March Madness on Chicago’s North Shore

It’s that time of year again, when the best college basketball teams in the country compete for one exciting, unpredictable month. Whether or not your team made the cut, you’ll probably be watching, starting March 14, you will be watching on a big screen at home with take-out or looking for a spot to watch and enjoy food in a safe restaurant or bar following health protocols. Here are some ideas:

Abt
1200 N Milwaukee Ave, Glenview
The place on the North Shore to find your new screen. It's a safe bet that the screens on sale at Abt blow away anything that's more than a few years old, since brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and more have been pushing prices down, sizes up and putting more and more tech into every set. Check out your options here.

Abt, Glenview

Village Inn Pizza
8050 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
With over 50 HD large flat screen TVs, you’re sure to have a great view of whichever team your rooting for at Village Inn.  Snack on one of the specialty pizzas like Buffalo Pizza with wing sauce, chicken and mozzarella or create your own masterpiece to enjoy during the game. Wash it all down with one of the numerous beers on tap. 

Village Inn Pizza, Skokie

Firehouse Grill 
750 Chicago Ave., Evanston
Housed in a refurbished fire station built in 1902, Firehouse Grill exudes vintage charm while serving up classic American treats. Order game day must haves such as their Wings, Nachos and Cheese Curds or indulge in something a little heartier like their Pot Roast Chili (gluten free) loaded with crispy bacon, pico, cheddar, sour cream and red onion or their Firehouse Burger which comes on a pretzel roll filled with char-grilled half lb. black Angus, lettuce, tomato and onion. 

Fred’s Garage 
574 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Once used as a serving station, Fred’s Garage offers delicious “elevated American classics” in a unique setting with two working garage doors, reclaimed wood and banquettes with car bench seating. Enjoy classic game day fare such as the cheese curds, wings and burgers or try something a little different like the Honey Pokey, New Orleans Shrimp (with creole style BBQ sauce) or the Tequila Tacos. Try one of the specialty drinks while you’re there, including the Tune Up made with Plantation Pineapple Rum, pineapple OJ, lime, coconut creme and nutmeg. 

Fred's Garage, Winnetka

The Happ Inn Bar and Grill
305 Happ Rd., Northfield
Cheer your favorite team to victory while treating yourself to the extensive and delicious menu at The Happ Inn. Kick your meal off with one of the mouth watering appetizers like the Happ Inn's Famous Guacamole or the Herbed Hummus. Fill up on one of their many entrees such as the Mexican Turkey Burger, Southwest Chopped Salad or the Chicken Tinga Tacos. Don't forget to save room for dessert and enjoy a slice of the Wild Blueberry Pie or the Chocolate Decadence Cake. 

Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap
1740 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
Is there anything better than BBQ, Beer and Basketball? Find out for yourself at Johnny’s Kitchen & Tap where the BBQ Baby Back Ribs reign supreme. Not into ribs? Johnny’s has an extensive menu including sandwiches, burgers, chicken, salads and more. Be sure to try the Tiramisu Martini made with Absolut Vanilla, Godiva Original Chocolate Liqueur, Myers’ rum and a splash of RumChata.

Johnny's Kitchen & Tap, Glenview

Pinstripes
1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook
Come for the basketball, stay for the bowling, bocce and food. With a large menu that includes numerous gluten free options, there’s something for everyone at Pinstripes. Watch the game with friends, or bring the whole family and enjoy a few rounds of bowling or bocce before or after the game.

Pinstripes, Northbrook

John's Garage Sports Bar
1800 Tower Dr., Glenview
John's Garage was made for game days with a passion for sports and a menu full of tasty spectator favorites. Order up a bunch of appetizers for your whole meal like the Loaded Baked Potato Skins, Straight-Outa-Buffalo Wings, Filet Mignon Sliders and the Crispy Brussel Sprouts. Or peruse further down the menu and grab a speciality pizza, like the El Pastor, a Wagyu Merkts Cheddar Burger or the Guinness Fish & Chips. Looking for carryout? They offer numerous packages for all your at home game day needs.

Tap House Grill
1090 S Milwaukee Ave Wheeling
In the mood for crispy fried pickles, two-handed sandwiches and delicious burgers? Find all that and more, including a wide drink menu that features over 50 brews on tap, at Tap House Grill in Wheeling.

Tap House Grill, Wheeling