0 Followers
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick
8.0
Across from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena, Fatpour McCormick runs a two-level sports bar with a big beer list and wings built for game-day snacking. Traditional and boneless wings share space with burgers, pizzas, and brunch plates in a loud, screen-lined room that runs late.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Bone-In Wings with Garlic Parmesan or Buffalo, Boneless Chicken Wings with Buttermilk Ranch, Chicken Little Sandwich (Fried Chicken with Wing Sauce)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: A bi-level sports bar across from McCormick Place where wings, beer, and wall-to-wall TVs dominate game days.
Who should go: Convention groups and fans wanting wings with big-screen sports.
When to visit: Before or after events at McCormick or Soldier Field.
What to order: Traditional wings, boneless wings sampler, Chicken Little sandwich.
Insider tip: Sit upstairs for a slightly calmer view of the TVs and quicker bar access during big games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage and paid-lot parking in the McCormick Square complex; pricing increases during major events and street parking is limited on game days.
Dress code: Casual and sports-bar friendly — jerseys, jeans, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and events — conversation can be difficult at peak times; calmer earlier in the day or upstairs between major broadcasts.
Weekend wait: Varies heavily by event calendar — typically 30–60+ minutes around conventions or games; shorter outside peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during large convention breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — salads, pizzas, and a few appetizer options, but wings remain the focus.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of modifiable items; best to confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodations — some items can be modified (bun swaps, sauces), but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, sports-centric meetups than a quiet first date — it shines if you’re both there to watch a game.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, usually — but expect longer waits around McCormick Place events or big games; arriving early or between game windows helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours — large tables and a casual menu work for families, though late evenings and big games can be very loud.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, pre- and post-event meetups, and watch-party energy with a wide beer list and wings as the centerpiece.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fine-dining atmosphere, or extensive vegan/gluten-free selections — calmer restaurants nearby will fit better.
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick
8.3
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Sports Bar Central
Across from McCormick Place, Fatpour runs a sports-driven taproom with dozens of beers, big televisions, and weekday happy hour specials on drafts and bar food. It’s a go-to for convention groups and pre-game crowds who want discounted pints, shareable plates, and a loud, energetic room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fatpour Burger with fries, Buffalo wings with choice of sauces, Loaded tater tots or nachos for the table
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 6.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Beer-first taproom steps from McCormick Place with daily drink and snack specials.
Who should go: Convention groups and sports fans needing beers and snacks.
When to visit: Weekday late afternoon before games or convention events.
What to order: Draft beer flight, Fatpour Burger, shared wings or tots.
Insider tip: During conventions, arrive right at the start of happy hour to secure a table with good TV sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest options are the McCormick Place garages and surrounding paid surface lots; street parking is limited and fills quickly during conventions and game days.
Dress code: Casual and sports-leaning; jerseys and jeans are common, but business-casual is typical for convention crowds.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak event hours; conversation is easier at the bar or earlier in the afternoon.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during major events or game nights; shorter waits outside peak schedules.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except during large convention rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie starters, and a few customizable plates, though the menu skews bar-food heavy.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items may be modifiable; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some items and beers/ciders are available gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, sports-focused outing than an intimate date — the room is energetic and TV-driven, especially during games.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during off-peak times, but during conventions or pre-game surges you’ll want to arrive early to secure seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine earlier in the day with groups and families, but evenings can be loud and crowded during events; there isn’t a strong kids-menu focus.
Best For
Better for: Large groups near McCormick Place who want lots of beer options, big TVs, and happy hour pricing in a high-energy taproom.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, craft-cocktail focus, or strict dietary accommodations; consider a calmer sit-down option instead.