Best Chicago Sports Bars: Ranked by Experience

Chicago is a sports town down to its bones. Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox, Sky, Stars. Every season has its team, and every team has its bars. But when you're looking for the right place to watch a game, you need more than just a TV and a beer. You need the right crowd, solid food, and an atmosphere that makes a random Tuesday night feel like the playoffs. Here's where to watch the game in Chicago, ranked by the full experience.

Wrigleyville and the North Side

No list of Chicago sports bars starts anywhere but the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field. On gamedays, the energy here is unmatched.

Murphy's Bleachers Sets the Standard

Murphy's Bleachers at 3655 North Sheffield has been a Wrigleyville institution since 1980, sitting right at the corner of Sheffield and Waveland. The bar has hosted Cubs legends like Mark Grace, Rick Sutcliffe, and Keith Moreland, along with celebrities, journalists, and everyday fans. The rooftop overlooks the ballpark, and the beer garden keeps things going before and after games. Open Sunday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays until 3 a.m., Murphy's is widely considered one of the best sports bars in America.

Old Crow Smokehouse for BBQ and Big Screens

Old Crow Smokehouse combines some of the best BBQ in Chicago with a packed sports bar atmosphere. Open for weekend brunch and daily lunch and dinner, the spot draws fans for Cubs home games and NFL Sundays alike. The bottomless brunch on weekends ($25 bottomless mimosas) makes pregame easy, and the screens throughout the bar keep you connected to every score.

Will's Northwoods Inn for the Cabin Vibe

Will's Northwoods Inn in Lakeview feels like someone transplanted a Wisconsin supper club to Chicago's North Side. The backyard tailgating food is cheap and delicious, and watching games here draws a fun, loyal crowd. Open daily at noon, Will's is the kind of place where you go for one beer and stay for the entire Bears game.

Downtown and Near North Side

For bars closer to hotels and tourist hubs, the Loop and River North have solid sports bar options with easy access.

Theory Has TVs Everywhere

Theory on the Near North Side earns its reputation as the definition of a sports bar. No matter where you sit or stand, you'll have a clear view of the game. The spot is popular for watch parties, F1 races, and big matches. The drinks are standard sports bar fare, but the energy and TV setup make up for that. Outdoor seating is available in warm weather, and the crowd brings real energy on big game nights.

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap for Wings and Football

Jake Melnick's on the Near North Side is the go-to for wings and game watching. The restaurant gets packed on NFL Sundays and college football Saturdays. The wings are a genuine highlight, with rotating monthly flavors. Kid-friendly for daytime visits and lively for evening games, Jake Melnick's balances food quality with sports bar atmosphere better than most.

First Draft for Self-Pour Beer and South Loop Sports

First Draft in the South Loop's Printer's Row neighborhood operates on a self-pour system that lets you control your own taps. Good bar food, a strong local following, and plenty of screens make this a reliable option for watching games without the Wrigleyville crowds.

What Makes a Great Chicago Sports Bar

Not every bar with a TV qualifies. The best spots in Chicago share a few things:

Screen coverage. Multiple screens visible from every seat, not just one TV behind the bar.
Food that goes beyond fries. BBQ, wings, burgers, and shareable plates elevate the experience.
Crowd energy. A bar full of fans who actually care about the game makes everything better.
Location and convenience. Close to transit, open early for day games, and staying open late for West Coast finishes.
Outdoor space. Chicago summers demand patios, beer gardens, or rooftop seating.

Neighborhood Bars Worth a Look

Chicago's sports bar scene extends well beyond the obvious picks. A few more worth adding to your list:

The Field House in Lincoln Park: Perfect for game nights with friends, cheap drinks, and a fun crowd.
Chris' Beer Garden in Wicker Park: Recently remodeled with open windows and plenty of TVs.
Navigator Taproom in Logan Square: A craft beer-focused spot with a sports-friendly vibe.

Catch the Game in Person at the Friendly Confines

Watching on a screen is great, but nothing beats being inside Wrigley Field when the Cubs are playing. Check out ticket packages, concert tickets, or the Cubs gift guide for the sports fan in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sports bar near Wrigley Field?

Murphy's Bleachers at Sheffield and Waveland is widely considered the top sports bar near the ballpark, with a rooftop overlooking Wrigley Field and over 40 years of history.

Are Chicago sports bars kid-friendly?

Some are. Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and Will's Northwoods Inn both welcome families during daytime hours. Most bars shift to 21-plus crowds in the evening.

Do Chicago sports bars show out-of-market games?

Many bars carry NFL Sunday Ticket and other sports packages. Call ahead to confirm if your specific game will be shown.

What is the best sports bar in downtown Chicago?

Theory and Jake Melnick's Corner Tap on the Near North Side are popular choices for their screen setups, food quality, and proximity to hotels.

Are sports bars crowded on Cubs gamedays?

Yes. Bars within a few blocks of Wrigley Field fill up quickly on gamedays, especially for weekend afternoon games. Arrive at least an hour early for a good spot.

Can you watch Cubs games at bars outside Wrigleyville?

Absolutely. Cubs games air on Marquee Sports Network, and most Chicago sports bars carry the channel. First Draft, Will's Northwoods Inn, and dozens of other neighborhood bars show Cubs games regularly.