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Weekend Brunch  - Theory Chicago, Chicago, IL

Theory Chicago

4.7
4.7
227 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Our goal is to make Theory your home away from home. Theory is a cozy, upscale sports lounge with an emphasis on comfort, good food, and great service. We can accommodate groups from 2 to 350 for dining and corporate events. Our menu features american cuisine with southern and Mexican touches. We hope to see you here soon.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Comfort Food, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 11:00 am–2:00 am Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 am

  • Phone number

    (312) 644-0004

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Joel Sorinsky

  • Catering

    For Catering inquires please contact Holly at 312-644-0004 or Holly@theorychicago.com. You can also visit http://www.theorychicago.com/private-events/ for more catering information.

  • Private party facilities

    Our easily-adaptable, two-story establishment, can accommodate anywhere from 2-350 guests. We can host an array of events from engagement parties and baby showers to corporate meetings and company occasions. With customizable food and drink packages and a wide variety of amenities, you truly can make the space and your event - your own.

  • Private party contact

    Holly: (312) 644-0004

  • Neighborhood

    Near North

  • Cross street

    State & Hubbard

  • Parking details

    There is limited street parking available. A Paid Lot is also available on at 18-20 W Hubbard.

  • Public transit

    State & Grand Red Line Stop.

  • Entertainment

    Daily Sporting Event Dj's on Weekend

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • F1 Racing

    Multiple dates available
    Make your reservation to view F1 racing!
  • Acoustic Brunch Experience

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for acoustic brunch every Saturday/Sunday 11am-2pm. Brunch Menu only. Offering bottomless brunch as well from 11-1pm includes mimosas, bloody mary's and donuts. Thanks in advance and we look forward to seeing you!
  • UFC Fight Night

    Multiple dates available
    Make your reservation and join us for the UFC Fights - will have fights on with audio. All reservations are subject to cover. Thanks in advance and we look forward to seeing you!

What 227 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. TheodoreB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Theory opened up early for this Formula 1 event and it was awesome. Friendly safe, great food and even a better atmosphere.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall1food5service2ambience1
    The pictures are overhyped. That place no longer looks or gives the vision of what it maybe once was. Morning/lunch times are quiet and the owner or manager sits in dining area with her laptop by the guests and just listens in to guests and their conversations. Micromanaging the servers. Felt uncomfortable.
  3. KK96

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience3
    Service was fantastic. We got chips and guac, most stale chips I've ever had. Burger was great but not enough to offset the terrible chips
  4. LanaL

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed watching Formula 1 there last night!A lot of tvs,good food and drinks for reasonable prices! I’m looking forward to come back for brunch next time.
  5. SarahK

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this bar! The servers are always wonderful and so is the manager. He checked on us several times to ensure we were good. We will be back!
  6. BrianJ

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    These guys killed it on an F1 weekend. Everyone showed up at once for the race (and left at the same time too) but despite being short-staffed, they worked their butts off and we never waited for anything. Well done. Oh, and the pretzel was dank AF.
  7. doryp

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to watch the F1 qualifier and had a great experience.
  8. JenniferA

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a larger group, but they were accommodate us and we had a great time.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome spot to be at!
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the spicy chicken sandwiches but asked for it to be fried instead of grilled and it was absolutely amazing! Should throw that on the menu! So good!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful Valentine’s Day special event they had!
  12. DanielR

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great amount of TVs, and a perfectly balanced atmosphere
  13. Eloise606

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great bar food and drinks. They don't have all of the games on within view of the tables, however. Would expect the sound to be on for one game downstairs and another upstairs, but be able to view all in either location. Example: all bears upstairs, all pats downstairs.
  14. CABB

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoy this place. The service is top notch which keeps me coming back
  15. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Fun place to go and watch games - very loud but a fun atmosphere for sports! We just got a couple appetizers and they were only okay. Didn’t see our waitress much but it was very busy and we were kind of back in a corner. Definitely recommend for Iowa fans and those looking for a good place to drink and watch sports!
  16. JimmyB

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a great Iowa bar!!! Great atmosphere. Food was awesome. Just felt at home in Iowa but in Chicago.
  17. RecentEater

