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Best Wisconsin Badgers Bars In Chicago

By Lauren Wulf

As a Chicago native engaged to a proud Wisconsin Badger fan, I've frequented many Badger bars in Chicago that claim they are the best place to watch Bucky and the beloved Badgers. Here's a round up of truly the best in the city!

On Wisconsin!

Will's Northwoods Inn

3030 N. Racine Street
Chicago, IL 60657
willsnorthwoodsinn.shutterfly.com

"A Little Bit of God's Country in the Heart of South Lakeview"

No question, Will's Northwoods Inn is the #1 Badger bar in Chicago. Any self-respecting Badger fan will tell you the same. The packed house on Badger and Packer game days will also tell you, you've come to the right place. With walls full of antlers, mounted fish and photos of the Northwoods, you'll feel like you stepped right into a cabin in Northern Wisconsin. On tap, you'll find a great selection of Leinenkugel's (of course!), Big Sky's Moose Drool, Will's Northwoods Ale and traditional favorites. The menu features Wisconsin staples such as cheese curds, beer brats and an all you can eat fish fry on Fridays.

Redmond's Ale House

3358 North Sheffield
Chicago, IL
www.bar1events.com/redmonds

It's a safe bet to say any Badger fan in Chicago has a 32 oz. Badger mug from Redmond's Ale House. The giant red mugs are a staple on game day. For only $5, you'll get a draft in one during any Badger game. You can also munch on a hefty portion of Wisconsin cheese curds for $5.95 any day of the week.

Lottie's Pub

1925 W. Cortland
Chicago, IL
lottiespub.com

With Christmas lights year-round, flip cup tables and a warm, rustic feel, you'll feel right at home at Lottie's Pub. Featuring Oktoberfest and Wisconsin game day specials such as Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest steins, pretzels, brats and sauerkraut you can get your fill of hometown treats.

Cedar Hotel

1112 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
cedarhotelchicago.com

The Cedar Hotel is running a stellar Badger game special this year. With the purchase of a $10 "Drinking Glove" you'll receive specials including; $10 Miller Lite buckets, $15 Leinenkugel buckets, $20 import buckets, $5 Bloody Mary's, $5 Jameson and SoCo Lime shots, $4 brats and $5 baskets of cheese curds. Specials are available any game day you sport your new glove!

FatPour

2005 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL
fatpourchicago.com

With over 50 beers on tap and 100 in a bottle, even the pickiest of Wisconsin fans can find a brew they enjoy on this list. The newest bar to hit the Badger scene, FatPour offers Wicker Park Wisconsin fans a place to try great bears, fried Wisconsin cheese curds and watch the game in style. The beautifully designed bar opened in September of 2012 as official members of the Wisconsin Badger Alumni Association.

Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago

Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.

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