The Cubs are at the heart and soul of Wrigleyville. The comradery and the downright good vibes of the stadium are infectious and seep into the surrounding area. Despite being someone who isn’t the biggest sports fan, I always seem to get swept up in the cheer and the excitement of it all regardless. And yes, I am not just talking about the energy on game day. It is Chicago’s very own neverending party!
Beyond the Cubs, Wrigleyville also offers a party vibe with all the sports bars, Instagram hotspots, and seasonal pop-ups. This makes it a great place to enjoy a night out!
Getting to Wrigleyville
Public Transportation: The “L”
The Addison Stop offers Red Line Services. The Red Line operates 24/7. However, fewer trains run at night.
Buses
CTA Bus 22 and 36 both service this area on Clark Street and will take you to the Loop. Bus 22 is an Owl/night bus, and runs 24/7. With that said, night buses do run less frequently. Please note that these buses will reroute during Cub game days.
Via Car
As with most city parking, this area offers spaces for a fee. Here you can look for both street parking and garages. I always recommend securing a parking space ahead of time with Spot Hero or another parking app. Sometimes these apps give you deals. More importantly, though it ensures that you do not need to spend time looping around seeking spots. Please note that prices increase during Wrigley Field Events, and during those times parking can be incredibly hard to come by.
Shopping at Belmont in Lake View
If you’re looking for Cubs gear, check out Sports World. This store has all of your sports fan needs from jerseys to patches.
Located in Gallagher Way, you will find the Cubs Team Store. With all the official Cubs gear from baseballs, jerseys, patches, stuffed animals and more!
Things to do in Wrigleyville
Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. I recommend going at the start of the season and looking for promo days! Getting a free souvenir always sweetens a ticket deal! Speaking of deals, if you can swing it, we suggest buying the day of, as in Chicago weather can be a concern. Plus, there can be day of deals! Tickets here usually start at $30 but can vary wildly from game to game and season-to-season!
Alamo Draft House Cinema is a mini-chain that offers a unique movie experience. Order and eat a meal while watching a new blockbuster. They also have a cute bar with some “Ferris Buller Day Off” decor where you can relax before/after your show.
Go out there and get a Turkey at Lucky Strike Wrigleyville. This snazzy bowling alley offers food, drinks, and arcade games as well. Lane rentals start around $25.
Dining, Treats & Drinks
For a unique piece of pizza head on over to Big G’s Pizza located only a few blocks North of Wrigley Field. Specialty slices like the Penne Pasta Pesto or BBQ Chicken Pineapple are only $5.50. Note that slice variety depends on when you go! Check out more about my experience here.
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken is a local chain offering donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and more. My go-to is the Boston Cream. Most donuts are around the $3.75 price point.
Grab a Chicago Classic at Al’s #1 Italian Beef. There’s a reason this local chain is a hit in Chicago!
Author’s Note:
The streets of Wrigleyville turn into a Winter wonderland during the holiday season. It has taken holiday pop-ups to a whole new level. You will find that bars here on Google Maps have multiple names. And full disclosure, I have only been to a few of these places during the holiday season. With that said please keep in mind that holiday menus and experience may vary greatly from their non-seasonal restaurant. As a writer, I have tried to clarify when I went and what I did.
Wrigleyville Nightlife
Get Lost in Instagram Pink at Lost Never Found. Take photos with the classy chic Chicago decor while indulging in the happy hour menu that features pizza and drink specials. Check out happy hour Tuesdays- Fridays, 4 pm- 7 pm. Please note that this menu is not available on game/event days. This newer spot does offer seasonal decor and a holiday menu.
Bring Wrigleyville’s party inside to an endless summer at Happy Camper. This restaurant offers fun vibes with its Instagram-friendly decor, including a camper inside the restaurant! Menu prices for this restaurant start at around $14. This restaurant also goes all out for the holidays wrapping itself in holiday decor and turning into one of the pop-up bars.
Wrigleyville is known for its pop-ups and Old Crow Smoke House goes out as Santa’s Workshop during the holiday season. I have only gone during the holiday season and their seasonal menu is fantastic! Plus they have fun holiday decor perfect for snagging some fun photos. Food prices start at around $15.
How Walkable is Wrigleyville?
This area is super pedestrian-friendly. After, or even during a snowfall the sidewalks are cleared quickly. This area is also well-lit for nighttime walking!
Sometimes it honestly feels as if the sidewalks are as busy as the streets! Especially on event days. I also have found that the sidewalks can also get crowded during pub events as people queue up to get inside specific places.
Know Before You Go
Always check the Cubs/ Wrigley Field Schedule before coming to this area. These events affect traffic, as parking becomes impossible, and public transportation (buses) will reroute. Even if you are personally not going to the event, if you are in the area, the event will affect you!
Wrigleyville knows how to dress for the season(s!) During the holidays, Wrigleyville is home to several pop-ups. From its very own Cristkindle market to Wintrust Winterland at Gallagher Way, and plenty of holiday pop-up bars you are sure to find some spirit. During the summer, Gallagher Way hosts free movies in the park and other events. Plus, you will find some other seasonal pop-ups for St Patrick’s Day and Halloween.
Explore more of Lake View
Explore dining and shopping in Southport.
Catch a comedy show or concert in the Belmont Theater District.
