The 82nd annual March Madness tournament is right around the corner, kicking-off March 17. Below is a list of different promotions, specials and best hang out spots to catch a game in the city.
Cafe Bonhomme
The Loop restaurant is also celebrating March Madness by offering food and beverage specials all day every game day, including:
The West Loop steakhouse will be rolling out a Malbec Madness competition in conjunction with the tournament. Starting Monday, March 16, eight Malbecs will face off in an epic battle of the bottles. The wine that nets the most by-the-glass sales that week advances to the next round the following week. Fill out your bracket and follow your favorite seed. If you pick the winning Malbec, you’ll be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a Chef’s Counter for Two (Monday-Wednesday). May the best pour win.
1 Seed: Catena Paraje Alamira Malbec, Argentina
2 Seed: Tikal Amorio, Argentina
3 Seed: Vistalba Courte B. , Argentina
4 Seed: Maison Georges 'Le Vassal de Mercues', Cahors France
5 Seed: Milbrandt Malbec, Washington
6 Seed: Altamana Grand Reserva, Chile
7 Seed: Lieu Dit Malbec, California
8 Seed: Clos la Coutale Cahors Malbec, France
Houndstooth Saloon
During March Madness, Houndstooth will be opening early Thursday and Friday to make sure none of the maddness is missed. Throughout the tournament, enjoy $5 Stadium Cups, $5 Bombs and $7 Double Decker Nachos. Large groups are welcome and private space is available.
Recess
During the games, Recess will offer $5 Dobel shots and cocktails, $3 select cans and bottles and $5 drafts. Pair the drink specials with Executive Chef Daniel Weiland’s specialty burger of the week for only $10 or share a platter of jumbo wings with the table for $1 per wing. Guests can create their own bracket for the chance to win a $250 Recess Gift card.
Funkenhausen
Catch a game in West Town. Available from 5-7pm Tuesday through Friday, and 3-6pm Saturday and Sunday - $5 Krombacher Pilsner boots, $6 featured cocktails and food specials like a $6 big garlic-y pretzel, $6 rib tips, $6 tarte flambee and $12 hot schnitz sandwich.
Courtesy of Walton Street Kitchen + Bar
Boxcar Betty's
Boxcar Betty’s is a southern inspired fried chicken sandwich purveyor serving up sandwiches, salads and sides. Catering items include their Custom Sandwich Bar (with options ranging from Fried Chicken to Pimento Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms), Party Platters (serving 10-25 guests), fresh brewed sweet tea and homemade Peach Coleslaw.
Boxcar Betty’s only requires 24 hours advance notice for all catering, with pick-up and delivery options available.
Courtesy of Boxcar Betty's
Bandit
The West Loop's Bandit(841 West Randolph Street) will be offering $20 customizable beer coolers with the option to choose any six of the $6 cans on the menu. In addition, more than a dozen flat-screen televisions will air the games throughout the 2,600-square-foot restaurant. Viewing options will be available from every angle of the restaurant including the bar, main dining room and back patio. A heated and covered pergola on the back patio will give guests a comfortable alfrescooption to watch the games on one of the restaurant's outdoor flatscreens.
Public House
On the west-side of Public House, a 30-foot HD screen is hoisted above one of the bars which can feature one, two, three, or four games at once, ensuring all of the tournament's games will be on. Also, throughout the 10,000-square-foot gastropub an additional 27 flat-screen TVs are strategically placed throughout so a steal, foul, or game-winning shot will not be missed. The gastropub will also be offering drink specials including $7 Tito’s cocktails and Moscow Mules made with Tito's vodka, $4 bottles of select domestic beers, and $6 22-ounce drafts of Bud Light, 312, and Green Line.
Courtesy of Lindsey Simon
The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group
Three concepts from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group are offering March Madness specials and viewing parties for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
All the Utopian Tailgate, Roots Handmade Pizza, and The Fifty/50 locations will show all the March Madness games on their TVs with sound starting on Thursday, March 19 thru the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6.
All of the specials listed below are valid from open to close on every day there are March Madness games starting on Thursday, March 19.
Utopian Tailgate
* $3 all domestic beers (draft and can)
* $4 Jameson shots
The Fifty/50
* $5 Ketel One Vodka cocktails
* $3 Detroit City Distillery Homegrown Rye Whiskey shots
* 5-Beer Bucket Deals (buy any four of the same bottled or canned beers, get the fifth beer at no extra charge)
* Two new sauces for The Fifty/50’s award-winning chicken wings will debut during March Madness. They are “Lemon Pepper” and "Spicy Mexican Chili”.
