Best Game Watch Bar in Chicago

[WWDMHawkeye]

Got a meeting in Chicago this weekend and am planning on catching the game somewhere downtown.

Staying at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker. Would prefer a place relatively close to the hotel.

Alright, you Chicago Hawk fans — where would you go for a great bar packed with Hawk fans?

Ready. . . Go!

 

[ChiHawk21]

Depends what you’re looking for. There’s about 5 legit ones.

Theory if you want a more mature (late-20’s crowd).
John Barleycorn in wrigleyville if you recent graduate vibe. Gets pretty rowdy.

There’s a few others out there too I’m sure more folks will respond. Lots of Hawkeyes in Chicago.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Thanks for the feedback. My wife and I will be going. I’m 51 and she’s 28. Any more tips based on that info?

 

[ChiHawk1985]

Thanks for the feedback. My wife and I will be going. I’m 51 and she’s 28. Any more tips based on that info?

I’d probably do Theory though it is a bit smaller and can sometimes get cramped so show up early just in case. Other options are Clover, Four Shadows (mid 20s to mid 30s crowd), The Reveler (about the same but spacious), or Tavern on Little Fort (really far north so probably out).

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

This place has by far the best game-day Hawkeye atmosphere I've ever been to:

http://merkleschicago.com/

 

[Hawk-A-Doodle-Doo]

Thanks for the feedback. My wife and I will be going. I’m 51 and she’s 28. Any more tips based on that info?

C'mon man....you know the rules.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Thanks to all for the tips! I think we’ll try Theory, mainly due to proximity to the hotel.

Sorry, Doodle — did I say 28? Must have missed a key. Meant 49 (but looks 28!).

And no pics. Just imagine Christie Brinkley.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Thanks to all for the tips! I think we’ll try Theory, mainly due to proximity to the hotel.

Sorry, Doodle — did I say 28? Must have missed a key. Meant 49 (but looks 28!).

And no pics. Just imagine Christie Brinkley.

Then post a picture of Christie Brinkley. Rules are rules.

 

[hawk_a_holic]

Thanks to all for the tips! I think we’ll try Theory, mainly due to proximity to the hotel.

Sorry, Doodle — did I say 28? Must have missed a key. Meant 49 (but looks 28!).

And no pics. Just imagine Christie Brinkley.

Merkle's is THE hawkeye bar and is across from Wriggley Field. If you don't want to jump up north on the redline, Theory is without question the place to go if you're staying in the loop.

 

[KujawaFan]

WWDM - I second Hawk a Holic. Theory is good and proximateLy located to where u are staying. But Merkles is awesome for a Hawk game. I would put it up against anyplace not named Kinnick Stadium to watch the Hawks. My 2 cents.

 

[20Hawkeye14]

Theory is a great atmosphere for game day but show up early or reserve a spot ahead of time! Theory is my favorite bar to watch an Iowa game when I'm in Chicago.

4 shadows is also an absolute blast but that crowd is mostly the 20's and 30's. It can get a little wild.

Merkel's is always a solid spot with good food as well. Wrigleyville is usually pretty crowded since every bar caters to a big10 fan base or Notre Dame.

 

[m.stoops2013]

Merkel's has awesome wings!

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

Wrigleyville isn't even close to downtown. Is Kitty O'Sheas, the bar at the Hilton on S. Michigan a Hawkeye bar on gameday? I've watched Iowa games there and it's been a very spirited Hawkeye crowd.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

WWDM - I second Hawk a Holic. Theory is good and proximateLy located to where u are staying. But Merkles is awesome for a Hawk game. I would put it up against anyplace not named Kinnick Stadium to watch the Hawks. My 2 cents.

Thanks, pal! Think we’ll go Theory just because it’s like a 10-block walk.

Do appreciate everyone’s input!

 

[yiana]

I’m 51 and she’s 28.

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

The Manhole?

 

[WDMHawk72]

Merkel's dude. Without question.

 

[rustynailhawk]

Last time I was at theory I annoyed the **** out of eddie George. Go there

 

[Hawk_4shur]

10 block walk? Forgetaboutit.

Merkel's. Train or Uber. Do it.