Can't Make The Trip: Five Parties That Make You Feel Like You're At A Bears Game
Tailgating enthusiasts can hardly be deterred when it comes to supporting their team. Bears fans aren't discouraged by the scorching Chicago summers or even the blistering cold winters. However, when it comes to away games, Bears fans must be a little bit more creative in order to partake in tailgating festivities. Although there are sports bars all over the Chicago area, there are certain venues that cater to tailgating parties.
Soldier Field Skyline Suite
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 235-7000
www.soldierfield.net
When it comes to throwing a tailgating party for an away game, there is no better venue than Soldier Field. There are outdoor event rentals, stadium field rentals and indoor event rentals that are offered at a variety of different price ranges. The Skyline Suite holds 125 people and if that doesn't suit your needs, there are smaller stadium luxury suites available for rent for all different types of events. This would be a great place to hold a private tailgating party and even cater from Delaware North Companies, the exclusive caterer at Soldier Field for all stadium and special events. With unbeatable views and wall-to-wall, flat-screen televisions, tailgaters can feel the excitement of being at the Bears game even while the team's away.
Harry Caray's Tavern, Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-9700
www.harrycaraystavern.com
Harry Caray's has weekly tailgating specials every Sunday for home and away games. The party starts at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a selection of brunch tailgating items. Then, there are Harry's Tailgate Specials that are offered throughout the day. On top of specialty tailgating food, there is a bloody Mary bar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with everything from house-infused jalapeño tequila to house-infused bacon vodka. Away-game tailgaters have discounted parking and the option of watching the game on any of the 30 HDTVs located inside or on the patio.
Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field
Allstars Sports Bar & Grill
205 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 977-1010
www.allstarschicago.com
Experience the same great food you would enjoy in the tailgating parking lots except without the setup, cleanup and hassle. Allstars offers private party packages that feature tailgating classics like hamburgers and skewers but with the addition of pizza, pastas and chicken wings. There is a 25-person minimum to book your tailgating party at Allstars but there are prices and packages to suit anyone's budget. With over 25 televisions to watch the game and a sports museum and memorabilia center, people will feel like they're tailgating in a friendly environment filled with team spirit.
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
622 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-0700
www.timothyotooles.com
Making the list for countless features on the best sports bars in Chicago, there is no doubt that Timothy O'Toole's Pub is a great venue to host a tailgating party. There are 45 televisions, a dartboard, three pool tables and free wireless internet access. The jukebox will keep the party going with more than 100,000 songs to choose from. There are two private party rooms with the ability to cater towards a small group of just 36 people or even a large group of over 400.
Related: A Rookie's Guide To Tailgating In Chicago
Mother Hubbard's
5 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 828-0007
www.motherhubbardschicago.com
Open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Mother Hubbard's is the perfect place to watch a Bears away game. This is definitely a party atmosphere with a huge variety of food with everything from enchiladas to whole BBQ rib slabs or rotisserie chickens. Tailgating fans will be thrilled to hear that even Mike Tice, the Offensive Coordinator for the Chicago Bears, has stopped in to Mother Hubbard's to celebrate after the Bears opening-day victory at Soldier Field. There is free wireless internet service for those looking to get up-to-date game info right at their table and people will feel they are right at the game with Mother Hubbard's giant televisions.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at TailgateFan.com.
Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about Asian community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
