We know nothing beats watching a White Sox game in the stands at Guaranteed Rate Field, but sometimes you can't make it to the stadium, or there's an away game, or you just want some air conditioning. You'll find many great places to enjoy a meal and a brew and watch the Sox in and around Bridgeport near the stadium, but there are White Sox bars scattered all over the city that show all the games—and yes, some of them are even on the North Side. Here are 11 spots where you can watch the game over cheap beers.
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This Bridgeport legend is a diamond in the rough. The proximity to both the Cell and the Zhou B Art Center means you might just find a debate at the jukebox between South Side regulars angling for “We Are the Champions" and contemporary art fans vigorously debating the merits of this last exhibition. But Bernice’s welcomes them all with a smile and a Svyturys.
Nothing brings people together better than cheap alcohol, and this beloved no-frills Logan Square dive across from the Fireside Bowl is living proof. At one of the North Side's rare, precious Sox bars, you can watch intently with the diehards while nursing a PBR or a Hamm's, and then head to the back to shoot some pool. Don't forget to bring cash.
The folks behind Beverly’s Cork & Kerry have opened this second location situated next to Guaranteed Rate Field and perfect for the Sox faithful to come in for pub food, pints and a ballgame. Even the signage shows love to the Sox, with references to Bill Veeck's iconic pinwheel scoreboard. A third location near Wrigley Field is planned for when hell freezes over.
At this neighborhood spot in Bridgeport, they're still partying like it's 2005. Newcomers are welcomed by the friendly bartender and a solid draft selection including locals like Two Brothers and Lagunitas, promising "good times, good friends and cold beer." Throw in the brick patio and garage, and what more could you ask for?
Bridgeport-born owners and lifelong friends Richie Rogulich and Nicky Bertucci describe themselves as “true rooted neighborhood men” and the bar itself as “a Sox fan’s dream” — you can even live your fantasy, if only briefly, by walking over a full-size batter’s box out front. Inside, you’ll find pub classics, 16 beers on tap, a charging station for your phone and plenty of people as madly in love with the Sox as you are.
Representing the first-in, last-to-leave motto of Bridgeport’s diehard Irish-American population, the Shinnick clan has been slinging beer in this building since the day Prohibition ended. St. Pat’s Day and Sox games bring the crowds, but other times you’re likely to find a low-key gathering of locals or a fund-raiser for a sick kid with hefty medical bills. We’ll drink to that.
The pervasive red lighting and long bar might recall Mean Streets, but don't fret: Your chances of getting offed by the mob are slim to none here. Locals tend to huddle in groups of two or three, nursing bottled beers and chatting about sports, their wives, etc. Considering how a lot of Western Avenue bars fill up with younger, hipper and louder clientele, the relaxed vibe is a nice change of pace.
By selling beer and being located in the direct path of the throngs of people coming to and leaving the United Center, this slick sports bar has the hard part of its job covered. Completing the task are superbright TVs on every surface, including in the booths; a surprisingly good beer selection; and a hell of a burger.
A happy marriage between tavern-style pizza and Polish classics (including a pie with sauerkraut and kielbasa, natch) is the foundation of this South Loop pub. Enjoy the game with a creative pizza, some pierogies and plenty of TVs, and on sunny days, you can even crush a couple Żywiecs while watching on their spacious patio’s big screen.
Another cozy neighborhood classic near Sox Park, Turtle’s is a favorite spot for pre-gaming with hearty bar food, drafts and seltzers before heading to a home game, but it’s a great option for watching the Sox on the road, too. There’s also a decent amount of outdoor seating.
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