Best Bars To Watch The NBA Finals In Chicago
By Natalie Kuchik
With so many places around the city to watch sports, it may be challenging to pick out the perfect bar to watch the NBA finals in Chicago. Whether you like to watch basketball with a big crowd or an intimate group, the perfect bar is out there waiting to be found. If your ideal sports bar has a wide selection of beers to choose from, a lively environment, and more televisions than you have fingers and toes, check out one of these five local establishments.
Mother Hubbard's Sports Pub
5 W Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 828-0007
www.motherhubbardschicago.com
Hours: Sun to Fri - 11 a.m. to 4 a.m, Sat - 11 a.m. to 5 a.m
Click here for a list of events
Mother Hubbard's is one of the best bars to watch the NBA finals in Chicago because of its late hours. The bar stays open until 4 a.m. and the kitchen stays open late serving a wide selection of American food and draft beer. With 40 televisions placed around the upper walls of the bar, there is never a bad seat in the house, especially since most are HDTVs. The bar does not look like much from the outside, but inside there is a lively and fun-filled atmosphere. If planning to watch the games at this Chicago bar, bring cash, because there is a $10 minimum for credit cards.
The Other Side Bar
2436 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 525-8238
www.theothersidebar.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri - 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Click here for a list of events
Located in Lincoln Park, The Other Side Bar is the perfect spot to watch the NBA finals for those who like drink specials and reasonably priced quality food. Every day hosts its own drink special, so no matter what night the NBA finals fall on, so you'll be able to drink without breaking the bank. The Other Side is an intimate Chicago neighborhood bar, so it is better for those flying solo or in a small group. Try the pizza and enjoy the game shown on one of the bar's many televisions, which all have surround sound.
Crew Bar + Grill
4804 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-2739
www.worldsgreatestbar.com
Hours: Mon to Wed - 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Thurs to Fri - 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sun - 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events
Crew Bar + Grill is a gay sports bar located in Uptown, but it is one of the best Chicago bars to watch the NBA finals no matter what your sexuality may be. The drink menu has over 60 beers, 17 original martini creations and 16 different specialty shots. No matter what type of alcoholic beverage you want to drink while watching the NBA finals, this Chicago bar has you covered. For your game day viewing enjoyment, the bar houses 20 HDTVs, which hang from the ceiling and line the walls.
260 Sports Bar
260 W 26th St
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 706-8100
www.260sportsbar.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri to Sat - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events
Opened at the end of 2010, the 260 Sports Bar is one of the best new(ish) bars to watch the NBA finals at in Chicago. The interior is very spacious with a large wrap around bar and plenty of high top tables and chairs. If you are looking to watch the NBA finals on a big screen, then head over to the 260 Sports Bar, because the back wall has a 150 inch projection screen for viewing pleasure. That is not your only option, though; the bar houses 20 plasma flat screens.
Joe's Sports Bar
940 W Weed St.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 337-3487
www.joesbar.com
Hours: Mon to Thurs - 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Fri - 5 p.m. to 4 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. to 5 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Joe's Sports Bar in Chicago allows patrons to watch the NBA finals on plasma televisions and HD projector screens. With over 100 televisions, an outdoor patio, and a 2,000 capacity limit, this is one of the best bars to watch the NBA finals if you're rolling with a large group. This Chicago bar also offers game day table reservations, which can be made online. A four top table reservation costs $25, and a reservation for six to eight people costs $50. Make sure to hit up your bank's ATM before going to Joe's, because this is a cash only establishment.
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Natalie Kuchik is a longtime freelance writer living in Chicago. She enjoys interviewing bands, reviewing concerts, and writing about all things entertainment related. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
