Wrigleyville bars: Your 2023 guide to all 45 spots around Wrigley Field for opening day

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Spring and baseball are an ideal pairing, so it stands to reason that Chicago Cubs fans are amped to get back to it with opening day Thursday.

After a sleepy winter, enthusiasm has been building for the three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend.

Takeout and delivery are options for people who prefer to catch the game at home but still want to feast on Wrigleyville classics as American as, well, baseball.

Here’s our list of every alcohol-slinging spot in Wrigleyville, from top taco joints brushing up against the Friendly Confines to the perfect sports bars to a couple of swanky new cocktail bars. Locations are sorted by distance to the Wrigley marquee.

Cubby Bear

Wrigley Field is reflected in the window of The Cubby Bear in Chicago in 2017.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 62 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; 50+ HD TVs; Cubby Blue shots.

Worth noting: This iconic Cubs venue opened more than 50 years ago, and Cubs memorabilia lines some of the walls. Expect a crowd.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

1059 W. Addison St., 773-327-1662, cubbybear.com

Vines on Clark

Laura Lange, from left, Maggie Spink, Ramsey Schmitt and Katie Canova hang out at Vines on Clark in 2008.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 95 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; large outdoor patio and rooftop deck; wall-to-wall TV screens and projection screen.

Worth noting: Most of the beer list is domestic, but some local brews are surprisingly decent deals.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3554 N. Clark St., 773-327-8572, vineswrigley.com

Swift & Sons Tavern

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 151 feet

What fans go for: An upscale steakhouse serving oysters, steak frites and a kids menu directly across from Wrigley Field.

Worth noting: As of Thursday morning, reservations were still available for after the game.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3600 N. Clark St., 773-360-0207, swiftandsonstavern.com

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill

Fans cheer inside Sluggers World Class Sports Bar during Game 7 in the World Series on Nov. 2, 2016, in Chicago.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 233 feet

What fans go for: More than 30 HD TVs and six 10-foot projection screens; dueling pianos play after every home game.

Worth noting: This Wrigleyville institution is nearing its 40th anniversary. An upstairs sports area has batting cages, skee ball, air hockey and pop-a-shot basketball.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3540 N. Clark St., 773-248-0055, sluggersbar.com

Lucky Strike Social Wrigleyville

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 272 feet

What fans go for: Two video walls, multiple 4K TVs, late-night bites, and a slate of fun activities such as bowling, pool and pingpong.

Worth noting: Semiprivate suites and private rooms are available.

When to go: Before and during the game

Options: Indoor seating

1027 W. Addison St., 872-206-6740, luckystrikeent.com/locations/chicago-at-wrigleyville/

HVAC Pub

HVAC Pub's employees prepare to open the bar for the Cubs opening day on July 22, 2020.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 328 feet

What fans go for: The pizza. Unusual pies include a breakfast pizza with corned beef and eggs.

Worth noting: Get half-off almost the entire menu during home games from the first pitch until the seventh inning. Wristband deals for groups of six or more during home games include pizza, plus all the well spirits, domestic beers and seltzers you can drink during the game for $50.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3530 N. Clark St., 773-789-8864, hvacpubwrigley.com

West Town Bakery + Tap

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 335 feet

What fans go for: A rush of caffeine for a pregame perk up, tantalizing breakfast sandwiches and pastries, and boozy lattes.

Worth noting: The bakery serves Dark Matter coffee and is housed inside Hotel Zachary.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3626 N. Clark St., 773-269-5415, westtownbakery.com/lakeview

Lucky Dorr

Dan Dorr inside Lucky Dorr, a tavern at Wrigley Field which is named for his grandfather and currently features the horseshoe found in the groundskeepers house. Dorr's grandfather, Bobby Dorr, was the Wrigley Field groundskeeper.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 361 feet

What fans go for: Specialty beers from acclaimed craft breweries available only at Lucky Dorr, and oversize German-style pretzels with beer cheese, dried salami chips and sausages. Kegged cocktails and ciders.

