What to Know Before Visiting Hopsmith Chicago in Chicago, IL

If you’re planning a stop at Hopsmith in Lincoln Park, you’ll want to time it right and know what you’re walking into. The spot pulls big crowds for weekend games, but it can feel almost like a different bar on a Tuesday night. The smash burger and spicy chicken sandwich are local favourites, and the beer list is solid. Before you go, it helps to know how to beat the waits, grab the best seats, and…

Location, Hours, and How to Get There

Before you add Hopsmith Chicago to your night-out lineup, it helps to know exactly where you’re heading and when it’s worth going. You’ll find it in Lincoln Park on Lincoln Avenue, an easy add-on if you’re already planning stops along Clark, Halsted, or DePaul’s campus.

Plan around peak evenings; weekends run late, while weekday hours work well for post-work meetups or early-game viewing.

Prioritize public transportation options: the Brown and Purple Lines, plus several CTA buses, drop you within a short walk. If you’re driving, check parking availability on nearby side streets and paid garages.

People comparing casual bars and pubs in Chicago often also come across O’Callaghan’s while exploring similar spots.

Atmosphere, Crowd, and Overall Vibe

Image: Hopsmith Chicago

While sports bars in Lincoln Park tend to blur together, Hopsmith’s vibe leans louder, looser, and more all-in on game-day energy than most.

Your vibe assessment should factor in when you’re visiting: weekends feel like a Big Ten bar crawl, weeknights skew more casual.

Weeknights stay laid-back and chatty; weekend visits turn into full-blown Big Ten bar crawl chaos

Expect TVs everywhere, standing-room pockets, and quick table turnover.

Use this to plan:

• Early evenings: easier to grab a table, lighter crowd dynamics
• Big games: shoulder-to-shoulder, high-volume cheering, prime for groups
• Late-night Fridays/Saturdays: DJ energy, more mingling than focused sports watching

Food Menu Highlights and What to Order

Image: Hopsmith Chicago

Before you even look at the beer list, you’ll want a game plan for Hopsmith’s food—there are a few signature dishes locals order on repeat.

You’ll see plenty of tables anchored by big, shareable appetisers that work perfectly if you’re starting a night out on Division or catching a game.

Here’s how to prioritise what to order so you don’t waste time guessing at the menu.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

Three bites into the menu at Hopsmith and you’ll see it’s more than a basic bar-and-grill.

Plan around a few core plates so you don’t waste time scanning the menu when your server swings by.

Lean into signature flavors and build your own mini tasting tour:

• Smash burger with crispy edges; pair with a local IPA for must try pairings.
• Spicy Nashville-style chicken sandwich; cool it down with a citrusy wheat beer.
• Loaded mac with bacon or buffalo chicken; match with a malty amber ale.

Time it right: order mains before peak game-time rush.

Best Shareable Appetizers

After claiming a table and scanning the TV wall, order shareable starters to graze between plays.

Start with loaded nachos or queso and chips for immediate bites.

Add wings, split sauces to sample heat levels.

Choose fried pickles or pretzel bites as lighter sharing plates that hold up through overtime.

For longer stays, stagger apps: one at kickoff, another at halftime.

Beer List, Cocktails, and Drink Specials

Image: Hopsmith Chicago

You’ll want to plan your stop at Hopsmith around the bar program, especially if you care about what’s on tap.

The rotating craft beer list pulls in both Chicago staples and regional gems, so you can line it up with other spots on your beer crawl.

Time your visit to hit their happy hour specials, which can stretch your budget and let you sample more without blowing the rest of your night’s plans.

Visitors who enjoy a social, upbeat crowd sometimes also consider Kitty O’Sheas, especially during busy evenings.

Craft Beer Selections

Although Hopsmith looks like a laid-back sports bar at first glance, its drink program feels curated for Chicago craft beer fans and casual sippers alike.

You’ll find rotating taps that track current craft beer trends while still giving space to classic styles. Expect plenty from local breweries, mixed with a few regional surprises, so you can treat your visit like a mini beer tour without leaving Wells Street.

Use the menu strategically:

• Start with a local IPA flight before food arrives.
• Switch to a crisp lager with wings or nachos.
• Close with a richer stout as the game winds down.

Happy Hour Specials

Even if you’re just popping in between River North stops, Hopsmith’s happy hour makes it worth timing your visit.

You’ll find rotating drink discounts on drafts, well drinks, and easy-sipping house cocktails that won’t wreck your budget before dinner.

Plan your route so you hit happy hour before a later reservation on Hubbard or Kinzie. Start with a local IPA or a lighter lager, then switch to something stronger once you’ve eaten.

Ask your server what’s on special; deals often change. If you’re with a group, pitchers usually stretch your dollars further than individual pours.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Visit

Need a reservation at Hopsmith Chicago? Yes, especially for weekend nights and game days.

The reservations process is simple on major booking apps; book a few days ahead if pairing dinner with bar-hopping.

Peak hours run Thursday–Saturday, 7–10 p.m., and during big games. Walk-ins can face 30–60 minute waits.

Best times to visit:

• Early weeknights for quick seating
• Late afternoon pregame drinks
• Weekend brunch before noon

Timing can shape the experience here, much like it does at Randolph Tavern, where the atmosphere changes noticeably between day and night.

Dress Code, Seating Options, and Practical Tips

Hopsmith Chicago has no strict dress code, but smart-casual bar wear fits best—jeans, sneakers, a solid top. Skip gym shorts and heavy game-day face paint for smoother late entry.

Seating arrangements include high-tops, bar stools, booths, and a second-floor area for groups.

Choose upstairs for game viewing, downstairs for quicker drink service.

Arrive early for patio spots and bring a layer—doors open often, and it gets breezy.

Conclusion

You’ve got the lay of the land, so now it’s on you to pull the trigger. Plan Hopsmith into a Lincoln Park crawl, timing your visit between weekday happy hour and the evening rush. Grab a smash burger, chase it with a local draft, and snag a table with TV sightlines. If you play your cards right with reservations and timing, you’ll breeze past the lines and enjoy Hopsmith like a neighbourhood regular.