You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels right? Not because it’s fancy or because there’s a line out the door for a $25 cocktail, but because it feels like a high-five from an old friend. That is basically Cleos Bar and Grill in a nutshell. Tucked away at 1935 W Chicago Ave, it’s been a staple of the West Town and Ukrainian Village scene for three decades. While other spots try way too hard with "concept" dining, Cleos is just... Cleos.
It’s a soccer bar. It’s a pizza joint. It’s a late-night refuge for the "I just need a burger at 3 a.m." crowd.
Honestly, in a city where bars disappear faster than a 16-inch thin-crust on a Friday night, Cleos has managed to stay relevant by not changing much at all. You’ve got the scarves hanging from the ceiling, the 16 HD screens that are almost always tuned to a match, and a back patio that is arguably one of the best-kept secrets for a sunny Saturday afternoon.
The Soccer Soul of West Town
If you aren't a soccer fan, you might feel a little out of place during a Premier League kickoff at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. Actually, scratch that. They’ll still welcome you, but you better be prepared for some serious energy.
Cleos is the self-proclaimed "home of international soccer" in Chicago. It’s where fans of every stripe—Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, you name it—converge to scream at the screens. They open early for the big games. Their hours are basically dictated by the FIFA schedule, which is kinda wild when you think about it.
But here is what most people get wrong: it isn't just for the "footy" crowd.
They’ve got the NFL Sunday Ticket. They show the Bears games (even when it hurts to watch). They show the Blackhawks. It’s a sports bar that actually cares about the sports, which is a nuance lost on some of the newer, "sporty" lounges popping up in the West Loop.
The Bocce and Patio Vibe
When the weather isn't miserable, everyone migrates to the back. The patio at Cleos Bar and Grill is huge. Like, 70-people-standing-comfortably huge.
📖 Related: Hertz Car Rental Orlando Airport: What Most People Get Wrong About Picking Up Your Keys at MCO
They have two outdoor bocce courts. Have you ever tried to play bocce after a few "Handshake" deals? It’s a humbling experience. It adds this weirdly charming, community-center vibe to what is otherwise a gritty neighborhood pub.
The Food: Way Better Than It Has To Be
Let’s be real for a second. Most soccer bars serve food as an afterthought—mostly just frozen bags of stuff dropped in a fryer. Cleos is different. Their kitchen stays open late, and the quality is surprisingly high.
The French Onion Soup is a legit legend. They claim it’s a 50-year-old recipe passed down through generations. I’ve seen people compare it to Le Bouchon, which is a bold move, but honestly? It holds up. It’s thick, salty, and covered in enough Swiss and Parmesan to qualify as a dairy product.
Then there are the wings. These aren't those tiny, sad wings you get at a chain. They are large, and they come in flavors like Caribbean Jerk and Honey Bourbon BBQ. If you’re feeling brave (or just want to ruin your taste buds for a day), you can add a dusting of ghost pepper.
What to order when you're overwhelmed:
- The Nachos: They use a mix of cheddar, Chihuahua, and queso fresco. It’s a massive pile.
- Pizza: They have 10 varieties. The crust is that classic Chicago thin-style that cracks just right.
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Served with tomatillo aioli. It’s better than the standard marinara.
- Smashed Beef Sliders: Get the 6-piece for $29 if you’re with a group. Add the bacon jam. Just do it.
The Infamous "Handshake" Deal
If you are looking to save money—and let’s face it, who isn't?—you need to know about the Cleos Tallboy Handshakes.
📖 Related: How Far to Texas From My Location: Why Your GPS Is Probably Lying to You
For $8.50, you get a tallboy (Hamms, PBR, Old Style, etc.) and a shot (Malort, Fernet, Altos Tequila, or Old Grandad). It’s the quintessential Chicago bar deal. It’s efficient. It’s cheap. It’s exactly what you need at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday.
Speaking of Tuesdays, that’s the one day they close early (midnight). Every other night? They are open until 4 a.m., and on Saturdays, they stretch it to 5 a.m. That is "dangerous territory" territory.
A Quick Word on the "Other" Cleos
There is a bit of confusion online because of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine. That’s a totally different spot—amazing fried chicken and 24-carat gold muffins, but it’s not the sports bar. If you’re looking for soccer and bocce, make sure you’re heading to the one on W Chicago Ave.
Why This Place Actually Matters
In 2026, we are seeing a lot of "third spaces" disappear. Everything is becoming a curated experience owned by a hospitality group with 20 other identical locations.
Cleos feels like a relic in the best way possible. It’s dim, it’s a little loud, and the bathrooms are actually clean now (thanks to some recent renovations). It’s a place where you can sit solo with a burger and a beer and not feel like a weirdo, or you can bring 15 people and take over a corner of the patio.
It’s also surprisingly affordable. In a neighborhood where a burger can easily run you $22 without fries, Cleos keeps things grounded.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Cleos Bar and Grill, here is the move:
- Check the Soccer Schedule: If there’s a huge international match, the place will be packed. If you want a quiet beer, go when there isn't a game.
- The Patio is Key: If it’s even remotely warm, head straight to the back.
- Pace Yourself: The 4 a.m. license is a siren song. Respect the Malort, or it won't respect you.
- Try the Daily Specials: They often have deals on buckets of beer (like $22 for 5 Miller High Lifes during Bears games) that aren't always on the main menu.
Stop by for a match, stay for the French onion soup, and maybe try your hand at bocce. Just don't expect a quiet night if the World Cup is on.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Verify the current week's soccer kickoff times on their official website to ensure you get a seat.
- If you're planning a group event, contact them about a patio or bocce court reservation to lock in a minimum spend.
- Check their social media for the latest "Winter Specials" like the Chicken Parmigiana with Rigatoni, which usually rotates seasonally.