Chicago's Best Cornhole Bars, Leagues and Tournaments
Updated October 14, 2020
Bags / Cornhole in Chicago
Bags, cornhole, dummy boards, bean bag toss, dadhole, doghouse, or baggo is a game where one tosses little square bean bags at an angled wooden board, hoping to land the bag through the hole or at least stay on the board to earn points. There are a few variations of who throws first, who stands on which side, etc. Teams typically consist of one or two players alternating tosses, and a winner is declared once he or she reaches 21 points. Elite Chicago cornhole players participate in tournaments throughout the city. While it's usually a fair weather game, some establishments have indoor boards for year round enjoyment. Cornhole tends to be paired with beer, but can be done with any beverage in hand - the trick is not to spill mid-toss.
Read more about how to play cornhole
Cornhole can be played anywhere with enough space, including bars, backyards, rooftops, and beaches. Our friends at Chi-Town Cornhole are giving Bevver members a special discount to help you get ready for bags season. Their high-end cornhole/bags boards can be customized to your needs and tastes. Mention you learned about Chi Town Cornhole from Chicago Rex on email and phone orders and receive 15% off!
Chicago Bars and Restaurants with Cornhole Game Boards
Streeterville Social is a seasonal rooftop bar in the Loews Hotel is a seasonal rooftop and outdoor terrace with plenty of cornhole boards.
When it's not packed with Cubs fans or dancing concert goers, the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville has a set of bags boards.
You can throw darts, bags or shuffleboard biscuits (and enjoy a sandwich too!) at The Garage in Norwood Park.
University Village's Ph.D Pub offers its cornhole aficionados the ability to grill some grub in their beer garden, similar to dog-friendly options Weeds Tavern in New City/Lincoln Park.
Cody's Pub in Lakeview also has a spacious beer garden with bags.
Streeter's Tavern in Streeterville has a sidewalk area with cornhole boards for those waiting for the beer pong table downstairs.
Wise Owl is a great place for playing both bags and giant Jenga. This restaurant specializes in craft cocktails and the seasonal patio is also pet friendly.
Bags Tournaments and Leagues in Chicago
Players Sports has spring and summer cornhole leagues, in addition to tournaments like the North Avenue Beach Slap in June. This two-on-two tourney has an after party sponsored by liquid sponsors like Bud Light. Chicago Sport and Social hosts a tournament sponsored by Corona on North Avenue Beach in June. For those looking to road trip, the Lakeside Festival in Crystal Lake has a baggo tournament in July that includes admission to the festival and two drink tickets. Cities and Sports runs weekly cornhole leagues at Joe's on Weed in Lincoln Park/New City, Hidden Shamrock in Lincoln Park, and at Lotties Pub in Bucktown. Each bar offers specials for players on league nights like dollar beers. Wise Owl also hosts bags tournments from time to time, as does Murphy's Bleachers in Wrigleyville.
Chicago Cornhole Bars List
Streeter's Tavern - Streeterville
Streeterville Social - Streeterville (Seasonal rooftop bar)
Wise Owl - West Loop
Reggies - South Loop
Cody's Pub - Lakeview
Weeds Tavern - New City
Marshfield's - Lincoln Park
The Cubby Bear - Wrigleyville
The Garage - Norwood Park
PhD Pub - University Village
It's a toss up - where will you play bags today?