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Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
7.8
On Motor Row, Williams Inn functions as a sports bar that happens to bake both thin crust and Chicago-style deep dish alongside wings, burgers, and bar snacks. Pricing runs higher than basic slice counters, but for groups splitting pizzas while watching games steps from McCormick Place, it can still come out as a reasonable per-person spend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Style Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, Turkey Sausage Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Sports-bar setting with a full slate of deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas for pre- and post-game crowds on South Michigan.
Who should go: Groups wanting pizza plus TVs near McCormick and Soldier Field.
When to visit: Evenings on game days or convention nights when the bar has energy.
What to order: Chicago-style deep dish cheese, thin crust cheese, turkey sausage pizza.
Insider tip: Deep dish can take a while to bake; order it as soon as you sit and pad with appetizers if you’re watching the clock.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along South Michigan can be limited during games and conventions; nearby paid garages along Motor Row are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak evenings; conversation is easier earlier in the evening or on non-event nights.
Weekend wait: Short waits to 30+ minutes on game or convention nights; usually little to no wait on quiet weekends.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas, veggie toppings, and some bar snacks can work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — customization may be possible (sauce + veggie toppings, no cheese), but there is no dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Limited — crust options may vary by availability; confirm with staff before ordering if cross-contact is a concern.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, activity-driven meetups (watching a game, splitting a pizza) than for an intimate or quiet date — the energy is bar-forward and can get loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it generally functions as walk-in friendly, but arrive early on Soldier Field or McCormick Place event days when tables fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during earlier hours, especially for families splitting pizzas; the atmosphere shifts more bar-centric and adult-focused later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want TVs, big pizzas, and a convenient pre-/post-event bar near McCormick Place and Soldier Field.
Skip if: You want the cheapest slices, a quiet meal, or highly specialized pizza styles — dedicated pizzerias or slice counters may be a better fit.
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar
7.9
Open in various forms since the late 1960s and revived as a full sports bar in 2020, Williams Inn runs daily coverage of games alongside deep-dish pies and heavily sauced wings. Its weekday happy hour with discounted drinks and select menu items makes it a go-to for after-work wings near McCormick Place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings with Mango Habanero or Garlic Parmesan, Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza, Italian Beef Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A long-running Michigan Avenue sports bar where happy hour wings, deep-dish pizza, and wall-to-wall TVs fuel pre- and post-game crowds.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic bar wings and beer near McCormick.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4:30–7:30 p.m. for drink and wing deals.
What to order: Bone-in wings (try Mango Habanero), deep-dish sausage pie, Italian beef.
Insider tip: Time your visit for weekday happy hour, then stay through kickoff to keep your table for the game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive during games and conventions; most guests use nearby paid garages along Michigan Ave and Wabash.
Dress code: Casual game-day attire — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak happy hour; expect raised-voice conversation at the bar and moderate noise at side tables.
Weekend wait: Short to moderate wait around big sporting events; otherwise usually seated within 10–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables outside event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — cheese pizza, a few meat-free appetizers, and customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items include cheese or sauces; ask staff about build-your-own modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza dough; salads and some wings/sauces may work with caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, sports-focused hang than a romantic first date — the TVs and game-day energy dominate the room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before major kickoffs or convention rushes to avoid standing waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly earlier in the evening; expect a louder bar crowd late night and during major games.
Best For
Better for: Game-watching with wings, big TVs, and a classic neighborhood-sports-bar feel near McCormick Place.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, chef-driven menus, or a quiet sit-down dinner — choose a calmer South Loop restaurant instead.