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17 min read
Published On30 Sep 2025
Introduction
Chicago knows how to do football season right! With the Bears finally showing promise and college football fever running high, this city’s sports bars are pulling out all the stops with incredible game day deals and premium viewing experiences. I’ve spent countless Sundays bouncing between these spots, and let me tell you—the energy during Bears games is absolutely electric.
From $25 beer buckets to BOGO pizzas in the fourth quarter, these venues understand what football fans really want: great sightlines, better deals, and an atmosphere that makes every touchdown feel like a Super Bowl moment. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears fan, a transplanted college football supporter, or just someone who loves the game day experience, Chicago’s got you covered with some seriously impressive options.
The variety here is what really stands out to me. You’ve got everything from high-tech shuffleboard venues to classic neighborhood taverns, each bringing their own unique flavor to football season. And the deals? They’re actually legit—not those fake specials that barely save you a buck.
We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please comment to help us improve our recommendations and find any hidden football gems we might have missed!
Wicker Park
Fatpour Tap Works
Location: Wicker Park – 2005 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 384-4817
Website: www.fatpourchicago.com
What Makes It Special: Fatpour has become the official University of Michigan bar in Chicago, and the Wolverine energy on game days is absolutely insane. But beyond the Michigan connection, this place kills it for all NFL action with one of the best tap selections in the city and deals that actually make sense for your wallet.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout ensure you never miss a play, and the audio system knows how to handle the chaos of multiple games without drowning out conversations. The Wicker Park location means you’re getting quality viewing with that neighborhood energy that makes Chicago sports bars special.
Food & Drink: The BOGO pizza deal in the fourth quarter is genius—I’ve learned to pace myself through the first three quarters because those pies are too good to pass up. Drink specials include $9 Bombs, $25 and $45 Beer Buckets depending on your group size, and $30/$50 Nutrl Buckets. Michigan fans get $5 Michelob Ultra Zeros, while NFL game days feature $7 Miller Lite Fatpours that keep the good times rolling without emptying your wallet.
Atmosphere: Game days transform this place into a sea of maize and blue for Michigan games, but the NFL Sundays bring a diverse crowd of fans from across the league. The Wicker Park vibe means you’re getting authentic Chicago sports culture with a younger, energetic crowd that knows how to celebrate touchdowns properly.
Special Features: As the official University of Michigan bar in Chicago, Fatpour creates an authentic Wolverine atmosphere that displaced alumni appreciate. The BOGO pizzas in the fourth quarter have become legendary among regulars who plan their eating strategy around this deal. Drink specials cover every budget with $9 Bombs and beer buckets ranging from $25-$45, while the $7 Miller Lite Fatpours on NFL game days keep costs reasonable for extended viewing sessions.
Old Town
Hopsmith
Location: Old Town – 1623 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 662-0691
Website: www.hopsmithchicago.com
What Makes It Special: Hopsmith has carved out a unique identity as both the Michigan State Spartans headquarters and the official Pittsburgh Steelers bar in Chicago. That dual identity creates interesting dynamics—you’ve got the college football passion mixing with NFL loyalty in ways that make game days feel like sporting events and social gatherings rolled into one.
Sports Setup: The Old Town location provides solid viewing options throughout the venue, and they understand sound management better than most places. When the Spartans or Steelers are playing, you’re getting priority audio, but they handle multiple game situations well during those crazy NFL Sunday afternoons.
Food & Drink: The BOGO flatbreads in the fourth quarter are a game-changer—literally. I’ve planned my entire eating schedule around that deal more times than I care to admit. Drink specials mirror the Fatpour playbook with $9 Bombs and beer buckets at $25-$45, plus those Nutrl Buckets at $30-$50 that groups love. Spartan fans get $5 Michelob Ultras, while Steelers faithful enjoy $7 Miller Lite Fatpours.
Atmosphere: The Michigan State and Steelers crowds bring different energies that somehow complement each other perfectly. College game days have that rowdy student energy, while Steelers Sundays attract serious football fans who appreciate quality beer and good food. The Old Town setting means easy access and a crowd that knows its sports.
Special Features: The venue serves as the official Pittsburgh Steelers bar in Chicago while also functioning as Michigan State Spartans game day headquarters, creating dual fan communities under one roof. BOGO flatbreads in the fourth quarter provide strategic value for groups planning extended viewing sessions. Drink specials accommodate various preferences with $5 Michelob Ultras for Spartan games and $7 Miller Lite Fatpours for Steelers games, while the beer bucket options ranging from $25-$50 handle group drinking needs efficiently.