Roots Handmade Pizza
* $3 “Buzzer Beater” rotating shot specials
* $5 16oz drafts of Great Central Lager in March
* $5 16oz drafts of Solemn Oath Lü Kolsch in April (Final Four & National Championship Game)
* $20 5-Can Goose Island Buckets featuring Natural Villain, So-Lo IPA, and 312. (Can mix-and-match)
* All of the 2020 “Roots Chef Series Specialty Pizzas” will be available thru the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6. That full menu is below.
Matthias Merges' Mordecai Manhattan Clam Chowder Pizza Clams, Potatoes, Celery Sofritto, Pecorino, Bonito, Jersey Red Sauce
Chef Alisha Elenz's Bar Biscay Short Rib Bourguignon Pizza Braised Short Rib, Marinated Button Mushrooms, Au Jus Béchamel, Egg Noodles, Cipollini Onions, Carrots, Gruyère, Mozzarella, Fine Herbs
Chef Oliver Poilevey's Le Bouchon French Onion Soup Pizza (vegetarian) Caramelized Onions, Onion Soubise, Cipollini Onions, Gruyère, Mozzarella, Brown Butter Sourdough Croutons, Chives
Chef Jonathan Zaragoza's Birrieria Zaragoza G.O.A.T. Pizza La Barca, Jalisco Birria; Salsa de Molcajete; Chihuahua Cheese; Salsa Verde
While watching the tournament at The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville, patrons can sip on $16 buckets of domestic beer and $18 Truly and White Claw buckets while noshing on $20 5-pound buckets of chicken wings (dine-in only). Broadcasting the games with sound on 9 TVs throughout the bar, Graystone Tavern also offers a sidewalk patio and private beer garden with TVs.
The Rambler
Tuesday, March 17 through Monday, April 6
Open early for Thursday and Friday games
50-cent to $30 specials
The Rambler, in North Center, will celebrate March Madness with 50-cent wings, $5 Paddy Irish Whiskey, $5 Skrewball Whiskey, $16 domestic buckets and $30 mega-buckets throughout the tournament. Guests can catch the games on 20 60-inch TVs throughout the bar with the sound on. If the weather is nice, guests can opt to watch the game in The Rambler’s large, dog-friendly beer garden complete with a bar and firepit.
Additionally, The Rambler will open early at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 with $25 packages including domestic bottles, craft, import and domestic drafts and call liquors. Customizable food and drink options are available for groups.
Tuscany Restaurants in Chicago and Wheeling
Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20
$24 lunch; $30 dinner (Chicago)
$19.95 lunch; $29.95 dinner (Wheeling)
To kick off March Madness, Tuscany locations in Chicago and Wheeling will offer a week-long “The Stefani Three Pointer” three-course prix fixe menu during the first week of the tournament. Available at lunch and dinner, the menu will feature a house salad, meat lasagna entree and homemade cannoli.
Wings at The Rambler (Courtesy of Rob Austin)
Wing Squad
Wing Squad, the delivery-only concept, wants to keep you continuously fueled for the 21 days of March Madness.
When selecting your wings, Wing Squad gives you the option of ordering them smothered in a variety of different flavors, including BBQ, Honey Garlic, Cajun, Sweet Chili, and Buffalo. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or spicy, Wing Squad caters to sides as well. Pair your wings with Mac & Cheese, some chips, and Side Salad & Veggies.
Would March Madness festivities even be complete without dessert? Root for your favorite teams with a plate of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Brownies, Chocolate Cake, and some Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Wing Squad is available via Uber Eats, Postmates, GrubHub, or DoorDash this March Madness.
Courtesy of Wing Squad
Smoke Daddy
In honor of March Madness, barbecue spot Smoke Daddy, will open both locations early at 10:30 AM to kick off the first two days of the NCAA Tournament – March 19 and 20 – offering early bird fans 50 cent beers. In true Beat-the-Clock style, the earlier you arrive, the cheaper the beer.
Starting at 10:30 AM each day, basketball fanatics can choose from a selection of four beers - Old Style, PBR, Miller Light or Bud Light - for just 50 cents each. Beer prices go up 50 cents every 30 minutes until 3 PM, maxing out at $5 each for the rest of the day.
Food specials include a half dozen wings for $6. Wing flavors include a choice of Dry-Rubbed or any of Smoke Daddy's Signature Sauces: Original, Blazin' Hot, Mustard Q, Sweet & Smoky BBQ and Hot Shot Buffalo. The full menu will also be available.
There will be plenty of prizes throughout the games.
The 82nd annual March Madness tournament is right around the corner, kicking-off March 17. Below is a list of different promotions, specials and best hang out spots to catch a game in the city.