Worth noting: The bar will celebrate opening day with its Pups on the Patio event.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, outdoor and indoor seating

1101 W. Waveland Ave., 773-388-8249, luckydorr.com

New: Lost Never Found

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 397 feet

What fans go for: Decked out in pink and Instagram-worthy neon signs and disco balls, Lost Never Found opened in late 2022 in the former Casey Moran’s space, looking to fill a void in Wrigleyville. Its upscale bites (escargot, filet sliders, steak frites) and specialty cocktails (Mezcal Me Maybe, a frozen mango vodkarita) cater to fans looking for the finer things.

Worth noting: If you really want to go all out, The Birdcage cocktail ($70) is a fruity sipper of vodka, rum, peach, pineapple and cranberry that comes served in a gold flamingo.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Indoor seating

3660 N. Clark St., 773-977-4556, lostneverfoundchicago.com

Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern

Visitors dine at the second floor outdoor seating area at the Brickhouse Tavern in 2017.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 427 feet

What fans go for: Swanky digs, proximity to stadium, 100-ounce Moscow mule for $40, for sharing (we think).

Worth noting: Named for legendary Cubs announcer Jack Brickhouse, the bar is outfitted with baseball-themed decor and subtle tributes to the sport.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

3647 N. Clark St., 773-377-4770, brickhousetavernchi.com

Moe’s Cantina

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 427 feet

What fans go for: Even by Wrigleyville standards, the reputation of this cavernous bar is low, but there are large TVs, margaritas and Mexican food.

Worth noting: A sprawling rooftop patio has some of the best views of Clark Street.

When to go: After the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

3518 N. Clark St., 773-248-0002, moescantina.com

Smoke Daddy

Chicago Cubs fans pack the upper level of Smoke Daddy in the Hotel Zachary on opening day at Wrigley Field, April 10, 2018.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 440 feet

What fans go for: Known in the city as some of the best barbecue in town, Smoke Daddy serves up racks of ribs, smoked brisket, wings and more.

Worth noting: Live music and outdoor seating will surely be a draw this year.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3636 N. Clark St., 773-227-2583, thesmokedaddy.com

Big Star

Big Star in the Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field on July 31, 2018.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 449 feet

What fans go for: Quality tacos and boozy margaritas. The patio sits right up against Wrigley Field and the Clark Street-facing pavilion.

Worth noting: A beloved Wicker Park institution, Big Star launched its Wrigleyville spot following the renovation of the Friendly Confines.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3640 N. Clark St., 773-857-7120, bigstarchicago.com

Merkle’s Bar & Grill

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 459 feet

What fans go for: Local beers including Revolution and Lagunitas; plenty of TVs tuned to game; chance of scoring a bar stool or table. This is a comfortable dive with a small food menu.

Worth noting: Fan-favorite snacks include three items boasting fried-cheese exteriors — an “inside-and-outside” grilled cheese, crispy quesadillas and Nachos From Heaven.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3516 N. Clark St., 773-244-1025, merkleschicago.com

Output Wrigleyville

Patrons watch the Cubs play the Mets in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series at Output Lounge on Oct. 18, 2015, in Chicago.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 528 feet

What fans go for: Spicy wings, ample televisions and a casual sports bar atmosphere.

Worth noting: Goose Island is on tap, and micheladas are $8.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3720 N. Clark St., 773-687-8658, outputlounge.com

New: The Clampdown

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 528 feet

What fans go for: A taste of Philly, with cheesesteaks and milkshakes topping the list, plus themed cocktails and drink specials. There’s also a plant-based cheesesteak available for vegetarians.

Worth noting: This new Wrigleyville concept replaced Roost Chicken & Biscuits in late 2021.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3474 N. Clark St., instagram.com/theclampdownwrigley

Old Crow Smokehouse

Cubs fans watch the game at Old Crow's open roof bar on Clark Street during the Cubs season opener against the Brewers on July 24, 2020.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 558 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; moonshine cocktails; barbecue platters; 12-panel video walls.

