Where To Watch Chicago Bears

When the roar of the crowd echoes through Soldier Field and the iconic navy and orange of the Chicago Bears take the field, fans worldwide seek the best ways to experience the game. While attending in person is unparalleled, the vibrant spirit of Chicago extends to numerous venues and experiences for those wishing to watch the Bears play. This guide focuses on immersing yourself in the game-day atmosphere, exploring the local scene, and discovering prime locations to cheer on your team from afar, all within the realm of tourism.

Table of Contents

Prime Viewing Destinations in Chicago

For the ultimate in-city Bears experience outside of the stadium, Chicago offers a plethora of establishments that transform into electrifying hubs on game days. These locations don’t just show the game; they curate an entire fan experience, blending the thrill of the sport with the city’s unique character.

Sports Bars and Grills: The Heartbeat of Game Day

Chicago boasts a legendary bar scene, and on Chicago Bears game days, certain establishments truly shine. These are the places where the energy is palpable, the camaraderie is infectious, and the shared passion for the team is a unifying force.

The Globe Pub: A perennial favorite, The Globe Pub is renowned for its dedication to all sports, with a special place in its heart for the Bears. Expect multiple screens, an extensive beer selection, and a crowd that knows every chant and cheer. Its atmosphere is quintessentially Chicagoan, making it a top-tier destination for any football aficionado.
Old Crow Smokehouse: Located in the bustling River North neighborhood, Old Crow Smokehouse offers a lively environment with a Southern flair. They often have game-day specials and a robust setup for watching sports, ensuring you don’t miss a single touchdown or crucial defensive stand. The combination of good food, drinks, and a high-energy crowd makes it a compelling choice.
Duffy’s Tavern & Grille: With multiple locations across Chicago, Duffy’s Tavern & Grille has cultivated a reputation for being a true neighborhood sports bar. They are consistently packed on game days, offering a no-frills, authentic experience where the focus is squarely on the game and the shared excitement of the fans.
Wicked Barley: For those on the north side, Wicked Barley provides a welcoming atmosphere for Bears fans. Known for its craft beer selection and friendly service, it’s a great spot to settle in for the entire game and enjoy the local scene.

Beyond the Bars: Unique Game Day Experiences

While sports bars are a go-to, Chicago also offers more unique ways to experience a Bears game, blending culinary delights with sports enthusiasm.

Hotel Lounges and Restaurants: Many hotels throughout the city, particularly those in the downtown core and near major attractions like the Magnificent Mile, feature dedicated sports lounges or restaurants. These often provide a more comfortable, sometimes more upscale, viewing experience with high-quality food and beverage service. Some may even host special viewing parties with themed menus or appearances.
Brewery Taprooms: Chicago has a thriving craft brewery scene. Many taprooms, while focused on their beer, are equipped with screens to show major sporting events, including Bears games. This offers a chance to sample local brews while cheering on the team in a relaxed, communal setting. Look for breweries in neighborhoods like Lincoln Square or West Loop for a diverse range of options.

Experiencing Bears Fandom Beyond Chicago

For fans unable to make it to the Windy City, the spirit of the Chicago Bears travels with them. Many establishments across the country cater to NFL fan bases, and the Bears have a strong following that can be found in many unexpected places.

National Hubs for Bears Nation

Across the United States, dedicated Bears bars and fan clubs ensure that even away from Chicago, the navy and orange are proudly represented. These locations offer a taste of home for transplanted fans and a welcoming environment for anyone looking to join the camaraderie.

New York City: In a city with its own rich sports history, New York City hosts several venues known to be Bears havens. Bars in neighborhoods like the East Village or Midtown often feature dedicated viewing parties, drawing in fans from the Tri-State area. These gatherings can be just as passionate as those found in Chicago.
Los Angeles: For fans on the West Coast, Los Angeles offers a surprising number of spots where Bears fans congregate. Areas known for their nightlife and diverse crowds, such as West Hollywood or parts of the San Fernando Valley, are often home to bars that screen every Bears game.
Denver: Even in cities with their own dominant NFL teams, dedicated fan bases for other teams persist. Denver, with its own passionate football culture, still hosts gatherings for Chicago Bears fans. These communities often form through online groups and then coalesce at specific sports bars, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Leveraging Online Resources for Fan Communities

Beyond physical locations, the digital age has made it easier than ever for Chicago Bears fans to connect and find viewing opportunities.

