The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Drinking Around Wrigleyville

Because we don’t care who wins, as long as it’s the Cubs.

Between the summer’s many jam-packed music festivals, America’s Olympic dominance, and Candace Parker’s triumphant return to her hometown Chicago Sky, it’s been all too easy to ignore the fact that the poor beleaguered Cubbies have been floundering below .500 all season long. And with the departure of would-be franchise players like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, things aren’t exactly looking up—which is exactly why you should take full advantage of Wrigleyville’s best bars and restaurants before, after, or heck, even during the game. What better place to drown your North Side sorrows than in the shadow of those not-so-Friendly Confines? Here’s your guide to Wrigleyville’s 14 best spots to grab a game day (and off day) bite.

Big Star Chicago
Big Star Chicago

The only thing more Chicago than spending a lazy late summer afternoon downing pitchers of margaritas and plates of perfectly portioned tacos at Big Star’s sundrenched Wicker Park patio, is spending said afternoon downing margaritas and tacos at Big Star’s 9,000-square-foot Wrigleyville outpost before stumbling across the street to catch a Cubs game. Enough said.
How to book: Reserve via Tock.

Mordecai Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
Mordecai Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

Stashed inside the sleek Hotel Zachary, this handsomely outfitted Wrigley-adjacent eatery takes the ballpark theme and gives it a sophisticated-yet-approachable makeover, swapping Cubbie Dogs for Wagyu Beef Tartare, Cracker Jacks for Beer-battered Cheese Curds with Giardiniera Aioli, Italian Beef for Orcchiette with Italian Boor Sausage, and 32-ounce cans of Bud Heavy for some the classiest cocktails in town, regardless of neighborhood. Don’t sleep on the back bar, either—the spirits list here skews vintage and obscure, with choice selections ranging from ‘70s-era Scotches and multiple single-barrel bourbons to a 30-year-old Campari.
How to book: Reserve via Tock.

The Smoke Daddy
The Smoke Daddy

This airy smokeshack inside the Hotel Zachary might present itself as bright and modern, but the grub—ribs two ways, KC-style burnt ends, juicy pulled pork, tender brisket, Cajun-spiced tilapia, meaty smoked wings, hearty pit beans, gooey mac-n-cheese, savory stewed collards—are (thankfully) far from neat and tidy. Pair that with nightly live music from local and touring Blues acts and a cutting edge cocktail list spanning clever boilermaker combos like the Blake’s Shake (El Chavo Mango Habanero Cider and shot of mezcal), and you’ve got yourself a party.
How to book: Reserve via Resy or order take-out and delivery via Caviar.

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Dueling Pianos
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Dueling Pianos

A raucous dueling piano bar, bargain-priced beers and game day drink specials, a crowd of Cubbie die-hards, competitive Skeeball, take-no-prisoners Hoop Shot, and real-deal batting cages—what could go wrong? There’s only one way to find out…
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Swift & Sons Tavern
Swift & Sons Tavern

Dress up your game day routine with a stop into this polished steakhouse and raw bar from famed Boka Restaurant Group, stocked with East and West Coast Oysters (served on the half shell or chargrilled), plump Shrimp Po’boys, classic chophouse salads, and six different tavern cuts ranging from a delectable eight-ounce Steak Frites to a hulking 22-ounce Prime Ribeye. There’s also ample wines by the glass and a kid’s menu if Junior needs to crush some buttered noodles before catching batting practice.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery via Caviar.

Lucky Dorr
Lucky Dorr

Perched just 20 feet from the Friendly Confines, this cozy bar and patio takes a unique approach when it comes to tap list curation, focusing not on mass appeal or beer nerd proclivities but on one-of-a-kind, collaborative creations brewed exclusively for Lucky Dorr’s markedly lucky patrons. And with partner breweries running the gamut from Begyle, Noon Whistle, Maplewood, and Lo Rez to Cruz Blanca, Right Bee Cider, and Indiana’s celebrated 18th Street, plus a host of German-inspired snacks like Bavarian pretzels, hot dogs, and beer cheese, the W is sure to rise.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Lowcountry Lakeview
Lowcountry Lakeview

Get your hands dirty cracking open some lobster at the Wrigleyville location of this laid-back Southern-inspired hangout, which houses one of the few Toki highball machines in the city. In addition to seven types of highballs and summery drinks like sweet tea and rum punch, Lowcountry slings an excellent assortment of authentic seafood staples served boil-in-a-bag style, plus guilty pleasures like deep-fried Oreos and Nutella-stuffed beignets.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out online.

