AJ Hudson's Public House

The Vibe

AJ Hudson's is Chicago's original soccer pub, and walking in feels like entering a place that has earned its reputation over decades. Originally opened as Ginger's Ale House in 1992 by Jamie "Ginger" Hale, the bar was renamed and revamped in 2011 by Hale and his wife Julia Shell, who named it after their children, Anais Jillian and Hudson. The Lakeview neighborhood pub has the feel of a proper English local, small enough to feel intimate but packed with enough screens and energy to make every match feel like an event.

The Setup

Screens cover the walls throughout the bar, and the setup ensures clear sightlines from virtually every seat. AJ Hudson's shows every Premier League match, plus coverage of La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, the English Championship, and CONMEBOL qualifiers for South American national teams. That last detail sets it apart since very few American bars consistently show South American qualifiers. Sound goes to the biggest match of the day, and the staff are responsive about putting specific games on screens when asked.

Match Day Experience

This bar is the official home for six Premier League supporter clubs: Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham, and Watford. It is also an official Chicago Fire FC and Chicago Red Stars pub partner. On match days, the small space gets packed fast. During major fixtures like Liverpool cup finals, the energy becomes genuinely electric, with the kind of shoulder-to-shoulder intensity that makes the result feel personal. The waitstaff are impressively fast and attentive even when the bar is at capacity.

Food and Drink

The beer program is one of the most extensive of any soccer bar in the country, with over 100 bottled beers alongside craft drafts and a historical cocktail program. The food is elevated pub fare: 10 signature burgers anchor the menu, and the kitchen takes its food more seriously than most sports bars. Opinions are split on whether the food lives up to the ambition, but at its best it is a cut above standard bar food. Weekend brunch is available.

Who Goes There

AJ Hudson's draws a genuine mix: expats who have been coming since the Ginger's Ale House days, newer fans brought in by the Chicago Fire and Red Stars partnerships, and dedicated Premier League supporters who have claimed this as their home pub. The international contingent is strong, particularly for South American qualifiers and lesser-covered European leagues. The vibe is welcoming to newcomers but fiercely loyal among regulars.

Insider Tips

The bar is small, so for big Premier League matches, especially Liverpool and Everton derbies, arriving 30 minutes early is strongly recommended. There is outdoor seating on a quiet block of North Ashland Avenue that is perfect for between-match stretches. If you are looking for a specific non-English league match, call ahead to confirm it will be shown. Parking on the street is usually manageable, and the Addison Brown Line stop is a short walk away.