Best Bars With A College Night In Chicago
By Sara Lugardo
There is an abundance of College friendly bars in Chicago because of all of the different large campus universities in the city. The difference between these types of bars and the regular downtown bars are the specials, lower drink prices and college themes. Check out some of these Chicago bars to find a younger crowd, cheap beer and mixed drinks and even some special give-aways.
McGee's Tavern & Grille
950 West Webster
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-8073
www.bar1events.com/mcgees
McGee's is affiliated with Ohio State University and gives Chicagoans a chance to feel like they are immersed in the OSU frenzy while in Illinois. All Ohio games can be viewed at McGee's on the bar's various television screens and the staff can always be found dressed in Ohio State apparel. Adding to the game excitement, confetti canons are shot off during big game plays and there are fan give-aways. McGee's is located on the DePaul campus and offers specials tailor-made for college students, including $5 pizzas on Tuesdays and $1 bottled beer on Thursdays.
The Lion Head Pub
2251 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-5100
www.lionheadpub.net
Located in the Lincoln Park area, The Lion Head Pub is frequented by a large number of DePaul students and sports enthusiasts. The lower floor has more than 30 large screen plasma televisions to display everything from the Fighting Illini to the Cubs and Blackhawks. The lower level has billiards and darts, while the upper floor opens up for a club atmosphere with a lounge feel. Sign up for the Party Club email subscription to receive special offers, event information, discounts and a even a special birthday gift. Each day holds a different special, including Free Wing Fridays and 50 cent wings on Saturdays.
O'Malley's West
2249 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-2719
www.omalleyswest.com
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, O'Malley's West caters to a college crowd with an affordable daily menu and drink specials. There are 15 high definition flat screen televisions in the main room and the bar has been recently renovated to feature a private party room with a separate bar, sound system and dance floor. O'Malley's claim to fame is its $3 Jameson shots, 25 cent wings on Wednesdays, $5 Long Island Iced Teas on Saturdays and $1 Bud beers on Tuesdays. On the weekends, O'Malley's opens up the second floor to a live DJ and dancing.
Related: Best Weekend Happy Hours in Chicago
The Wrightwood Tap
1059 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-8073
www.bar1events.com
Wrightwood Tap is affiliated with Notre Dame sports and welcomes Fighting Irish fans and alums. Although the bar features all Notre Dame sporting events, it has enough televisions to highlight the Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs or Sox games year round. Mondays feature $6 pitchers, while Thursdays offer $1 beer specials. Wrightwood Tap is offering a road trip and tailgating party on September 22nd for the Notre Dame / Michigan game. Party bus transportation, beverages and tailgate food are all included. Tickets are $100 after August 15th.
Durkin's Tavern
810 West Diversey
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-8073
www.bar1events.com
Durkin's Tavern is home for Fighting Illini fans and alums. It features all the Fighting Illini games and sell Big Illini mugs and apparel. There are fan giveaways as well as an abundance of televisions for other sports enthusiasts. Thursdays feature $2 well drinks and $1 canned beers. Join Durkin's mailing list to keep up with their ever changing specials and events. True diehard fans can join Durkin's for downstate bussing events to attend home games.
Related: Chicago's Best Nightlife Spots For the Under 21 Crowd
Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
