Rockit as the only Chicago alumni-affiliated bars.
Is anyone else as bummed out as I am about Rockit being the only official game-watching bars in Chicago this year? I haven't been to the new Rockit in Wrigleyville yet, but the one in River North was terrible for game watching when I went last year (not enough TVs, overpriced booze, fairly apathetic crowd, no neat yellow cups, ect.). The River North bar is all right for overpriced but delicious burgers and club remixes, but not really a good sports bar. I like supporting the alumni club when possible, but I'm guessing I'll still be headed up to Duffy's on game-days.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:21 PM ^
I am really trying to avoid Duffy's this year, though their quesadillas are breathtaking.
Has anyone heard anything about Matilda? Also apparently a MI bar.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:27 PM ^
Never heard of Matilda before, but it looks interesting. I've seen a few games at Mad River and it wasn't a terrible sports bar. The up(down)side of Duffy's for me was always getting to drunkenly run into random people I hadn't seen since I graduated and catch up on life.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^
Way more chill, has Oberon on tap, non-meathead type crowd. I like going there occasionally, especially for smaller games. Not a lot of room, so you have to get there early. Besides Duffy's, none of the UM bars have the same feel as the rowdy face painting, Tressell impersonating, be-nutted OSU bars. If anyone here wants to do a hostile takeover of an unaffiliated bar, I'm game.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:04 PM ^
Cans in Bucktown on Damen is a 'michigan' bar. That being said, they take their Michigan signs and flags down in the offseason, so it's not a TRUE michigan bar.
But it's very close, so if people could motor over there and make it a bit louder and fervent that would be awesome!
August 31st, 2010 at 5:03 PM ^
to see a show at the Vic. For sports viewing, maybe not so much.
The Wrigleyville Rockit is ok for games with good food, but the layout is weird with the bar kind of broken up into sections.
I miss the old days when Morans (now Zella) was the Michigan bar.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:13 PM ^
is great. I went to a fundraiser party there on Saturday. They have a good tap selection -including Bell's, Half Acre, Two Brothers, and Metropolitan - in addition to one of the best jukeboxes in the city.....Never been on game day, but i assume it would be a decent spot. I'll have to hit it up sometime this fall.
I think Duffy's is ok on game day compared to other weekend nights, but i'm still kinda sour on the place.....maybe its b/c i'm constantly navigating thru the annoying stupid sloppy crowds that congregate outside their front door every night, just to get home..
August 31st, 2010 at 3:23 PM ^
Very weird that Duffy's isn't one. I have heard the same about Matilda, though usually I just watch the games on my couch and have not actually been there.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
It's an odd place to watch football (sort of hipster-ish interior), but the one game I watched there last year (hint: he fumbles the snap, picks it up, gets outside, he's gone!) was really fun. Decent sized crowd, but easy to get a table. The dark-ass walls gave off too clubby of a vibe, though.
I'm planning on making Rock-It Wrigleyville a regular in my rotation (though I'm going to quite a few games, so we'll see). Haven't been yet, but the Mad River people drive me nuts, and I got worn out on Duffy's.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
Duffy's will still be jam packed. The Alumni Association is the one who makes the call, and they generally just look for who will give them the most money. I guess this year, Rockit stepped up, as they have two locations now/have for a year.
That being said, I will be at Duffy's for the opener, as it is always the most intense scene outside of Michigan Stadium. I'm sure Mad River will still show the game, but I can't confirm that. I've heard the same thing about Matilda, that it's M-friendly on gamedays, and it's 2 blocks from Mad River, so that's convenient.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:29 PM ^
a good and extensive discussion in this around this time last year.
Matilda - yes, UM friendly. Went there for WMU and can vouch that it was all UM.
Mad River - obviously
Duffy's - obviously
Both Rock-Its - I'm planning on checking out the Wrigleyville one
Moe's - burn in hell, Moe's, you are not a Michigan bar.
Newport Grill (Newport/Southport) - not a UM bar, per se, but hangs UM/Detroit sports flags, and some posted that it was, in fact, filled with UM fans on game day. Not surprised - this is where I watch Red Wings hockey, so I'm guessing the owners/staff are Michiganders.
