Bears games are a big deal in Chicago. There’s nothing like settling into your favorite sports bar to see the action alongside your fellow fans. We have several suggestions if you’re unsure where to head for the next big event.

The Fifty/50

Buffalo wings

The Fifty/50 is a Wicker Park go-to for any Bears game. With 25 TVs, you’ll have no trouble seeing the action from your seat. The sports bar opened in 2008, underwent a remodel in 2016, and consistently wows crowds with its flavor-packed pub food.

If you like it hot, you’ll love the wings at The Fifty/50. The award-winning buffalo sauce is made with four hot peppers and aged for eight weeks to get the best flavor. You can also choose from five other sauces to change things up. Another favorite, the Fifty Burger, is a double smash burger topped with bacon, cheddar, onion rings, and a smoky BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun. Diners who want a plant-based option can get the vegan Mother Earth burger served on a whole wheat bun and topped with avocado, shoestring potatoes, and caramelized onions.

The menu also includes a blazing Nashville hot chicken sandwich, hearty salads, and various sandwiches. If you prefer to snack throughout the game, try a starter or two, such as the deep-fried cheese curds made with Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery curds or the pretzel twists with house-made beer cheese. The bar serves a little of everything, including craft beers, ciders, seltzers, cocktails, and wine.

Location: 2047 W. Division St., Chicago.

Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Broken Barrel Bar

The Broken Barrel Bar is more than just a sports bar. It’s an unforgettable Lincoln Park experience, lined with television screens that make it easy to catch the game. From the exposed brick walls and spacious 2,000-square-foot beer garden to the colorful graffiti art, everything about the space begs you to settle in and have fun. You can even leave your own mark on the establishment while you’re there, thanks to the irresistible Broken Barrel graffiti wall.

Though the vibe is laid back, the menu is comfort food gone gourmet, with hand-crafted sauces, house-made pickles, and mouthwatering meats smoked right on-site. The award-winning wings are smoked over oak logs and either fried or grilled. Choose from eight flavors, including the mild dry rub, the flavor-packed garlic buffalo, and the fiery sex panther sauce. The roasted sprouted nachos take this bar fave to a new level with oven-roasted sprouts, pickled onions and jalapeños, radishes, roasted salsa, and jalapeño-cheddar sauce on top.

If you’re a fan of mac and cheese, you can enjoy a fresh take on this classic with toppings that include bacon, BBQ brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and crispy chicken. Tacos, salads, and piled-high sandwiches round out the menu with something for everyone. Wine, beer, seltzers, and crafted cocktails provide ample options to quench your thirst.

Location: 2548 N. Southport Ave.

Hours: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, noon to midnight Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 2 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

The Albion Manor

If you’re looking for an upscale destination for your next Bears game, The Albion Manor is the perfect pick. Though soccer games are the most popular option here, NFL games are featured in the rotation as well. You’ll find a selection of English pub favorites. For ample snacking, order the Ploughman’s Plate, which features a selection of meats and cheeses, along with pickled egg, Branston pickle, chicken pâté, and a baguette. The Island Creek Oysters, curry fries, and chicken wings also make excellent snack food or starters.

For your entree, you can choose from several carefully crafted dishes, such as the kale mushroom risotto, short rib sandwich, and strip steak served with black oyster mushroom, confit potatoes, peas, and asparagus. Even the casual Albion burger comes topped with malt vinegar aioli, English cheddar, and London Pride-braised onions for a distinctive flavor. Beer, wine, and cocktails are on the libations menu to quench your thirst throughout the game.

Location: 1480 W. Webster Ave.

Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight or later Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

The Moonlighter

Nestled between Humboldt Park and Logan Square, The Moonlighter is a cozy spot to catch the game. Though the menu keeps things simple, the juicy burgers get rave reviews, coming topped with griddled onion, dill pickle, and special sauce. The double bacon BBQ burger changes things up with fried onions and BBQ sauce for a tangy twist. If you’re going meat-free, you can opt for the Beyond burger or vegan BBQ cheeseburger, both served with a meatless patty and vegan cheese.

Vegan wings, vegan tacos, and a vegan roasted corn salad grace the menu as well, ensuring that there are plenty of options for any diner. If you like things hot, the crispy chicken sandwich topped with jalapeño ranch and pickled jalapeños is the way to go. Try the over-the-top mac and cheese featuring smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, garlic, and parmesan panko breadcrumbs for snacking.

At the bar, you’ll find a generous selection of bourbons featuring over a dozen options. Your other favorite liquors are on hand as well, though none is quite so well represented. Secure your table early for the big Bears games to make sure that you get a great spot at this popular destination.

Location: 3204 W. Armitage Ave.

Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.

Outstanding Experiences Throughout Chicago

No matter your neighborhood, there’s sure to be a great sports bar nearby. Chicago is brimming with exciting options that combine delicious bites, refreshing beverages, and ample TV screens in one satisfying experience. Do you know of any other top spots that we missed? Contact our team at Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co and let us know.

Photo Credit: cooked food on white ceramic plate by Alaundra Alford is licensed with Unsplash License