Old Town
Woodie’s Flat
Location: Address: 1535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 643-0093
Website: www.woodiesflat.com
What Makes It Special: Ohio State and Cincinnati Bengals fans have found their Chicago home at Woodie’s Flat. The Buckeye and Bengal connection creates a unique Midwest sports culture that feels authentic to anyone who’s spent time in the region. The double wing deal in the fourth quarter has become legendary among regulars.
Sports Setup: Multiple viewing areas ensure comprehensive coverage for both college and NFL action. The setup accommodates the passionate Ohio State crowds while providing quality viewing for all games throughout the day.
Food & Drink: That $20 double wing order in the fourth quarter is an absolute steal—I’ve seen groups plan their entire game day strategy around timing that perfectly. The drink specials follow the winning formula with $9 Bombs, $25-$45 Beer Buckets, and $30-$50 Nutrl Buckets. OSU fans score $5 Michelob Ultra Zeros, while Bengals games feature $7 Miller Lite Fatpours.
Atmosphere: The Ohio State community in Chicago is serious about their football, and Woodie’s Flat captures that passion perfectly. Bengals fans bring that blue-collar Midwest energy that makes every game feel important, even when the season’s going sideways.
Special Features: Operating as the official Ohio State and Cincinnati Bengals bar in Chicago, Woodie’s Flat serves displaced Buckeye and Bengal fans seeking community. The $20 double wing order in the fourth quarter has achieved legendary status among regulars for its value and timing. Drink specials provide comprehensive options with $9 Bombs and multiple beer bucket tiers, while game-specific pricing includes $5 Michelob Ultra Zeros for OSU games and $7 Miller Lite Fatpours for Bengals games.
West Loop
Electric Shuffle
Location: West Loop – 2000 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 600-9515
Website: www.electricshuffle.com/chicago
What Makes It Special: Electric Shuffle has revolutionized the game day experience by combining high-tech shuffleboard with wall-to-wall football coverage. The $10 Sunday cover gets you unlimited shuffleboard all day, which means you can actually do something during commercial breaks and halftime instead of just staring at your phone.
Sports Setup: Wall-to-wall football means every screen matters, and they’ve invested in the technology to make sure you’re not missing anything. The West Loop location attracts a diverse crowd that appreciates both the tech-forward approach and traditional sports viewing.
Food & Drink: The pricing structure here is brilliantly simple and affordable. $5 beers, seltzers, and fries keep basics covered. $10 pizzas and wings mean you’re eating well without overthinking it. The $20 beer pitchers, $25 beer buckets (including Athletic Brewing for non-alcoholic options), $30 Margarita pitchers, and Sun Cruiser/High Noon buckets at $30 give groups endless options without complicated math.
Atmosphere: The high-tech shuffleboard creates an interactive game day experience that sets this apart from traditional sports bars. You’re not just watching football—you’re participating in the day through shuffleboard competitions that get surprisingly competitive during commercial breaks. Every Chicago Bears game gets the full treatment starting September 7.
Special Features: The $10 Sunday cover includes unlimited shuffleboard all day, transforming passive viewing into interactive entertainment during commercial breaks and halftime. Wall-to-wall football coverage on premium screens ensures comprehensive game presentation across all matchups. The simplified pricing structure makes group ordering easy with $5 basics, $10 food options, and various bucket deals. The inclusion of Athletic Brewing in the $25 beer bucket options provides premium non-alcoholic choices that set this venue apart from traditional sports bars.
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.
Location: West Loop – 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 664-7960
Website: www.robertspizza.com
What Makes It Special: Robert’s Pizza has nailed the combination of quality food and serious sports viewing. The patio option during late-season sunshine games is clutch—there’s something special about watching football outside in Chicago during those perfect September and October afternoons.
Sports Setup: TVs throughout the restaurant mean every table has a view, and the patio maintains coverage so you’re not sacrificing the game for fresh air. The setup works equally well for intimate groups and larger parties planning extended football viewing sessions.
Food & Drink: The dine-in game day deals work for both Sunday and Monday night games, which I appreciate since so many places forget about MNF. $31 buckets of 6 beers (with cider and seltzer options) provide variety, $6 draft beers keep costs down, $8 wine ($36 bottles) gives non-beer drinkers options, and $10 specialty cocktails add some creativity to the standard sports bar drink menu.
Atmosphere: The pizza focus attracts food-first sports fans who appreciate quality ingredients and proper preparation. The West Loop setting means you’re getting that Chicago restaurant scene quality with serious sports bar functionality—a combination that’s harder to find than you’d think.
Special Features: The patio viewing option extends the season for outdoor football watching during those perfect Chicago fall afternoons when weather cooperates. Game day deals apply to both Sunday and Monday night games, ensuring comprehensive coverage beyond just the NFL afternoon slate. The $31 buckets of six beers include cider and seltzer options for diverse preferences, while $6 draft beers and $10 specialty cocktails provide range across different drinking styles and budgets.
