Aside from baseball being America’s favorite pastime, there’s a few things that this particular sport makes me think of: warm weather, cold drinks, and everyone knows hot dogs taste best inside of a ballpark. Regardless of the team you support, every baseball fan knows there’s nothing like the feeling you get when you’re inside one of the most historic ballparks in the country - Chicago’s own Wrigley Field.
5 "Must Do" Wrigleyville Spots
Ahhh, baseball season.
“Hey Chicago, what do you say?” being belted out. W’s flying all around. A whole wall of ivy on the back wall. Yep, that’s Wrigley Field. A place that’s fun even for non-sports lovers. And not only is the ball game itself fun, but Wrigleyville has become a place that every true Cubs fan (...and Chicago-ian...and American) should experience at least once. To keep it simple and easy for you, I’ve rounded up my 5 top picks that are all within 500 feet of Wrigley Field - so next time you’re in Chicago the same day as a Cubs game, you have no reason not to indulge yourself in the Wrigleyville culture a little bit!
The Spots
HVAC Pub
I’m going to start out with this one just because I am biased toward their specialty: pizza. I love a restaurant that has good pizza. It might not be traditional Chicago deep dish, but these thin crust pizzas will not disappoint! Who has time to wait for deep dish to be made on game day, anyway?
Cubby Bear
Having opened over 50 years ago, this one is a Cubs classic. Not only is the name incredibly cute, it’s iconic in Wrigleyville for it’s walls being lined with Cubs memorabilia. Oh, AND 50+ HD TV’s so no matter where you look, you won’t miss a beat.
Smoke Daddy
Besides pizza, there’s not much better than something that’s cooked on the grill. Ribs, brisket, burnt ends...you name it, Smoke Daddy smokes it. (And don’t worry, there’s veggie options, too!) Located directly across the street from Wrigley’s entrance, this place is a no-brainer.
West Town Bakery & Tap
Disclaimer: dessert is my favorite meal of the day so I may be biased toward this one, too...but come on! Cake, cake balls, cupcakes, etc… whatever your sweet tooth is craving, they’ve got you covered. They also have delicious coffee options for those of you who need an extra kick of caffeine before the game.
Lucky Strike Social
Last but not least, this place not only has bowling and a massive arcade, but it also has a full menu and bar - not to mention it can hold 900 people inside so it’s perfect for you + the whoooole gang. This place is especially great for those groups who aren’t planning to actually go to the game, but want a place to be able to stay and watch it right nearby!
So there you have it, my top 5 recommendations. Truthfully there are so many great Wrigleyville options that no matter what, the only wrong decision would be the decision to NOT go. If you haven’t already, I really hope you get a chance to experience the hype someday.
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 FREE CUBS TICKETS! Follow this link to see how. *giveaway is open until May 23, 2019. Go Cubs, Go!
Ahhh, baseball season.
Aside from baseball being America’s favorite pastime, there’s a few things that this particular sport makes me think of: warm weather, cold drinks, and everyone knows hot dogs taste best inside of a ballpark. Regardless of the team you support, everyone knows that there’s nothing like the feeling you get when you’re inside the most historic ballpark in the country - Fenway Park. But this isn’t about Fenway Park - even though it is the best! (I’m from New England, so maybe a little biased!) But SECOND best (and most historic) to that? Chicago’s own Wrigley Field.
“Hey Chicago, what do you say?” being belted out. W’s flying all around. A whole wall of ivy on the back wall. Yep, that’s Wrigley Field. A place that’s fun even for non-sports lovers. And not only is the ball game itself fun, but Wrigleyville has become a place that every true Cubs fan (and Chicago-ian...and American) should experience at least once. To keep it simple and easy for you, I’ve rounded up my 5 top picks that are all within 500 feet of Wrigley Field - so next time you’re in Chicago the same day as a Cubs game, you have no reason not to indulge yourself in the Wrigleyville culture a little bit!
The Spots
HVAC Pub
I’m going to start out with this one just because I am biased toward their specialty: pizza. I love a restaurant that has good pizza. It might not be traditional Chicago deep dish, but these thin crust pizzas will not disappoint! Who has time to wait for deep dish to be made on game day, anyway?
Cubby Bear
Having opened over 50 years ago, this one is a Cubs classic. Not only is the name incredibly cute, it’s iconic in Wrigleyville for it’s walls being lined with Cubs memorabilia. Oh, AND 50+ HD TV’s so no matter where you look, you won’t miss a beat.
Smoke Daddy
Besides pizza, there’s not much better than something that’s cooked on the grill. Ribs, brisket, burnt ends...you name it, Smoke Daddy smokes it. (And don’t worry, there’s veggie options, too!) Located directly across the street from Wrigley’s entrance, this place is a no-brainer.
West Town Bakery & Tap
Disclaimer: dessert is my favorite meal of the day so I may be biased toward this one, too...but come on! Cake, cake balls, cupcakes, etc… whatever your sweet tooth is craving, they’ve got you covered. They also have delicious coffee options for those of you who need an extra kick of caffeine before the game.
Lucky Strike Social
Last but not least, this place not only has bowling and a massive arcade, but it also has a full menu and bar - not to mention it can hold 900 people inside so it’s perfect for you + the whoooole gang. This place is especially great for those groups who aren’t planning to actually go to the game, but want a place to be able to stay and watch it right nearby!
So there you have it, my top 5 recommendations. Truthfully there are so many great Wrigleyville options that no matter what, the only wrong decision would be the decision to NOT go. If you haven’t already, I really hope you get a chance to experience the hype someday.
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 FREE CUBS TICKETS! Follow this link to see how. *giveaway is open until May 23, 2019. Go Cubs, Go!
Keeton Yescott
Author