Trivia nights have become a great way to unwind from the daily grind of the office while making new friends and learning something, too.
Popular throughout Europe, pub quizzes have been a staple at Irish pubs. In the United States, many trivia nights are hosted during non-peak evenings such as Tuesdays, so as to attract business but also by non-profits hosting fun fundraisers.
whaddayaknow? Trivia tends to organize many city-wide trivia nights while organizations like Pub Trivia USA focuses more on suburban competitions, often with serious cash or other types of prizes. Most bars don’t charge a fee to participate and many offer drink and food specials. Several even host themed trivia nights, in keeping with their brand.
If you’ve always loved Trivial Pursuit or just want a fun night out with friends, check out these eight Chicago bars for pub trivia.
360 Sky Trivia
Before we offer up a list of some of the best bars stools to saddle up for trivia night, there is one trivia locale that’s a bit unusual as it takes place 1,000 feet above the city. The 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck greets 360 Sky Trivia guests on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. from March through June.
There you’re invited to test your Chicago IQ with six rounds of questions ranging from pop culture to academia. The pre-registration fee of $11.50 per person includes the ticket for general admission to the observation deck. Not only can guests enjoy some of the best views in Chicago while competing, but they also have the chance to win awesome prizes.
aliveOne
The 22-year-old neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park is known for combining music and spirits (even aliveOne’s name is inspired by their all-live music jukebox, which happens to be Chicago’s only live jukebox).
To keep with the bar’s theme, aliveOne hosts Music Trivia Mondays starting at 8 p.m. Trivia is free to play, and the top teams win prizes. On special occasions, they will play themed music trivia like “Jam Band Trivia Night.”
Arriving early to snag a spot also means guests can enjoy a half-price everything happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (excluding shots) and the pool table is also free to play on Mondays.
The Globe Pub
For those who really want to test their trivia mettle, The Globe Pub in North Center is among the most challenging and competitive of trivia nights.
Hosted by a quizmaster and complete with drink specials, you may want to practice with friends before the Tuesday 8 p.m. start time.
Logan Theater
Logan Theater in Logan Square is a movie theater but it also sports a swanky bar and on Tuesdays, guests can test their movie trivia knowledge during Movie Trivia night at 8 p.m. Perfect for those who seem to have an uncanny ability to recall every line in every movie they’ve ever watched.
Cleo’s
Sports enthusiasts will find their second home at Cleo’s, a West Town bar known for its Brain Sportz Trivia night on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Teams can test their knowledge of all things sports while indulging in taco and drink specials. Best to arrive early as tables get taken quickly.
Simone’s Bar
Simone’s Bar in Pilsen is a great place to enjoy craft beer, cocktails and food while playing Trivia on Tuesdays starting at 8 p.m.
Waterhouse
Want to show off your kinky side trivia knowledge? Head to Waterhouse in Lakeview for its free Tuesday night Kinky Trivia Night that begins at 8 p.m. Food and drinks specials are offered during trivia and prizes are awarded to winners.
Commonwealth Tavern
Not all trivia nights take place on Tuesday. If Wednesday night is easier, head to Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village to participate in their long-running trivia night. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the friendly neighborhood bar offers winning trivia teams cash prizes and everyone can enjoy seasonal beer specials.
Since plans change regularly, be sure to call any bar ahead of time if you’re thinking about going to a trivia night.
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