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College Bars in Chicago — Find Your Team's Alumni Bar

By 312Deals Team · Updated April 2026

58 college alumni bars for 29 teams across 21 Chicago neighborhoods. Whether it's football Saturday, March Madness, or a random Tuesday night game — find where your people watch.

29
Teams
58
Bars
21
Hoods
200
Deals

Game Day Deals200 specials across Chicago

Edison Park InnSunday Game Day SpecialsPortage Park
Soule ChicagoGame Day Wings & Lemon DropsNorth Lawndale
Almost Home TavernCubs Opening Day SpecialsLakeview
Country ClubCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
The Cubby BearCubs Opening Day — Drive 97.1 FM LiveWrigleyville
Gman TavernCubs Opening Day — Malt Row SpecialsWrigleyville
Billy Goat Tavern (Wrigleyville)Cubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
The Graystone TavernCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
Home Away From HomeCubs Opening Day — Brews & Buns PackagesWrigleyville
Konbini And KanpaiCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
Kincade's WrigleyvilleCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
Merkle'sCubs Opening Day — Velocity Music FestivalWrigleyville
STRETCH BAR/GRILLCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
The Sports CornerCubs Opening Day SpecialWrigleyville
Stolen SaddleCubs Opening Day SpecialsWrigleyville
Yakzie'S Bar & GrillCubs Opening Day — 93XRT CelebrationWrigleyville
Tin RoofCubs Opening DayWrigleyville
Rizzo'S Bar & InnCubs Opening Day — Kiss FM LiveWrigleyville
Output On Clark StreetCubs Opening DayWrigleyville
CODY'S PUBLIC HOUSESweet 16 Happy HourLakeview
CODY'S PUBLIC HOUSEMarch Madness Elite 8 — Sam Adams Spin CompetitionLakeview
CODY'S PUBLIC HOUSEMarch Madness Elite 8 — Blue Moon Slam Dunk ContestLakeview
CODY'S PUBLIC HOUSEFinal Four Watch Party + High Noon Ball SpinLakeview
CODY'S PUBLIC HOUSENational Championship Watch Party — New BelgiumLakeview
Goose Island Beer CompanyUnited Center Game Day DiscountHumboldt Park
View all 200 tournament deals

Find Your Team's Bar

Not just bars with TVs — these are where alumni communities gather. Fight songs, team gear, and people who care about the outcome.

More Tournament Teams

Lakeview
Lakeview
Lincoln Park
Lakeview
Lakeview
KentuckyThe Pony Inn
Lakeview
Lakeview
Loyola RamblersCunneen's
Rogers Park
MarquetteFour Shadows
Lincoln Park
River North
Lakeview
Lakeview
Southern Illinois SalukisBrownstone Tavern & Grill
North Center
Lakeview
Texas A&MThe Pony Inn
Lakeview
River North
Wrigleyville

By Neighborhood

Tips for March Madness in Chicago

Arrive early. Alumni bars pack out for noon tip-offs. Be there by 11 AM on Thursday/Friday.
Sound on. These bars play your team's game with sound — not a screen in the corner.
Fill out a bracket. Hawkeye's, Fatpour, and Twin Peaks all run bracket pools with prizes.
Check the deals. Bucket specials, wing deals, shot wheels — search tournament deals.

FAQ

Where can I watch college games in Chicago?
Chicago has 58+ college alumni bars across 21 neighborhoods. Iowa has 7 bars (Four Shadows, Easy Street Pizza + more). Ohio State has 7 bars (Vaughan'S Pub, Gaslight + more). Illinois has 5 bars (The Pony Inn, Joe's on Weed St. + more). Michigan has 5 bars (Avondale Tap, Blue Bayou + more). Most have big screens, game day drink specials, and die-hard fan crowds.
What are the best game day deals at college bars in Chicago?
We track 200+ game day deals across Chicago — bucket specials, wing deals, drink discounts, and early openings on game days. Most college bars run specials whenever their team plays.
Which college teams have alumni bars in Chicago?
29 teams have dedicated bars: Iowa, Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Purdue, Texas, Kansas, Florida, and more. Lakeview alone has 14+ college bars — it's the alumni bar capital of Chicago.
Do I need a reservation at a college bar?
Most alumni bars are first-come, first-served. For big-draw teams (Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Notre Dame), arrive 30-60 minutes before kick-off or tip-off on rivalry weekends and during March Madness.

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College team affiliations sourced from alumni chapters, venue websites, and community knowledge. Missing a bar? Submit it. Updated April 7, 2026.