SOUTH LOOP. This sports bar draws a diverse mix of folks, who enjoy meeting up with friends and lingering over conversation on the outdoor, Olympic-themed deck during warm weather. Friday nights bring out karaoke singers, and nightly drink specials are added enticement. The large interior also offers pool tables.

RIVER NORTH. Large front windows, a high ceiling, and an antique bar greet folks who step inside this Irish pub. Brehon pub is warm and welcoming and features a jukebox and efficient staff. The drink menu includes a number of beers and ales with about 12 or so on tap and a handful available by the bottle. Basic bar eats, including appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches are available. Outdoor socializing spot available during warm weather.

WRIGLEYVILLE. Conveniently located across from Wrigley Field, Cubby Bear Lounge draws fans to its welcoming, spacious interior. This large bar features live music most nights and has hosted many famous national acts, including Johnny Cash, B. B. King, and Run DMC. Drinks are aplenty and include bottled and on-tap varieties. The menu here includes basic bar eats like wings, nachos, quesadillas, salads, and sandwiches. Over 100 TV's dot the interior landscape of this sports bar, making sure you never miss a play.

RIVER NORTH. This is a great place to watch any sporting event. Located in the Near North area, the first-floor restaurant offers a sports-related atmosphere and the usual ribs, hamburgers, pizzas and salads. If you don't want to watch the big-screen TV showing the event of the hour, you can have a sound feed piped to your table that corresponds to one of the many different televisions showing different games. The second floor has a games and amusement center full of activities: virtual golf, hockey, video bowling, indoor rock climbing, pinball, skiing, snowboarding, and car and motorcycle racing video machines. This is the flagship site of the chain owned by ESPN.

WRIGLEYVILLE. Whether you're a die-hard Cubs fan or just in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, stop in at Full Shilling for a warm welcome and distinctly relaxed ambience. Several TVs scattered about the pub keep you up-to-date with the latest sports news, while patrons who prefer tunes with their pints can download songs from the Internet jukebox. Daily specials on food and drink help turn first-time visitors into regulars. Don't miss corned beef and cabbage on Sunday nights!