Best Sochi Olympics Viewing Parties In Chicago
If you couldn't make it to Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics, you're in luck. The Chicago bars below will be hosting viewing parties to make you feel a part of all the Olympic action.
Sochi-inspired Cocktails and Worldly Brews
The 2014 Winter Olympic Games are almost upon us! On Friday, February 7, Franklin Tap and Cactus Bar & Grill will hold Opening Ceremony viewing parties starting at 6:30 p.m. Both loop-located venues will welcome guests to watch the ceremony, taking place in Sochi, Russia, while sipping Olympic-inspired cocktails and brews. The featured drinks (outlined below) will be available from February 3 to February 22.
The Winter Olympic Games will be shown at Franklin Tap and Cactus Bar & Grill daily (Monday-Saturday), starting at 11 a.m. Guests may enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks while cheering on the USA teams in skiing, curling, luge, skating, snowboarding and more.
Franklin Tap ( 325 S. Franklin Street) will feature brews from around the world: Morland Old Crafty Hen (England, 6.5%, 12oz, $7); Moretti La Rossa (Italy, 7.2%, 13oz, $7); Weihenstephaner Vitus (Germany, 7.7%, 17oz, $8); Tripel Karmeliet (Belgium, 8.4%, 12oz, $7); and Molson Canadian (Canada, 5%, 16oz, $4).
Cactus Bar & Grill ( 404 S. Wells Street) will feature Sochi-inspired cocktails: Black Russian (Russian Standard vodka, Kahlua, $8); Moscow Mule (Russian Standard vodka, ginger beer, $8); Tolstoy Tang (Russian Standard vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, $8); and The Russian Way (Russian Standard vodka, chilled, served as a shot, $7).
Olympwick's
Once the torch officially arrives in Sochi, Russia this February, Chicagoans will be competing in their own rendition of the Winter Olympics at Sedgwick's (1935 N Sedgwick St. ) Third 'Olympwick's' Games. With the Golden Trophy as the ultimate prize in mind, guests will battle it out through the two-week worldwide competition in a variety of Olympic-themed events and bar games right here in Chicago.
Olympwick's Games include and are not limited to:
• Alpine Challenge: Two contestants are presented with a Sedgwick's Tater Tot Mountain covered in bacon, queso and sour cream. Whichever 'athlete' cleans their plate first is crowned champ!
• Ice Luge Competition: Sedgwick's signature shots will slide down the icy 'shot slope' as drinkers compete to slurp the liquid creations the quickest.
• Biathlon Battle: Get competitive in this two-part battle as guests take two 'shots', one with a beverage and one with a Nerf gun! Hit the target and advance to the next round.
• Stacked Ski Jump: Competitors will apply their beer pong skills and battle it out in a race to shot, sip and then stack their three glasses first.
On Sunday, February 23 at 5pm, participants are invited to Sedgwick's during the closing ceremonies to toast to victory as the bronze and silver medals and the gold trophy will be awarded. Winning teams can revel in conquest as each will receive complimentary items from the bar and sponsoring brands.
Sedgwick's 'Olympwick's' Games will take place on Thursdays- February 13 and 20 and Sundays- February 9, 16 and 23. Participation is complimentary. The Winter Olympic Games will be available for viewing from February 7-23.
Bites of Glory - Ten Days of Olympic Burgers
In honor of the 2014 Olympic games, Kirkwood Bar & Grill (2934 N Sheffield Ave) will feature 'Bites of Glory - Ten Days of Olympic Burgers'.
The burger themed event will take place February 10-21st. Burgers will be inspired by the following countries (in date order): Greece, Spain, Russia, Brazil, France, Japan, Jamaica, Great Britain, Italy, USA.
Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago
Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.