Also, there's a handy Google Map chart (chart? Chart!) under MGoBoard from a commenter far more useful than I.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:32 PM ^
I also though Moe's sucked when they were official. I know the Rockit Ranch teams likes to lavish money on promotions, so I guess thats at least one upside.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
Oh yes, I remember that thread well. I think I posted 4 or 5 comments on it. It's all about what you're looking for on gameday. I had a buddy who is a fellow alum, and who generally I am on the same page with on things like this, go to Rockit and try to convince me that it was cool. Nope. Not buying it. Not buying the River North Rockit for an M game. I get it- you're hung over from the night before, it isn't super-loud, you can have a nice table, etc. Yeah, no. Screw that. I'd rather watch at home. When I go to a bar to watch M, I am looking for as much intensity as possible that my friends who I meet to watch the game with can stomach. This is often Duffy's, but, as we get older, it is starting to be people's condos/homes. I'll still be at Duffy's for the opener though.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:21 PM ^
I did not try to convince you that it was "cool." My exact words were that it was "chill" in the, "God, I can't believe I'm back at a bar after the night I just had, at least I'm not doing 2 for 1 O-Bombs at Duffy's, I like sitting at a table; wow we are getting crushed by PSU, somebody get me some more bud lites" kind of way.
In fact, I explicitly said I would not go back there for a game this year, but would be willing to check out the Wrigley version of Rockit since that was not a Michigan bar last year.
Don't misquote me to the mgoboard!
August 31st, 2010 at 3:34 PM ^
2 seasons ago, Newport bar & grill (on Newport, just east of Southport) was a great venue to watch the game. Never had to arrive too early, but normally full of Michigan fans by game time, rowdy when warranted and fight song played after scores. food was pretty good and service was great.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
I thought it was great. I sat in the upstairs area which was very wide-open so it promoted a good atmosphere. Almost everyone had a seat as well, but I don't know if it's because it was relatively new when I went there last year.
This will be my first choice for game days when I'm not in Ann Arbor.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:43 PM ^
I am going to spend my Saturday game viewing at Joe's Bar up by North and Clybourn. It is massive, tons of viewing tables, many different fan groups each in their own table areas, good food, and beer specials. The atmosphere is a ton of fun. I go there with some friends of mine who are Georga Bulldog fans. There is always a table or two of Michigan fans there.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:47 PM ^
dude, the food at Joes is Food poisoning central, and the beer is stale. I used to watch NFL there on Sundays, and well chose a different bar after 5 of my friends (and I) getting violently ill twice in 3 weeks.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:59 PM ^
I have to admit, I have only gone there during the 2008 season since I spent last year in Iraq. Maybe things change I guess.
August 31st, 2010 at 3:54 PM ^
Duffy's will still be the same it always is. A complete sweatbox with 2 for 1 jager bombs. I swear I can't emerge out of that place without losing my soul...
In other news....my spartan slappy boss just took UCONN and GAVE me 10 points for this weekends game. I take this bet 10 out of 10 times right? Should I put the mortgage on it?
August 31st, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^
Published lines are UM -3, and he gave you UM + 10?
Sparty on - regardless of outcome, he's an idiot.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:04 PM ^
Sorry, wait...Sparty...boss?
August 31st, 2010 at 4:10 PM ^
Must have made a typo there....doesn't make much sense does it?
August 31st, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^
is he the assistant (to the) manager?
August 31st, 2010 at 4:25 PM ^
Don't talk shit about Duffy's. I moved from Chicago since last season and in my new city - nothing close to Duffy's exists. That place is great. If you are socially awkward, though, I could see how you would not like it.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:28 PM ^
I've been going there almost every Saturday since I moved here back in 2006. By far still the best game day bar in the city...I can just never emerge out of there with any idea of what just happened.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:02 PM ^
I still haven't decided if I want to head to one of the M bars or freak out in the safety and security of my own apartment on Saturdaty. Decisions, decisions...
August 31st, 2010 at 4:15 PM ^
I have been staying in with my brother and a few friends to watch games most recently. My violent mood swings throughout the game must be tempered with my brother's calm demeanor. My nerves have been shot these last few seasons.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:25 PM ^
The Hubbard St. location is always full of nice scenery but not a good sports bar..
I am a fan of Mad River because its not a crowded as Duffy’s and I don’t feel like I am in a dark basement. Newport is a good surprise as I just move a few blocks away and didn’t know it was Det/Mich friendly. It is a unique place and reminds me of a Rotary Club hangout where the guys with the horned hats play poker....