Worth noting: The sleek spot has a retractable glass roof and open-air windows. Get here early or there’ll likely be a line.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

3506 N. Clark St., 773-537-4452, oldcrowsmokehouse.com/wrigleyville

Rizzo’s Bar and Inn

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 558 feet

What fans go for: A smattering of burgers, sliders and other bar food paired with boozy cocktails.

Worth noting: A private three-bedroom inn with a shared party deck gives fans the chance to stay right in the heart of the Clark Street action.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, indoor and outdoor seating

3658 N. Clark St., 773-799-8161, rizzosbarandinn.com

Deuce’s and The Diamond Club

People wait to enter Deuce's and the Diamond Club on Clark Street while celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on March 11, 2016.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 591 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; dozens of HD TVs; Cubby Blue fishbowls and a truly epic selection of liquor.

Worth noting: Reservable cabanas and other patio seating offer a fun outdoor experience when the weather is nice.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations required for seating.

3505 N. Clark St., 833-466-3758, deucesmlb.com

Bernie’s

Bill Dwoinen, from left, Chad Edmunds and Tim Drews hang out in the outdoor section of Bernie's Tap and Grill on Clark Street in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood on July 2, 2020.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 623 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; four full-service bars; 30 HD TVs spread over two floors; beer garden and sidewalk cafe.

Worth noting: A Wrigleyville mainstay since 1954, Bernie’s has a full food menu and free shuffleboard to enjoy during any lulls in play.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3664 N. Clark St., 773-525-1898, bernieschicago.com

Sports Corner Bar and Grill

The Sports Corner bar and restaurant sits at the corner of Sheffield and Addison streets across from the ballpark July 5, 2015.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 656 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; sidewalk and rooftop seating; TVs everywhere; game-day specials.

Worth noting: An extensive bar menu includes wings, mozzarella sticks, nachos, burgers, wraps and salads.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

952 W. Addison St., 773-929-1441, sportscornerwrigley.com

Stretch Bar and Grill

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 656 feet

What fans go for: Specialty cocktails, 14 60- and 70-inch HD TVs and two 100-inch HD video walls.

Worth noting: Reserve tables online to make sure you get a seat.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout and indoor seating

3485 N. Clark St., 773-755-3980, thestretchchicago.com

Nola Cafe & Bar

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 689 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking; table reservations (but not during games); interesting menu with everything from alligator po’boys to beignets.

Worth noting: This isn’t a sports bar, but has 10 TVs airing the game. And don’t think you’re headed to just any New Orleans-inspired venue — Nola is a portmanteau for North Lakeview.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3481 N. Clark St., 773-661-1873, nolachicago.com

The Dugout

The Dugout bar in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on Jan. 2, 2021.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 689 feet

What fans go for: Drinks within stumbling distance of Addison Red Line.

Worth noting: Tiny with a hidden entrance, it’s possibly the smallest bar in Wrigleyville, but it boasts a rooftop patio available with ticketed packages that include unlimited pizza, beer, wine and well liquor during the game.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

950 W. Addison St., 773-529-0000, dugoutchicago.com

Roadhouse 66 Gas n’ Grill

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 722 feet

What fans go for: Burgers and excellent blue cheese garlic fries; late-night eats; some TVs.

Worth noting: The bar has a roadhouse decor and 40-seat patio.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3478 N. Clark St., 872-206-5309, roadhouse66gas-n-grill.com

Lucky’s Sandwich Co.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 787 feet

What fans go for: This shop is known for its over-the-top sandwiches stuffed with fries; good beer list with Revolution and Half Acre on tap; late-night food.

Worth noting: This spot’s claim to fame: It was featured on an episode of “Man v. Food.”

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3472 N. Clark St., 773-549-0665, luckysandwich.com

Country Club

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 853 feet

What fans go for: The tequila list; Southern menu including Nashville hot chicken sandwich; postgame dance party to country music.

