Best Sports Bars in the Gold Coast
Benchmark
Say hello to Chicago’s first convertible beer garden! Benchmark offers a lively atmosphere tucked into an industrial setting that is perfect for get-togethers, a night on the town or grabbing a bite to eat. But no matter your reason for visiting, you can be sure of two things—great food and never missing a moment of game day action. Their venue has over 40 TVs scattered throughout. Craving some fresh air? Their rooftop patio won’t only satisfy your craving, but it is a fantastic spot to catch up with friends over a shareable cocktail like the 96 oz Big Ass Mule or a fishbowl of Giggle Juice (sparkling rosé, strawberry, vodka, lemonade, and Sprite).
Topgolf Swing Suite 900
Tired of just watching sports and want to be right in the action? This top Gold Coast sports bar is a must! And not just for golf lovers. Beyond working on your golf game using one of the simulators (and maybe an in-house golf pro to give you tips), they also offer other simulated sports such as baseball, football, hockey, and zombie dodgeball. Great for groups of 1 - 6 to compete. Watch the big game on your simulator room’s HDTV while your friends tee off or order a bite to eat. They have perfected classics like crispy wings and juicy hamburgers, as well as unique creations such as their truffle parmesan waffle fries. But no matter what you decide to order, don’t forget to check out their drink menu. They have everything from $5 beers and wines to expertly crafted cocktails—the perfect refreshments for scoring that hattrick, hitting a home run, or obliterating zombies with dodgeballs!
She-nannigans
There is no doubt that this Irish pub is a great place to watch sports, but to say it is simply a sports bar would be remiss. Step inside and you will find two bars ready to serve you the drink of your choice. Grab a table to catch up with friends and fill your stomach. Or get your game on with darts, basketball, ping pong, and Jenga. Karaoke also happens nightly on their stage—they were the first bar on the street to build a stage for live entertainment. However, that isn’t all they were the first to do. Rewind to the 1970s when it was illegal for any woman to tend bar if they weren’t related to the owner. This Gold Coast bar not only employed woman bartenders of no relation, but they were the first bar in Chicago to employ all female bartenders. Hence, the name—She-nannigans. If that silly old law makes you mad, feel free to take it out on this bar’s punching machine.
Hopsmith Chicago
Want to catch an early weekend game? Head on over to Hopsmith Chicago to enjoy it with brunch! Brunch runs until 3pm every Saturday and Sunday with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to try their Oreo stuffed buttermilk pancakes drizzled with caramel sauce and Rumchata cream. Or, if you prefer something a bit more savory, there is always their delightful breakfast nachos. Of course, you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy this sports bar though. With two levels, an old Volkswagen behind one bar, loads of comfy leather seating, and multiple big-screen TVs, there is plenty of room and charm to enjoy all days of the week.
Play Chicago Kitchen & Cocktails
While this certainly isn’t the best Gold Coast sports bar if you want a quiet place to catch the big game, there is always a ton of fun to be had! With this hotspot that melds both a sports bar and a night club you get all of the comfort of a homey hole-in-the-wall bar, but without the outdated decor. It has sleek leather booths and colored lighting effects throughout giving it a playful and modern aesthetic. If you aren’t interested in the sports playing on the TVs, show off your best moves on the dance floor, which frequently features a live DJ. Feeling thirsty or snacky after shaking your booty? Hit up the bar for a craft cocktail and some classic American bar fare.
