Spring sports fever is setting in. Whether you’re mad for NCAA basketball or gearing up for the Cubs home opener at Wrigley (for now) Field, it’s high time you found a comfy bar stool for game day. Read on for readers’ play-by-play on their favorite hangs, and go to metromix.com for March Madness deals, info on baseball opening-day parties and more sporty stuff.
Casey Moran’s
3660 N. Clark St. 773-755-4444
With two bars, more than two dozen HDTV flat-screen TVs and seating for about 300, it’s a Cubs-friendly crowd at this Wrigleyville tap. Mahogany paneling and elegant chandeliers add a touch of class.
What you’re saying:
“Never a line, laid out decently, big bars and a wait staff to supplement it. Also decently priced and right across the street from the Mecca (Wrigley). Food is good too. I can go here with my friends for a night out and either hang out or dance it up on the dance floor … or I can even bring my parents here for some food before a ball game. [ I ] definitely recommend it!” – Chad
“Tons of TVs with great picture, cool beer garden, lounge upstairs and a hot staff. I’ll be back.” – J.
Junior’s Sports Lounge
724 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-2277
This University Village Marketplace spot screens sports on more than 30 large flat-screen TVs, including some set up for private viewing in individual booths.
What you’re saying:
“Junior’s is definitely my game-day bar. They have a lot of nice TVs and a lot of games on them. The wait staff and bartenders are attentive and attractive.” – a.k.a. Goethe from Pilsen
“A wonderful addition to the area. Great food, great music, great atmosphere and the perfect place to settle in for the evening or as a stop-off to your next destination.” – Sheldon
“Great place to watch a game … or just to meet with some friends for a relaxing evening. Service is great.” – Jason
Mahoney’s Pub & Grille
551 N. Ogden Ave. 312-733-2121
This sports-focused Irish pub and grill shows the big games on22 plasmas and a 160-inch projection screen, but live entertainment and weekend DJs also are on the bill if you stick around the bar late at night.
What you’re saying:
“This place gets a thumbs up! The wait staff were very attentive and the food was very good. … We look forward to coming back, especially for March Madness.” – Karwood
“My boyfriend likes to watch the game and I can bring my computer and do some work or surf the Web — the whole place is wireless, very cool! Food’s good too: not your typical fried bar food … The service was attentive and we’ve never had to wait long for our food.” – West Town Annie
“The food is great, TV set-up is awesome and the place is so big you can actually have a conversation with friends and hear yourself talk. Great spot for larger groups to get together!” – Amy
Merkle’s Bar & Grill
3516 N. Clark St. 773-244-1025
Steps from Wrigley Field, this watering hole’s decked out in dark mahogany wood and black-and-white photos that give the place a nostalgic feel. But nearly a dozen plasma HDTVs keep this tavern in the present day.
What you’re saying:
“Without the pomp and circumstance of other bars in the area, Merkle’s offers a neighborhood feel with great drink specials and great service. … Definitely a must go for … Cubs, Bears and Illini games!” – T Hawk
“I had not been to Merkle’s in a long time — probably since last Cubs season. I went for a friend’s birthday party … and it was as great as always. I now remember why it became my favorite pre- and post-Cubs game bar. … My home away from home.” – Cubs Fan
Clybar and Grille
2417 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-388-1877
Located on a relatively quiet stretch of Clybourn Avenue, this bar and grill caters to a sports-loving neighborhood crowd. Daily food and drink specials are a real draw, as are outdoor seating and bean bags in the summer.
What you’re saying:
“Stopped in to have ‘a beer’ and ended up there all day with buddies. Awesome staff, killer wings and TVs you can see from every seat. Will be back again!” – John K
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metromix@tribune.com
