Loyola-Chicago basketball fans all across the city expected their Ramblers to fight hard but ultimately lose in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. However, the underdog team proved they were a force to be reckoned with and pull off two stunning upsets in the final moments to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The team is now preparing for a showdown against Nevada on Thursday, March 22. If they win this game, they’ll play again on Saturday with the chance to get to the Final Four.

Whether you live on campus but need to find a place to camp-out and watch the game, or you’re visiting from out of town and want to get in on all this excitement, there is plenty to explore in and around the Rogers Park neighborhood where Loyola’s main campus is located. 

Watch the Game

Courtesy of Loyola University

Rogers Park Social is one of the best places in the neighborhood to catch the Loyola game, especially for craft beer and cocktail fans. The community bar and lounge is founded and operated by locals from the neighborhood, and the space was created to reflect the heart and soul of Rogers Park. It carries a solid selection of draft, bottle, and can beers, and all the cocktails are carefully crafted with each season in mind. Even better, the drinks are pretty affordable here. While Rogers Park Social doesn’t have food, the bakery SmackDab often has a pop-up here.

Those really wanting to get into the team spirit have to make a visit to Ireland’s Pub 10, named after George Ireland, the legendary coach who led Loyola to win the NCAA basketball championship in 1963. While it’s located in the lower level of Damen Student Center on the school’s campus, it’s open to the public. Grab a specialty pizza and a beer while you watch the game.

If you’ve seen those viral videos on social media that show Loyola fans going wild after each victory, they’re most likely taking place at Bar 63. They’ve got video games and a pool table for when you’re able to spread out a bit more, but if you’re going to watch a game here, expect it to be wall-to-wall (and you better arrive early). 

Bulldog Ale House has quite a few locations around Chicago, but their Loyola location has become a real hot spot for those jumping on the Rambler bandwagon. Bar owner Michael Blaha told the Chicago Tribune that he’s got “everybody trying to get reservations for the games … People who I don’t know, they have their secretaries calling, strenuously requesting reservations for their boss — almost sounding scared if they don’t get it.” 

Can’t-Miss Food

Courtesy of Ethiopian Diamond

Rogers Park is known for its cuisine, specifically its diverse ethnic options — there’s no shortage. Some of the best places to hit up include Ethiopian Diamond on Clark Street, Usmania Zabiha Chinese Restaurant on Devon, Heartland Cafe on Glenwood Avenue, and Charmers Cafe on Jarvis Avenue.

Beer lovers have to make a stop at Empirical Brew Pub on Morse Avenue, which the Ravenswood brewery took over last July. In the space, Empirical serves its beer as well as wine, cider, and beer cocktails and some standard brewpub classic dishes, many of which incorporate beer. 

SmackDab is a must for breakfast, and while there is a brick-and-mortar spot on Clark, SmackDab also has a pop-up at Rogers Park Social. The spot has “life-changing breakfast sandwiches,” scrambles, quiche, and small-batch donuts, which are always vegan-friendly.  

Take a Stroll at the Beach

While it may still feel a bit like winter, it’s still worth it to make a trip to the lakefront. Rogers Park is close to Lake Michigan and is home to some of the city’s best and most pristine beaches. Rogers Beach Park is small but quiet and offers the perfect spot to feel the chill in the air and actually enjoy it. Leone Beach Park, Hartigan Beach Park, and Tobey Prinz Beach Park are all great spots to catch a glimpse of Chicago’s lakefront.

See Some Magic

Courtesy of the Chicago Magic Lounge

Yep, magic. In February, Chicago Magic Lounge opened its main stage, technically in Andersonville, but it’s less than two miles from the Loyola campus. The place has gotten rave reviews as a unique drinking and entertainment venue that feels like a speakeasy plucked from the past. There are three rooms, which will of course host magic shows, but also jazz and other performances. You don’t need a ticket to get into the Performance Bar, but the Harry Blackstone Cabaret and 654 Club require tickets. Getting here is half the fun — patrons pass through a laundromat and through secret doors to get to Chicago Magic Lounge. 

Stay at Lang House

Courtesy of the Lang House

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re looking for a staycation, the Lang House bed and breakfast is the place to go. Built in 1919, the prairie-style mansion is one block from Lake Michigan in East Rogers Park. The home originally opened as a country residence “far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago,” but the community surrounding it has since caught on to the beauty of living in the north side. While the home is historic, the rooms are renovated with luxury amenities and modern stylings. Prices range between $119 and $219 for a night.