8 Great Baseball Bars in Chicago

Most sports bars in the Windy City’s south suburbs are dominated by White Sox fans, while Cubs find themselves in like-minded company in Chicago proper and the north suburbs. But with the 20th anniversary of the first Crosstown Classic coming up on June 16, die-hard Cubs and White Sox fans are used to watching their teams duke it out in divided company. Regardless of whether you wish to be in exclusive or mixed company, here is a list of Chicago’s most beloved baseball bars.

Benchmark

Located in Old Town, Benchmark has a retractable roof that almost makes it feel like you’re in a baseball stadium. This Chicago sports bar is in Cubs territory, but booths with built-in TVs make it a little easier to cheer on the Sox than it is at some bars. Benchmark’s menu is extensive, and its food and drinks have stellar reputations. In good traffic, Benchmark is less than 10 minutes’ drive from AMLI River North.

Bernice’s Tavern

Solidly in White Sox territory, Bernice’s Tavern is not the most amenable place for fans sporting Cubs gear. If you like the Sox and are fond of cheap drinks, Bernice’s PBRs and other drink specials should please you. This Bridgeport baseball bar is a 10-minute drive from AMLI Lofts.

Cork & Kerry at the Park

Another Sox hangout a 10-minute drive from AMLI’s South Loop apartments, Cork & Kerry is an Irish pub, beer garden, and sports bar. The location we’re talking about is the pub’s second. Rumor has it that Cork & Kerry has another outpost planned near Wrigley Field.

The Cubby Bear

One of several baseball bars located in the vicinity of Wrigley Field, The Cubby Bear has more than a great name. Drink and meal specials are offered daily, and dancing typically commences as soon as game time wraps up. The Cubby Bear’s crowd is known for being boisterous, as well as for being in good spirits win or lose.

Murphy’s Bleachers

Another Wrigleyville mainstay, Murphy’s Bleachers is about as close to the stadium as Cubs fans can get without going inside. Drinks and grub are affordable, and the place is packed for every game. The patio at this baseball bar is popular in nice weather.

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar

This Lakeview haunt is one of Chicago’s most iconic baseball bars, and sports bars in general. Strategically placed screens give nearly every Cubs fan in the place a good view, no matter where they’re sitting. Door-to-door, Sluggers is a 20-minute trek up the Red Line from AMLI River North.

The Stretch

The Stretch is another Cub-friendly bar in Wrigleyville known for its post-game raucousness. It’s also a great place to screen a game before fans in attendance file in after its over. Also known for its juicy burgers, The Stretch has specials every day of the week.

Theory

An upscale sports bar serving carefully prepared New American cuisine, Theory is just one block east of AMLI’s River North apartments. Although more Cubs fans screen games at Theory than Sox fans, it’s one of the area’s more Sox-friendly baseball bars.

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