contributor - 311 Reviews - 33 Lists

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Updated: October 15, 2009

An old-school tube in the corner doesn't begin to approach the high standards of the true sports fan. For die-hards seeking a place to cheer their teams to victory, only two things matter when it comes to game-viewing apparatus: size and quantity. Check out these powerhouse Chicago sports bars that step up with enough screens to please any self-respecting super-fan. (Photo: Stretch Run by Jasmin Shah.)

Flatscreen Frenzy

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Junior's Sports Lounge
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    726 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

    This University Village bar walks a precarious line between sports bar and froufrou lounge. Happily, it leans toward the former with 30-plus plasmas, booth screens, a dozen drafts and around 20 bottles. Just beware the frilly-sounding cocktail list--that's a game-time no-no.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Westend Bar & Grill
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    1326 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

    The Four Corners Group really outdid itself this time: 30-plus flatscreens, booths outfitted with mini-plasmas, a dozen draft beers and about 30 rotating bottles. Makes ordering eats like sliders and Bavarian pretzels in a wood-paneled room outfitted with club chairs feel downright civilized.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Globe
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    1934 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613 (map)

    Not only does this North Center institution boast a staggering beer list with upwards of 100 selections, 10 big plasmas and a 6am opening when international soccer games air, but it also counts Rod Stewart, David Beckham and several team owners among its patrons. Take that, ESPN Zone.

  4. 4 Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille
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    544 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    This two-floor behemoth can brag of 300-some screens. Half are devoted to horse racing, but the rest, ranging from personal monitors to massive plasmas, are up for any live game. An extensive menu and 20 or so beers keep you going between events.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Reggie's Music Joint
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    2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616 (map)

    This jack-of-all trades has a following as a live music venue, local bar and great place to eat. Turns out it also scores as a game-day destination, considering its 12 flatscreens, huge projection screen, 60-plus beer list and free game-day shuttle to and from Soldier Field.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Mother Hubbard's
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    5 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)

    OK, so it's not as flash as other super-bars, but this Gold Coast mainstay brings it big: six 10-foot screens and one 16-foot HDTV screen. A solid late-night menu (till 3am daily) and a massive canned beer list keep the energetic tourist-local mix fueled.

  7. 7 3 Star Rating: Average The Pony
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    1638 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 (map)

    Slick, north woods-inspired decor (hello, wood paneling!) doesn't interfere with this Lakeview bar's mission to bring you a superior sports-watching experience. Each booth is outfitted with its own flatscreen, which can be tuned to your choice of game. A slew of daily food and drink specials means you can stay longer and drink more. Double-header, anyone?