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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