Cafe Bonhomme
The Loop restaurant is also celebrating March Madness by offering food and beverage specials all day every game day, including:
½ off all bottles of wine
$3 Hamm’s
$4 Fresno Chile Hummus (Za'atar Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seeds, Grilled Pita)
$5 Daily Shot
$5 Patatas Bravas (Spanish-Style Potatoes, Brava Sauce, Garlic Aioli, Pimentón)
$6 Bubbles or Sangría
$7 Cheeseburger (Single Angus Beef Patty, Bacon, Tomato, Lettuce, Mustard Aioli)
$8 Glass of Albariño, Naan flatbread (Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Celery Root Pureé, Whipped Goat Cheese, Arugula)
$9 rotating Daily Cocktail
$9 Chicken Kabob (Marinated Chicken Thighs, Tahini Hummus, Black Garlic Chimichurri, Roasted Potatoes)
El Che Steakhouse & Bar
The West Loop steakhouse will be rolling out a Malbec Madness competition in conjunction with the tournament. Starting Monday, March 16, eight Malbecs will face off in an epic battle of the bottles. The wine that nets the most by-the-glass sales that week advances to the next round the following week. Fill out your bracket and follow your favorite seed. If you pick the winning Malbec, you’ll be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a Chef’s Counter for Two (Monday-Wednesday). May the best pour win.
1 Seed: Catena Paraje Alamira Malbec, Argentina
2 Seed: Tikal Amorio, Argentina
3 Seed: Vistalba Courte B. , Argentina
4 Seed: Maison Georges 'Le Vassal de Mercues', Cahors France
5 Seed: Milbrandt Malbec, Washington
6 Seed: Altamana Grand Reserva, Chile
7 Seed: Lieu Dit Malbec, California
8 Seed: Clos la Coutale Cahors Malbec, France
Houndstooth Saloon
During March Madness, Houndstooth will be opening early Thursday and Friday to make sure none of the maddness is missed. Throughout the tournament, enjoy $5 Stadium Cups, $5 Bombs and $7 Double Decker Nachos. Large groups are welcome and private space is available.
Recess
During the games, Recess will offer $5 Dobel shots and cocktails, $3 select cans and bottles and $5 drafts. Pair the drink specials with Executive Chef Daniel Weiland’s specialty burger of the week for only $10 or share a platter of jumbo wings with the table for $1 per wing. Guests can create their own bracket for the chance to win a $250 Recess Gift card.
Funkenhausen
Catch a game in West Town. Available from 5-7pm Tuesday through Friday, and 3-6pm Saturday and Sunday - $5 Krombacher Pilsner boots, $6 featured cocktails and food specials like a $6 big garlic-y pretzel, $6 rib tips, $6 tarte flambee and $12 hot schnitz sandwich.
Boxcar Betty's
Boxcar Betty’s is a southern inspired fried chicken sandwich purveyor serving up sandwiches, salads and sides. Catering items include their Custom Sandwich Bar (with options ranging from Fried Chicken to Pimento Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms), Party Platters (serving 10-25 guests), fresh brewed sweet tea and homemade Peach Coleslaw.
Boxcar Betty’s only requires 24 hours advance notice for all catering, with pick-up and delivery options available.
Bandit
The West Loop's Bandit (841 West Randolph Street) will be offering $20 customizable beer coolers with the option to choose any six of the $6 cans on the menu. In addition, more than a dozen flat-screen televisions will air the games throughout the 2,600-square-foot restaurant. Viewing options will be available from every angle of the restaurant including the bar, main dining room and back patio. A heated and covered pergola on the back patio will give guests a comfortable alfresco option to watch the games on one of the restaurant's outdoor flatscreens.
Public House
On the west-side of Public House, a 30-foot HD screen is hoisted above one of the bars which can feature one, two, three, or four games at once, ensuring all of the tournament's games will be on. Also, throughout the 10,000-square-foot gastropub an additional 27 flat-screen TVs are strategically placed throughout so a steal, foul, or game-winning shot will not be missed. The gastropub will also be offering drink specials including $7 Tito’s cocktails and Moscow Mules made with Tito's vodka, $4 bottles of select domestic beers, and $6 22-ounce drafts of Bud Light, 312, and Green Line.
The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group
Three concepts from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group are offering March Madness specials and viewing parties for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
All the Utopian Tailgate, Roots Handmade Pizza, and The Fifty/50 locations will show all the March Madness games on their TVs with sound starting on Thursday, March 19 thru the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6.
All of the specials listed below are valid from open to close on every day there are March Madness games starting on Thursday, March 19.
Utopian Tailgate
* $3 all domestic beers (draft and can)
* $4 Jameson shots
The Fifty/50
* $5 Ketel One Vodka cocktails
* $3 Detroit City Distillery Homegrown Rye Whiskey shots
* 5-Beer Bucket Deals (buy any four of the same bottled or canned beers, get the fifth beer at no extra charge)
* Two new sauces for The Fifty/50’s award-winning chicken wings will debut during March Madness. They are “Lemon Pepper” and "Spicy Mexican Chili”.