Avondale
Central Park Bar
Location: Avondale – 2817 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: (773) 697-4851
Website: www.centralparkbarchicago.com
What Makes It Special: Central Park Bar delivers that perfect low-key neighborhood energy that makes Chicago sports bars special. The 3,500-square-foot Backyard Bar is an absolute gem—I’ve spent countless fall Sundays out there enjoying the weather while keeping one eye on the Bears game.
Sports Setup: Doors open at noon for all the action, with Bears games getting sound priority as they should in Chicago. The indoor-outdoor setup means you can migrate based on weather and crowd preference without sacrificing viewing quality.
Food & Drink: The rotating food pop-ups keep things interesting—you never know what culinary experience you’re getting with your football. $10 Bloody Marys are perfect for those early kickoffs, $20 beer buckets handle group drinking efficiently, and $30 White Claw buckets cater to the seltzer crowd that’s taken over sports bars in recent years.
Atmosphere: The Backyard Bar features a covered outdoor bar, bumper pool table, picnic tables, porch swings, a photo booth, claw machine, and fire pit. Weather permitting, this becomes the ultimate fall football destination where you’re enjoying the season while watching the season. The neighborhood vibe means regulars create that family atmosphere during the long NFL grind.
Special Features: The expansive 3,500-square-foot Backyard Bar creates a unique outdoor football viewing environment with covered outdoor bar service that extends the season beyond typical patio closures. Entertainment amenities include bumper pool, porch swings, fire pit, and photo booth for diversions during commercial breaks and halftime. Rotating food pop-ups throughout the season provide culinary variety that keeps regular visitors engaged. The combination of $10 Bloody Marys, $20 beer buckets, and $30 White Claw buckets covers all drinking preferences at neighborhood-friendly prices.
TBD Location
Cody’s Public House
Location: 1658 W Barry Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Website: https://www.codyschicago.com/
What Makes It Special: Cody’s has committed to being Bears Central, and that commitment shows in every detail. The 16 65-inch TVs throughout the space create comprehensive coverage, and the six outdoor screens mean the dog-friendly beer garden doesn’t sacrifice viewing quality.
Sports Setup: The ESPN College GameDay game of the week gets sound priority during college game days, showing they understand how to manage audio for maximum impact. The darts, bean bags, and fire pits in the beer garden create entertainment options during commercial breaks and halftime.
Food & Drink: College game day specials include $5 Mimosas for early kickoffs, $5 22-ounce Miller Lite cups that actually save money, $6 Malort for the brave, $7 Walk Of Shame Bombs, and $30 Surfside Buckets. Bears game specials mirror this with $5 Mimosas, $5 22-ounce Miller Lite Bear cups (love the branding), $20 Miller High Life buckets, $6 Proper 12 and Dobel Tequila shots, $7 Bear Down Bombs, and free popcorn throughout games.
Atmosphere: The dog-friendly policy both inside and out creates a relaxed atmosphere that sets this apart from typical sports bars. The beer garden with darts, bean bags, and fire pits makes this a destination for groups planning all-day football viewing sessions. Bears games transform this into a true community gathering spot with sound on and free popcorn keeping everyone happy.
Special Features: The venue’s 16 65-inch TVs throughout the space including six outdoor screens ensure comprehensive coverage without compromising the dog-friendly beer garden experience. As Bears Central, every Chicago game receives priority treatment with sound and the venue’s full attention. The ESPN College GameDay game of the week gets dedicated audio during college Saturdays, demonstrating sophisticated sound management. Free popcorn during all Bears games adds unexpected value while darts, bean bags, and fire pits in the beer garden create entertainment beyond pure viewing.
Wrigleyville
The Graystone Tavern
Location: Wrigleyville – 3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 525-3016
Website: https://www.graystonetavernchicago.com/
What Makes It Special: Graystone Tavern brings Wrigleyville’s legendary sports energy to football season. The winterized beer garden with TVs means you’re getting outdoor viewing even when Chicago weather turns nasty—and let’s be honest, it always does eventually.
Sports Setup: Nine TVs throughout the bar provide comprehensive coverage, and the beer garden TV setup extends viewing options into the outdoor space. The sound management accommodates multiple games while ensuring marquee matchups get proper audio treatment.
Food & Drink: Team-themed specials throughout the season show they’re committed to supporting all fan bases, not just Bears supporters. The Wrigleyville location means premium quality that matches the neighborhood’s sporting heritage.
Atmosphere: The Wrigleyville setting brings that championship sports energy that’s unique to this neighborhood. The winterized beer garden proves they’re serious about year-round outdoor sports viewing—a rarity in Chicago that locals appreciate when November rolls around. Table reservations are limited but available through events@graystonetavern.com, which is clutch for planning big game gatherings.
