Bags in the 'burbs

Perfect your toss at one of these suburban bars

By Samantha Nelson

May 6, 2008

Bags in the 'burbs
Alumni Club
Cornhole. Bean toss. Baggo. Whatever you call it, it’s tough to deny the popularity of bags, which seems to pop out of storage before it’s even warm enough to wear shorts. Whether you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy your local bar’s beer garden or just think your winning hand-eye coordination will pay for your drinks, bring you’re A-game to these suburban spots.

Cubby Bear North
Lincolnshire
When to play: During bar hours; tournaments at 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 14
Cost: Free
You should know: Games here are single-elimination bracket style, with about 17 to 20 two-person teams coming out during good weather—though rain just means they tote the games inside. Prizes are usually $50 in cash, though the bar is looking to bring on other giveaways.
Bonus: Things get pretty competitive here, but whether you get knocked out early or are just looking to kill time between matches, there’s plenty to do on the second floor with two bars, air hockey, pool and an array of video games.  

Alumni Club
Schaumburg
When to play: During bar hours; tournaments at 7 p.m. Thursdays starting June 5
Cost: Free to play; $5 cover Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
You should know: You can reserve space for your two-person team any time during the week. The weekly tournaments are single elimination, with first-prize winners scoring $100 and a slot in the Aug. 7 finals to compete for $500. Second- and third-place winners land a $50 or $25 an Alumni Club gift certificate, respectively.
Bonus: Before game time on Thursdays, fuel up with a free barbecue buffet (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and $1.50 Coors Light drafts.

Rack ’Em Up
Buffalo Grove
When to play: During bar hours
Cost: Free
Bonus: On Friday nights, expect to find local softball leagues going head to head with beanbags in hand (With all the yelling and cheering that ensues, you’d think softball was just their warm-up). More than a dozen pool tables near the bags set-up and $2.50 well drinks on Thursdays and Fridays will keep you entertained while you’re waiting for your turn.

Shark City
Glendale Heights
When to play: During bar hours; tournaments start at 9 p.m. on Thursdays
Cost: Free; $5 for tournaments per person
You should know: Tourney registration opens at 8 p.m with a 16-team cap for two-person teams. That means don’t saunter in at 8:45 p.m. and expect a spot, especially after mid-May when local college kids return for the summer. About half the teams tend to be regulars, but the competition is double-elimination—meaning you won’t get knocked out after one loss just because you were paired against the house champions first round.
Bonus: All entry money pools toward the cash prize, with the bar kicking in an extra $3-$5 per person. The payout percentage varies depending on how many people are playing, but if there’s a full 16 teams, the winner scores 50 percent of the pot, with 25 percent to second place and third and fourth taking home 15 and 10 percent, respectively.

Harry’s Sports Bar and Grill
Countryside
When to play: During bar hours
Cost: Free
Bonus: You’ll find the bags equipment set up in the beer garden, but even if the weather turns sour, there are some solid entertainment alternatives inside, including pool tables and darts. 

Maple Avenue Pub
Lisle
When to play: During bar hours
Cost: Free to play; $5-$7 cover Saturdays
Bonus: Three sets of bags are set up inside and outside, so you can get your fix in any weather. If your friends aren’t as bags-crazy as you, entice them with promises of Nintendo Wii or the chance to drink up while mocking your game.

Samantha Nelson is a metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com

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