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16 Best Sports Bars in Chicago to Watch March Madness 2026
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16 Best Sports Bars in Chicago to Watch March Madness 2026

Introduction

Chicago is one of the strongest sports bar cities in America, with some big bar, massive screen venues and classic dive sports bars. During March Madness, bars across River North, Old Town, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, and the West Loop run full-day tournament coverage with overlapping games, sound prioritization, and alumni watch parties.

This guide highlights:

  • High-capacity, multi-screen sports bars built for tournament windows
  • Verified team-affiliated bars in Chicago
  • Alumni gathering spots for Big Ten and nationally ranked programs
  • Proven March Madness viewing environments

Top Sports Bars in Chicago for March Madness

Parlay River North | Chicago
Parlay River North | Chicago
4.5
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(708) 726-5294
parlayrivernorth.com
Craft cocktails expertly mixed by skilled bartendersWelcoming atmosphere perfect for all occasionsCentral location in the vibrant River North areaDelectable bites to complement your drinksStylish interior with a modern vibe
Craft cocktails expertly mixed by skilled bartenders
Welcoming atmosphere perfect for all occasions
Central location in the vibrant River North area
Delectable bites to complement your drinks
Stylish interior with a modern vibe
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Notable Features
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Parlay River North | Chicago
Parlay River North | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Craft cocktails expertly mixed by skilled bartenders
Welcoming atmosphere perfect for all occasions
Central location in the vibrant River North area
Delectable bites to complement your drinks
Stylish interior with a modern vibe
Benchmark | Chicago
Benchmark | Chicago
4.5
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(312) 649-9640
www.benchmarkchicago.com
Lively atmosphere perfect for sports fansWide selection of beers on tapCrispy burgers and shareable appetizersIdeal for casual gatherings and eventsTrivia nights and live entertainment
Lively atmosphere perfect for sports fans
Wide selection of beers on tap
Crispy burgers and shareable appetizers
Ideal for casual gatherings and events
Trivia nights and live entertainment
Hover to explore details
Notable Features
View Bar Details
Benchmark | Chicago
Benchmark | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Lively atmosphere perfect for sports fans
Wide selection of beers on tap
Crispy burgers and shareable appetizers
Ideal for casual gatherings and events
Trivia nights and live entertainment
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | Chicago
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | Chicago
3.8
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(773) 739-6596
draftkingssportsbook.wrigleyfield.com
Unmatched views of live sports eventsExtensive menu with delicious bar bitesMultiple high-definition screens throughout the venueEngaging sportsbook betting stationsVibrant atmosphere near Wrigley Field+1
Unmatched views of live sports events
Extensive menu with delicious bar bites
Multiple high-definition screens throughout the venue
Engaging sportsbook betting stations
Vibrant atmosphere near Wrigley Field
Perfect spot for game days and special events
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Notable Features
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DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | Chicago
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Unmatched views of live sports events
Extensive menu with delicious bar bites
Multiple high-definition screens throughout the venue
Engaging sportsbook betting stations
Vibrant atmosphere near Wrigley Field
Perfect spot for game days and special events
Murphy's Bleachers | Chicago
Murphy's Bleachers | Chicago
4.5
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(773) 281-5356
www.murphysbleachers.com
Award-winning menu featuring amazing pub grubLocal craft beers served in a vibrant atmosphereRich history connected to Wrigley Field and the CubsHome to exciting weekly pub trivia nightsPerfect venue for private parties and events
Award-winning menu featuring amazing pub grub
Local craft beers served in a vibrant atmosphere
Rich history connected to Wrigley Field and the Cubs
Home to exciting weekly pub trivia nights
Perfect venue for private parties and events
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Notable Features
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Murphy's Bleachers | Chicago
Murphy's Bleachers | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Award-winning menu featuring amazing pub grub
Local craft beers served in a vibrant atmosphere
Rich history connected to Wrigley Field and the Cubs
Home to exciting weekly pub trivia nights
Perfect venue for private parties and events
The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen | Chicago
The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen | Chicago
4.2
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(312) 705-0595
scoutwh.com
Located in the vibrant Old Town neighborhoodPerfect for casual dining and celebrationsUnique hat inventory adds local flavorInviting atmosphere great for gatheringsDiverse menu catering to all tastes
Located in the vibrant Old Town neighborhood
Perfect for casual dining and celebrations
Unique hat inventory adds local flavor
Inviting atmosphere great for gatherings
Diverse menu catering to all tastes
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Notable Features
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The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen | Chicago
The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Located in the vibrant Old Town neighborhood
Perfect for casual dining and celebrations
Unique hat inventory adds local flavor
Inviting atmosphere great for gatherings
Diverse menu catering to all tastes
AJ Hudson's Public House | Chicago
AJ Hudson's Public House | Chicago
4.6
Chicago, Illinois, United States
(773) 348-2767
www.ajhudsonspublichouse.com
Chicago's original soccer bar with a lively atmosphereOver 100 beers and a historical cocktail programDelicious upscale pub fare served dailyBrunch available on weekends with unique optionsWelcoming space for private events and gatherings+1
Chicago's original soccer bar with a lively atmosphere
Over 100 beers and a historical cocktail program
Delicious upscale pub fare served daily
Brunch available on weekends with unique options
Welcoming space for private events and gatherings
Live sports coverage, including soccer matches
Hover to explore details
Notable Features
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AJ Hudson's Public House | Chicago
AJ Hudson's Public House | Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Chicago's original soccer bar with a lively atmosphere
Over 100 beers and a historical cocktail program
Delicious upscale pub fare served daily
Brunch available on weekends with unique options
Welcoming space for private events and gatherings
Live sports coverage, including soccer matches

Verified Team-Affiliated Bars in Chicago (March Madness Focus)

Duffy’s Tavern & Grille – Michigan Wolverines

  • Location: 420 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Website: https://duffys-tavern.com/
  • Affiliation: University of Michigan
  • Promoted by the University of Michigan Club of Greater Chicago for game watches.
  • Tournament Atmosphere: Heavy Wolverines turnout during March runs, especially this year. Classic Tourney watching neighborhood bar.

Will’s Northwoods Inn – Wisconsin Badgers

  • Location: 3030 N Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
  • Website: https://willsnorthwoodsinn.com/
  • Affiliation: Wisconsin Badgers
  • Dedicated Badgers sports calendar and alumni gathering base.
  • Tournament Atmosphere: One of Chicago’s hardcore Big Ten basketball environments, esp when Wisconsin is in.

The Reveler – Arizona Wildcats

  • Location: 3403 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
  • Website: https://revelerchicago.com/
  • Affiliation: Arizona Wildcats
  • Hosted Chicago and Arizona alumni NCAA Tournament watch parties.
  • Tournament Atmosphere: Event-driven alumni crowd when Arizona advances. Small but passionate customer base.

Additional Chicago Sports Bars

Conclusion

Chicago delivers one of the strongest March Madness bar environments in the country.

Whether you want:

  • Massive sportsbook screens
  • High TV count in Old Town bars
  • Wrigleyville energy
  • Big Ten alumni home bases
  • Verified team-affiliated watch parties

The city supports full-day tournament coverage from tip-off through West Coast finishes.

If your team advances, the affiliated alumni bars above are where the energy changes immediately.

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