Roots Handmade Pizza
* $3 “Buzzer Beater” rotating shot specials
* $5 16oz drafts of Great Central Lager in March
* $5 16oz drafts of Solemn Oath Lü Kolsch in April (Final Four & National Championship Game)
* $20 5-Can Goose Island Buckets featuring Natural Villain, So-Lo IPA, and 312. (Can mix-and-match)
* All of the 2020 “Roots Chef Series Specialty Pizzas” will be available thru the National Championship Game on Monday, April 6. That full menu is below.
Matthias Merges' Mordecai Manhattan Clam Chowder Pizza
Clams, Potatoes, Celery Sofritto, Pecorino, Bonito, Jersey Red Sauce
Chef Alisha Elenz's Bar Biscay Short Rib Bourguignon Pizza
Braised Short Rib, Marinated Button Mushrooms, Au Jus Béchamel, Egg Noodles, Cipollini Onions, Carrots, Gruyère, Mozzarella, Fine Herbs
Chef Won Kim's Kimski KoPo BBQ Pizza
Kimski Sausage, Kraut-Chi, Shiitake Mushrooms, Ssam-Marinara, Mozzarella, Sesame Leaves, Sesame Seeds, Sesame Vinaigrette, Scallions
Chef Oliver Poilevey's Le Bouchon French Onion Soup Pizza (vegetarian)
Caramelized Onions, Onion Soubise, Cipollini Onions, Gruyère, Mozzarella, Brown Butter Sourdough Croutons, Chives
Chef Jonathan Zaragoza's Birrieria Zaragoza G.O.A.T. Pizza
La Barca, Jalisco Birria; Salsa de Molcajete; Chihuahua Cheese; Salsa Verde
Chef Lamar Moore's Southern Homestyle Pimiento Cheese & Spicy Sausage Pizza
Andouille Sausage, Chicken Chorizo Sausage, Pimiento Cheese, Tomatillos, Garlic Aioli, Cilantro
The Graystone Tavern
While watching the tournament at The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville, patrons can sip on $16 buckets of domestic beer and $18 Truly and White Claw buckets while noshing on $20 5-pound buckets of chicken wings (dine-in only). Broadcasting the games with sound on 9 TVs throughout the bar, Graystone Tavern also offers a sidewalk patio and private beer garden with TVs.
The Rambler
The Rambler, in North Center, will celebrate March Madness with 50-cent wings, $5 Paddy Irish Whiskey, $5 Skrewball Whiskey, $16 domestic buckets and $30 mega-buckets throughout the tournament. Guests can catch the games on 20 60-inch TVs throughout the bar with the sound on. If the weather is nice, guests can opt to watch the game in The Rambler’s large, dog-friendly beer garden complete with a bar and firepit.
Additionally, The Rambler will open early at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 with $25 packages including domestic bottles, craft, import and domestic drafts and call liquors. Customizable food and drink options are available for groups.
Tuscany Restaurants in Chicago and Wheeling
To kick off March Madness, Tuscany locations in Chicago and Wheeling will offer a week-long “The Stefani Three Pointer” three-course prix fixe menu during the first week of the tournament. Available at lunch and dinner, the menu will feature a house salad, meat lasagna entree and homemade cannoli.
Wing Squad
Wing Squad, the delivery-only concept, wants to keep you continuously fueled for the 21 days of March Madness.
When selecting your wings, Wing Squad gives you the option of ordering them smothered in a variety of different flavors, including BBQ, Honey Garlic, Cajun, Sweet Chili, and Buffalo. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or spicy, Wing Squad caters to sides as well. Pair your wings with Mac & Cheese, some chips, and Side Salad & Veggies.
Would March Madness festivities even be complete without dessert? Root for your favorite teams with a plate of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Brownies, Chocolate Cake, and some Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Wing Squad is available via Uber Eats, Postmates, GrubHub, or DoorDash this March Madness.
Smoke Daddy
In honor of March Madness, barbecue spot Smoke Daddy, will open both locations early at 10:30 AM to kick off the first two days of the NCAA Tournament – March 19 and 20 – offering early bird fans 50 cent beers. In true Beat-the-Clock style, the earlier you arrive, the cheaper the beer.
Starting at 10:30 AM each day, basketball fanatics can choose from a selection of four beers - Old Style, PBR, Miller Light or Bud Light - for just 50 cents each. Beer prices go up 50 cents every 30 minutes until 3 PM, maxing out at $5 each for the rest of the day.
Food specials include a half dozen wings for $6. Wing flavors include a choice of Dry-Rubbed or any of Smoke Daddy's Signature Sauces: Original, Blazin' Hot, Mustard Q, Sweet & Smoky BBQ and Hot Shot Buffalo. The full menu will also be available.
There will be plenty of prizes throughout the games.
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