Worth noting: Game-day specials include a pregame $10 burger with fries and a beer.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3462 N. Clark St., 773-975-2010, thecountryclubchicago.com

Yak-Zies

Gary Willis, right, of Lake Forest, gestures to his family and friends as they gather at Yak-Zies Bar and Grill located near Wrigley Field on June 11, 2021.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 853 feet

What fans go for: Wings, available in increments of 10; day drinking; and 22 TVs.

Worth noting: This Yak-Zies location has been watching the Cubs win and lose for 25 years. Rooms available to book pre- or postgame parties on request.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3710 N. Clark St., 773-525-9200, yakzies.com

Trace

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 886 feet

What fans go for: Late drinking; large plasma screens tuned to game; craft beers and tantalizing shared plates.

Worth noting: Book the second floor for a private party.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Indoor seating

3714 N. Clark St., 773-477-3400, tracechicago.com

Full Shilling Public House

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 984 feet

What fans go for: Day drinking (opens 11 a.m.); traditionally serves free hot dogs an hour before and after home games.

Worth noting: This Irish pub has multiple TVs, a full food menu (try the fish and chips) and daily food and drink specials during playoffs.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3724 N. Clark St., 773-248-3330, fullshillingpub.com

Dimo’s

Chicken and waffles, tomato pesto and BBQ chicken are just some of the pizza options at Dimo's in 2013.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,056 feet

What fans go for: Over a decade of serving up late-night slices of pizza to hungry fans.

Worth noting: If this is one of your go-to spots during baseball season, consider joining the Pizza Club. The $7 monthly membership gives you $4 off every delivery and pickup order, plus freebies.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3463 N. Clark St., 773-525-4580, dimospizza.com

Happy Camper Wrigleyville

People hang out at Happy Camper on Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood on July 2, 2020.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,056 feet

What fans go for: Ample outdoor seating, over-the-top cocktails and delicious pizza.

Worth noting: Like its sister spot Paradise Park, Happy Camper is decked out in string lights and neon, creating a visually vivid experience, especially around the holidays.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3458 N. Clark St., 312-872-5959, happycamper.pizza/wrigley

Gman Tavern

Gman Tavern manager Tom Cathcart waits for carry-out customers on Aug. 1, 2020.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,148 feet

What fans go for: Low-key vibe (think jukebox, pinball); draft selection includes Maplewood, Dovetail and Half Acre.

Worth noting: Daily Doubles include the classic Chicago Handshake and a “Meat Lovers” combo of Hamm’s and a shot of Wild Turkey.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Indoor seating

3740 N. Clark St., 773-549-2050, gmantavern.com

Graystone Tavern

Fans watch a Champions League match between Chelsea Football Club and Lille Olympique Sporting Club on television at Graystone Tavern on March 16, 2022, in Chicago.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,148 feet

What fans go for: Large back patio with a handful of TVs and yard games such as giant Jenga; wings, loaded nachos and sliders; Three Floyds, Half Acre and more on draft.

Worth noting: The beer garden has been a popular gathering spot for socially distanced Chicagoans over the winter. Opening day specials include $5 domestic beers.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3341 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-600-5450, graystonetavernchicago.com

Murphy’s Bleachers

A sign at Murphy's Bleachers welcomes back Cubs fans outside of Wrigley Field on June 11, 2021.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,148 feet

What fans go for: Rooftop bleacher section with views of Wrigley Field, packages available. Lively atmosphere packed with Cubs fans; ample TVs; large sidewalk patio; daily food and drink specials; good beer.

Worth noting: Murphy’s has been an iconic Cubs fan experience for nearly 80 years (originally Ernie’s Bleachers). Located directly across from the field, this is where crowds swarm to drink after home games — despite the tiny bathrooms.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

3655 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-5356, murphysbleachers.com

Nisei Lounge

Bartender Jeff Gorski pours a drink at Nisei Lounge on March 30, 2021, in Wrigleyville.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,312 feet

What fans go for: Beloved dive bar atmosphere; pool and darts; a Chicago handshake (a shot of Malort and an Old Style tallboy).

