Theory was not our destination of choice for brunch this morning, but man are we glad we ended up there. I was with four friends from out of town who were very hungry & slightly hungover (welcome to Chicago). The waitress was very patient & knowledgeable about the menu. Lindsey gave her honest opinions & was very accommodating as we looked at the menu over & over again trying to make up our minds. The manager even came by to engage in some small talk, ask us for a channel preference, & turned off the vent when he noticed we were a little chilly. The place was more than half full with happy customers too. On top of a genuine personable staff, the food hit the spot!! I had the Goat Salad (minus the pineapple) & was skeptical about ordering it at first, but it surprised me. The breaded cranberry goat cheese balls exploded with flavor in my mouth. I never had anything like it and will definitely come back for this. My friends devoured their "hangover food" & were very satisfied. Again, it was the staff they made our afternoon more pleasant than we could've asked for. I do live in town & have only been there for drinks at night (always a good time). Now I plan to make this a top choice brunch spot as well. Thank you Theory! read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here to watch a UEFA Champion League Semifinal (that Real Madrid sadly lost :( ). The staff was very friendly and even played the sound of the match. The restaurant has a very vibrant atmosphere, there's even a small cool lounge in the back. Food and beer were really good. My party ordered mostly burgers, and everyone was very pleased. An absolute recommendation for sporting events or casual eating. read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is one of my go to bars to watch NBA games. There's always decent daily drink and food specials and friendly bartenders. On Mondays there are $5 drafts and $6 svedka cocktails. I ended up ordering the New York sour ($11) which basically tasted like bourbon and red wine mixed together, not what I was hoping for. The Tochos ($10) however, were some of the best loaded tater tots I've ever had. Good portion sizes and the addition of guac was great. I hope to try some of the other cocktails next time and hope they turn out well! read more

Theory - Totchos - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Where to start? This place is AWESOME! From the food to the atmosphere to the service, you literally can't go wrong. This place has 20 something TVs, perfect for watching the big game (GO BLUE)! There's also a TV in the bathroom so you really can't miss the action. There's a breakfast menu and a super delicious lunch menu. I was so overwhelmed with all the amazing options I couldn't pick just one. So we ordered a couple of options. Herky sticks, Mac and cheese wedges, and the chicken tenders are all prime options. We tried the wings and breakfast cauliflower pizza next, they did not disappoint! They also have really good bloody Mary's. The service has been awesome, and our waitress is quick to refill drinks, get our orders, and appear right when we need her, even during a busy time filled with football fans. There's enough TVs so no matter where you sit, you can see the game perfectly. Honestly, this was kind of a random find, but it is a hidden gem! If you're looking for good food, excellent service, a good view of the game, and bomb drinks, look no further, because this place is the ONLY place you'll want to be at. Give it a shot, you won't be disappo read more

Was T Theory for a busy Saturday Iowa football game. Despite it being extremely crowded for six hours while we are there, due to to rain delays, we had excellent service from her wait staff and managers. Very attentive and never had an empty drink in my hand. Food was great two! read more

We wanted to watch a Chelsea soccer match & found Theory! They put our game & the audio on, service was great & the food was tasty.

Exceeded all expectations. Heard this was a good sports bar, which is why we chose it. Its actually more than that. The food was much better than expected. We had a large party and ordered most of the apps. Georgia, was the best server. She made great recommendations and was so attentive all evening. She's a real pro. Sam kept checking in and made the whole evening even more fun. The service and food were way mire than expected. I'd highly recommend. read more

Best sports bar I've ever been to. TV's everywhere, staff is fantastic, food is amazing and draft beer and football here is a must. 12/10. Best in Chicago. read more

So good. Service was awesome and every single employee was very friendly and talkative, it does have more of a bar or hookah lounge vibe but doesn't feel at all uncomfortable. The steak sandwich was delicious and worth every penny of the $16, the fries were great as well. I think I might have to drive back from Detroit just to come here sometimes, it is that good! Also, I have to note being a music producer, their soundtrack is awesome! I found out many employees here have ties to Detroit and you could feel that unique Detroit energy here, I loved the Eminem and D-12 tracks. Keep it up guys you are doing all the right things. read more