Official Fan Club Websites: The Chicago Bears organization often maintains lists of official fan clubs and their meeting locations across the country. These resources are invaluable for finding established communities.

Social Media and Online Forums: Platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and dedicated sports forums are excellent places to discover impromptu or informal game-watching meetups in various cities. Searching for “[Chicago Bears] + [City Name] + Fan Club” can yield great results.

Enhancing the Game Day Experience: Local Flavors and Activities

Watching a Chicago Bears game is more than just viewing the match; it’s an opportunity to engage with the local culture and culinary scene, whether you’re in Chicago or seeking an authentic experience elsewhere.

Culinary Pairings for Bears Games

The perfect game day is often enhanced by the right food and drinks. Chicago and its culinary landscape offer iconic choices that perfectly complement the excitement of a Bears victory.

Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza: No discussion of Chicago food is complete without mentioning deep-dish pizza. While you might associate it with sit-down restaurants, many sports bars offer excellent versions or have partnerships with local pizzerias. Brands like Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s are synonymous with this iconic dish. Sharing a pie with fellow fans is a quintessential Chicago experience.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Another essential Chicago culinary staple is the Chicago-style hot dog, famously “dragged through the garden” with its array of toppings: yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Many sports bars and even some specialized hot dog stands will serve these up, providing an authentic taste of the city.
Craft Beer Scene: Chicago has a robust and diverse craft beer scene. Pairing a local brew with the game adds another layer of local flavor. From established breweries to newer artisanal operations, there’s a beer to suit every palate and every game-day mood.

Pre-Game Rituals and Post-Game Celebrations

The game day experience often extends beyond the 60 minutes of play. Many fans incorporate pre-game rituals and post-game celebrations into their routine.

Tailgating Culture (When Applicable): While not always possible for every game or venue, the spirit of tailgating is alive and well for many Bears fans. This involves gathering in parking lots or nearby areas before heading into the stadium or a bar, enjoying food, drinks, and football camaraderie. Even if you’re not at Soldier Field, some bars might offer outdoor spaces that capture a similar vibe.
Exploring Neighborhoods: If you’re watching the game in Chicago, consider exploring the neighborhood where your chosen viewing spot is located. Many of these areas have unique shops, parks, and other attractions that can be enjoyed before or after the game, enhancing your overall tourism experience. For example, a game watched in Wicker Park could be preceded by browsing vintage shops or enjoying a coffee.
Post-Game Analysis and Celebration: Whether it’s a thrilling victory or a hard-fought loss, the post-game discussion is a crucial part of the fan experience. Many bars will keep the atmosphere lively, allowing fans to dissect plays, celebrate successes, or commiserate together. This shared emotional journey is a key aspect of being a fan.

Planning Your Bears Viewing Trip

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, planning your Chicago Bears game day experience requires a bit of foresight to ensure you can soak in all the excitement and local flavor that Chicago and its fan community have to offer.

Navigating Chicago on Game Day

Chicago is a major metropolis with a comprehensive public transportation system, which is often the best way to navigate on game days, especially around Soldier Field.

Public Transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers extensive bus and rail services. The ‘L’ train, in particular, is a convenient way to reach many popular viewing spots in different neighborhoods. Consider purchasing a Ventra card for easy tap-and-go travel.
Ride-Sharing Services: Apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city and can be a convenient option, especially for groups or if you’re heading to a less accessible location. However, be prepared for potential surge pricing and increased wait times on game days.
Walking and Biking: For exploring specific neighborhoods before or after the game, walking or using a bike-share program like Divvy can be enjoyable and efficient ways to get around.

Choosing Your Viewing Venue

The choice of where to watch the Chicago Bears can significantly impact your experience. Consider what you’re looking for in terms of atmosphere, food, and crowd.

Atmosphere: Do you prefer a loud, energetic, packed house, or a more relaxed setting with fewer crowds?
Food and Drink: Are you looking for classic sports bar fare, or are you interested in trying local culinary specialties? Is a wide selection of craft beers important to you?
Location: Are you looking to stay in a specific neighborhood, or are you willing to travel to find the “best” spot?
Fan Base: While many bars welcome all fans, some have a particularly strong Bears following, which can enhance the shared experience.

By considering these factors and utilizing the information provided, fans can craft memorable game day experiences, immersing themselves in the passion and local culture that surrounds the Chicago Bears, whether they’re cheering from the stands at Soldier Field or from a lively sports bar across the country.

LifeOutOfTheBox is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.