Hockey Trip to Chicago

Only liquor laws are that you cannot buy after 2am (at most places, some bars are 3 or 4am), and then you cannot buy before something like 11am on Sundays. During the week it is like 6 or 7am.

Closest good beer bar is Beer Bistro which is about 1-1.5 miles away. Revolution is only 3-4 miles away and worth a stop. Beer stores, Binnys South Loop is close by.

 

You can buy liquor on Sundays.

 

Almost every good place in the city is within a couple miles. I wouldnt limit yourself to just areas around the United Center. A 10-12 dollar cab trip max can get you almost anywhere. Otherwise the L trains can take you close to most places for $2.25.

 

Haymarket is also about 1.5 miles away.

 

http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/city/6/
http://beermapping.com/maps/citymaps.php?m=chicago

Westend is a new Blackhawks bar near there, Bottom Lounge is also close, and Jak's isn't far either.

 

I'd second Haymarket Pub and Brewery or Beer Bistro. Besides being great places considering you're going to the Hawks game, they both have free shuttles to and from the United Center available.

 

I always go to the Beer Bistro before games. Food is good--get the tater tots. They have a shuttle that will take you to the UC, like stated previously. First, go to Binny's and buy some bottles. If you want to shell out a few more bucks and get something that might be more rare, check out Lush in University Village.

After you get your bottles, I recommend parking closer to the UC. If all you want to do is drink beer at the Bistro, park over by the Billy Goat (if you get there early enough, there will be spots right on Madison facing east in front of Subway--just park there) and get a double cheeze for food then head back east. If you actually want something that won't make your heart hurt, then go eat/drink at the Bistro. Then, take the shuttle to the game, bring a few bucks, and find one of the few guys around the outside of the UC selling a Committed Indian. Always a good read as the "unofficial Blackhawks program." After the game, you are closer to the car and it is easier to hop in and get out of the area before traffic sucks. In what section are you sitting? Get there early so you don't miss the anthem.

 

I might b going to this game as well but won't know till the day of. If I do go, my group and I will def b going to Haymarket before the game and taking the shuttle. I highly recommend doing this for a few reasons: 1) Shuttle is free and they fill 2 coolers with growlers of a good mix of their beers. 2) There's plenty of free street parking by Haymarket and it's far enough from the United Center where traffic won't b an issue for u after the game. 3)Haymarket's food and beer is top notch. Along with their own beers, they also have a good guest tap and bottle selection.

 

Haymarket runs shuttles to Hawks and Bulls games. They get my vote!

 

beer bistro and west end are both really close to the UC. might find a better selection at beer bistro, but west end is more of a hockey bar.

 

I don't know how early you have to get there. It usually wasn't hard to get the shuttle from Beer Bistro (haven't done the shuttle thing since Haymarket started doing it or I'd have some experience), but you'd want to get to Haymarket in time to have some food and beers anyway. Just ask when you get there, I'm sure they'll be able to tell you how it works. Or give them a call.

 

I used to live in Chicago back when they still played in the Chicago Stadium. I've only seen a couple games in the new barn. I remember the way Wayne Mesmer used to belt out the national anthem. It brought tears to my eyes. I haven't heard Jim Cornelison(?) in person, but I'm glad they air the National Anthem before every game on the Center Ice Pacakge. One of these days I desperately need to find a Chicago BA to couch crash with and take in a game. I'm a die hard Hawks fan, and not being able to take in a home game tears at the very fabric of my soul. Oh yeah...good beer before, during, and after is an absolute bonus. lol

 

I'd get there a little early just to get a table and like it was mentioned in a previous post, give yourself enough time to eat, enjoy a bunch of great beers and just relax. Getting on the shuttle shouldn't be a problem at all. I'm sure your server would be happy to answer any questions u have. I'll BM u if I end up going to the game and we can have a drink or two or three. I take it you'll be the group wearing the Minnesota sweaters?

 

One of the few... And I am not a big fan of the anthems, just play hockey, the greatest sport in the world. And I will have to do this with Haymarket next time I go, but I have been hiatus, waiting for the bandwagoners to quit filling the arena. Luckily I caught an nhl game both in Detroit and Winnipeg this year (had connections in WPG obviously).

 

Ironically, the last game I went to at Chicago Stadium was the last game they hosted against the Winnipeg Jets prior to their relocation to Phoenix. I would love to catch a game up there. I've watched several games played at the MTS Centre on the Center Ice package now, and that place is outright electric. Would be tough seeing Byfuglien and Ladd in Jets sweaters, but... What were your beer choices up in the Peg? Labatt's and Molson, I assume?

 

Bud or Budweiser, like 10$ a pop, probably the worst arena in the world for beer. But beforehand we went to a bar that had a good lineup of Half-Pints and some other craft. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible.

 

I don't drink beer at sporting events or concerts. I simply refuse. Unless...I'm at Citizen's Bank Park taking in a Phillie game. It's worth taking in a ballgame there for the craft brew selection alone.