Faceoff: Theory vs. Bull & Bear

Photos:

When two hangouts billing themselves as “upscale sports bars” debuted within weeks of one another in River North, the comparisons were bound to follow.

All that’s separating Theory (left) and Bull & Bear (right) is a brisk walk down Hubbard Street. The menus? Gussied-up bar food. The TVs? Plenty—and strategically positioned for a clear sightline from any possible position, of course. Even the color schemes—blues, browns, exposed brick—are eerily similar.

What’s more, the owners are all homegrown Chicago-area guys: Bull & Bear’s Luke Stoioff, Brandon Zisman and David Rekhson also own nightclub Stone Lotus, while Theory’s Joel Sorinsky and Brian Merel have collectively worked at Joe’s on Weed Street, Castaways and 437 Rush. When we found out that four out of five went to the same North Shore high school together, we only had one thought on our minds: Prepare for battle, gentlemen.

THE LOOK
Theory: Super-padded bar stools, luxe granite countertops and dozens of pendant lights. TV count: 20 flat screens ranging from 22 to 65 inches.
Bull & Bear: Chocolate-hued leather booths, geometric wallpaper and two wood-paneled bars, one topped with a stock ticker. TV count: 26 50-inch flat screens and one 10 by 10-foot wall projector.
Advantage: Bull & Bear. The stock ticker and projector tip the scale. Plus, we deduct a uniqueness point for Theory’s exterior sign, which looks strikingly similar to the previous tenant, Kevin.

THE VIP PERKS
Theory: Booths in the back half of the bar feature built-in TVs (you pick the channel). A private den boasts three screens and pillow-strewn seating for group game-watching (or corporate lunch meetings).
Bull & Bear: Five oversized booths feature two self-serve, pay-by-the-ounce beer taps (one domestic and one import each). Pre-set your limit with your server and you’ll never have to wait for a refill (until you get cut off).
Advantage: Bull & Bear. With the choice to control our game or our beer, we pick beer.

OPENING TIME
Theory: Secured the space in March 2008; opened in December 2008
Bull & Bear: Secured the space in August 2007; opened in January 2009
Advantage: Theory. B&B’s egregious delays caused them to plan a New Year’s Eve bash—and then cancel it shortly after.

THE BURGERS
Theory: The half-pound Theory burger ($12; $5 on Mondays), a simple hand-formed patty with a mix of regular and sweet potato fries.
Bull & Bear: The Bull & Bear Burger ($18), a kobe beef patty topped with gruyere cheese, sweet onion marmalade and bacon aioli with truffle fries.
Advantage: Bull & Bear. It’s pricey, but it’s soooo good. Save a few bucks and split a trio of mini-versions with friends ($14).

THE BEER
Theory: 8 on tap, including Delerium Tremens ($10); 26 by the bottle
Bull & Bear: 8 on tap; 14 by the bottle, including Delerium Tremens ($11)
Advantage: Theory. Besides stocking more beer overall, their Delerium’s on tap (and a buck cheaper).

SUPER BOWL BASHES
Theory: $3 Coors Light bottles, $5 Captain Morgan and Cokes, $5 Cuervo shots and $5 pizzas, hosted by Chicago Sports & Social Club. Reservations accepted for parties of 6 or more. Additional details.
Bull & Bear: $50 food and drink package (lasting from kickoff to game’s end) includes appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails. Reservations required for those table taps. Additional details.
Advantage: Tie. Both parties will be packed, but if you’re the consume-in-moderation type, Theory’s may end up cheaper.

THE WINNER: Bull & Bear, by a nose. Maybe it’s all that built-up anticipation from multiple delays, but we’re overjoyed to see this bar finally open—and can’t wait till it’s warm enough to sun ourselves on the 100-seat sidewalk patio. Don't worry, Theory -- there's more than enough room in River North for two upscale sports bars.

>>Wondering what the owners of Bull & Bear are up to next? We've got the scoop.

>>Got something to say? Leave your own reviews for Bull & Bear and Theory, plus other new sports bars.

>>Planning for Super Bowl Sunday? Browse our full list of parties.

Lisa Arnett is the Metromix nightlife and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com.