Best Places to Watch Chicago Bears Games Near Oak Park: Local’s Picks
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There’s nothing quite as fun as watching a football game in an atmosphere that encourages yells, high-fives, and all the other high-spirited activities that come naturally on game day. Sure, you can do all your touchdown celebrations in the privacy of your own living room. Still, it’s so much more fun to watch the game surrounded by people who share all the highs and lows of being a Bears fan, and there’s no better place to watch the spread and keep an eye on your fantasy roster than a sports bar where multiple screens put you in the middle of all the red zone action.
We asked friends and neighbors where they like watching Bears games in Oak Park and the western suburbs, and here are their favorites.
Best Places to Watch Chicago Bears Games: Local’s Picks
Oak Park
Avenue Ale House | 825 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
A favorite in Oak Park for over 20 years, Avenue Ale House boasts an extensive beer selection and a stunning rooftop perfect for enjoying a cold brew on a warm fall afternoon. The menu offers something for every game day craving. Try the smoked gouda mac and cheese with adobo chicken, bacon, and buttery bread crumbs, or buffalo fried calamari with homemade buffalo sauce.
Customize your burger with the protein of your choice (a 10-ounce grass-fed beef patty, grilled chicken fillet, impossible burger, black bean patty, or spinach and feta-stuffed turkey patty) with a range of toppings, from sauteed onions, mushrooms, and giardiniera, to a fried egg, bacon, or pulled pork, cheeses, and condiments — we love tzatziki on the turkey patty!
The Avenue Ale House menu accommodates vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, and Bears Game Day Specials, including $3 domestic beers and $7 mimosas, are available every game day, all day.
Kettlestrings Tavern | 800 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Big on sports, music, and Oak Park, at Kettlestrings Tavern, there is always a game on, great music playing, and a calendar of special events that support and celebrate the community. This locally owned pub serves classic bar fare with a contemporary twist. Share (if you can) the cheese curds with sriracha ranch dressing, truffle fries dipped in garlic aioli, or the crispy brussels sprouts with an orange chicken-style glaze and crispy wonton to start, followed by an Angus beef burger, slow-roasted pulled pork served with apple cider vinegar slaw on a brioche bun, or fish and chips.
You can opt for a bright, crisp salad — the noodle salad, tossed with shredded carrot, cabbage, bell pepper, cucumber, and coconut-lime curry dressing, can be topped with tofu, chicken, or salmon.
Kettlestrings is the perfect place for a drink and a bite to eat while watching the Bears game with friends and neighbors.
One Lake Brewing | 1 Lake Street, Oak Park
Enjoy a flight of house beers, guest drafts, or creative cocktails, including several non-alcoholic offerings while you watch the Bears at One Lake Brewing. This three-story brewpub in a historic 1920s bank building offers a unique beer list and upscale pub favorites as impressive as its two-story chandelier made of beer bottles. Attention to detail and respect for ingredients are at the heart of every beer brewed and served here. You can always count on house brews like Oscar Milde, Austin Lager, or Lando, and football season is the ideal time to experience One Lake’s imperial stout Been Czar, Done That, a rich, full-bodied, high-alcohol beer with complex notes of coffee and chocolate.
The food is also fabulous, from amazing appetizers, like warm pretzels served with house-made beer cheese, loaded fries, and roasted beet salad with candied sunflower seeds and herbed goat cheese, to mouth-watering entrees, like the fried chicken thigh sandwich, beer mussels, and the chef’s famous open-faced meatball sandwich with gooey provolone and mozzarella, served with your choice of sweet peppers or hot giardiniera.
Weekly specials at One Lake Brewing include Happy Hour on Wednesday through Friday, fish and chips on Friday and Saturday, and $12 wings on Sundays.
