advertisement

Hoopers Sports Bar in Elgin keeps things casual

Open for 20 years, the family-owned Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill in Elgin has built up a following of local regulars but is still welcoming to newcomers looking for a casual spot to watch the game.

Motif: Hoopers is small, with a bar in the center and booths along the edge. Walls are covered with neon beer signs, framed football jerseys and mirrors decorated with sports team logos. A back room functions as overflow seating or private party space, featuring more TVs and tables that can be set up for a buffet. The space is popular with fantasy football drafts but can be used for everything from business meetings to baby showers for no charge.

Flat-screen TVs are positioned everywhere you look, playing sports with the sound on. You can also entertain yourself with two electronic dart boards, a bowling game and a video game machine at the bar. Hooper currently has some out-of-commission retro video games, which they plan to replace with video gambling machines.

Crowd: Hoopers usually packs in crowds for Sunday football games and draws families for dinner. When we were there Saturday night, a party was wrapping up in the back and the bar was populated by 40-and-up regulars having drinks. They were very friendly, chatting with us about the music, the game and the bar.

Service: The bartender was very welcoming and attentive. When we came in, she asked if we were there because of the game, or just looking for a place to drink, mentioning the bar's plans for Sunday's football game in case we were fans. She spent plenty of time bantering with the regulars, while still making sure our glasses were full.

Liquid consumption: Drinks are cheap, with pints of beer for $2.50 to $3. The small draft list includes German beer Hacker-Pschorr and the citrusy Shock Top served in a frosted glass with a slice of orange. Hoopers offers daily drink deals, including $4.50 mai tais Friday and $3 margaritas Tuesday. Thursday is $3.50 Green Lanterns, though superhero fans can order the sweet blend of pineapple juice, Midori and vodka any day.

Food: Hoopers' menu features standard bar fare like mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers and potato skins. Half-pound burgers are cooked to order and served on a bun or rye bread with a side of homemade chips. The made-to-order pizzas and baby back ribs are especially popular. The lunch special is a great deal, with $4.75 getting you a cup of soup and a full sandwich.

Music: After the game is over, tunes are provided by an Internet jukebox. When we were there, the bartender was collecting funds from patrons in exchange for requests.

Parking: There are plenty of spots in the free lot.

Overall: While many sports bars are adding fancy features to expand their draw, Hoopers keeps things simple. It's a casual neighborhood bar where you can have some cheap drinks, watch the game and just hang out.

  Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill serves up beer, burgers and ballgames. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Fans cheer the football action on the flat-screen TVs at Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill in Elgin. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Kim DeMeo pours a shot at Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill in Elgin. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  TVs capture all the action at Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill in Elgin. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

Hoopers Sports Bar & Grill

975 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin, (847) 888-0094, <a href="http://www.hooperssportsbarandgrill.com/" target="_blank">hooperssportsbarandgrill.com</a>

<b>Hours: </b>11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to midnight Sunday