Five bars for watching the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup

With the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup final this week—kicking off the series with a high-scoring win over the Flyers in Chicago—we're reposting this piece on where (if you don't have tickets) to see the Blackhawks in action and enjoy a brewski.

The Stanley Club at Johnny's Icehouse
Overlooking the ice at both the east (1350 W Madison St, 312-226-5555) and west (2550 W Madison St, 312-243-4441) outposts of this full-service local hockey rink, the Stanley Club features a full bar and plenty of screens tuned to the playoffs. With the smell of the ice in your nose and a 'dog in your hand, you'll swear you were there yelling at the refs in person.

Candlelite Chicago (7452 N Western Ave, 773-465-0087)
North Siders who like their hip checks a little more refined can take in the game from a flat-screen at this 60-year-old Rogers Park mainstay. Don't let the herb-flecked garlic fries and three dozen on-tap beers fool you—this place ranks as an official Blackhawks bar.

Crew Bar & Grill (4804 N Broadway St, 773-784-2739)
Leave it to cute boys in playoff beards to help a gay man find his inner hockey fan. Tuesday is $1 taco night at Crew, so wash down each cheap eat with a $4 "beergarita" and enjoy the eye candy all night (OT, anyone?).

The CrossRoads Bar & Grill (1120 W Madison St, 312-243-1113)
Try your luck at winning some Hawks swag (away-games only; home games get the same Bud promotion treatment as the United Center) while you nosh on $2 sliders and yell a few PBR-fueled words about Joe Thornton's momma.

Firkin & Pheasant (670 W Diversey Pkwy, 773-327-7040)
A Blackhawks bar with an MSU allegiance? We're skeptical. What's certain, however, is that between the pre-game DVD and the authentic goal-scoring horn and blaring of "Chelsea Dagger," Chicago fans rule this Lincoln Park spot.

Still hungry for Hawks? Plan a game day pub crawl.

See more Hawk-worthy hangouts in our West Loop Guide.