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Live sports and pretzels in Illinois

You need a place that serves a good pretzel while the live sports are playing.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Modern bar with updated look and separate slot room offers a chill atmosphere and great vibe for relaxing or watching games. Music can be loud, especially on Friday nights with DJs. Food features scratch-made dishes like smash burgers and wings, often praised as some of the best around.

New ownership brings a livelier atmosphere for watching games. Multiple new TVs show all NFL games with the NFL ticket package. Specials run during NFL games add to the experience.

Pretzel bites come highly recommended and pair well with the smash burger. They offer a tasty, shareable option alongside other favorites like wings and cheese curds.

People are saying

"The food here is elevated bar food, made with care."

"Bianca and Tyler were amazing bartenders with infectious smiles."

"The food here is amazing, especially the wings."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 minimum for credit card payments.

2

BINGO on Wednesday nights is fun with a few tequilas and friends.

3

A DJ performs every Friday night, enhancing the weekend vibe.

02
The Red Barn Restaurant and Brewery image 1

Rustic space with live classic rock music and craft beers brewed on-site creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Polished bar and wood-paneled supper club add to the cozy, inviting vibe. Activities like darts and billiards offer casual entertainment alongside dining.

Game nights bring a lively atmosphere with screens showing playoff games and events like the Kentucky Derby. It offers a solid spot to watch the Cubs and other sports with a crowd.

Pretzels come giant and hot with a crispy outside and soft, chewy inside. They serve them with big chunks of salt and two dips: cheese and hot mustard.

People are saying

"The American food, like the fried chicken, is delicious and satisfying."

"These giant soft pretzels are hot, fluffy, and salty."

"The food here is great, especially the bar food."

Good to know

1

Half-price pizza is available on Thursdays.

2

Live music occurs on Saturday nights.

3

Game night features food specials on game days.

03
The Wooden Nickel Pub and Grill image 1

Rustic bar and grill offers multiple seating options including covered and uncovered patios with dog-friendly spaces. Continuous country music plays, sometimes loud, with a jukebox for variety. TVs and video gambling machines add to the lively atmosphere where locals often know each other.

Lots of TVs with games create a solid sports-watching setup. The vibe fits a neighborhood sports bar where hockey games, especially the Blues, play regularly.

Pretzel bites come crisp and plentiful, served with a cheese sauce that complements their flavor. Pretzel sticks also appear as a recommended appetizer option.

People are saying

"The patio seating here is available year-round and feels perfect."

"The American food here is amazing, especially the huge nachos."

"I enjoyed the food and drinks while watching live sports."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and is very popular.

2

The pub is dog-friendly, with a patio that accommodates pets.

3

A service charge is added for credit card payments, so check your bill.

04
Rizzo's Bar & Inn image 1

Big, spacious bar with a huge glassed-in, open-air patio offers dozens of TVs and an 80-inch screen for watching games. Atmosphere shifts between electric excitement on game days and intimate gatherings with varied seating options. Outdoor area and retractable roof maintain comfort while hosting lively celebrations or private events.

Huge glassed-in, open-air patio offers a fun vibe and giant screens for watching games. Plenty of large screen TVs and a spacious layout make it ideal for Cubs and Buffalo Bills games.

A giant pretzel serves 4-6 people and comes with cinnamon butter that tastes like a sneaky dessert. The pretzel is massive and pairs well with other items like wings and wraps.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, especially the flatbread pizzas and pretzel."

"You can grab great food and drinks while watching live sports."

"You have to try the giant pretzel; it's massive!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Fridays with $7 cocktails and $8 espresso martinis.

2

Rizzo's Bar & Inn can host events for over 100 people with ample space.

3

Food is not guaranteed during special events, so plan accordingly.

05
New Line Tavern image 1
Bar & grill

Small bar with vintage train photos and an old Beaux-Arts building vibe offers a warm, chill atmosphere filled with locals and regulars. Music plays a key role, with a DJ and many TVs creating a lively yet conversational space. Crowds grow after work, making it a popular spot for late-night hangouts.

A great space to watch games with a beer or whiskey. Offers bar seating and reasonably priced food for a chill night watching sports.

Handmade pretzels come with beer cheese that pairs well. They serve pretzels as a snack or alongside salads, making them a house-made staple here.

People are saying

"The bartender Ryann made the best Spooky Sip drink."

"I loved the house-made pretzels with beer cheese."

"The food here is excellent, everything was a hit."

Good to know

1

The place gets crowded after work, so arrive early.

2

Happy hour offers summer bucket deals on weekdays.

3

Trivia night happens on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm.