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best bar in the city hands down. Joel runs a a tighter ship than a nuclear submarine.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall4food1service5ambience5
    I had to rate the food but we didn’t have any so ignore the rating. Theory is a great bar for watching a game. We went for the FIFA World Cup and I’ve never seen more TVs in one bar. Amazing! Service was good despite being packed with people. All in all a great place to watch a game.
  19. AlejandroO

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for the France / Poland World Cup match early Sunday. Joel and team are always great at creating a great game viewing experience. The food was excellent.
  20. PaulaK

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The music is intensely loud!!! I don't complain about much but, when you can't hear the person next to you it's a problem for me.
  21. CoachTruitt

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you are in Downtown Chicago, you can not go wrong with Theory. Joel and his staff are the best people you will find. They constantly make sure that you feel appreciated. I highly recommend Theory to anyone visiting the Downtown Chicago area, great food, great drinks, and even greater people.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’re in Chicago for the night after seeing Wicked. This was a perfect way to wrap up our evening. The food was fresh and delicious….we all cleared our plates, kids included! The service was wonderful and so kind!
  23. STEPHENF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    THE place to watch sports and have delicious food in River North. So many TVs it feels like everyone gets their own screen! Beers are cold. Service is top notch, and the food delicious. Big fan of their wings!!
  24. Kish

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Great place to hang with friends and watch a game!
  25. ArmandoC

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a great experience here. I was a little late to my reservation but as soon I got there, the server took care us. This is a great place to grab drinks and watch a sporting event. Thank you Theory staff for taking care of us
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Easily the best sports bar and best owner in Chicago.
  27. KarenM

    Pittsburgh

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food and service good. Noise level made it hard to talk to people across the table.
  28. mythai

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    if you are looking for a place to watch college football while visiting chicago, this is definitely the place…make a reservation and let them know the game you would like to watch….100% accommodating….we had a variety of different foods and they were all amazingly tasty!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service perfect to watch the game. Kids and all!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great staff! We're often there for trivia and they make an effort to learn our names and remember our orders. The manager often walks around and thanks people. A great neighborhood bar feeling. Recent upstairs renovations look great! Great place to watch sporting events.
  31. JoseC

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place to be for football fans! We were greated by a great guy, the manager with a Pats jersey. He was so nice and put us where we could see the Eagles game. Great food. This place is top notch with friendly people. Fly Eagles fly!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome place to watch a game! Good hospitality and service.
  33. BrendanP

    New England

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Boston sports bar. Great place to watch a game - unreal TV set up. They pass out shots when a TD is scored!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a wonderful time during the Bears game. The staff was awesome.
  35. TerriL

    Memphis/West TN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    First time going and it was great!!! Love love LOVED it
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Awesome place. Great service and atmosphere
  37. EB4IA

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to watch some Iowa Hawkeye football. Owner was there and super nice.
  38. RecentEater

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Theory once again is an amazing place to play Tuesday night trivia. Came out with two tables and 14 people this week!
  39. RecentEater

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Theory is one of the best trivia spots in the city, hands down. Really love coming here every week. Great food, great trivia host, and an all around fun time!
  40. RecentEater

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    DYSLEXIC DIG BICKS

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Theory Chicago using the Order Online button. Theory Chicago also offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Theory Chicago also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 644-0004.

Theory Chicago is rated 4.7 stars by 227 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Theory Chicago

9 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street

    State & Hubbard

  • Neighborhood

    Near North

  • Hours of operation

    Tue, Wed 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu, Fri 11:00 am–2:00 am Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 am

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Comfort Food, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    There is limited street parking available. A Paid Lot is also available on at 18-20 W Hubbard.

  • Public transit

    State & Grand Red Line Stop.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Joel Sorinsky

  • Entertainment

    Daily Sporting Event Dj's on Weekend

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 644-0004

  • Catering

    For Catering inquires please contact Holly at 312-644-0004 or Holly@theorychicago.com. You can also visit http://www.theorychicago.com/private-events/ for more catering information.

  • Private party facilities

    Our easily-adaptable, two-story establishment, can accommodate anywhere from 2-350 guests. We can host an array of events from engagement parties and baby showers to corporate meetings and company occasions. With customizable food and drink packages and a wide variety of amenities, you truly can make the space and your event - your own.

  • Private party contact

    Holly: (312) 644-0004

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