Bull & Bear
1.8
from - Neighborhood: River North
- 431 N. Wells St.
- Chicago, IL 60654
- 312-527-5973
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
The guys from nightclub Stone Lotus are behind this masculine, upscale sports bar in River North just steps away from the Merchandise Mart. The name gives a nod to the city's two major sports teams, plus a hint at the subtle stock market theme throughout (note the stock ticker stretching across the main bar and the menu, called "The Wells Street Journal.") If you want to take advantage of this spot's coolest feature--pay-by-the-ounce beer taps built right into the table--make a reservation for one of five premium booths sitting 8 to 15 or so people (depending on the day, minimums may apply)
Veuve Cliquot at a sports bar? You bet. Expect fun specialty cocktails and a nice selection of wines holding their own alongside the beer offerings here. With a solid food menu by David Blonsky (Quartino), Bull & Bear's kitchen will be slinging eats all day long, from entree salads and gruyere-topped Kobe burgers at lunch to honey-miso salmon and pork chop with apple fennel salad for dinner. Happy hour appetizers are sports bar classics amped up a notch, from pigs in a blanket with citrus slaw to truffle fries with garlic-lemon aioli. When the weather heats up, expect sidewalk seating for 100.
Want to know what's next from Twilight Traffic Control, the owners behind Bull & Bear? Check out the "future" section of The Countdown.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Hubbard and Wells
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult
- Public Transportation:
- Brown Line Train: Merchandise Mart
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Lift operates between bileveled portions of bar; elevator to restrooms in basement
The Basics
- Hours:
- 11 a.m.-2 a.m daily. Hours vary during opening week
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary, Bar Food, and Burgers
- Meals Served:
- Dessert, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Tables in front room are first-come, first-served with a wait list when necessary. High-top tables in the back room can be reserved Sunday through Wednesday and before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. Booths in the back room (including five table-tap booths) can be reserved anytime.
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Bar Style:
- Lounge and Sports
Features
- Private and VIP Rooms:
- Several semi-private areas available for parties, including a "Skybox" alcove and extra-large booths
- Average Drink Price:
- $4-$11 for beer; $9-$12 for specialty cocktails
- Payment Methods:
- Major Credit Cards and Cash
- Capacity:
- 300
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Sidewalk patio with planters and lanterns along both Wells and Hubbard Streets seats 86, debuting by May 1
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Rate Bull & Bear
"Bull & Crap"
By bnp from Lincoln Park, August 5, 2009
Waited forever to be seated when there were seats/booths in the back not even filled up. Had to sit at skinniest table ever in bar. Food took for...
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"Service"
By sportsfan47 from River West, June 28, 2009
Loved my experience at Bull and Bear!! I only wish it was easier to move around and get to the bar (maybe smaller bar stools). This bar is way be...
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"Fun place. Good energy."
By angchi from Lincoln Park, June 26, 2009
Great service. Good energy. Crowd is on the trendy side. The guys here love their hair gel. A bit crowded and difficult to move around if you don't...
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