Chicago's Best Football Bars: Where To Watch NFL And College Games

Chicago's Best Football Bars

It’s that time again. Every Saturday and Sunday, many of us will be glued to the tube watching our favorite teams battle it out on the football field. Might as well enjoy a good burger and some cheap beer while you’re at it, right? We’ve rounded up some of the best places to watch football throughout the city.

Union Park Lounge: Folks on the Near West Side should take note of Union Park Lounge – it’s a great place for watching football, and not just because of the big-screen TVs. The menu is chock full of tasty yet affordable bar fare, and $17 Miller Lite buckets and $3 Jameson shots keep the crowd plenty lively. This bar loves to root for the home team, but it’s been known to bring in more than just Bears fans. 228 S. Racine Ave.; 312-243-9002

Mickey’s Bar and Patio: With 30 HD plasma TVs, it’s hard to miss a second of the action at Mickey’s. Though the bar has a special place in its heart for Ohio State and the Cleveland Browns, the sheer number of TVs makes it possible to catch other big matchups as well. In addition to game-day drink specials like $17 domestic buckets and $12 Natural Light six-packs, the bar has a huge beer garden that is enclosed and heated when the weather cools off. 2450 N. Clark St.; 773-435-0007

Wild Goose Bar and Grill: This no-frills joint in North Center is a haven for football fans, with award-winning buffalo wings and plenty of screens. Pitchers start at $10, so it’s easy to stay hydrated while watching your favorite athletes. For college ball, this is a proud Michigan State bar, but for NFL it’s come one, come all.4265 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-281-7112

The Dark Horse: The scene at this bar is exactly what you might expect from Wrigleyville: loud and drunk but young and fun. Patrons at The Dark Horse tend to be pretty loyal to the University of Michigan and the Steelers, but other games play throughout the weekend as well. Either way, the crowd is so energetic that you can’t help but get caught up in football fever here.3443 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-248-4400

The Fifty/50: This Ukrainian Village spot is a little more on the upscale side of football viewing. Saturdays and Sundays bring decent specials like $16 domestic buckets and $20 mimosa buckets. The crowd at The Fifty/50 is attentive to the games without getting rowdy. Best of all, you can sit outside on a warm afternoon and still catch the game thanks to large windows that open out to the sidewalk.2047 W. Division St.; 773-489-5050

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