River North’s Newest Sports Bar Does Things a Little Differently

Welcome to the Madness of March.

It’s like the Ides of March, with less stabbing but just as many surprises.

And if you’re looking for a place with abundant TVs and bedazzled basketball hoops in which to properly enjoy it, look no further than River North’s newest sports bar, Parlay. It’s open now, as you can see right here.

High-top tables and sneaker murals have taken over the first floor of Joy District. They’ve changed things up considerably with a new L-shaped bar illuminated by Edison bulbs and more TVs than you have time to count. The game is on, after all, and nothing can distract you from that.

Well, nothing except tart flambé with bacon, red onion and soubise sauce lit on fire in front of your very eyes. Yes, it’s flaming pizza, and it’s one of several takes on elevated bar food that chef Jason Hedin will put forward tonight, along with octopus poppers and lobster roll sliders.

And as for what you’re drinking, keep things light with a Grapefruit Mule or less light with a Smoked Banana Daiquiri. The former should at least leave enough room for the ice cream submarine sandwich, which is an oversized eclair stuffed with six different ice creams and just about every topping you can imagine.

Another option would be to not eat that.