Worth noting: Kicking since 1951, this is the oldest bar in Wrigleyville. It’s no longer cash-only, and owners have added a few flatscreens, but otherwise not much has changed.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Indoor and outdoor seating

3439 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-525-0557, niseiloungechicago.com

Underground Lounge

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,312 feet

What fans go for: Traditionally, live music after the games; drink specials.

Worth noting: This is a vintage Wrigleyville basement dive.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Indoor seating

952 W. Newport Ave., 773-871-4343, theulchicago.com

Houndstooth Saloon

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,640 feet

What fans go for: Ample TVs; burgers including the award-winning Houndstooth burger, and voodoo reaper wings.

Worth noting: Winter cabins and heated patio space kept visitors warm during colder months.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3369 N. Clark St., 773-244-1166, houndstoothchicago.com

New: Almost Home Tavern & Grill

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,625 feet

What fans go for: Right-down-the-middle pizza — not thin-crust tavern-style, but definitely not deep-dish — tempura-battered cheese curds, a healthy selection of craft beer on draft, plenty of TVs, and late-night hours every day.

Worth noting: From shuffleboard to pool and darts, this spot stocks plenty of ways to keep the fun going after the game is over.

When to go: During and after the game

Options: Indoor seating

3801 N. Clark St., 773-770-9220, almosthometavern.com

Uncommon Ground

Uncommon Ground, known for seasonal and organic cooking, in Wrigleyville on June 20, 2010, in Chicago.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,640 feet

What fans go for: The food! Brunch includes vegan chilaquiles and ham and cheese stuffed French toast; dinner features shared plates, thoughtful cocktails and organic beers from sister brewery, Greenstar Brewing.

Worth noting: The restaurant operates a certified organic rooftop farm, while Greenstar is Illinois’ first certified organic brewery in Illinois.

When to go: Before the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3800 N. Clark St., 773-929-3680, uncommonground.com

Lowcountry

The dining room and bar at Lowcountry on Sept. 9, 2015.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,840 feet

What fans go for: Plentiful seafood boils; large TVs above bar; karaoke.

Worth noting: If you’re ordering carryout, be sure to check out the tools section of the menu, where you can buy your very own sheller or crab cracker for easier at-home dining.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery and indoor seating

3343 N. Clark St., 888-883-8375, lowcountrychicago.com

El Jardin

El Jardin restaurant owner Gloria K. Ortiz, left, and her nephew, Christopher M. Ortiz, at their family-owned restaurant in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago in 2017.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 1,950 feet

What fans go for: Strong (but pricey) margaritas; two patios; late-night menu on game days.

Worth noting: The food may be best consumed with a margarita or two.

When to go: After the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3335 N. Clark St., 773-528-6775, eljardinchicago.com

Bites Asian kitchen + bar

Bites Asian Kitchen and Bar in Wrigleyville serves up Asian-inspired cocktails and bites.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 2,112 feet

What fans go for: A delicious base of ramen, bao buns, sushi and brunch bites to get your game day off to a good start.

Worth noting: For those dining in, boba tea and fruit slushies can get a shot of the good stuff for an extra $5.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3313 N. Clark St., 773-270-5972, biteskitchen.com

Hutch American Bistro

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 2,112 feet

What fans go for: Boozy brunch and fun takes on American classics, including bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

Worth noting: The heated patio provides a cozy spot to grab a bite a few blocks south of the ballpark — and the crowds.

When to go: Before and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3301 N. Clark St., 773-248-1155, hutchamericanbistro.com

Sheffield’s

Cubs fans gather at Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden on Oct. 7, 2015, in Wrigleyville.

Distance to the Wrigley sign: 2,133 feet

What fans go for: Sizable outdoor beer garden with TVs; good barbecue; game-day specials

Worth noting: This bar is a Chicago classic. Goose Island’s party bus has stopped here to pour vintage Bourbon County Stout at Cubs pre-parties. There’s also a whiskey list with some decent scotches.

When to go: Before, during and after the game

Options: Takeout, delivery, indoor and outdoor seating

3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-4989, sheffieldschicago.com

archeung@chicagotribune.com

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