Sports fans due west of Chicago never have to miss a game. Whether you’re into football, basketball, soccer, or baseball, there are plenty of great spots to catch the action with fellow fans. From lively sports bars with massive screens and game-day specials to cozy neighborhood pubs where everybody knows your name, you’ll find the perfect place to cheer on your favorite team.
No matter the season, these local favorite sports bars near Oak Park are ready to serve up great food, cold drinks, and an unbeatable game-day experience.
.png)
Avenue Ale House | 825 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
One of the community’s largest and longest-lasting restaurants, Avenue Ale House has been a staple in Oak Park for over 20 years. Discover a fantastic beer selection, wine, sangrias, specialty cocktails, and a menu of bar snacks and shareable plates, custom burgers, street tacos, salads, sandwiches. Special entrees include Fish ‘n Chips, Chicken & Waffles, and Blackened BBQ ribs served with Mac ‘n Cheese.
The menu sports vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items, and the kitchen is happy to accommodate dietary needs whenever possible. Avenue Ale House welcomes fans with game day specials on domestic bottles, select imported beers, and seltzer cans, including High Noon and Play Hard and Tito’s cocktails. Make a reservation to save a spot for your group at Avenue Ale House on game days—The rooftop café is perfect for warmer weather!
Kettlestrings Tavern | 800 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Owned by local families who are big sports and music fans, Kettlestrings Tavern is a beloved destination where there’s always a game on, great music playing, and often special events celebrating the local community. The tavern offers chef-driven bar food like shareable plates of Truffle Fries with parmesan, parsley, and garlic aioli; Signature ‘Strings Wings with Porter BBQ in a buffalo or dry-jerk rub with celery, carrots, and blue cheese for dipping; and deep-fried Wisconsin cheese curds served with a side of sriracha ranch.
Try the Winter Salad, mixed greens, roasted beets, shaved fennel, and orange, with creamy maple-citrus dressing (add chicken, shrimp, or salmon); hearty beef stew served with garlic mashed potatoes; or an Angus beef Oak Park or Kettlestrings burger (this one comes with yummy bacon jam!). Pair your meal with a Hemingway Cooler (Botanist Gin, soda, and lime) for the full Oak Park experience!
One Lake Brewing | 1 Lake Street, Oak Park
A brewer’s paradise located inside a stunning 1920s bank building converted into a three-story brewpub with a rooftop terrace, One Lake Brewing boasts a gorgeous indoor dining room with an impressive two-story chandelier made of beer bottles and a rooftop patio perfect for warmer days. Attention to detail and respect for ingredients are at the heart of every beer brewed and served here. Equal attention is paid in the kitchen, where the chef creates unique and delicious dishes that pair perfectly with every brew.
Start game day with an appetizer—we like the Artichoke Dip, tempura-battered Fried Pickles, and the OLB Pretzel served with wholegrain honey mustard sauce and house beer cheese sauce. Sandwiches include a Blackened Blue Bacon Burger, BBQ Pork Sandwich, and a Philly Cheese Steak made vegetarian with portobello mushrooms. The Chef’s Specials menu includes seasonal favorites inspired by the best ingredients available.
Poor Phil’s Oyster Bar & Grill | 139 South Marion Street, Oak Park
Beloved for its excellent seafood and Louisiana-inspired fare, Poor Phil's is the ultimate neighborhood sports bar and restaurant. It offers a vibrant atmosphere for the perfect night out with friends or family. Order a heaping pile of snow crab legs with butter and lemon, a Maine Lobster Roll, or a bucket of mussels, shell-on shrimp, or fresh oysters, and pair it with one of the 36 beers on tap. Burgers and Po’Boys, Fish & Chips, and baskets of shrimp, wings, or lobster bites are also excellent choices. And with a selection of about 100 beers available, Poor Phil’s feels like a year-round beer festival, especially on game days.
Scratch on Lake | 733 Lake Street, Oak Park
Committed to using only the freshest—never frozen—ingredients in all its dishes, Scratch on Lake offers a fresh take on gastropub favorites. The SKL Cuban and their Smash Burgers, made with prime cuts of brisket and chuck, house-ground daily, and served on locally sourced rolls, are a few standouts. We also salivate over their Mac & Cheese that begins with a roasted shallot Besciamella sauce—Try their truffle and mushroom version topped with slow-roasted pork! Scratch On Lake also boasts an incredible brunch menu, rotating specials, an impressive cocktail list, and a lively yet casual atmosphere, great for game days, trivia nights, and enjoying live music.
