Local News
/ CBS Chicago
By Natalie Kuchik
There is no need to take an expensive cab ride across town, because the best bars to watch UFC fights in Chicago are scattered around the city. No matter what part of Chicago you are located in, there are a number of great local bars in which to catch an MMA fight while eating good food and drinking reasonably priced beverages. Just remember to get to the bar early on fight nights, because these Chicago venues can get packed fast, especially the ones that do not charge a cover.
Logan Square/Bucktown Area: Tap Room
2218 N Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-3622
Hours: Mon to Fri - 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
It may look like a rundown hole in the wall bar from the outside, but the Tap Room has a sleek and clean interior complete with big screen televisions inside. The bar's marquee always says what UFC fight will be shown that night, and there is no cover charge to enjoy watching the fight. The Tap Room is one of the best bars to watch UFC fights in Chicago because of the laid back atmosphere, full bar and cheap food. Located in the Logan Square/Bucktown area, this Chicago bar is easily located near the Western stop on the blue line.
DePaul Area: Four Shadows
2758 N Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-9160
www.fourshadows.net
Hours: Mon to Fri - 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
If you are looking for a Chicago bar that shows UFC fights in the Lincoln Park/DePaul area, then Four Shadows is going to be your new favorite place. UFC fights are shown on big screen televisions, which are placed all around the bar ensuring there is not a bad seat in the house. This Chicago bar also has fight day drink specials, which include $5 Jager Bombs, $4 twenty-two ounce Miller Lite Stadium Cups and $8 Pitchers of Miller Lite. The specials also apply on Chicago Bears, University of Iowa and Marquette University game days, so this is a sports lover's dream bar. Aside from a full bar, Four Shadows also offers a full menu, which includes a wide selection of appetizers, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and desserts.
Lakeview Area: Sports Corner Restaurant & Lounge
956 W Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 929-1441
www.sportscornerwrigley.com
Hours: Sun to Fri - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
This Chicago bar is located in the Lakeview area near the Addison red line stop. It is easy place to spot because the bar is located near Wrigley and has a green exterior. Sports Corner Restaurant & Lounge serves quality food and drinks and provides plenty of televisions in which to view the UFC fight. The bar's numerous televisions line the walls in such a way to let you watch the UFC fight without straining your neck. Sports Corner is also very spacious, meaning you'll be watching the fights in a comfortable environment without ever feeling crammed.
Related: Best Restaurants With A View
Irving Park Area: Leader Bar
3000 W Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-2337
www.leaderbar.com
Hours: Mon to Fri, Sun - 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Leader Bar is one of the best bars to watch UFC fights at in the Irving Park area. The venue has a casual setting in a sleek atmosphere. There are over 20 HDTVs to watch the UFC fight, and it is even a family friendly bar. The beer selection is plentiful with 14 draft selections and 30 bottle selections. Leader Bar is not just a bar, but also a full service restaurant, which is convenient for those who want to catch a fight but also want to bring along the kiddos. For those living in the Irving Park area, this is also a great place to catch Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks games. There's something for every kind of sport lover at Leader bar.
Lincoln Park Area: Kendall's Food & Spirits
2263 North Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 348-7200
www.kendallsbar.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat - 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, this Chicago bar is a great place to watch the fight, especially if you are in college. Kendall's Food & Spirits is fun for anyone of drinking age, but a young college crowd tends to gravitate here, so if you want to steer clear of rowdy crowds, you might be better off somewhere else. You can sip on a wide variety of beer and liquor while enjoying the fights on a big screen television. The college atmosphere also makes this one of Chicago's best place to catch Wildcats games. No If you are planning to just have a beer or two, remember to bring cash because this Chicago bar has a $20 minimum for all credit cards.
Related: Chicago's Top Bars For Niche Sports
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.
