Joy District's New Sports Bar Opens In River North

CHICAGO, IL — The restaurant and club Joy District in Chicago's River North has added a new sports bar to its building, which opens Wednesday evening. The 'Parlay at Joy District', added to the first floor of 112 W. Hubbard St., will offer a "high-energy pub atmosphere," 8 Hospitality said. The new bar will serve elevated bar fare, import and local craft beer, cocktails and desserts.

8 Hospitality co-owners Carmen Rossi and Chris Bader said they are excited to open the bar just in time for spring sports and March Madness.

“With Joy District located in the bustling River North entertainment district, we felt that adding a more stimulated sports parlor to the popular concept of Joy District creates a spot where people can gather, eat, drink and watch their favorite sports teams, adding a layer of attention to boxing, soccer and golf,” Rossi said.

Executive Chef Jason Hedin, who was most recently the chef de cuisine at The Lobby in The Peninsula, has taken the reins at Parlay at Joy District.

The bar's menu offers shareable dishes like Foie-Fries (foie gras, rutabaga and daikon fires), Octo Poppers (red curry tempura’d octopus, Thai-infused fluffy coconut), Seasoned Chickpea Fries with Harissa aioli, Korean Pork Belly Sliders, Lobster Roll Sliders and more. Neapolitan style specialty and classic pizzas are also on the menu.

The company said the new space has ample booth seating, 19 100-inch LED TVs and a 200-inch projection screen. Its interior design reflects millennials' "fascination" with shoes: a sneaker chandelier hangs in the center, and mural artwork by Chicago native David Bozic is featured on the walls.

Renovation for the new bar addition began in late January. Parlay at Joy District will open at 3 p.m. daily during March Madness, and 30-minutes prior to any early NCAA tournament games.

Images courtesy of Parlay at Joy District and Papergirl PR & Marketing.