Greetings.
It has come to my attention that you, a Chicago resident, would like to watch the Cleveland Indians play against the Chicago Cubs throughout the World Series while in the midst of like-minded fans. Maybe you’re like me, and you’ve hopped from bar to bar hoping to find a block C or a Chief Wahoo cap. Have you also asked the bartender to put on the Indians game only to hear, "Ummmm we’re not really a sports bar? So yeah, the Sox game is on every TV because, like, Chicago? Can’t you find a B-dubs or something?". Maybe you’ve quietly huddled at home, alone, high-fiving yourself after Rajai Davis steals a base.
There has to be a better way!
I’m here to present you with SPECTACULAR NEWS. There are designated bars in Chicago for Cleveland Indians fans throughout the World Series!
The local Browns Backer’s Bar is the one that I’m most familiar with when it comes to Indians playoff games. Jake Wilkoff, the President of the Backers in town, showed the first two series at John Barleycorn in Wrigleyville. With specials on food and Great Lakes beer on tap, it made the general thumping of opponents even more delightful.
Given that the Indians are playing the Cubs, the venue is moving so that no one has to fist fight a shirtless guy with Kris Bryant’s face tattooed on his chest. The watch parties will be upstairs at either Old Crow or Moe’s Cantina is River North. They’re at 149 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, UPDATE: The watch party is actually at Tunnel Night Club & Speakeasy, located upstairs between Old Crow and Moes. There is a specific doorman for us and it's only going to be Tribe fans. This is incredibly close to the Merchandise Mart L stop. You can also walk across the river from Clark and Lake or State and Lake if you’re taking the Red or Blue lines. I don’t recommend driving. Ever. For any reason.
During the regular season I watched a number of games at Vaughan’s in Lakeview, 2917 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657. While I haven’t been able to catch a postseason game there, it’s a bit more intimate. They regularly show Browns, Buckeyes, Cavs, and Indians game, so it will also be an option if you want to cheer on the Tribe with other followers of the One True Faith.
The Field House showed Indians, Cavs, and Browns games throughout the year. It is a dive and a lot of fun. 2455 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614. My friends constructed a Miller Lite pyramid of their own earlier in the season during the Cavs’ playoff run. They have $2.50 cans, free popcorn, and free peanuts.
I believe Gaslight may be showing the games, too, but I’ve only been there once. I had the wings. They were made of chicken and covered in buffalo sauce. The bones were inedible. 9/10. My guess is that the game will be on, but it may not be the focus of the evening as it will be elsewhere. 2450 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
These are the locations that I’m aware. For my money, I think that the Browns Backer’s watch party is the way to go. It’s the most well-known in the city, and I know for a fact that there is going to be a Tribe-only section, along with two-for-one bombs after every Indians dinger. I hereby declare it the Official Chicago Watch Party of Let’s Go Tribe.
The other locations will also be delightful. My list also comprises the North Side alone; I’ve not spent enough time in Hyde Park, and I never did find a good Cleveland bar anywhere in the West Loop, Logan Square, etc.
Please use the comments to list other known Indians viewing locations across the country! No one should have to be a Tribe of one.