Poor Phil’s | 139 South Marion Street, Oak Park
Poor Phil's is a year-round beer fest with a selection of about 100 beers, including 36 brews on tap. Well-known for its delicious seafood and Louisiana-inspired favorites, including lump crab cakes with creamy garlic horseradish dip, jambalaya, and Po’Philz Po’Boys, this neighborhood sports bar has been offering tasty dishes and cold brews in a vibrant neighborhood pub atmosphere for more than 30 years. On game day, try the “Gotta’Getta Gumbo” with spicy chicken and smoked andouille sausage, “Ya’gotta Lov’a Murphyburger” made with beef or plant-based beyond burger, or one of “Philz ‘Phavorites” — yes, Phil’s menu is as delightful as the food itself — or explore the “Grande Gringo Grub” menu of south-of-the-border favorites including langostino lobster quesadillas or blackened shrimp tacos.
Poor Phil’s promises “cold beer, hot food, cool staff, and warm service” on game day and a Happy Hour special, the “Two-Buck-Shuck,” shell-on shrimp and fresh oysters (each $2) on Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Brookfield
The Cordial Inn | 9207 31st Street, Brookfield
Come early on game day! The Cordial Inn, sometimes affectionately called a “dive bar,” fills up quickly thanks to its great old tavern vibe and attentive service. An excellent place for a bucket and a juicy burger any time, this local gem offers a friendly atmosphere where you can’t help but get to know the bartender, servers, and regulars enjoying the games on a Sunday afternoon while the chef serves up grilled burgers, a pork chop sandwich you have to taste to believe, as well as hot or mild Italian sausage sandwiches, brats, and jumbo dogs.
Trivia Nights, Queen of Hearts raffles, and gameday specials keep the party going at The Cordial Inn.
Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House | 8900 Fairview Avenue, Brookfield
Devotees of bacon, beer, whiskey, and sports, Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House proudly shows every sporting event, including college and pro basketball, UFC, boxing, and, of course, every football game available with the NFL Sunday Ticket, on multiple screens all around the bar and restaurant.
The chef slips bacon into, around, or on top of almost everything, from bacon mac and cheese eggrolls to bacon-wrapped pickles, bacon-wrapped pork shanks called “hog wings,” and the Sebastian Burger — a patty of ground beef mixed with bacon grilled and topped with a half-pound block of deep fried cheddar cheese, (more) bacon, fried egg, and chili (yes, layers of chili). If you can finish this masterpiece in under three minutes, it will be free, along with the rest of your meal. Not only is the menu at this popular alehouse full of exciting, next-level dishes — and an extensive vegan menu that even includes dairy-free and vegan desserts made with GMO-free tofu — there are more than 50 craft beers on tap and more than 300 choices for whiskey, scotch, or bourbon.
Enjoy the Bears game while you have a drink and a meal with friends in this friendly local spot or, while the weather is nice, out on the rooftop patio at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House.
Forest Park
The Beacon Pub | 101 Circle Avenue, Forest Park
The bar and spacious beer garden at this out-of-the-way pub are great for gathering with friends and watching the Bears on Sundays, and it offers a wide selection of beer and cocktails. The Beacon Pub boasts a friendly staff and a welcoming crowd, mostly folks from the neighborhood who still live there or come back to see old friends. The 101 A&C Kitchen menu at The Beacon Pub offers gourmet burgers and sandwiches as well as wings, salads, and other favorites.
FatDuck Tavern & Grill | 7218 Madison Street, Forest Park
FatDuck Tavern & Grill is known for its ah-mazing duck fat fries, craft beer, and creative “pub grub” in a chill, family-friendly atmosphere. Stroll into this local hangout with its large wood bar and TV screens at every turn, and find the perfect spot to watch the game. Just say, “I’ll have the Fatduck burger with the Duckfat fries," and you’re set. This delightfully decadent burger is big, juicy, oozing creamy mellow brie, and served with applewood bacon and caramelized onions on a pretzel bun. Don’t be shy about customizing your burger! We like Mexican pesto — similar to chimichurri — on the bottom bun and roasted garlic aioli slathered on top. These two sauces come with the famous duck fat fries, but your friendly server won’t mind helping you dress your burger any way you want.
