Looking to show your Team USA spirit, but got the Beijing blues from that pesky 13-hour time difference? No worries. We do the math for you with these spots for live action and cold libations throughout the Games.
Stretch Run
544 N. LaSalle St. 312-644-4477
Their game: Size does matter at this two-level resto-bar featuring more than 240 TVs, including tables with their own sets. See U.S. swimmers and world-record holders Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff compete in their respective 400-meter individual medleys (7 p.m. Saturday) or watch Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh defend their beach volleyball medals (7 p.m. Aug. 12). When the U.S. wins a medal, Stretch Run awards a buy-one-get-one-free menu coupon for your next visit.
Your game: $13.95 orange chicken stir fry and $7.50 Beijing Bombay cocktails (Bombay gin, Chambord, sour and grenadine with a splash of orange juice)
Hours: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd. 773-871-3757
Their game: The folks here are old hands at broadcasting worldwide bouts due to their large ex-pat following. The bar opens as early as 6:30 a.m. for men’s and women’s soccer and men’s basketball matches on more than 20 screens. Nosh on a la carte breakfast items while you watch footballers face off between the U.S. and the Netherlands men’s teams (6:45 a.m. Sunday).
Your game: Weekly $4 international draft beer specials
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday-Friday; 10:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday. Open early for select morning matches. Find the full schedule at theglobepub.com
Junior’s Sports Lounge
724 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-2277
Their game: Sports meets sophistication at this upscale saloon featuring more than 40 flat-screen TVs,including individual monitors in each booth. Looking to do your part for international relations? Partial proceeds from MillerLite sales throughout the Games benefit Chicago’s bid committee for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Your game: $1 domestic bottles during the opening ceremonies broadcast
Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub
400 N. McClurg Ct. 312-467-1992
Their game: Chow down on daily $8 all-you-can-eat continental breakfast items (8-11 a.m.) while you watch morning soccer, volleyball and basketball matches. Think you’ve got the Midas touch? Vie with other would-be medalists during a nightly “Bar Olympics” tournament (8-10 p.m.) featuring shuffleboard, bags and Golden Tee video golf.
Your game: $5 red-white-and-blue martinis and daily $4.50 global beer specials
Hours: 8 a.m.-2 a.m. daily during the Olympics
Emerald Loop
216 N. Wabash Ave. 312-263-0200
Their game: Cheer on 16-year-old American gymnast Shawn Johnson in the women’s all-around final and watch the U.S. take on Bulgaria in men’s volleyball during a viewing party featuring Peroni beer tastings and swag (6 p.m. Aug. 14). Also, catch other live events on multiple high-def TVs for the duration of the Olympics.
Your game: Daily $4.50 Smithwick’s pints
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday
The Bluebird
1749 N. Damen Ave. 773-486-2473
Their game: Catch daytime showdowns, such as the U.S. men’s water polo team versus China (noon Sunday), over $5 Bellinis and an a la carte brunch at this Bucktown gastro-pub. Get live coverage of additional matches throughout the Games.
Your game: Specials on drinks from countries featured during medal events
Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday; noon.-3 a.m. Saturday (brunch served noon-4 p.m., dinner menu starts at 5 p.m.); noon.-2 a.m. Sunday (brunch served noon-4 p.m., dinner menu starts at 5 p.m.)
[ Bathsheba Birman is a Metromix special contributor. ] metromix.comGold rush
Gear up for the Games with these kick-off bashes
Vines on Clark3554 N. Clark St. 773-327-8572
When: 11 a.m. ThursdayWhat: Pre-party supporting U.S. divers and hometown girl Christina Loukas, daughter of proprietor George Loukas.Cost: No cover
Finley Mahony’s3701 N. Broadway
773-549-0226When: 7 p.m. Friday
What: Prime-time rebroadcast of the opening ceremonies (8 p.m.). Includes food and drink specials.
Cost: No cover
Ben Pao
52 W. Illinois St. 312-222-1888
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday
What: Cirque Shanghai performs, 88 cent Tsingtao beers, complimentary appetizers.Cost: No cover
———-
metromix@tribune.com
