There’s nothing wrong with slinging back a frosty mug of suds at the corner tap while you watch the game. But with college football season kicking off–and new sports bar Victory Liquors opening Saturday at 2610 N. Halsted St.–we’re looking to upgrade to snazzier surroundings. We checked out five self-described upscale sports lounges to settle the score: Are they or aren’t they?
WHERE: Crew
4804 N. BROADWAY
773-784-2739
SCENE: As the Homer Simpson quote on a back wall testifies, Crew “likes its beer cold, its TV loud and its homosexuals flaming.”
TVS: Sixteen above the bar, three 52-inch flat-screens and one 92-inch projection, plus more scattered about.
SEATING: Nothing fancy, but plenty of it. You’ll usually find a decent spot to view the action.
FOOD: Tasty standards like a half-pound burger ($8.50) with 14 different toppers and Sunday brunch with a sense of humor ($1.75 Powder Puff Pancakes).
DRINKS: Probably the best beer selection of any Chicago gay bar–check out Monday’s $13.50 Warsteiner pitchers.
WHAT’S THE SCORE?: If you don’t think this is one of the best-dressed sports bars in the city, you’re just a spoilsport.
WHERE: Junior’s Sports Lounge
724 W. MAXWELL ST.
312-421-2277
SCENE: If Mr. Clean was a sports fan, he’d hang in this spotless tavern. When there’s not a crowd, the jocks on TV deliver plenty of eye candy.
TVS: More than 30, with plenty of tableside flat-screens.
SEATING: Plush seats and tables without blemish or burn. Tidy, yet sturdy enough for a rowdy crew.
FOOD: Classic appetizers like beer-battered chicken strips ($6), super-charged nachos and hearty ‘wiches. Lightweights can lift salads and veggie burgers.
DRINKS: Drafts such as Guinness and Bell’s Oberon ($5 each) play well. The pretty bar also turns out a few specialty ‘tinis ($7-$9).
WHAT’S THE SCORE?: Definitely upscale. The cleanliness factor alone beats any neighborhood sports bar. Menu, TVs and seating score a triple play.
WHERE: Red Ivy
3525 N. CLARK ST.
773-472-0900
SCENE: Families, college kids and post-Cubs crowds mingle. Sleek screens, dim lights and red walls set a stylish tone.
TVS: Three 120-inch HD projection screens–but wooden columns obstruct some views. Bonus: Eight 42-inch HD flat-screens.
SEATING: Tall suede seats look good from a distance, but the material stains easily and bears cigarette burns.
FOOD: Ties to South Side staple Palermo’s mean delish food, including sweet-sauce pizza. Try the salsiccia di pollo (chicken sausage) appetizer ($6.50).
DRINKS: An extensive menu of cocktails, beer and shots–a far cry from the standard sports bar offering.
WHAT’S THE SCORE?: Upscale menu and decor put this sports lounge a cut above the rest. But where’s the ivy?
WHERE: Union Park
228 S. RACINE AVE.
312-243-9002
SCENE: A sib of Lincoln Park and Lakeview faves The Central and Grand Central, this spot boasts a mature, diverse crowd.
TVS: Four HD flat-screens encircle the bar; 11 more screens are scattered around the space.
SEATING: Sturdy, wooden high-top tables or big, cozy booths–not a bad seat in the house.
FOOD: An ambitious departure from standard deep-fried bar food, including chicken and pear panini ($6.50), and blackened steak salad ($9).
DRINKS: Reasonably priced cocktails ($6); red and white sangrias ($4 glass; $15 pitcher) also are a hit.
WHAT’S THE SCORE?: Tiffany-esque chandeliers and a not-so-average bar menu create an upscale vibe–though it’s hard to lounge when watching the game from wooden bar tables.
WHERE: Wicker Park Tavern
1958 W. NORTH AVE.
773-278-5138
SCENE: Guys in jeans and button-down shirts drink beer and divide their time between surveying the scene and glancing at the score.
TVS: Eight flat-screens make for 360-degree views. But the sound is rarely audible over the classic and alt-rock tunes.
SEATING: Wooden tables and leather couches give the place a Pottery Barn-meets-frat-house feel.
FOOD: Bar basics plus a handful of less predictable options, including grilled skirt steak in red wine sauce ($10) and organic greens with raspberry vinaigrette ($6).
DRINKS: Few surprises–just the usual import and domestic drafts and bottles. No cocktail list, but there’s a well-appointed bar.
WHAT’S THE SCORE?: A step up from the norm, but far from the swankest place in town to get your game on.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
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