Best West Loop restaurants and bars to go to after the United Center

Long dinnertime waits mean you can't likely squeeze in the perfect griddled burger before a game, but once the buzzer sounds, put your name in and grab some beers at the bar. The house-made bologna sandwich, fried chicken and egg-topped fries are all must-orders and ideal for celebrating or drowning your feelings after a tough loss.

Although it’s most synonymous with Cubs lore, this iconic burger joint has an outpost near the United Center, too. Order a single, double or triple patty "Cheezborger" (made popular in an SNL skit) on a Kaiser roll bun and finish it with whatever extras you like at the toppings station. There’s a fully stocked bar for your pregaming needs, and the restaurant extends its hours on event nights so you can stop in for a bite on your way home.

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. There's also a free shuttle to and from the United Center for all Bulls and Blackhawks games.

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.

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. The late-night menu, available after United Center events, features plenty of pizzas, wings, calamari and more. Be sure to take advantage of Ranalli's free shuttle to and from the United Center.

This Mykonos-inspired spot transforms into a party at night. The menu features grilled octopus, charred beets, grilled lamb chops, and plenty of other dishes that showcase smoky flavors. Head here for a rowdy nightcap after a big win (or loss).

Head to this West Loop brewpub for lots of beer options and late-night bites like nachos, smash burgers and wings. With so many restaurants dotting the surrounding storefronts, Haymarket is also a comfortable spot to wait for a table.

Boka Restaurant Group’s subterranean izakaya below Momotaro probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when thinking about burgers, but you’d be remiss to overlook the Momo Royale. This dim hotspot is a great place for a nightcap and one of the city's best burgers.

Located on a busy intersection in the heart of Restaurant Row, Bar Siena keeps the party going late into the night on the weekend. The extensive late-night menu features plates like pasta, pizza and meatballs, all of which pair well with the excellent cocktails.

If you want great cocktails at the end of the night, the Dawson's bar is the place to go. Infused whiskey shots are available, the patio is huge, and two bars mean getting a seat isn't too hard.