The best bars to watch the Chicago Bulls games

The West Loop outpost of this pizza bar is just a few blocks away from the United Center. Bring your crew or ride solo, but either way, definitely order a hot honey soppressata pie to enjoy while you watch the game. And if you're just here for a drink before heading to the stadium, take advantage of Ranalli's free shuttle to the United Center.

If Ron Swanson opened a restaurant, it would be the Kaiser Tiger: Their specialty is the Bacon Bomb, a 5-pound, bacon-covered meatloaf made with beef, pork and more bacon. Kaiser Tiger also features beer and sausage on their menu, plus a wide variety of craft beers. It's also a great place to watch a Bulls game, or grab a beer before heading to the UC on the free shuttle.

Peer at the mural behind the long, wooden bar at this West Loop sports bar, and you’ll see a forlorn-looking man playing guitar at a crossroads (hearkening back to the haunting Southern folk tale the bar’s named after). But the only fork in the road you’ll have to navigate here is whether to join the people hollering at games at the bar or the groups snacking on passable barbecue and burgers in the luxe booths.

For great food and beer during the game, you can't do much better than Piece: The crispy pies hold a lot of weight, so after you choose your pizza style—red, white, barbecue or New Haven–style "plain" (red sauce, no mozzarella)—start piling on the toppings. (If you’re really going New Haven–style, try one with clams and bacon.) Wash it down with a pitcher of the crisp Golden Arm.

This upscale sports bar in River North is a lively hub for sporting events. With more than 40 TVs, an extensive drink menu and excellent food, this is a great place to plop down and hope the Bulls don't embarrass us too much.

West Loop residents have this comfy place to escape their condos, lofts and loft-condos and catch the Bulls. The owners say they’re trying to capture "old-school Chicago," which to them means 14-foot-high exposed-brick walls, warm earth-tone lighting, a beautiful antique bar and well-dressed clientele—not rusty Old Style signage and sepia-toned photos from the 1893 World’s Fair. Plus, there's a free shuttle to the United Center.

Everyone loves this Lincoln Park watering hole. From DePaul students and fresh grads to neighborhood regulars, Broken Barrel has something for everyone on game day.

In one corner of this subterranean sports bar, you’ll find frat boys flirting with the bartenders. In another, you’ll see an entire accounting department downing beers and watching various games on the 50 screens. And somewhere, there’s a table of Northwestern med students—but they’re just trying to relax, so leave the questions about your gallbladder for your doctor.

This laid-back River North pub boasts “Seriously. Ridiculously. Over-the-Top Hot Wings,” two big patios and plenty of TVs, so you won't miss any of the action between bites. There's also a weekday happy hour with a $14 meal deal that includes a main, fries and beer.

Located inside the former Old Town Pour House on Wells Street, The Scout Warehouse + Kitchen looks pretty similar to its predecessor with a long bar, plenty of tables in the massive main room and a large staircase leading to the second level. There are plenty of TVs, and given its location within the busy Old Town nightlife district, it's a popular destination for sporting events and late-night shenanigans.