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Best Bars To Watch College Football In Chicago

While it's relatively easy to catch a Bear's game in any Chicago sports bar, it can be a little more difficult to catch your favorite college sporting event. Whether you're watching your old alma mater or a rival team, college football can be a great change from the standard NFL game. Oftentimes, sports bars hosting college football games offer great specials on food and beverages. Take advantage of some of the sports bars in Chicago, both big and small, and watch the big game on multiple flat-screen televisions. Located all around the city, you will be sure to find a neighborhood bar that suits your preferences and budget.

Durkin's
810 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 525-2515
www.bar1events.com/durkins

Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, Durkin's holds the title of being the oldest North Side venue. Known as a local, friendly bar to watch the Steelers or a Penn State game, Durkin's is also great for its daily specials on food and drinks. Shot specials are the norm at Durkin's, but the 50-cent Bud Light Thursdays and the $20 House Party Friday specials are the most popular. If you're looking to watch the game without breaking the bank, Durkin's is great for the young crowd.

The Wild Goose Bar & Grill
4265 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 281-7112
www.wildgoosebar.com

Located in the North Center neighborhood in Chicago, The Wild Goose Bar & Grill has a neighborhood bar kind of feel even if you may not live nearby. Supporting Michigan State sports, there are 15 flat-screen televisions and two projection screens to choose from when watching college football. There are 24 beers on tap and a number of cider options for those not fond of beer. With a selection of typical bar food mixed with some contemporary specialties, regulars often come in for the Monday special of 20-cent wings or the Wild Fries.

The Fifty/50
2047 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-5050
www.thefifty50.com

Unlike other bars that seem to cram their favorite team down the throats of visitors, The Fifty/50 is proud to host all of the big games without team preference. This is a three-level venue with two full bars and 19 flat-screen televisions. Guests will feel confident that no matter where they sit, there will be a clear view of the game. Weekly and daily specials on food and drinks help to make this Ukrainian Village neighborhood bar a worthwhile visit.

Related: Best Upcoming Pub Crawls In Chicago

Redmond's Ale House
3358 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 404-2151
www.bar1events.com/redmonds

In the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, Redmond's Ale House hosts both Wisconsin and Minnesota sports. There are daily and weekly specials, including buffet specials for the food menu. While most sports bars often offer traditional shot and beer specials, women aren't forgotten at this venue. Take advantage of the Monday and Wednesday drink specials for Pinnacle flavored vodka drinks for only $3, and prove that sports bars aren't just for men.

Joe's Bar
940 W. Weed St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 337-3486
www.joesbar.com

Joe's Bar on Weed Street is the ultimate sports and entertainment bar in the city. With over 110 flat-screen televisions in this 20,000-square-foot venue, Joe's hosts both professional and college sporting events. College alumni groups like the Fighting Illini and the Indiana Hoosiers make their home at Joe's, and visitors can be assured the big game will be playing while enjoying the food and drinks at Joe's. The food menu includes everything from pizza and tacos to salads and pulled pork, while the drink menu has a wide selection of beer and cocktails.

Related: Best Places For Families To Watch The Big Game In Chicago

Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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