Best Sports Bar Central Restaurants in Near South Side
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Staley
A modern, chef-led sports bar where carefully cooked wings and pizzas meet cocktail-focused happy hours.
Notable Picks
#1
The Staley
8.4
The Staley is a chef-driven sports bar from former Bear Israel Idonije and chef Stephen Gillanders, turning out crisp Buffalo wings, pizzas, and game-day snacks in a polished South Loop room. It functions as a higher-end happy hour spot where cocktails and wings feel more upgraded than typical bar fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Neapolitan-Style Pizza, Poutine
What makes it special: A modern, chef-led sports bar where carefully cooked wings and pizzas meet cocktail-focused happy hours.
Worthy Picks
7.9
This South Loop outpost of the Chicago-based Pizano's group serves deep-dish and thin-crust pies, pastas, and salads a short walk from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena. It’s a go-to for groups and travelers who want recognizable Chicago-style pizza with full bar service near the convention center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rudy's Special Deep-Dish Pizza, Thin-Crust Sausage and Pepperoni, House Salad
What makes it special: Convention-area pizzeria offering deep-dish and thin-crust with full bar and TVs.