Add these area spots to list of places to catch Cubs playoffs

You’ve probably got more than a few of the usual watering holes in mind when it comes to catching the upcoming Cubs playoff series on TV. We’d like to add to that list, suggesting a few bars and lounges that offer an ideal setting for all the big-screen/multiple-screen action, along with plenty of food and libations to keep even the most diehard fans sated — and perhaps less of the elbow-to-elbow game-day crowds.

Ironside Bar & Galley, 546 N. Wells. This newbie neighborhood sports bar (it opened in late August) features Chicago crafted bar food, craft beer/cocktails, wine — and 23 flat-screen TVs. The decor is steampunk-meets-shipyard and the menu even boasts a mac ‘n’ cheese dish based on Thomas Jefferson’s recipe.

Links Taproom, 1559 N. Milwaukee. The Wicker Park establishment serves up an All-American craft beer and sausage-focused menu, and has created a special “Wurst To First” sausage for the Cubs’ playoff run. The housemade brat, topped with pretzel-crusted deep-fried chicken livers, bacon kraut, and honey mustard on a sausage roll, will set you back $11; it will be served daily starting Oct. 7, until the Cubs are eliminated or go on to win the World Series. Catch the playoffs on flatscreen TVs while enjoying various drink specials (like $4 16-ounce Old Style cans) throughout the series.

The Fifty/50, 2047 W. Division. The recently revamped upscale tri-level sports bar boasts 32 flatscreen TVs for game-viewing ease. The menu features everything from burgers, nachos and jumbo buffalo chicken wings to ribs, steaks and chops, and its signature Wobble Stopper Bacon Bloody Mary. Cubs playoff game day specials include: 16 domestic beer buckets and $20 select craft beer buckets.

Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division. You’ll have to wait until 2018 for the eatery’s second location, across from Wrigley Field, but for now, you can catch the great fare — and the Cubs playoff games — at this popular Wicker Park destination. In honor of the Cubbies, Smoke Daddy is offering a “5-4-3 Triple Play!”: $5 Smoked BBQ Wings, $4 Bud Light 16-ounce cans and $3 shots of Serpent’s Bite Cider Whiskey.

The Finch Kitchen, 2925 W. Montrose. The Ravenswood Manor brewpub has plenty of flatscreen TVs to catch all the Cubbie action, and a menu that boasts everything from crispy chickpeas and whole chicken wings to sausages and chicken, and a drink menu featuring exclusive craft beers, artisan brews and cocktails. A kiddie menu will keep the littlest Cubs fans happy. If you arrive between 3 and 7 p.m., take advantage of a $5 Pub Exclusive brew and $8 draft cocktails.

Cleo’s Pub, 1935 W. Chicago. With more than 50 local beers on its menu, and flatscreen TVs in tow, this is one neighborhood joint to seriously consider for your Cubs playoffs viewing destination. (In fact, it’s a great choice for fans of pretty much every other sport, too). Friday specials (just in time for Game One of the Cubs series) include $6 fish and chips; $4 well drinks; $2 off all Bulleit whiskeys. Sliders, pizza, sandwiches, burgers and wraps round out the menu.

Cold Storage, 1000 W. Fulton Market. And now for something completely different. The West Loop oyster bar/restaurant is celebrating all things Cubbies with a cool offering. Beginning Oct. 7 (and running through the playoffs), you can partake of Cubs-themed sundaes, courtesy of pastry chef Meg Galus. Here’s the rotating lineup: The Bryzzo (for 2): cookie dough ice cream, stratciatella ice cream, Rizz-O cereal crunch, caramel sauce, sparkly blue sprinkles ($11); Grandpa Rossy: coffee-caramel ice cream, bourbon pecan ice cream, butterscotch ($8); and Try Not To Suck: Meyer lemon sorbet, citrus pound cake, blue raspberry gummy bears ($8). The games will of course be featured on the venue’s flatscreen TVs.