There’s no way you’ll be stuck on the sidelines when the Bears kick off their season on Sunday–you’ve been waiting seven months for this. Got tickets to the home opener Sept. 17? Even better. We’ve got a lineup of football-friendly South Loop spots–all within easy striking distance of Soldier Field–where you can catch the pre- and postgame shows, score a few drinks and down classic football fare.
Sail to victory
You’ll find a sea of Sunday specials at the nautical-themed Weather Mark Tavern, including Absolut bloody marys ($5), screwdrivers ($5), Miller draft pints ($2) and wings (25 cents). Need to grab a bite before heading to Soldier Field? Hit the nautical brunch for pregame treats such as grilled banana-stuffed French toast ($8.50) and three kinds of eggs benedict: traditional, Southwestern and Midwestern ($8.50 each). Weather Mark’s ship-shape decor will catch your eye (check out the 12-foot sails suspended from the ceiling), but the real views are of the football action on four flat-screens. Brunch starts at 9:30 a.m. on game days. 1503 S. Michigan Ave. 312-588-0230.
Monday night madness
Tired of the sports bar scene? M Lounge is the South Loop’s upscale alternative, where fans can sip martinis instead of Miller while watching the game on one of three screens. Closed Sundays, M Lounge will be polished–as usual–and ready to party for Monday night football. Looking for a place to watch when the Bears take on the Cardinals on Oct. 16? Groups of six to eight can reserve the VIP room ($100 minimum tab) for private viewing. Football-season perks include deals on Woodford Reserve bourbon drinks and vodka specials. Closed Sunday. Open until midnight Monday. 1520 S. Wabash St. 312-447-0201.
Go long
The South Loop Club calls itself the official tailgate headquarters for Bears games, but a late last call makes it a great post-game destination too. Stay warm after the action dies down with a wide selection of signature specialty shots. Stomach rumbling because you avoided the concession lines at Soldier Field? The South Loop Club claims to have some of the best burgers ($6) in town. Between the booze and beef, fans can follow football on eight TVs. Open until 4 a.m. 701 S. State St. 312-427-2787.
End zone celebration
Kroll’s South Loop is teaming up with Budweiser to give game day an added buzz. Sunday specials include 16-ounce bottles of Bud, Bud Lite, Bud Select and Michelob Ultra ($4), as well as events and giveaways. The Bud Girls will be on hand to rally team spirit, but they’ll have to compete with the NFL action on Kroll’s two projection screens and 20 flat-screens. Opens at 10 a.m. for noon games. 1736 S. Michigan Ave. 312-235-1400.
Fiesta bowl
Need to add some spice to your football season? La Cantina Grill can’t offer the typical sports scene, but it does have six TVs, free chips and salsa, and Sunday drink specials including mojitos ($7), margaritas ($5.95) and sangria ($3.95). The Mexican eatery also serves plenty of tequilas, which just might come in handy on the off chance you need to numb the pain of a loss. 1911 S. Michigan Ave. 312-842-1911.
Huddle up
Heading straight home after the game? Not so fast. Stop off for a postgame celebration at Jak’s Tap, an oasis at the edge of the South Loop. C’mon, you deserve it–all of that cheering left you parched. Besides, you have to have something from the bar to wash down Jak’s award-winning baby-back ribs, available in half-slab ($12.95) and full slab ($19.95) portions. Groups can go in for one of the 16-inch signature pizzas: Da GoodFella, Jimmy the Greek, Smokey and the BBQ Bandit, or Meat Lovers Deluxe ($16.95). Catch NFL games on 14 screens. Opens at noon Sundays. 901 W. Jackson Blvd. 312-666-1700.
Smooth moves
Soldier Field might be the South Loop’s main attraction at the moment, but the recently relocated Velvet Lounge is a hot destination after a chilly afternoon outdoors. The jazz club’s Sunday night jam sessions are legendary–and they beat listening to “Welcome to the Jungle” over a stadium loudspeaker any day. Doors open at 8 p.m. Music 9 p.m.-midnight. $5 cover. 67 E. Cermak Rd. 312-791-9050.
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metromix@tribune.com
