Local News

Best Bars For March Madness In Chicago

March 12, 2015 / 7:00 AM CDT / CBS Chicago

What can be more fun than celebrating an upset in March Madness 2015 at a crowded sports bar with other fans? If you're looking for a place where you can watch a game or two while enjoying snacks and maybe a cold drink, then look no further than these bars in Chicago. From Selection Sunday on March 15 to the championship game on April 6, these bars are worth a look during the upcoming tournament. If it's possible, consider making reservations for a table in advance of the game. For an additional list of bars to grab a beer while watching the game, check out last year's article right here.

Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 527-5973
www.bullbearbar.com

Let's say you would like to take an extended lunch break or leave work a little bit early to catch a game during March Madness. Where should you go? Consider checking out Bull & Bear in Chicago's Near North Side, and located just a quick walk from Merchandise Mart and plenty of public transportation options. Bull & Bear has a number of TVs to catch the game, and you can choose from steaks, salads, tacos and sandwiches, as well as appetizers you can share with your friends. Wine, whiskey and beer are also available.

Duffy's Tavern & Grille
420 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-9090
www.bar1events.com/duffys

This year, cheer on your favorite teams from the Wolverine State at Duffy's Tavern & Grille in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. The bar boasts more than 35 HD screens, so you can relax and watch the games. Brunch, lunch, dinner and snacks are available, including burgers, wraps, salads and pretzel sticks. Duffy's offers an extensive selection of craft and draft beer, with selections from Fat Tire, Goose Island, Lagunitas and 3 Sheeps Brewing included on the list; for the bar's full menu, check out Duffy's website. Specialty cocktails, including a nod to the bar's Michigan roots, are also available.

Iron Horse Ale House
6158 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 763-1800
www.ironhorsechicago.com

If you like your pizza made in a brick oven, Iron Horse Ale House is the place to go. The Norwood Park hotspot in Chicago's Northwest Side features a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, salads and more. A children's menu is available, and your youngest basketball fans might also prepare their own pizza dough while they wait. Iron Horse offers an assortment of beer that includes brews from Lagunitas, Stone Brewing, Two Brother Brewery, Angry Orchard and Lake Effect Brewing. Iron Horse also has plenty of TV screens so you can watch the action on the court.

Schoolyard Tavern + Grill
3258 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-8226
www.schoolyardtavern.com

Illini and Marquette fans can catch games at Schoolyard Tavern + Grill during March Madness. Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Schoolyard offers plenty of appetizers you and your friends can snack on while watching the game, as well as sandwiches, burgers, bowls and wraps. The bar offers an extensive selection of beer on tap and in cans, including Half Acre Daisy Cutter, Sam Adams, Revolution Brewing and Red Stripe. You can also stick around for Schoolyard's trivia night.

Will's Northwoods Inn
3030 N. Racine St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-4400
www.willsnorthwoodsinn.com

Located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, Will's Northwoods Inn celebrates all things Wisconsin. The bar shows Wisconsin games, so you're sure to find fellow fans when you arrive. Will's also offers a number of burgers, sandwiches, salads, brunch and deep-fried cheese curds. In addition to sports, the bar hosts open mic night, where comedians can try out new material, as well as trivia night.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

March Madness