Special Features: The winterized beer garden with TV coverage represents a rare commitment to year-round outdoor football viewing in Chicago, extending the season beyond typical patio weather. Nine TVs throughout the establishment ensure comprehensive game coverage across all viewing areas. Game day table reservations available via email at events@graystonetavern.com allow groups to secure prime viewing positions for marquee matchups. Team-themed specials throughout football season demonstrate commitment to supporting diverse fan bases beyond just local Chicago teams.
Lincolnwood & McCormick Place Area
Benchmark (Lincolnwood & McCormick Place Locations)
Location: Multiple locations – Lincolnwood and McCormick Place
Website: https://www.benchmarkchicago.com/
What Makes It Special: Benchmark operates two locations that have become football destinations through comprehensive drink specials that scale for any group size. The dual locations mean you can find Benchmark energy whether you’re north in Lincolnwood or south near McCormick Place.
Sports Setup: Both locations provide quality viewing experiences with multiple screens and proper audio systems. The two-location setup serves different Chicago neighborhoods, making Benchmark accessible regardless of where you’re coming from for game day.
Food & Drink: The drink special structure works for both college and NFL games. $9 Bombs, $25-$45 Beer Buckets with different sizes for different group needs, and $30-$50 Nutrl Buckets provide comprehensive options. College game days feature $5 Michelob Ultra Zeros, while NFL Sundays bring $7 Miller Lite Fatpours that keep the afternoon affordable.
Atmosphere: Multiple locations create consistent Benchmark experiences across Chicago. Whether you’re catching college football or NFL action, you know what you’re getting in terms of quality, service, and value. The neighborhood diversity between Lincolnwood and McCormick Place means different crowds but similar passion for football.
Special Features: Two Chicago locations in Lincolnwood and McCormick Place provide convenient access across the city for fans coming from various neighborhoods. The scalable drink special structure accommodates groups of all sizes with beer buckets ranging from $25-$45 and Nutrl buckets from $30-$50. Game-type specific pricing includes $5 Michelob Ultra Zeros for college football and $7 Miller Lite Fatpours for NFL games, creating predictable value across different viewing days. The dual-location model ensures consistent quality and experience regardless of which venue football fans choose.
Conclusion
Chicago’s football season bar scene delivers exactly what you want: incredible viewing experiences, deals that actually save you money, and atmospheres that make every game feel important. From Fatpour’s Michigan Wolverine energy to Electric Shuffle’s high-tech shuffleboard integration, from Robert’s Pizza quality to Central Park’s backyard paradise, these venues prove that Chicago takes football as seriously as it takes deep dish pizza.
The variety here is what makes Chicago special. You’ve got college football headquarters serving displaced alumni, official NFL team bars creating community for transplanted fans, neighborhood taverns where locals gather weekly, and innovative concepts like Electric Shuffle that reimagine what sports bars can be. What they all share is commitment to quality viewing, affordable drinks, and understanding that football season is about more than just the games—it’s about community.
The deals throughout this list aren’t gimmicks. These are legitimate specials that make multiple-hour football viewing sessions affordable without sacrificing quality. From $5 beers to BOGO pizzas in the fourth quarter, from $20 beer buckets to free popcorn, Chicago bars understand their audience.
This is our initial list based on current offerings and fan input, and we’re still working on our methodology for ranking Chicago football bars. What’s your favorite spot for Bears games or college football in the city? Comment below and help us improve our recommendations—we want to make sure we’re covering all the incredible venues where Chicago celebrates football season!
Bibliography
Primary Sources:
- Secret Chicago – “Where to Watch Football in Chicago—From $25 Beer Buckets to BOGO Pizzas in the 4th Quarter” – https://secretchicago.com/where-to-watch-football-chicago-2025/
- Fatpour Tap Works Official Website – “Game Day Information” – https://www.fatpourchicago.com
- Hopsmith Official Website – “Sports Viewing and Specials” – https://www.hopsmithchicago.com
- Electric Shuffle Chicago Official Website – “Football Season Launch” – https://www.electricshuffle.com/chicago
- Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co. Official Website – “Game Day Specials” – https://www.robertspizza.com
- Central Park Bar Official Website – “Backyard Bar Information” – https://www.centralparkbarchicago.com
- Cody’s Public House Official Website – “Bears Central Information” – https://www.codyspublichouse.com
- The Graystone Tavern Official Website – “Football Watch Party Information” – https://www.graystonetavern.com
- Woodie’s Flat Official Website – “Ohio State and Bengals Game Day” – https://www.woodiesflat.com
- Benchmark Restaurants Official Website – “Multiple Locations Information” – https://www.benchmarkrestaurants.com