06
The Barn Hockey Bar image 1

Sports bar with hockey memorabilia and multiple TVs at every table creates an immersive game-day experience. The atmosphere stays fun and sporty with golf simulators and arcade games adding unique entertainment. Cold draft beer and standout food like pizza and cheese curds complement the lively vibe.

TVs everywhere show every sport game with sound set perfectly for hockey, Bears, and other events. The spot offers great vibes and is ideal for watching games near the United Center.

Pretzels come baked perfectly and are good-sized. They serve them with homemade cheese sauce that tastes very good, though extra cheese costs an additional dollar.

People are saying

"The food here is great and reasonably priced."

"The TV setup for live sports here is unlike anything I've seen."

"I thought the pretzel was baked perfectly."

Good to know

1

The 'For the Girls' event features espresso martini flights and photo booths.

2

Happy hour is available during the 'For the Girls' event.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills.

07
Dukes Northwoods image 1

Rustic cabin design with large garage doors opening to river views creates an authentic Northwoods Wisconsin vibe. Loud, lively main area contrasts with quieter back room featuring non-high-top seating and game sounds. Multiple TVs show sports, and outdoor patio seating adds to the casual, fun atmosphere.

Loud football pub atmosphere fills the space on game days with intense energy. Multiple games like the Packer's, Badger football, and Bears play on screens, letting groups stand and watch even when full.

Pretzel bites come with beer cheese and have a strong salty flavor. The pretzel bun is used for burgers and stands out. Some pretzel items can be soggy or hard, showing inconsistency.

People are saying

"I thought the smash burgers here were the best."

"I thought Dukes Northwoods was the best place to watch football and eat amazing food."

"The pretzel bites here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, featuring discounts on drinks and food.

2

The loaded bloody mary is available only on weekends from 10am to 1pm.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere on game days, especially during Packer games.

08
Global Brew Tap House image 1

Bar offers huge craft beer selection with guava ciders and in-house cocktails. Outdoor patio provides a laid-back vibe with manageable music and TV sound levels, making it easy to relax and watch sports. Board games and live music add to the fun atmosphere.

Screens show live sporting games creating a lively atmosphere. Board games, cards, and Jenga add extra fun while watching ball games.

Big soft Bavarian pretzels stand out on the menu. Pretzels come with dips like spinach artichoke and appear alongside snacks such as chips and tots.

People are saying

"They offered loads of beer options, from IPAs to stouts."

"Their grilled cheese sandwiches, especially the one with smoked bacon, are delicious."

"I was impressed by the diverse and impressive selection of beers."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with a $5 entry fee.

2

Themed trivia nights occur on the first Tuesday of each month.

3

Live music is featured on Friday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

09
The Galway Arms image 1

Cozy Irish pub with multiple rooms featuring fireplaces and woodwork that evoke an authentic Ireland feel. Live traditional music most nights creates a lively, community atmosphere. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed space for gatherings.

Bar seating offers a great view for watching Mountain West football and Notre Dame games. The spot suits gatherings with friends, family, or dates, especially during events like St Patrick's Day with its lively game day vibe.

Soft pretzels come with a cheese dip that stands out. The giant pretzel pairs well with fish and chips, and the pretzel also complements sausage rolls and burgers.

People are saying

"This bar has live Irish music and dancing sessions."

"The atmosphere here is fantastic and cozy."

"The staff here is so quick and friendly!"

Good to know

1

Live Irish music sessions occur five nights a week, with the biggest on Sundays.

2

Everyone is welcome to join the music and dance sessions.

3

Reservations can be made online for larger parties.

10
Rep's Place image 1
Sports bar

Sports bar splits into separate bar and dining areas with about 16 flat-screen TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels neighborly and relaxed, with classic rock and live music adding to the vibe. Large open space suits groups, while outdoor seating sits on a strip mall sidewalk.

Multiple TVs always show good sports games, and staff switch channels to the game you want. The vibe matches a standard Midwest sports bar with solid food and music.

Soft pretzel bites stand out with their delicious flavor and work well even without cheese, though cheese adds a nice touch. The pretzel bun is also solid, though sometimes replaced by brioche by mistake.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were great and huge."

"You have to try the pretzel bites; they're the best soft pretzels ever."

"You can catch live sports here with a huge burger."

Good to know

1

Trivia night occurs every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on game days.

11
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Lots of TVs create a great setup for watching games. A reduced-price game day menu offers popular food items. The space feels clean and open, making it easy to enjoy games with friends and family.

Soft pretzels come with cheese and mustard sauces that stand out. The pretzel appetizer pairs well with varied dips and is generally well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The wings here are smoked to perfection and tossed in their Whiskey Honey BBQ sauce."

"The pretzels here are delicious, especially with the sauces."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

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