Chicago Gets Ready for the Cubs’ Baseball Opener on April 12

In honor of Opening Day at Wrigley Field on April 12, here’s an insider guide on the best spots in Wrigleyville to toast a beer to the Cubs or enjoy an authentic Chicago-style hotdog. Regardless if you have a ticket to the game or not, hanging out in Wrigleyville can be just as much fun as being inside the famous ballpark. You won’t be short on places for pre- and post-game drinks and grub.

Pre-game, head to Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 North Sheffield; map it) appropriately named for being located right across from the entrance to Wrigley Field’s bleachers section. This bar is typically crowded so skip the front door and try the side entrance off of Waveland. Enjoy indoor and outdoor beer gardens and plenty of Cubs memorabilia showcased throughout the bar, including uniforms, bats, game balls and a scale model of Wrigley Field.

Casey Moran’s (3660 N. Clark St.; map it) is a popular pre-game spot with its outdoor beer patio and is equally popular post-game with a DJ and dance floor – a great spot for celebrating a Cubs win. (Yes, that does happen.)

Harry Caray’s Tavern (3551 N. Sheffield Ave.; map it) has the look and feel of its sister location in downtown Chicago on Kinzie Street but offers a unique feature: a 60-foot-6-inch bar (the distance between the pitcher’s mound and home plate). While probably more of a tourist attraction than an authentic Wrigleyville neighborhood bar, paying homage to the great Harry Caray is worth doing, even for one beer.

Hungry Cubs fans go to Yak-Zies Bar and Grill (3710 N. Clark St.; map it) for its homemade buffalo wings and pizza.

The Dugout Sports Bar & Grill (950 W. Addison St.; map it) with a name that makes it sound like a big, formal sports bar when in reality it’s a small, cozy “locals’ favorite” establishment under the El train tracks with a jukebox, friendly service, attentive bartenders, hotdogs and free peanuts. (Tip: If the nuts don’t fill you, go next door for delicious Mexican food.)

The Cubby Bear Lounge (1059 West Addison St.; map it) is also a tradition for Chicagoans, especially post-game with a live band and plenty of beer.

Photo credit: SXC