If you’re searching for the best sports bar in Niles IL, the short answer is Howard Street Inn on W. Howard St. — a full bar with wall-to-wall TVs, game-day food specials, and a crowd that actually cares about the score. Keep reading and you’ll know exactly what to order, when to show up, and why regulars keep coming back every Sunday.
Over more than 10 years covering North Shore bars and restaurants, I’ve watched a lot of “sports bars” turn into glorified TV rooms with sad wings. Howard Street Inn isn’t one of them, and here’s why.
A TV for Every Seat in the House
No matter where you sit — bar, booth, or patio — there’s a screen in view. That matters more than people think:
- No craning your neck during the fourth quarter
- No fighting over which game gets the “good” TV
- Every major league covered, from NFL Sundays to March Madness
Game-Day Food That Actually Holds Up
A sports bar lives or dies by its wings, burgers, and shareables. Howard Street Inn’s menu is built for it — think loaded nacho platters, boneless wings tossed in buffalo, BBQ, or teriyaki, and the signature half-pound Angus steakburgers.
In my experience, the burger-and-wings combo is the move for a group of four watching a game together.
It’s a Real Neighborhood Hangout, Not a Chain
Family-owned since 2003, Howard Street Inn has the kind of regulars-know-your-name energy that chains can’t fake. That matters for atmosphere on game day — you’re watching with neighbors, not strangers passing through.
Sports Bars Are Only Getting More Popular — And Competitive
This isn’t just a Niles trend. According to industry data reported by IBISWorld, Illinois ranks as the state with the second-highest number of bars and nightclubs in the entire country, trailing only New York. That means a sports bar here has to genuinely stand out to keep people coming back week after week. Howard Street Inn does it with consistency: same great food, same big screens, every single Sunday.
Daily Drink and Food Specials
Ask your server about the day’s specials — Howard Street Inn has long been known locally for rotating dinner and drink deals, so game day doesn’t have to be a splurge.
Easy Parking, Easy In-and-Out
Unlike bars near downtown Chicago sports venues, parking here is simple. You won’t burn 30 minutes of the first quarter looking for a spot.
It Works for Groups of Any Size
Big crew for the playoffs or just you and one buddy for a Tuesday night game — the layout and bar seating flex either way.
Quick FAQ
What’s the best time to arrive for a big game at a sports bar in Niles IL? Get there 20-30 minutes before kickoff/tip-off for the best TV sightlines and to grab a table before the rush.
Does Howard Street Inn take reservations for game day? Call ahead for larger groups — most full-service restaurants today run on some form of reservation system, and it’s always smart to confirm space for your crew before a big game.
Final Score
If you want the best sports bar in Niles IL, Howard Street Inn checks every box: big screens, real bar food, a neighborhood crowd, and easy access right off Howard Street. It’s the kind of spot that turns “just watching the game” into a whole afternoon.
Ready for kickoff? Call Howard Street Inn now at (847) 583-0795 to reserve your table, or just walk in — 6700 W. Howard St, Niles, IL 60714.