As March Madness sweeps the nation, Chicagoans are gearing up for a thrilling month of basketball fervor. The Windy City’s dynamic restaurant scene will become the prime destination for fans to cheer for bracket-busters and buzzer-beaters, all while enjoying bar bites, beer specials and more. We have sourced the best local bars, restaurants and venues to watch all the action unfold from March 16 through April 7.
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841 W. Randolph St. / Website
Dine on elevated bar fare, sip craft cocktails and catch the game at this West Loop fan favorite. Starting March 14, the eatery is offering an exclusive gameday menu stocked with specialties like Buffalo wings, stadium pretzels, chorizo nachos, beer coolers and High Noon buckets. Reservations can be made here.
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1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Owned and founded by Mark Domitrovich of Pioneer Tavern Group and run by James Beard Award finalist, executive chef Brian Jupiter, this buzzy gastropub is known for its whole animal dining experience, featuring offerings like pig, alligator, boar and goat. From March 16 through April 1, guests can watch the game on TVs throughout the restaurant while enjoying Frontier Duo & Trip meals for 20% off and High Noon, White Claw and Hornito’s buckets for $25. Reservations can be made here.
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1415 N. Wood St. / Website
This NOLA-inspired bar and restaurant is celebrating March Madness with all-day happy hour specials on March 20 and 21. Diners can enjoy $25 buckets of Modelo, Corona, Miller Lite, High Noon, White Claw and Mamitas or opt for the tasty wings and tenders platter with six wings, four tenders and fries for $25. Reservations can be made here.
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202 S. Franklin St. / Website
Add Loop hot spot Kindling to your March Madness itinerary and dig into house specials like confit chicken wings, wood-fired oysters, steaks and raw bar specialties (think tuna tartare, hamachi crudo and oysters on the half shell), accompanied by craft cocktails, wines and craft brews. From March 19 through April 8, guests can enjoy spirited games and game-day viewing in the restaurant’s upstairs TV room. Don’t forget to visit on weekdays between 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy happy hour offerings like blood orange mules, charcoal-toasted quesadillas, sangria and more. Reservations can be made here.
See also: The 12 Best Margaritas In Chicago
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3518 N. Clark St.; 155 W. Kinzie St. / Website
Immerse yourself in March Madness at Moe’s Cantina, with strategically located screens displaying the tournament and delicious, Mexican-inspired fare. On game nights, Moe’s is offering $1 asada tacos, $5 beers, $10 nachos and $10 margaritas beginning at 4 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
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3506 N. Clark St. / Website
Elevate gameday with mouthwatering deals and panoramic broadcasting at this iconic Wrigleyville smokehouse. Indulge in March Madness exclusives like $9 Casamigos margaritas, $7 Corona brews and $7 Pacificos. Basketball fans can dig into house specialties, including smoked wings, brisket, smash burgers and fried chicken sandwiches. Or, go all in with the signature combo platter, chock-full of house favorites like baby back ribs, carnitas, brisket and more. Reservations can be made here.
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2723 N. Halsted St. / Website
Join casino-style bar Over/Under for six March Madness viewing sessions, displayed on more than 40 high-def screens from Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23. Choose from morning or evening sessions to snag a seat, or opt for both to enjoy all-day viewing. While you’re there, dine on specialties like bacon onion jam burgers, baked goat cheese marinara dip, tostada towers and bone-in wings, served with your pick of Carolina barbecue, buffalo, Chicago barbecue, dry rub, parmesan garlic or lemon pepper sauce. Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
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9 W. Hubbard St. / Website
Visit this upscale sports bar to watch the tournament unfold on 35 big-screen TVs as you indulge in daily food specials and beverage exclusives. Swing by to join for game-day happy hour, Tuesday through Friday, from 3 to 6 p.m., for $12 Theory burgers and fries, $4 domestic bottles, $6 High Noon seltzers and $6 Skrewball and Corazón shots. While you’re there, indulge in tempting menu offerings like crispy Buffalo chicken wraps, Southwest salad and cheeseburger sliders while watching the excitement unfold. Reservations can be made here.
See more: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: EJGrubbs/iStock
