It only takes one unfortunate incident for you to realize that lawn darts and drinking don’t mix. Never fear, bean bag — or baggo or cornhole, as it’s known by regulars — is sweeping the summer bar scene like a swarm of cicadas. This beer garden pastime is perfect for a wild night out or a seriously competitive evening.
WEST SIDE
Moretti’s
1645 W. Jackson Blvd. 312-850-0208
Game on: Monday through Friday; free
Sign me up: The first to arrive gets priority play at this pizza joint. The bar, which just added baggo to the menu, plans to give prizes to the winners.
Toss ’em back: When your game heats up, cool off with Wednesday’s $5 domestic pitchers.
Fun for the fans: The large outdoor space is centered around a tiki bar, while ample seating, a sand volleyball court and bean bag boards are set up on the side.
Final score: The 9-to-5 crowd filters in for baggo; singles frequent the bar later or on weekends for games of a different nature.
LAKEVIEW
Witt’s Bar & Grille
2913 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-528-7032
Game on: 7 p.m. Monday co-ed leagues; 7 p.m. Tuesday open leagues; $20 per team
Sign me up: The first season is already in play, though late-comers are accepted. Not to worry, the eight-week seasons continue all summer, with two-week breaks in between. Current prize: Cubs or Sox tickets.
Toss ’em back: Witt’s specials are also something to cheer about: $7 domestic pitchers on Monday and $2 select drafts and Jager shots on Tuesday.
Fun for the fans: The all-weather beer garden is perfect for baggo buffs since the game goes on rain or shine.
Final score: Lakeview residents flock to this neighborhood tap. The organized games on the patio and stellar prizes promote healthy competition.
LINCOLN PARK
Wrightwood Tap
1059 W. Wrightwood Ave. 773-549-4949
Game on: 6:30 p.m. Thursday league ($50); annual classic, noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 18 ($85)
Sign me up: Sign up with a manager to start league play on June 7, or just walk in on a Thursday.
Toss ’em back: Toast your team with $3 import bottles on Thursdays.
Fun for the fans: Drinking is the main attraction at this local tap; live music and bean bag toss is in the background.
Final score: Baggo is typically a backyard game, so playing at this pub on a tree-lined residential street is all about laidback, friendly competition.
SOUTH SIDE
115 Bourbon Street
3359 W. 115th St. 708-388-8881
Game on: Tuesdays; free
Sign me up: Anyone can join in the fun here, just wait your turn. Winners receive gift cards to Bourbon Street.
Toss ’em back: Sip $3.50 Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Smirnoff Ice on Tuesdays. In the mood for some down-home cooking? Check out the chicken pot pie ($8.95).
Fun for the fans: Can’t watch your friends get humiliated during a rough game? Bourbon Street boasts a stage for live music, comfort food and a spacious beer garden.
Final score: Procrastinating fans will think this is the perfect spot to play since you can sign up at the last minute for weekly tournaments.
WRIGLEYVILLE
Cubby Bear
1059 W. Addison St. 773-327-1662
Game on: During the Cubs season, look for sporadic tournaments; Wednesday leagues start up during the off-season; $85 a team
Sign me up: The group Chicago Cornhole runs the bar’s seven-week indoor league. Sign up at chicagocornhole.com.
Toss ’em back: Swill $2.50 Heineken and Corona bottles on Wednesdays.
Fun for the fans: Cheering for the Cubs is fun, but rooting for your friend’s baggo team is better — if you don’t have tickets to Wrigley.
Final score: The self-proclaimed “Home for Cornhole” has leagues and tournaments year round. Prizes include rooftop tickets, Cubby Bear gift cards and cash.
LINCOLN SQUARE
Atlantic Bar and Grill
5062 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-506-7090
Game on: 8 p.m. Thursdays; $5
Sign me up: Sign up when you arrive; winner gets the pot.
Toss ’em back: Food and drink specials change monthly. During May game play, chow on $4 chicken sandwiches and fries. Wash it down with $5 martinis.
Fun for the fans: This Irish pub attracts a crowd of all ages, though baggo brings in the college crowd.
Final score: Escape hot summer nights and play your cornhole indoors at Atlantic with a side of A/C. Now that’s refreshing.
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metromix@tribune.com
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BEAN BAG 101
Get schooled on the rules
You call it: Bean toss, bean bag, baggo, corn toss and cornhole (laugh all you want, it’s true).
Playing the game: Individuals or teams of two take turns lobbing bean bags at a small hole in a wooden platform placed 30 feet away. Compete in innings, throwing four bags per team.
Scoring: A bag in the hole counts for three points; a bag that lands on the platform counts for one. First player to 21 wins, unless a team scores seven or more points at the end of an inning, and before their opponents score any points.
History: Most enthusiasts agree Cincinnati is the birthplace of the game. Bags were stuffed with actual corn when the sport started gaining popularity in the early ’60s. Nowadays, an official group dubbed the ACA (American Cornhole Association) works to regulate rules and spread the cornhole craze across America.
