Photo Credit: 3639wrigleyrooftop.com
Chicago’s Wrigley Field is arguably one of the city’s most historic sites, and the Chicago Cubs its most beloved fixture. A visit to Chicago would not be complete without a trip to see a Cubs Game. Whether you’re a long time baseball fan or just attending your first game, you can’t beat a day of Cubbie love in the windy city.
Photo Credit: harrycaraystavern.com
Harry Caray’s Tavern
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-9700
www.harrycaraystavern.com/
To make an entire day out of an evening game, stop by Navy Pier before heading into Wrigleyville to get the full Chicago Cubs experience. Harry Caray’s Tavern was created to be a more casual version of the original Harry Caray’s restaurant. Enjoy the sights and the view from Navy Pier, and after lunch, take a tour through the Chicago Sports Museum in the tavern. The museum features rotating celebrity and sports memorabilia including the remains of the Infamous Cubs Foul Ball and Sammy Sosa’s Corked Bat. The tavern has its own gift shop as well as a sports-inspired menu.
Photo Credit: wrigleyvillesports.com
Wrigleyville Sports
959 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(800) 369-7827
www.wrigleyvillesports.com/
Located right across from Wrigley Field, there is no more convenient place to grab your Cubs game-day apparel than Wrigleyville Sports. It sells almost every licensed Cubs product available, including the White W Flags both for your car and as traditional hand flags. The win flags are flown in Wrigley Field after each win, and fans traditionally bring their own to both home and away games in support of their team.
Photo Credit: chicago.cub.mlb.com
Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 404-2827
chicago.cubs.mlb.com/
Situated in the Lakeview area of Chicago, Wrigley Field and its surrounding streets are known as Wrigleyville. Getting to Wrigley Field is easy via public transportation. The Addison Red Line El stop is blocks away and runs 24 hours. Parking is possible, but difficult, although this can be half the fun, especially if you’re not familiar with the are. Passes to park at the stadium must be purchased in advance and are limited in their availability. There is also a remote lot with shuttle service (the service itself costs $6) for weekend and night games. Nearby businesses and even Wrigleyville residents often put up their parking lots for sale on game days. Bargain hunting for a cheap space can be frustrating, however, and it is probably more cost effective to arrive via public transportation.
Purchase a numbered reserved seat options — those in the 100s are generally always good seats, but take care before purchasing a terrace reserved spot as you may end up behind a pole — or you can take your chances in the bleachers. Depending on the kind of atmosphere you’d like to enjoy, the bleachers can be good, sociable fun, especially if you’d like to meet other Cubs fans and socialize during the game.
Gates will open two hours before the scheduled start time of the game. If you’re ready to enter the stadium, fans are welcome to watch the players warm up in the batting cages and ask for autographs up until the cages are removed 45 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Photo Credit: 3639wrigleyrooftop.com
3639 Wrigley Rooftop
3639 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 382-9100
3639wrigleyrooftop.com/
Wrigley Field offers a unique game viewing option. The surrounding buildings have erected viewing areas on their rooftops with varying degrees of sophistication. For some, this will be the optimal way to view the game. Rooftops may be rented out in groups and the guest list is generally emailed to the company a specified time period before the game. Food and beer are often included in the price, and some rooftops have even created indoor climate-controlled facilities accessible from their rooftops. There are several options for rooftop venues, but 3639 Wrigley Rooftop has a great reputation for awesome accommodations, food, beverages and service.
Related: Wrigley Field Rooftop Guide
Photo Credit: vineswrigley.com
Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 327-8572
vineswrigley.com/
Grabbing a drink or meal after game day is almost as traditional as “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” However, sometimes battling the crowds at the well known Cubs game-day spots can be a hassle. Vines on Clark is just blocks away from Wrigley Field, and although it still has that sports bar feel to it with its flat screen TVs and ample beer and grilled food options, its wine bar look disguises it and sets it apart from most bars in the Wrigleyville area. The outdoor patio and spacious location are great draws for after the game or watching the fun without buying a game ticket. Be forewarned if you’re itching for a late-night snack, the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10 p.m. every other day of the week.
Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