Coalfire Pizza
Coalfire Pizza

One of the best pizza joints in a famously pizza-crazed city made its entry into the Wrigleyville market in 2015, yet continues to fly under the radar thanks to its low-key vibe and out-of-the-way location on the Southport corridor. Beloved for its thin crust, coal-fired pizzas served from a blazing hot 1,500-degree oven, this is where you get away from the all-encompassing madness that pervades Clark Street on game days.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden
Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden

Long known for one of the finest beer gardens in the city, Sheffield’s is a traditional meeting place for linking up with friends before the game over some quality craft ales. Don’t expect to have the place to yourself, though. While the longtime neighborhood institution remains as popular as ever, the spacious outdoor expanse should provide enough elbow room to keep the crowds from feeling overly oppressive (emphasis on the “should”). Try to get there early to avoid risking a line out the door.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery via Caviar.

Lucky's Sandwich Company Wrigleyville
Lucky's Sandwich Company Wrigleyville

Dating back to 2004, this beloved sandwich emporium sports an old-fashioned ambiance that’s tough to resist. As the name suggests, there’s not much to the place outside of ridiculously large and utterly delicious deli sandwiches stuffed with fries and paired with a small yet decent collection of craft brews for a quick and satisfying stop before or after the game. Extra hungry? Take part in the Lucky’s Challenge and try your luck at tackling three sandwiches in an hour to win a T-shirt and “Wall of Fame” photo.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

GMan Tavern
GMan Tavern

Long regarded as one of the only cool bars along Wrigleyville’s Clark Street bro-levard, this hipster-approved joint owned by Metro’s Joe Shanahan is more concerned with who’s taking the stage next door at Metro than who’s playing against the Cubs. You know what to do: Shoot some pool. Drink some whiskey. See a live band. Having appeared in The Color of Money and calling itself “the last bastion of bohemia” on North Clark Street, what this place lacks in Major League enthusiasm it more than makes up for in street cred.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Nisei Lounge
Nisei Lounge

Ah, Nisei Lounge, why do we love thee? Let us count the ways: 1. A no-frills dive just off Wrigleyville’s main drag packed with character (and characters) that also happens to be the neighborhood’s eldest bar. 2. Pool and darts, play or don’t play, no one cares. 3. Shots of Malört and Chicago Handshakes (AKA a shot of Malört and a can of Old Style) aplenty—do them if you know what’s good for you, and quite probably make some new friends along the way. Any questions? Didn’t think so.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Uncommon Ground Lakeview
Uncommon Ground Lakeview

With live acoustic bands and some of the best damn brunch in the city, this laid-back oasis is also home to Greenstar Brewing, the first certified organic brewery in Illinois. Pair a fresh draft with low-key farm-to-table favorites like Pulled Pork Tacos and a Grass-fed Beef Smashburger and snuggle in before catching a show in their intimate listening room. Located far north enough along Clark Street to avoid the post-game, er, splash zone, this place will feel like heaven on Earth after a few hours at Murphy’s or Cubby Bear.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery via Toast.

With accolades ranging from “Most Authentic Chicago Hot Dog” to “Best Cheap Food in Lakeview” to “Best Cheap Lunch in Chicago” (and that’s just in this humble publication alone), this tiny little stand on Irving Park Road is ground zero for bonafide, garden-dragged Chicago dog action. It’s famous for its combo meals (including two hot dogs for under $10), so stop in before the game and walk out with some extra cash to blow on that sweet Kyle Hendricks bobblehead you’ve been lusting after all season long.
How to book: Stop by for counter service or order take-out and delivery online.

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Meredith Heil is a Senior Cities Editor at Thrillist.
Jay Gentile is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in travel, food & drink, culture, events and entertainment stories. In addition to Thrillist, you can find his work in The Washington Post,The GuardianCNN TravelChicago TribuneLonely PlanetVICEOutside Magazine and more. Follow @thejaygentile.