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Theory

Lounge and Sports Bar$$$$

Near North Side, Chicago

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Theory

7.3^/10

317

ratings

Ranked #4 for bar food in Near North Side
Has a stamp of approval from Time Out Chicago and Crain's Chicago Business
"One of my favorite bars in River North."(2 Tips)
"Try the crab dip and the nacho bites to start!"(2 Tips)
"Hawkeye bar, fun to run into fellow alum to the..."(2 Tips)
"Trivia on Tuesday night"(3 Tips)

72 Tips and reviews

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trivia
happy hour
daily specials
seafood
ribs
bar
good for singles
spacious
tater tots
DJs
TVs
mac & cheese
crab dip
tamales
sandwiches
music
root beer
discounts
outdoor seating
casual
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Matthew TaubMarch 31, 2017
Great private room for parties and a solid place to watch the game. Food is solid especially for a sports bar and the night life there is high end. Owner is a great guy.
Julie ZimmermanOctober 13, 2013
A great place that makes you feel at home. We had a group of out of towners and the service and hospitality could not have been any better. Very refreshing, and the food was great. Highly recommended!
Brad MaysJuly 17, 2014
Was here for a charitable event. Great cause, and Theory was very charitable in their contribution to the cause. Will definitely be back for the great food, drinks and atmosphere.
Chicity82December 4, 2017
DJ is always phenomenal on Saturdays, throwback and current R&B and Hip Hop. Good Pours and nice staff.
Time Out ChicagoJanuary 25, 2012
Save the yelling and arm-waving for the Wrigleyville sports bars; this newcomer is for the sophisticated sports fan. The stools are cushioned, the music is mixed, and the specialty drinks are potent. Read more
Beth WanlessNovember 10, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Their daily specials are super tasty and inexpensive, plus the owner of the bar comes around to thank us for our business every time we are in there (which is a lot).
UrbanLuxJune 24, 2011
A step above your standard sports bar! Great for extended game watching. Rent out the home theatre like private party room. Wings half off on Wednesday and great beer selection.
Amy CummingsApril 16, 2023
Great bar. The drinks are a bit over-priced in my opinion but it is LGBTQ-friendly.
Gilt CityDecember 20, 2010
Locally-brewed beer and upscale pub food live at this River North fave. Rent out the private party room. Order the Parmesan gnocchi. Play Wii. Game on!
Matthew TaubAugust 26, 2018
Solid beer list and great music after 9. Food is fantastic!
JP SeralNovember 24, 2015
One of my favorite bars in River North. Great food & warm atmosphere.
Nick A. SMarch 20, 2012
Great place, nice staff, good foursquare discount, plenty of screens.... But a sports bar and grill without Comcast Sportsnet, really?!?! I don't want to watch my Bulls games sans Stacey King & N.Funk
James RoystonJune 25, 2013
A quality sports bar for grown-ups, really friendly bar manager and good food!
Ann SSeptember 4, 2016
Small sports bar with good cocktails.
ChristopherApril 22, 2013
If you want a table on game days, it's best to make a reservation.
Crain's Chicago BusinessMay 10, 2010
Taco a Trois ($8) is a bargain: choice of steak, chicken or grilled veggies in 3 corn tortillas with 4 garnishes like guac and salsa verde. Read more
Steph McGNovember 28, 2010
Been here 25+ times
Great for Sunday funday- half price wings, $6 bloody marys, $3 bud lights and $16 buckets. Not to mention all the games!
Jeff VargasApril 20, 2018
Great drinks and food for a night out to watch games.
Jimmy LiddarMarch 31, 2010
Great place for big sports games - they have game audio and can show 16 different sporting events at the same time on there 30 TVs
Bryan SchatzFebruary 5, 2011
Hands down, my favorite sports bar in Chicago. Try the crab dip and the nacho bites to start!
Erik RowleyMarch 14, 2016
Hawkeye bar, fun to run into fellow alum to the greatest college on earth!
ash. anz.October 28, 2013
The owner was incredibly accommodating & pleasant. He truly seems to believe in quality customer service.
Chinwuba OkaforMarch 18, 2015
I've never been charged cover. Which is great. Small, but I dig it
Lauren MeekAugust 9, 2014
They try to cram a lot of tables into a small space. They have a back private room. Food is ok, nothing amazing
Winona YFebruary 27, 2013
Been here 10+ times
every Wednesday half price bottle of wine and salad ... perfect for a girls night ...
VictoriaJune 17, 2010
Rumor has it Victoria was created to be as good as any Vienna-style beer in the world. This is obviously not true. It was created to be better. Want proof? Just walk up to the bar and order one. Read more
Andre C.April 16, 2010
Been here 25+ times
Fish Taco's Are Awesome here... Especially on Tuesday's when it's on the Daily Special Menu!
Bill McNicholasNovember 16, 2013
Try the "Not Your Father's Root Beer"
Todor KrecuDecember 30, 2010
Been here 5+ times
THURSDAY specials: $2 sliders (minimum 3 per order, $1 extra for crab cake sliders) Read more
Jeff BuckleyAugust 3, 2018
Tacos, sandwiches, salads
@chowbelleAugust 28, 2010
This is a Hawkeye bar with half-off apps on Saturdays! Perfect for game-watches!
CarolNovember 23, 2014
Always a fun time with awesome music!
Jon ChanOctober 18, 2015
Try the Cheeseburger (via @Foodspotting)
Brent ByingtonOctober 8, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Best place of its kind in River North.
TNCNovember 14, 2017
Steak nachos, friendly service good beer selection
Colin LeeMarch 24, 2019
Trivia on Tuesday night
Michelle HDecember 14, 2010
mac and cheese to die for. introduce yourself to the manager. he rocks.
Melanie VMarch 14, 2011
Wed specials - 1/2 off apps and $5 Effen cocktails!
Allison KaminskiJanuary 7, 2016
Good for happy hours!
Michelle HNovember 7, 2010
best place to watch sports. the manager bends over backwards to accomodate
Gregory H.March 6, 2012
Just tried the new Cuban sandwich. Very good! With tots and a Strongbow.
Mike JohnsonMarch 17, 2010
Joel holds this place down with the best staff, music and venue! My top 5 hot spots in Chicago. Read more
Steve DevcichOctober 21, 2010
Been here 100+ times
Best sports bar in river north. Also got some of the best food
Kristina BeeOctober 1, 2010
Wednesday: $3 drafts, $5 Jame-o shots, $2 sliders (min 3)
Brian ChristopherAugust 25, 2012
Bartender is a babe and a half....super nice, too.
Patrick CaryNovember 11, 2011
Been here 10+ times
The best lunch and drink specials in River North!
Allison WardOctober 5, 2012
$5 for burgers and fries on Thursdays.
GeorgeAugust 14, 2012
I suggest drinking from one of their glasses.
Jacqueline StreeterOctober 9, 2011
French toast sticks are BOMB!
Ben JoemanOctober 28, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Average. Average food, average prices. But they tots are phenomenal.

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