Top spot in Chitown. In from St. Louis last year and the owner bent over backwoods to get us a table on football Sunday. A year later I'm back in town and back to Theory because of the hospitality from "Joel" the owner. Once again the hospitality and service is amazing, even with the precautions in place the service has been amazing. Joel once again got us in on a busy Friday night. Emily(Blem) the bartender is amazing, excellent service and very friendly. Everyone just makes you feel at home and guarantees you a good time. Customer for life!! read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lots of TV's. Lots of 20-somethings getting shitty doing shots. Didn't try the food. The draft beer from the back taps was harsh and tasted like stale beer, so moved to Scotch: "Is Highland Park a Scotch, because if it is we have that" I was told by the waiter guy. when I asked what they had. What???? Really??? There are two other good bars on this block that have a clue, have fresh beer, and have TV's to watch the game. I'll be going there. I won't be going back to Theory. Unless of course I feel like getting shitty with a bunch of 20-somethings. Which I won't. read more

Awesome ribs and atmosphere. Friendly patrons and (local) folks great Liz made and awesome gin and tonic and very knowledgeable! Will def be back to tey Mac and cheese pizza read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Regular bar, definitely not upscale.Very loud and a bad odor on the first floor.

Theory is what all hip River North sports bars want to be minus a rooftop. I came in lunch and the easily accessible spot was buzzing with the latest pop music and the cubs game on their HD flat screens. The ambience can fit multiple occasions as I'm sure the sangria pitcher deals will allow for a girls night or the wide variety of cocktail drinks with beers will allow for a bros night or casual date/meetup. There's even an outdoor sit area allowed for people to sit and eat facing the street if desired. The menu has a variation of bar foods with a high class twist on them. I had what I considered to be a bougie beef sandwich. AKA the Theory beef sandwich where like the traditional Chicago style Italian beef sandwich you may add your choice of peppers, but the Theory rendition comes with a French dipping sauce on the side much like traditional French dip sandwich but with a delicious Swiss cheese melted to perfection in the sandwich. As for sides you get your choice of tots or fries, which I am sure neither would disappoint. Seasoned french fries always have my heart, but I definitely plan to return to try the totchos (nachos made on tater tots). If you want less bougie I'd go for the wings. I tried the parmesan garlic wings, which by taste I can tell was made with chicken that was a bit unfresh seeing the extra chewy and overly brown parts of chicken underneath the batter..although still edible due to being seasoned in a way that a rookie's tastebuds wouldn't notice (unfortunately I'm no rookie). The wings were humungous if you order the large order and so thickly battered and covered in oil and high-grade parmesan you will enter a food coma right at the table if you don't get a doggie bag. The manager came around and asked us several times about our experience, which due to the attentive service was wonderful. I feel like this is a place that all our welcome to enjoy a game and a well stirred moscow mule. Once they master the wings, I'll choose them over BWW. read more

Theory - Theory Beef sandwich with seasoned fries. - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I asked a question on the Yelp message board and someone from the staff promptly responded EARLY this past Sunday morning. The staff was excellent and very accommodating. The fried shrimp and smoked chicken quesadilla was delicious. Tator tots too, yum! The place was a bit packed for my comfort with covid and all but we could have sat outside we just chose inside. It would be safer inside if they had some hanging plastic partitions. But if you're dining out during this time you should assume the risk regardless. I would absolutely return when visiting Chicago, awesome experience. read more

Loved this place for football sunday. They have every game and will go out of their way to ask you what game you came for and find a tv and volume section for you. Staff was very friendly and the food was solid. Ended up watching the game at their upstairs bar and had plenty of room and a tv to ourselves basically. Would definitely recommend for football, especially pats games! read more

We were in town for a friend's wedding that also landed on a Hawkeye Saturday, the owner did an amazing job making us feel at home (like we were tailgating in iowa city). the food was amazing, the drinks were great and the atmosphere was next level. We will definitely be back, it was such a blast!! read more

In town visiting and was looking for a bar to watch our Kansas City Chiefs. Found this place and couldn't be more pleased. They welcomed us in even though they are a Patriots bar and we met Brian (originally from Lawrence, KS...Rock Chalk) who chatted up KC sports with us and made us feel right at home. If we lived in Chicago (we live in DC) we'd be here every week! Also...order the Totchos! Well done Theory! read more

