With the 2016 Olympics kicking off this Friday, we can’t wait to see how Rio’s opening ceremonies stack up against those of Olympics past. But what about those of us whose TVs are just for streaming Netflix? Luckily for the many millennial Chicagoans struggling with this conundrum, tons of sports bars and restaurants across the city are throwing viewing parties, complete with Olympic/Brazilian-themed menus. So get out of the house and cheer on the USA (or at least for the hot athletes, I guess) at these spots around Chicago.
1. NEWCITY Olympic Viewing: The NEWCITY shopping complex has converted its courtyard into a free, open-air theater just for the Olympics! Complete with seating and a large projection screen, NEWCITY will be screening events every night of the Games. (NEWCITY, 1457 N Halsted St, Aug 5–21, 7–11pm. Free)
2. SPiN: Swing by Chicago’s premiere ping-pong social club for this viewing party on August 5. Complete with a topical cocktail, Sang-Rio (har har). (SPiN, 344 N State St, Aug 5, 4pm–2am. Free)
3. The Globe: Chicago’s home base for international soccer and rugby fans, the North Center institution is a go-to Olympic viewing spot for true sports fans. (The Globe, 1934 W Irving Park Rd, 11am–2am. Free)
4. Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap: Enjoy some American home-style cooking in your stars and stripes at Stanley’s. The Lincoln Park spot is offering patriotic beer and whiskey specials for the Opening Ceremonies. (Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, 1970 N Lincoln Ave, Aug 5, 4pm–2am. Free)
5. Belly Up: With the Olympics on all 10 TVs, a patio, barbecue and their take on the Caipirinha (made with blackberry moonshine), Belly Up’s got its Olympic game plan down pat. (Belly Up, 1132 S Wabash, Aug 5–21, Sun–Thurs 11am–10pm, Fri & Sat 11am–11pm. Free)
6. State: More than 100 TVs are plastered across this Lincoln Park eatery, so you won’t miss a single sprint, jump, throw or hurdle of the Olympics. (State, 935 W Webster Ave, Mon–Thurs 4pm–midnight; Fri 11am–2am; Sat 11am–3am; Sun 11am–midnight. Free)
7. Old Town Social: Nosh on Old Town Social’s homemade charcuterie while you judge Olympics gymnasts. (Old Town Social, 455 W North Ave, Mon–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–3am; Sat 11am–3am; Sun 11am–2am. Free)
8. BIG Bar: BIG Bar means Olympic viewing business. Watch every event at once on 24 TVs while you sip a Caipirinha—Brazil’s national cocktail, which they’re serving up for the Games. (BIG Bar, 151 E Upper Wacker Dr, Aug 5–21, 5pm–1am. Free)
9. High Dive: For a robust selection of craft beers with your Olympic viewing, look no further than High Dive. (High Dive, 1938 W Chicago, Mon–Thu 4pm–2am; Fri 3pm–2am; Sat 11:30am–3am; Sun 11am–2am. Free)
10. Really, any of our favorite sports bars will do: Chicago is a sports city, and sports cities don’t just sit by idly when the dang Olympics are happening. Come Friday, the whole city will have Olympic fever. And we can’t wait.