.jpg)
Irish Times Pub & Restaurant | 8869 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield
If you're a sports fan looking for the best spot to catch a game while enjoying delicious Irish-inspired pub fare and a perfect pour, look no further than Irish Times. Enjoy a classic corned beef sandwich on marble rye bread, tasty corned beef bites, or a mouth-watering Irish BLT with thick-cut Irish bacon, served with curry aioli. This charming pub offers plenty of private spaces that accommodate groups of all sizes, making it a perfect spot for watching the game with family and friends.
You can’t go wrong with an Irish pub classic, like Shepherd’s Pie, topped with stout gravy, mashed potatoes, and cheddar cheese, Corned Beef & Cabbage, or Guinness Beef Stew and soda bread. Beloved by locals, Irish Times has been named “Best Destination Pub in the Midwest” by Chicago’s Best and received the “Best Outdoor Patio” award from WXRT Radio.
Little Owl Social Club | 3747 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
The tri-level Little Owl Social Pub, which manages to be both modern with an industrial vibe and retro with its game-night coziness, takes you back to those carefree nights playing board games in the living room or those lazy afternoons playing arcade games, like Donkey Kong and Pac Man, in your parents’ basement. The pub, which hosts various events, such as weekly bar trivia, karaoke, and live music, is also a friendly spot to catch a tournament game on TV.
Relax at the bar with a shareable plate of your favorite pub eats, like Fried Pickles, Wings, or a Veggie Quesadilla. Try the street tacos with BBQ Pulled Pork, Buffalo Bacon Tots with bleu cheese crumbles, or something from the Grilled Cheese menu—we love the BBQ Porky with sharp cheddar, gouda, BBQ pulled pork, and caramelized onions on sourdough. There’s also a variety of chicken sandwiches and burgers, a drink list full of local Midwest craft brews and sodas, and creative cocktails.
Off Broadway Pub | 9048 Monroe Avenue, Brookfield
A welcoming pub with a great variety of beers, Off Broadway Pub offers cracker-style crust pizza, mouth-watering burgers, and award-winning wings. Locals love it for its friendly and fun customer service and great game-day atmosphere. Sit inside or out when the weather is nice, and enjoy good food, good drinks, and good company.
Phil's Sports Bar & Grill | 8901 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield
With an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere, plenty of TVs, and various entertainment options, Phil's Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect place to meet up with friends and have fun. Catch game day on 11 TVs, including six 55-inch screens, play pool or darts, and try your luck at video poker and slots. The bar offers daily drink specials and free popcorn for snacking, but locals come here for authentic Mexican favorites. Try the Three Taco Special with chicken, steak, or beef or the Tortas Dinner with steak, chicken, ham, or pork—you won’t be disappointed!
Pub 78 | 3733 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield
A beloved local pub with regular live music and plenty of TVs for a fantastic game-watching experience, Pub 78 serves delicious bar food, including pub snacks like chicken wings, fried pickle chips, cheese curds, pub-style pizza, Italian Beef, and a few sandwiches. For libations, check out the Moscow Mule menu—try the Irish Mule with Jameson, ginger beer, and lime juice—and the mason jar cocktails and boozy shakes.
Sebastian's Ale & Whiskey House | 8900 Fairview Avenue, Brookfield
A popular destination for sports enthusiasts, bacon lovers, and whiskey connoisseurs alike, Sebastian's Ale & Whiskey House offers an extensive whiskey list, a bacon-forward menu with creative options including an entire selection of bacon appetizers, and TVs located throughout the space so every seat offers a perfect view. Try the Bacon Mozzarella Sticks, Bacon Wrapped Pickle Spears, Bacon Mac & Cheese Eggrolls, or the Bacon Stuffed Avocado.
We like the homemade Meatloaf Dinner, Sebastian’s version of the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and the “build your own” burger menu, but the Sebastian Burger might tempt you, served with a 1/2 pound deep fried cheddar cheese block, bacon, fried egg, and layered with chili. Despite its dedication to bacon, there is also an extensive vegan menu. True to its name, Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House offers more than 50 craft beers on tap and more than 300 whiskey, scotch, and bourbon choices.