MGoBru - Bet a 10% salary raise and a title promotion on the game. Leave work on Friday and tell your girlfriend the good news.. Walk proudly into the office on Monday and order new business cards to reflect your new title..
August 31st, 2010 at 4:22 PM ^
...and turn it into a Michigan bar.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:57 PM ^
Used to be a Nebraska bar, they were ousted from there a few years ago in favor of I believe Kansas and Wisconsin. A friend of mine always went there for Nebraska games.
Anyone know if Cortland's Garage has any affiliations? I watched a weeknight Bears game there and it was a good place to watch. Two Hearted on tap when I was there.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:14 PM ^
As the owner(s) went to Kansas or something like that.
I believe Corltand's Garage is affiliated with Texas. At least it was last year.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:32 PM ^
Maybe Kansas becoming relevant in football was what led him to stop having Nebraska there then - the newer Nebraska bar has a team that similarly is irrelevant in football (it's also an Indiana bar). Lottie's had t-shirts for the Nebraska games, so they were fully into being a Nebraska football bar.
It figures that the bar showing Michigan games in Wicker Park/Bucktown is one that I don't really like, although I do always find the bookings for the Cans Music Festival to be pretty amusing.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:32 PM ^
Make that happen and I will show up to buy beer from you
August 31st, 2010 at 4:45 PM ^
Lotties is gorgeous. If you achieve this dream, I will show up from Grand Rapids and buy beer FOR both of you.
As a former Bucktowner, I've always felt the Northside on Damen is a great place to watch sports. There won't be packs of Wolverines, so I suggest you bring your own.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:17 PM ^
...at Cortland and Wolcott and have done so for many years. I reckon I have spent over 20 Gs at that place. I go there at least once a week. I have pulled some great tail there too. God, I love Lotties, I'm going there for dinner.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:40 PM ^
Which one is the bar with the outdoor seating complete with TVs? That's the last Chicago Michigan bar I was at.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:00 PM ^
...I can't remember what it was called when it was a Michigan bar (I *think* it had a different name then - circa '98-00); it's the place on N Clybourn b/w Cortland & Magnolia.
August 31st, 2010 at 9:12 PM ^
I wish Zella's was still a Michigan bar, when there aren't rats out there the patio is one of my favorite in Chicago.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:06 PM ^
MORAN'S!
It used to be called Moran's. I knew the memory would come back at some point - heh.
August 31st, 2010 at 8:12 PM ^
I knew it began with an "M". Tells you how long it's been since I watched a game in Chicago (that didn't involve going up to Evanston). Definitely remember the '96 Colorado game there (on an unseasonably cool day). Also hit a Red Wings Cup game there...Washington or someone. Thanks for the refresher.
August 31st, 2010 at 4:47 PM ^
in supporting rockit you support an alum (aturo gomez) who supports u of m.
they are extremely excited about hosting the games and are willing to listen to any idea
August 31st, 2010 at 5:04 PM ^
That makes me feel a little better, I'd rather at least have an alumn in the works than the soulless, if talented, Bar1events people
August 31st, 2010 at 5:16 PM ^
How did I not know this before? I still have so much to learn. Done and done
August 31st, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^
Like I said, i'm not enthused about their 'we are a michigan bar!' starting september 1st, then everything comes down the minute the season is over. But its damn convenient, so I go.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:30 PM ^
The Michigan bar scene for games sucks in Chicago. Hate to say it, OSU and MSU do a better job of creating great game day bar scenes.
August 31st, 2010 at 5:46 PM ^
I'll have to make a trip to Rockit when I visit my friend in Chicago later this fall.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:03 PM ^
Just moved to Chicago, I'm a Chicago n00b... What's the best/easiest M bar to get to from Hyde Park?
August 31st, 2010 at 6:21 PM ^
You must be a student at UofC. Booth possibly?
I don't know of any M bars on the southside. And to be honest, you are not close to any of the bars mentioned above. Pick any of them above and google map your way there.
August 31st, 2010 at 6:25 PM ^
Not Booth, but yes, UC. Doing an MA. I've quickly found out Hyde Park is pretty much a lifetime away from everything cool. And I'm not going to have cable, so going to the bar is going to be a necessity to watch sports this year unless I stream it on my computer. :\
August 31st, 2010 at 11:34 PM ^
This is my first fall living in Chicago and my friends all say that Duffys is off the chain so thats where I'll be. I dont mind a crowded bar but if its like a can of sardines then I might head out to Matilda's.