The big day is finally here! Maybe your family is headed to their first Chicago Blackhawks or Bulls game, or maybe you’re headed to the United Center for an exciting live show or concert. The kids may be bursting with excitement but, let’s face it — game day can be stressful for parents.
Where do you park? Will you have time to eat before the game or show? How much are those stadium hot dogs going to cost a family of four?
Put those worries to rest by pre-gaming all of your big United Center events at The Barn Hockey Bar, an exciting hockey-themed bar and restaurant that is just a 10-minute walk from the arena.
Quick details about The Barn Hockey Bar
- Address: 1659 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday 11-3 a.m.; Sunday 11-12 a.m. The bar has no restrictions for visiting with children.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available in the area. The restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the United Center’s paid parking lots.
At this ultimate West Loop sports bar, every booth is outfitted with three TVs so you can stay up-to-date on all of your teams from every angle. Feast on tasty appetizers, American entrees and pizza. It even has a hockey-themed kids menu. Grown-ups can enjoy signature cocktails, wine, local draft beers and a variety of Canadian and domestic bottles.
Kiddos that finish their meals quickly can stay entertained with arcade games, a bubble hockey table and even a real Zamboni until it’s time to make the 10-minute walk to United Center.
Pro tip: Call ahead and reserve booth seating. A lot of The Barn Hockey Bar’s seating is high bar stools, which aren’t great for little ones or kids who will be moving around during your meal.
Menu highlights for families
What’s not to love about a themed bar with a great children’s menu? In addition to the kid-friendly items on The Rookie Menu, here are some tasty options we love for family dining.
The Rookie Menu
Designed just for young hockey fans, this children’s menu has a burger, chicken tenders and three types of hot dogs.
Za’mboni Pies
Ordering for the entire family is easy when there are delicious pizzas on the menu! Choose from pies with fun hockey names — like the First Pick Overall or the Checking Line Special — or draw up your own game plan by creating your own pizza with all of your family’s favorite toppings.
1st Period
Score big in the 1st Period when you start game day off with one of these apps. The Big Buff’s Pretzel is perfect for feeding the whole team. Also on the menu are cheese curds, wings and, of course, poutine. Veggie lovers can enjoy a fried cauliflower appetizer, a hummus plate and vegetarian nachos.
2nd Period
Dinner is really starting to heat up! Fill up on burgers (including an Impossible burger), chicken sandwiches, turkey sandwiches and more.
3rd Period
Wrap up your meal with something sweet from the 3rd Period menu. Crispy churros and ice cream are the perfect way to end your visit to The Barn Hockey Bar — and will hopefully keep your kids from asking for treats at the arena’s concession stands.
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