Zubar and Grill | 8436 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield
You’ll find a cozy neighborhood bar with a relaxed atmosphere inside this curious castle-like building at the Hollywood/Brookfield Zoo stop. Zubar and Grill offers a casual dining experience with delicious bar food, like chicken bites, fish tacos, and tasty wings, and reasonably priced drinks. The small dance floor fills up when the DJ plays old-school favorites on Friday nights, and plenty of TVs and gaming machines will keep you entertained every night.
.jpg)
FatDuck Tavern & Grill | 7218 Madison Street, Forest Park
The Duckfat Fries give this local favorite its name, but the friendly atmosphere earned it its feel-good reputation. The FatDuck Tavern & Grill serves up creative pub grub that is finger-licking good in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. Order the DuckFat Burger topped with brie, applewood bacon, and caramelized onion, and, of course, ask for a side of those Duckfat Fries with roasted garlic aioli, Mexican pesto, or chipotle ketchup dipping sauce.
Try the owner’s favorite, Pot Roast Nachos topped with pickled jalapeno, pico de gallo, chihuahua cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, the Mac & Cheese served in a cast iron skillet, or the BBQ Chicken Flatbread. Pair your meal with a craft beer, cider, house margarita, or a signature cocktail, like the Prickly Pear Spritz, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, prickly pear Syrup, and fresh Lime juice topped with prosecco.
O'Sullivan's Public House | 7244 Madison Street, Forest Park
The historical preservation at O’Sullivan’s Public House is apparent—the gorgeous copper ceiling and the terrazzo floor tile are authentic features from the original 1890s roadhouse—and many modern touches, like the all-season beer garden’s retractable roof, were added over the years to create a high-spirited Irish bar with a deep respect for local history. Friendly staff, good food, daily drink specials, and events, including trivia nights, live music, and sports, draw locals to this lively social spot.
Menu highlights include loaded french fries or tater tots, baked Mac & Cheese, and sliders—we love the filet sliders topped with arugula, bleu cheese crumbles, grilled onions, and horseradish sauce. Hungry? Try the Bison Burger, a robust half-pound patty made from 100 percent grass-fed beef, or Steph’s Grilled Pork Chops, bone-in cuts grilled with a spicy rub and topped with sautéed onions and peppers. Choose from various draft, craft, imported beers, and ciders, plus bubbles, wines, and cocktails to accompany your meal. There is also a late-night menu filled with shareable bar snacks.
The Goal Line Sports Bar | 9700 Franklin Ave Franklin Park, IL 60131
At The Goal Line Sports Bar, game day isn’t just about the score—it’s about community, camaraderie, and seriously good eats. This family-owned spot was built with the hometown sports fan in mind, offering a welcoming space where catching up with your neighbor over a plate of wings is just as common as celebrating a big win. Whether you’re gathering with friends, joining tables with fellow fans, or just looking for a break from the kitchen, The Goal Line makes you feel like part of the team.
Fuel up with their Greatest of All Time Nacho Platter, a towering creation loaded with house-made chili, crisp tortilla chips, chorizo, bacon, and their signature Green Chili Ranch. Craving fries? The First Place Fries come smothered in chorizo, cheese sauce, and more of that Green Chili Ranch magic, while the Franklin Park Fries deliver a garlicky, parmesan-packed punch. Pair your game-time feast with their crispy wings, hand-breaded tenders, or juicy smashburgers, and you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable sports bar experience. Win or lose, The Goal Line is the go-to spot where every night feels like a home game.
Underpass Lounge | 9400 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
Since 2006, Underpass Lounge has been Franklin Park’s go-to neighborhood bar for great food, ice-cold drinks, and the perfect spot to catch the game. Just minutes from O’Hare Airport and Rosemont’s hotels, it’s a laid-back hangout where both locals and travelers can kick back and unwind.
