ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
The Barn Hockey Bar
7.8
A United Center-adjacent sports bar where the fries matter more than you’d expect—hand-cut and built to stand up to game-night pacing. Best used as a pre/post-event basecamp for sharable apps, loud energy, and steady baskets that stay satisfying with a beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand-cut French fries, Poutine, Cheese curds
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Game-night bar with legit hand-cut fries and poutine.
Who should go: United Center crowds and sports fans.
When to visit: Early pregame to beat surges.
What to order: Hand-cut fries, poutine, cheese curds.
Insider tip: Order apps early—kitchen demand spikes near start times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: United Center-adjacent zone—street parking can be competitive on event nights. Plan on paid lots/garages nearby when there’s a game or concert, and give yourself extra time if you’re arriving within an hour of start time.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar uniform—jeans, sneakers, team gear all fit. If you’re coming from a nicer dinner, you won’t feel out of place, but nobody’s dressing up on purpose.
Noise level: Loud on game nights (TVs + crowd energy). Moderate in off-peak windows—fine for group conversation, but not a quiet catch-up spot.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min on non-event weekends; 60+ min possible during United Center event surges.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait (0–15 min), unless there’s a daytime event or large group rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—easy to build a meal around fries, curds, and a few bar-friendly sides/apps. Ask about fryer sharing if strict vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—fries can work, but confirm seasoning and fryer setup. Expect to customize rather than order a full vegan spread off-menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—possible to eat here with careful ordering, but cross-contact risk is high in a sports-bar kitchen (especially for fried items). Ask staff for the safest options.
Best For
Better for: Hand-cut fries that stay satisfying in a busy bar setting, plus poutine/cheese-curd energy that feels built for sharing with beers before or after an event.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet conversation, a date-night atmosphere, or strict dietary needs (vegan/gluten-free). Also skip during peak event surges if you hate crowds and waits.