You can even sub a beyond burger patty and gluten-free bun, but please, don’t skimp on the heavenly hand-cut duck fat fries made with all-natural duck fat and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Tasty and comforting BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with pickles and onion crisps on a brioche bun, pot roast sliders, fish and chips, and mac and cheese round out the menu, along with craft beers, ciders, and a range of signature cocktails.
The covered patio at Fat Duck Tavern & Grill is great for watching the games or mingling with friends and fellow fans. Daily specials include $5 house margaritas on Wednesday, $5 red wine or sangria on Thursday, and $5 mimosas or Bloody Marys on Sunday.
Scratch Public House | 7505 Madison Street, Forest Park
Embracing the concept of a “scratch kitchen,” where every ingredient, down to the ketchup and pickles, is made from scratch, Scratch Public House delivers inventive, high-quality bar-style food in an industrial setting. Popular menu items include SKL Famous Macs — try a decadent truffle, mushroom, and parmesan options — and unique signature sandwiches, like the nacho chicken cheesesteak and fried bologna sandwich, but it’s the smash burgers, with that unforgettable crisp crust, that will keep you coming back again and again. While watching Da Bears, enjoy a From Da South burger topped with slow-roasted pork, Carolina BBQ sauce, house pickles, slaw, and aged cheddar. Enjoy beers and ciders from local craft breweries, including Half Acre, Right Bee, Alter, 2 Fools, Maplewood, and Revolution, and global favorites available in cans and on tap. Any choice is a great partner with your burger.
Scratch Public House is a game-day all-star! The “Bear Down Menu” features cherry-smoked ribs, chili cheese fries, “stadium” nachos loaded with beef, chicken, chili, or pork, and a Chi-Town Combo Pizza topped with Italian beef, sausage, mozzarella, giardiniera, and a side of au jus.
Old School Tavern | 201 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park
Stop by Old School Tavern for a Bears game (or NCAA Football rivalry game on Saturday) and enjoy a menu that promises “not your daddy’s bar food” with highlights including a Maxwell Street pork chop with grilled onions, beer mussels, and homemade soup, chili, and salads. We like the Old School Steak Salad, an 8-ounce hand-cut strip steak grilled to order and covered with a savory blue cheese salad with house balsamic dressing, and the generous and oh-so-comforting meatloaf and mashed potato dinner special on Thursday — a portion that’s large enough for leftovers on Friday.
Game day specials at Old School Tavern include $3 Miller Light pints and $3 jumbo hot pretzels on Saturday and Sunday, an $8 sausage sandwich on Saturday, and an $8 smoked BBQ pork sandwich and many other specials on Sunday, especially for Bears fans.
La Grange
Mak’s House | 46 South La Grange Road, La Grange
Determined to bring an urban vibe to the ‘burbs, Mak’s House boasts a stimulating dining and drinking space decorated by some of the best graffiti artists in Chicagoland. This hidden beer garden, "the hideout” is one of the area’s best places to enjoy wings, burgers, and drinks with friends and neighbors.
The burgers, consistently rated #1 in the area, bring diners from around Chicagoland. The burgers are so good, it's hard to choose between the Burger-Burger (so good you have to say its name twice!), a double burger topped with cheddar and American cheese, chopped red onion, fresh pickles, and housemade dijonnaise dressing; the El Chingon, a double patty with housemade habanero cream, bacon, and sliced cheddar topped with fresh, grilled-to-order jalapeno pepper; or the “Yer My Boy Blue” burger, a single quarter-pound fresh-beef patty with blue cheese, grilled onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Don’t skip the wings; they’re housemade and seasoned with jerk-dry rub, garlic parmesan, sweet BBQ, Korean BBQ, or classic buffalo sauce — and the drinks! Cocktails are identified by colors — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink — and the margaritas, mojitos, and classics are light, refreshing, and fun to order by name.