Famous for its daily specials and crave-worthy menu, Underpass Lounge serves up some of the best jumbo wings, crispy chicken tenders, and loaded cheese fries around. Their signature seasoned waffle fries—piled high with melted cheddar jack cheese and crispy applewood-smoked bacon—are a must-try, especially with a side of homemade Cajun ranch. From stacked sandwiches and juicy burgers to cheesy quesadillas, the menu is packed with delicious options that pair perfectly with a night out or a game-day gathering.
Barrel House Social | 100 West Burlington Avenue, La Grange
With a comfortable dining area, high-top tables in the bar, a lovely patio garden, and 11 high-definition TVs, Barrel House Social is a great place to meet friends and watch the games. The scratch kitchen offers American comfort food meant to be shared and savored. Start with Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a sriracha glaze, steamed Bao Buns, or Deviled Eggs topped with bacon and pickled shallots for the table. Then try Butternut Squash Gnocchi, Short Rib Pasta with braised short rib and a creamy tomato sauce, or Steak & Frites for your main course.
There are delicious salads, bowls, and sandwiches—we like the Shrimp Bowl, with quinoa, shaved cucumber, carrot, cabbage, avocado, toasted sesame seeds, bang bang sauce, and the BOTM Ruben. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are well-marked on the menu. The bar spotlights a local brewery of the month, an extensive list of craft beers, wine, cocktails, and seasonal specials. Try a craft cocktail, whiskey, or tequila flight and mocktails for the designated driver. Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm for the fantastic brunch menu featuring homemade Chilaquiles Rojos, Maple Bourbon Creme Brûlée, and Chicken + Biscuits served with hot honey.
MAK'S House | 46 South La Grange Road, La Grange
Watch your favorite team on one of 10 TVs at MAK’S House, where you can enjoy housemade wings seasoned with jerk-dry rub, garlic parmesan, sweet BBQ, Korean BBQ, or classic buffalo sauce or a burger. But not just any burger. MAK’s burgers, consistently rated #1 in the area, will satisfy your hunger and delight your imagination.
The El Chingon is a double patty with housemade habanero cream, bacon, and sliced cheddar topped with fresh, grilled-to-order jalapeno pepper; the Burger-Burger (so good you have to say its name twice!) is a double burger topped with cheddar and American cheese, chopped red onion, fresh pickles, and housemade dijonnaise dressing; and the “Yer My Boy Blue” is a single quarter-pound fresh-beef patty with blue cheese, grilled onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Cocktails are identified by colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink—and the margaritas, mojitos, and classics are light and refreshing.
Milk Money Brewing | 75 LaGrange Rd, La Grange, IL 60525
Milk Money Brewing is the kind of place where sports, craft beer, and seriously good food come together effortlessly. With big screens in just the right spots and a lineup of house-brewed beers that go down easy, it’s an ideal place to catch the game.
Whether you're cheering on your team with a cold pint in hand or diving into a plate of crispy cheese curds, chicharrones, or a warm Bavarian pretzel, there’s no shortage of game-day fuel. The energy is lively but never overwhelming, making it just as great for a night out with friends as it is for a casual solo stop at the bar. And if you stick around after the final whistle, you might just catch some live music—because at Milk Money, the good times don’t stop when the game does.
The Sweet Spot Tavern & Grill | 2531 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside
A bit of a local secret, but nevertheless a neighborhood bar everyone loves, The Sweet Spot Tavern & Grill combines a relaxed, local hangout atmosphere—an ideal spot for friends to gather, watch games, and unwind—with exceptional food and drink options. Menu highlights include mouthwatering burgers with perfectly cooked waffle fries, loaded nachos, and homemade burgers. Regular drink specials, video gaming, video poker and slot machines, and a beer garden make this a great spot to have fun with friends.
The Sandtrap Grill & Tap| 31 Forest Avenue, Riverside
This golf-themed bar and eatery, a recent addition to Riverside's dining scene, was opened by a trio of longtime friends. The daily menu includes burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and hot wings that had locals buzzing right away. These hot—but not too hot!—drums and flats are marinated, fried, and sauced with barbecue, garlic-Parmesan, or a custom-blended buffalo sauce.
On the drink menu, try The Betty, a specialty drink made with Malibu rum mixed with pineapple, mango, and cranberry juice. This staycation-worthy cocktail is joined on the menu by The Sandtrap’s popular Paloma, which is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and spicy Tajin. What could be a better place for gathering with friends than a place designed by friends for friends?