There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
As you'd expect from the nation's third largest city, soccer culture in Chicago is vibrant, diverse and on the rise. Although it still plays second fiddle to football, baseball, basketball and hockey, the lack of recent on-field success has not dampened the enthusiasm of the soccer-loving Chicago public, with increased ticket sales last year despite the Fire's poor results. Soccer thrives among the large Hispanic and European populations, and the locals remain loyal. A good run in the league would see fans re-energized.
WHERE TO PLAY
Chicago is a hot-bed of soccer activity for all ages and skill levels, with the Fire themselves boasting the city's newest rec-league facility at their PrivateBank Fire Pitch just north of the city. The North Avenue fields just off Lakeshore Drive are also a favorite for organized kick abouts and pick-up games, with the city providing a spectacular backdrop to the south. There are a number of indoor facilities dotted around the city and surrounding suburbs, so you can find a game somewhere if you're in the mood.
LOCAL CUISINE
- Twin Anchors: Good beer and the best ribs in the city. Hasn't changed since Frank Sinatra was a regular. Cozy and authentic. Be prepared to wait.
- Quartino: Great Italian tapas and pizzas. Carafes of housemade wine and centrally located. Good for big groups. Servers even wear Italian soccer jerseys.
- Homestead on the Roof: A little off the beaten path. Amazing chef, awesome rooftop, and lots of homemade ingredients grown on the roof of the restaurant.
- Honorable mentions: Alinea, Tango Sur, Gibson's
SOCCER BARS
- The Globe: Chicago's undisputed No. 1 soccer bar, and perhaps the nation's, The Globe has had a long relationship with the Fire and is the go-to bar for most discerning soccer fans in the city. You can get a Pub to Pitch (PtP) bus here.
- AJ Hudson's: Formerly Ginger's Ale House, AJ Hudson's has maintained its reputation as one of the city's top soccer bars, and with 25 big-screen TVs, it's easy to see why.
- The Atlantic Bar: An official Chicago Fire and Tottenham Hotspur bar, this "authentic Irish soccer pub" is a great place to catch a game and some hearty pub grub.
- Honorable mentions: Fabdo, Cleo's, The Galway Arms
WHERE TO VISIT
- Grab a drink at the Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock Building to enjoy the city at its beautiful, breathtaking best. It's a perfect spot for perspective of how vast this city is.
- Catch a game at or take a tour of one of the city's great stadiums: Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Park or the United Center.
- If the weather is good and you have had your fill of shopping on the Magnificent Mile, venture a little north to the city's great beaches, a stone's throw from Michigan Avenue.
MATCHDAY
Matchday in Chicago is a great experience, once you manage to figure out how to get to and from Toyota Park. Fire fans love to tailgate no matter the weather, but a bottle of Jeppson's Malort, adopted by some of the more adventurous Fire fans, warms the cockles any time of the year. Thanks to the raucous Section 8 and Sector Latino sections, the atmosphere is always supercharged, while fans of all ages are entertained with a variety of matchday activities, including the often hilarious halftime Bubble Soccer. The Party Deck on the south side is also worth checking out if you are not 100 percent into the on-field action.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- If at all possible, try to avoid Harlem Avenue as it gets backed up with matchday traffic.
- The best food is located at The Patio on the northwest concourse, with pizza, hot dogs and burgers available. And try the Ice Cream Nachos, a Toyota Park favorite.
- The best way to and from the stadium is the club's excellent Pub to Pitch initiative, which has pick-up points at most of the bars mentioned above and offers a cheap and relaxed alternative to driving yourself.