On game day, enjoy a psychedelic drink, unforgettable burgers, creative sandwiches, and baked mac & cheese skillets while watching the Bears on 10 TVs that line the wall inside Mak’s House.
Milk Money | 75 South La Grange Road, La Grange
A sleek, modern taproom (and LaGrange’s first brewery), Milk Money Brewing uses simple, local, and high-quality ingredients in every menu item, from the double patty 28-day dry-aged beef Street Burger, Nashville hot shrimp with polenta cakes, and the fried mortadella sandwich with garlic aioli and yellow mustard, to their signature milk stout, La Grange Lager, and Vibrant, a juicy tropical hazy IPA. Locally owned, this bright, airy industrial-style space was always intended to be a family-friendly local hang-out, not just a bar.
Milk Money offers live music on Thursdays and Sundays and specials, like $10 burger Mondays, half-off chicken wings Tuesdays, half-off wine Wednesdays, buy-two-growlers-get-one-free Saturdays, and $20 bottomless mimosas and beermosas on Sundays — great for thirsty Bears fans!
La Grange Park
Hop District Community Brewing Co. | 23 E 31 Street, La Grange Park
Already a popular local meeting place, Hop District added a 100-inch full HD projection screen and a few more TVs strategically placed around its space — a beautiful lounge, enclosed beer garden, and taproom with open views of the brewhouse — to make it a favorite gameday destination. The craft brewery has partnered with another local family-owned business, Mattone, to bring you great food that pairs perfectly with its best brews (and the Chicago Bears). Call Mattone for Tatchos (tater tots covered with zesty nacho cheese, bacon, and pico de gallo), a HOP Burger, Ribeye Hoagie, or Tavern Pizza topped with pepperoni and burn honey; your order will be brought right to your table, with no delivery fee.
An IPA and Lager-focused craft brewery, Hop District never shies away from sours and big imperial stouts, offers a variety of seasonal brews, and features a rotating menu of guest options on tap.
North Riverside
Village Pub | 8839 West Cermak Road, North Riverside
Behind a humble brick facade, Village Pub has been serving authentic home-cooked Italian food since 1968. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service at this hidden gem keep friends and neighbors coming back again and again. TVs around the restaurant and behind the bar make this a great place to meet friends on game day, and there’s also a dedicated gaming room when you’re feeling lucky (even when the Bears aren’t!). The tavern menu is a classic, from the appetizers — wedge salad, baked clams, fried calamari, and sausage & peppers — to generational favorites — lasagna, chicken vesuvio, pasta with arabiata sauce, mussels, and chicken marsala — and pub favorites. Every item, hand-made with the freshest ingredients, is unforgettable.
Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 p.m. feature select half-priced appetizers, domestic beers, import beers, house wines, and spirits, and weekly specials, include $10 martinis in the bar on Tuesday through Thursday at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and $5 off all pasta dinners on Sundays.
Riverside
La Barra | 2 East Burlington Street, Riverside
Typically devoted to delicious dinner, La Barra also serves lunch on the weekends for fans interested in mixing game day fun with artisan pizza and signature sandwiches. Try the Salsiccia Pizza with garlic cream, buffalo mozzarella smoked to perfection, caramelized onions, crumbled sausage, baby kale, and spicy Italian Calabrian chiles; Danny’s Special Chicago Deep Dish with Russo sausage, mushrooms, green pepper, and onions; or go for an updated take on an old classic with the Cupping Pepperoni Pizza featuring hot honey.
Weekly specials include Wine Wednesdays and Happy Hour prices on draft beer, house wines, and well cocktails every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — check their website for daily specials.
Join us for Game Day in the Western Suburbs
Whether you like your touchdown celebration with a craft brew, an artisan pizza, or a sausage and pepper sandwich, you’ll find a place to enjoy Da Bears with friends, family, and fellow fans in Oak Park and the western suburbs. See you Sunday!