If you want a morning filled with bottomless mimosas or Chicago breakfast, there are sports bars in Chicago that will satiate you. Or if you’re feeling shots intertwined with live music while watching the fourth down or a low-key neighborhood spot, there are places for that too—just as long as there is basketball, hockey, or football right?
However, even with all professional games taking place, our eyes are set on March Madness, with basketball fans across Chicago gearing up to catch one of the most enrapturing sports events of the year. From casual bars with savory food to electric nightspots, head to one of the best sports bars in Chicago to catch every dunk, buzzer-beater, and Cinderella story.
1. Lottie’s Pub
If you want to chant Bear Down, do it in Bucktown. During every Bears game throughout the 2023 season, patrons can sip on $5 mimosas, $8 bloody marys, $5 Miller/Coors, and $30 Lone River buckets. Locals can also enjoy a Chicago-style $15 sausage and giardiniera pizza.
If you’re a Badger fan, cheer with $6 Bucky Bombs and devour $14 cheese curd pizza and $8 cheese curds. And, of course, for the Jawhawks, Lottie’s will have $8 blue margaritas, $7 Goose Island, and $14 Joe’s KC BBQ chicken pizza.
📍Address: 1925 W Cortland St, Chicago, IL 60622
2. Bandit
In the Fulton Market neighborhood of Chicago lies Bandit, a charming local neighborhood bar with an upscale, chef-driven menu that marries a convivial aesthetic and delicious food. The restaurant’s design intertwines glamourous and rustic decor that is inviting, and it grabs your attention as soon as you see the warm twinkle lights and edy neon bar sign.
It’s one of the quintessential sports bars in Chicago to watch March Madness. With TVs at every corner and special deals on Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, Bandit will wrap its fingers around you.
📍Address: 841 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
3. Kirkwood Bar
For those who breathe college basketball—specifically the Big Ten—Kirkwood’s is one of the best sports bars in Chicago and the place to go. The vast spot has an elongated bar top that stretches until the door leading to the outside patio. TVs are secured at every inch of the bar, so you’ll never miss a play. Game day specials include $22 pitchers, $6 hard seltzers, $9 vodka soda stadium cups, $6 tequila shots, and $6 lunchbox shots.
📍Address: 2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
4. Woodie’s Flat
It’s one of the only sports bars in Chicago where your ears will be ringing the words Who Dey? hours after leaving. Woodie’s Flat is home to Ohio State. The bar is notable for having a DJ play funny videos and music during commercials and Ohio-inspired giveaways and game day specials, including $9 Who Dey? bombs, $7 miller lite fat pours, $25 beer buckets, $45 big AF buckets, and the quasi fan-favorite Skyline Chili—is it an Ohio bar without it?
📍Address: 1535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
5. Moe’s Cantina
Moe’s Cantina invites fans to immerse themselves in the March Madness frenzy at both lively locations. With multiple large screens strategically placed throughout the venues, attendees won’t miss a single moment of the action. One of the best sports bars in Chicago that boasts a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering Mexican cuisine and a wide selection of craft cocktails and beers, providing the perfect accompaniment to the thrilling games.
📍Address: 155 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, 📍 3518 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
6. Treehouse
Equipped with state-of-the-art screens and audio systems, Tree House Chicago NCAA basketball fans will feel courtside as they cheer on their favorite teams. The venue offers various culinary delights, including gourmet burgers, artisanal Neapolitan and Detroit-style pizzas, and handcrafted cocktails, ensuring everything satisfies every palate—making it one of the definitive sports bars in Chicago.
📍Address: 149 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
7. Old Crow Smokehouse
Old Crow Smokehouse, a beloved fixture in Wrigleyville, invites fans to revel in the madness. Old Crow Smokehouse boasts an impressive lineup of screens broadcasting all the tournament action, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for fans. Known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes and extensive selection of bourbons and beers, Old Crow Smokehouse offers the perfect setting to enjoy the games with friends and fellow basketball enthusiasts.
📍Address: 3506 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
8. Woodlawn Tap
The closest place where people will shout your name as soon as you open the door (with the possibility of Everybody Knows your name echoing in the background). The local dive bar—also known as Jimmy’s—has a long taproom in classic Chicago style with a battered mahogany bar serving up about a dozen beers on tap. The low-key neighborhood watering hole is ideal for any sports game.
📍Address: 1172 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
9. The Pony Inn
Any given day is good when you head to The Pony Inn. The Lakeview wood-paneled bar is splattered with plasma TVs and has a full American fare menu, including pizzas, burgers, tacos, and more. However, it’s during the Bear’s regular season when it’s electric. Their game day specials include $4 blue and orange mimosas (has a morning tasted better?), $18 domestic beer buckets, and $20 white claw buckets.
📍Address: 1638 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
10. Benchmark
Whether you’re all about the black and yellow or you’re just an NFL Sunday savant, Benchmark is the place to be. With Hawkeye Game Day specials such as $6 stadium cups, $6 Hawkeye shots, $10 Chicken Nachos, or a $40 mimosa package—do you have any need to be anywhere else? As for the NFL Sunday package, the $6 stadium cups, $6 high noons, $6 lemon drops shots, and $40 mimosa package is a rather convincing reason to have a Sunday Funday.
📍Address: 1510 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
11. Frontier
If you’re from NOLA, chances are you’ll be rooting for the Saints on game day. Well, Frontier happens to be the place for “Who Dat Nation” locals. You’ll have your pick between $6 Abitas, $8 Hurricanes, and $6 Who Dat Punch (or just get them all). And for those who miss the gourmet southern food that makes your stomach rumble, Frontier will have Po’boys, Mac, Gumbo, and more!
📍Address: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
12. Paradise Park
Whether you’re watching a basketball game with friends or a date, Paradise Park is where you come to have a good time. Between giant patios, a plethora of flat-screen TVs, and delicious food, there’s truly no better place for a combination of pizza, booze, and cheering for your favorite football team. You may have come here to watch sports, but we guarantee you’ll stay long after to party.
📍Address: 1913 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
13. Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern
Daisy’s Po-boy and Tavern is an Up-South Po-boy shop that evokes the vibrancy of New Orleans through its most celebrated and classic sandwich, fun colors, and music. Even though the Saints are no longer in the mix, with TVs splattered across the walls and flavorful food, it’s one of the best sports bars in Chicago to watch the playoffs.