From hangouts with former Eagles players to ‘The Bean,’ here’s a guide to Chicago for Birds fans
It's been a few years since the Birds visited to Chicago, but we've got you covered when it comes to things to do in the Windy City if you're heading over for the 'Monday Night Football' showdown.
The Eagles are headed to Chicago, and Birds fans are expected to follow.
If you are flying into Midway (or O’Hare if you’re unlucky) for the game, here’s everything you need to know about the Windy City:
Where do I find fellow Birds fans?
You are bound to bump into some fellow Eagles fans this weekend by coincidence.
However, you also can plan to see them at one of the many events held by Eagles fan groups. The Green Legion, which hosted events last weekend in Nashville, is now coming to the Windy City. On Sunday, the group is holding a pep rally at Hopsmith Tavern from 7-10 p.m. The pep rally will feature an open bar and light food. Before kickoff on Monday, the group is hosting a tailgate at Fatpour McCormick: Ultimate Chicago Sports Bar at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are limited for both events and can be found on the Green Legion’s website.
Philly Sports Trips is also hosting two meetups. From 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Birds fans can enjoy an open bar and a live DJ at Rebel & Rye restaurant. Former Eagles Hollis Thomas, Todd Herremans, Tra Thomas, and Clay Harbor are slated to attend. On Monday, the group is holding a tailgate at 1914 S. Wabash Ave. — a short walk from Soldier Field. Tickets can be purchased on Philly Sports Trips’ website.
Are there any Philly spots?
There are several Philly-themed bars and restaurants in Chicago. A fan-favorite of the Inquirer staff is Philly’s Best — a cheesesteak spot which one sports editor frequented after graduating from college. Philly’s Best is open until 1 a.m. on Monday, so you can get a cheesesteak to celebrate the Birds’ win (or to indulge in your sorrows).
If you are looking for a bar, The Reveler in Roscoe Village is a popular gathering spot for Birds fans living in Chicago. The bar hosts Eagles watch parties every weekend and even plays the team’s fight song after each score. Of course, they also have a cheesesteak on the menu.
The Eagles survived -- again. This time, instead of holding on for dear life as they did in their opener against Washington, the Eagles came from behind in the final minutes to pull out a gutsy win at Tennessee, with their quarterback leading the way. With the Eagles 2-0, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski examine Jalen Hurts’ promising performance through two games, and dig into the uneven play of the defense. Listen here.
Listen to all episodes here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Where can I see the whole city?
If you’re scared of heights, skip this part.
Consider checking out CloudBar — Chicago’s highest bar. CloudBar is located on the 94th floor of the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. The building, which was previously named the John Hancock Center, is located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile district.
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Unlike Philadelphia’s swanky SkyHigh bar on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, CloudBar is not high end. The bar has no dress code, so feel free to wear that old Zach Ertz jersey you dug out of the closet. Tickets for CloudBar can be purchased on their website.
What if I want to go to a Bears bar?
If you want to venture into enemy territory before or after the game, consider The Staley.
The bar is owned and operated by former Bears defensive end Israel Idonije and is within walking distance of Soldier Field. Like it does every week, the bar is hosting a watch party before and during Monday night’s game.
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Another member of The Inquirer’s staff suggests to have a pint at Black Barrel Tavern located in the West Loop neighborhood. At either spot, just be prepared for some comments on your choice of kelly Green attire. Also, get ready to hear lots about “Da Bears.”
What are the classic tourist spots?
Everyone loves the idea of not being a tourist. Sometimes, it’s OK to be one. Here are the top tourist spots in Chicago:
It wouldn’t be a visit to Chicago if you did not visit Millennium Park and take a selfie with “The Bean.” The statue, which actually is called Cloud Gate, was finished in 2006 and quickly became one of the landmarks synonymous with the city.
If you have some spare time hopping from bar to bar with fellow Birds fans, take a scenic stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk. The path spans multiple neighborhoods and even offers kayak rentals. The architecture boat tours are really cool, too.
Like Ferris Bueller, have an afternoon at The Art Institute of Chicago. The museum currently has an exhibition on the art of Mary Cassatt. The painter, who lived from 1844 to 1926, actually received her formal training in Philadelphia. Maybe she’d be a Birds fan, too.
Unfortunately, the Cubs are in Boston this weekend, but still check out Wrigleyville. The neighborhood surrounding the famed ballpark boasts famous bars and restaurants like Murphy’s Bleachers, Sluggers, and The Cubby Bear.