5 stars means great food, great service, and great ambiance! I can't believe that during all my visits to River North, I had never been to Theory until now! man, I've been missing out! My husband and I went in for a late lunch this past Saturday and it gave us a good opportunity to explore the menu, watch the Cubs, and chat with the servers...something you can't always do when it's packed! We ordered the totchos for an appetizer and I think that's the BEST decision we made! I've had variations of loaded tots before, but these were perfection...I mean these are totchos after-all!!! The tots were cooked perfectly and not super greasy! They were smothered in some yummy nacho cheese (the consistency was perfect...not chunky and not too liquidy), diced jalapenos, and with guacamole and sour cream on the side. I would come in for just these!!! This could lead to a dangerous addiction! Oh, totchos...I love you! For entrees, we ordered tacos; I had shrimp and the hubby had fish. The shrimp tacos were really tasty. The portions were huge. There were only 3 tacos and I at 1 1/2. Maybe it's because they double up the corn tortillas. Or maybe it's because I ate so many totchos! Haha! The game plan for next time is to get the totchos and share an entree! The service at Theory was great! EVERYONE was super friendly! My husband made a comment about the service maybe being good because it wasn't crowded. I beg to differ...I've been to many places where it wasn't crowded and the service stunk! So, great job, Theory on hiring individuals who actually enjoy being in the service industry! A smile goes a LONG way! The ambiance is nice and they have a good amount of TVs for games. The placement is good too...you can see multiple TVs from most seats! If you're in River North, definitely check out Theory...and the totchos...you'll totally thank me! read more

My new favorite neighborhood bar! As soon as you walk in you are greeted by all the staff. The manager checked on us and thanks us for our patronage every single time we have been in. Best buffalo wings I have had yet. They were cooked to juicy perfection and saucy, the way I like them. Great vibe, we went on Super Bowl Sunday, bar was alive with Patriot fans, great fun. We also took our friends here one night for preshow cocktails and the music was pumpin classic R&B. Service was fast and friendly. She noticed my friend didn't use his straw in his first cocktail so she made sure they were out of his next ones. Just little attention to detail goes along way. read more

See all

Extra star for how great the hostess was last night - super nice and helpful! Their happy hour specials were pretty awesome too. Overall, this is a pretty solid place to watch a sporting event seeing as they have tvs mounted literally EVERYWHERE you look. The menu is pretty typical bar food, with a lot to choose from. We started with the chicken nachos and they were perfect - I like how they arranged them into "bites" for easy sharing, plus they were just delicious! I also tried the boneless wings, which were decent, and also the fried pickles (I'd skip these next time). The food took a bit to come up, which was ok since we were in it for the long haul and drinks always came up quickly. Our server was very attentive too, always checking in and refilling our water as needed. I would recommend making a reservation or getting here early if you're planning to watch a big game because this is a popular spot! read more

See all

Went here Memorial Day at like 9 because not only were they open and had good reviews, but they'd gone to the trouble of putting their holiday hours on yelp so we were sure they were open. Our plane was crazy delayed into Chicago so we were super happy to find a place open. Got greeted upon arrival by the owner, super nice guy, who thanked us for coming in and made sure we got seated. Then our waitress was incredibly nice and attentive. We went for the tacos and the chimichanga and man oh man were they delicious. This place rocks. Great sports bar, unbelievably good service, great food! My new favorite place to eat when I'm in Chicago. read more

Came in this past Sunday, and I must say, this is one of the best bars I've been to recently. First off, all of the staff were super welcoming and friendly-- major plus. The owner was our favorite; we even talked to the couple next to us about how hospitable he was. He came by our table and offered me and bf a free shot and free beer on the house if we moved to the front since they had a party coming in, which was awesome offer we couldn't pass up! It was super busy, but despite it being NFL kickoff weekend, it was the best service ever! We already ate before we came, but we loved the beer selection! Will definitely be back for more beer and of course, to try the awesome food! read more

We started off with the BUFFALO WINGS. It was okay. They were crispy. Not spicy enough for me. Not spicy at all, actually. I like them hot, and this missed the mark. They were way too pricey for what they were, so 2/5 Then we had the HERKY STICKS. Doughy bread and super cheesy. I'd recommend, but I wouldn't come back since this is the only thing I actually like. Would've been better with herbs, though. And again, expensive for some dough and cheese. 3.5/5 My boyfriend got the FRENCH ONION BURGER and I was jelly, so I got it, too. It looked good, but Do. Not. Get. I'm sorry, but it didn't even come with veggies. I sat there for about 15-20 minutes waiting for my waitress so I can ask for some lettuce and tomato so that I can put it on my burger. She never showed up. When she finally did, I was over it and it was full of mayo and I already ate all the tater tots it came with, so I just wanted my bill and a to-go box for my left over herky sticks. *deep breath* Anyways, I sent the burger back and she took it off the bill. 1/5 They have a yelp check-in deal for 15% off. When I checked in, it said that THREE people had to check in at the same table to get the deal. It was only me and my boyfriend. It was a little annoying, but I thought the food would be yummy. I was wrong. It was way overpriced, pretty underwhelming, and the service wasn't attentive. My boyfriend could've spent his $40something elsewhere. read more

