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The Best College Sports Bars

Posted on September 8, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

College is back in session, and so is college football. But you don’t need to tailgate on campus to cheer on your alma mater: Head to one of these Big Ten bars with your fellow Chicago alumni!


East Division
Michigan: The Old Plank, Moe’s, Fatpour



Michigan State: Corcoran's, Whiskey Business



Ohio State: The Butcher’s Tap, Gaslight



Indiana: Sluggers, Finley Dunne’s





Penn State: A.J., Hudson’s, Smoke Daddy





Rutgers*: 😅 



Maryland*: 😅




West Division
Illinois: Joe’s on Weed St., Brickhouse



Northwestern: Kincade’s





Iowa: The Reveler, Theory





Wisconsin: Lottie’s, Kroll’s



Purdue: Waterhouse



Minnesota: The Other Side Bar



Nebraska: Kirkwood




*Sorry Maryland and Rutgers alum. Tell us where all you Terrapins and Scarlet Knights are hanging!

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