Amazing food, their wings are a must try! My personal favorite is their Parmesan Garlic sauce but their buffalo is good as well. The atmosphere is cool and hip with great music. Next time you're in river north and looking to get a bite to eat, make sure to check them out! read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

great food and atmosphere!! the owner came up and talked to us multiple times and thanked us for coming in. super nice staff. food was a 10/10. highly recommend this place read more

Theory - theory burger, buffalo chicken sandwich, chips and guac - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got a pretty good gun and tonic here. It's a really fun atmosphere to watch a sports game. They have a lot of screens and many tables to sit at. The bathroom is also very clean (muy importante Lol). We were served at good times (no lag) and our waitress was really kind! read more

The wings here are amazing! They have multiple flavors but my favorite flavor will always be the original buffalo wings. Good bar food, awesome music. #wangzforlyfe read more

Stopped in for supper, enjoyed the atmosphere. Loud and fun place. Blackhawks game was coming on shortly before we left and the place was filling up fast. You would have had standing room only if you arrived then. Chicago burger was pretty good. Bacon infused bloody Mary was good and spicy. Tator tots rule and they were deep fried! Turkey wrap good too. read more

See all

We came here during the first night of the MLB playoffs (cubs v nationals). But we were actually trying to watch the World Cup qualifier match. The hostess was very friendly accommodating and found us a table in front of the soccer game, the only thing was we had to share a table with another couple-which we didn't mind at all! Food was amazing. My husband had the honey sriracha and buffalo wings and I had the kale Caesar. We do plan on returning to theory. read more

There are a million bars to go to in Chicago but if you're looking for hospitality and service, this is the place to come! I blindly reached out to various places looking for someone to host a fundraiser with my organization. Joel was prompt to respond and so easy to work with. Their upstairs is ideal for any events or parties. All the staff are so kind and friendly. All the guests of my event loved Theory. We'll definitely be back & recommend it to others! read more

Super fun bar to celebrate the Iowa Hawkeye victory over Northwestern!!! Free shots for every Hawkeye touchdown! Great food, great atmosphere. read more

A great place to watch a game! There's usually a bit of a wait but it's worth it since you can just sit at the bar and order. Plenty of screens too. I've gotten the wings and the tatchos and would recommend both! Good beer selection. read more

A place where everyone knows your name and where service is appreciative. Menu is diverse, but still has the classic Sports Bar finger food. Trust me when I say that you can not go wrong choosing the Herky Sticks...woah! Come in for a beer, come in for the hockey time, but leave after having a good time. My theory is that this place is here to stay! read more

I'm not the type to complain about the volume of music in restaurants or bars but, WOW! If it is later in the night, after dinner then crank the music up. Unfortunately the music is on TEN any time you stop by this place. I hate yelling at the people I'm with when they are only a few feet away. Especially over dinner! There are plenty of TVs showing a bunch of sporting games. I would say the food is a little above average but I've only tried a few things. The beer and cocktail options are pretty standard but it's nothing to rave about. read more

Went here to watch the Blackhawks game and eat dinner. Tons of tvs and they were very accommodating about watching the game we requeFood was pretty good. Service from our waitress was ok not great. Manager (Joel) super nice guy, came by to make sure we were satisfied and said he appreciated our business. I thought that was a nice touch and rare and pleasant thing for a manager to do. I stand corrected- Joel is the owner. Sorry Joel. Thanks again for showing your appreciation. read more

I had no idea this was a golden state warriors bar so I didn't get a chance to sit in. Will try again another day when the playoffs are over. read more

Visiting from Florida and found this great place! Atmosphere was fun and staff was attentive. Food was aaaaaahhhhh-mazing!! The Mac and Cheese flatbread will give you all the feels. The totchos are also delicious! read more

Theory - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ummmm, Amazing food! We were greeted by The Friendly guy at the door. We ordered the avocado toast, burger, and kale ceasar salad. Definitely will be back! read more

Good spot to catch a game while in the river north area. Great beer selection on tap as well in bottles. They carried toppling goliath which is a bit more rare to find but a phenomenal beer. I liked that they actually had the sound on for monday night football even though neither team was Chicago. Good burger and wings read more