Wrigleyville

The basics

Many travelers first experience Wrigleyville as a convenient place for a pregame drink or snack before watching the action at Wrigley Field. But even travelers who don't have tickets to a home game can join in the buzzy atmosphere at bars along Clark Street or open-air events at Gallagher Way, a public place outside the stadium. The highly walkable neighborhood is also home to a selection of shops peddling Cubs merchandise and other sports gear.  

Things to know before you go

• Fan favorites for a pregame pint include Murphy’s Bleachers, Dark Horse Tap, and Irish Oak.
• If you can't score tickets for a Cubs home game, nearly every bar in the area will be showing it on TV screens.
• On game days, be prepared for heavy crowds and cover charges at some bars.
• For something other than baseball, look for live music at Cubby Bear and Metro Chicago.

How to get there

Wrigleyville is a micro-neighborhood in Chicago’s northern Lakeside district and directly surrounds Wrigley Field. Parking is very limited, especially on game days, but it is easily accessible using the red and blue CTA train lines, as well as buses #8, 22, and 152.

When to get there

Wrigleyville is open for a good time all year round, but it kicks into high gear during baseball season (April to September). Get into the holiday spirit with ice skating and a Christmas market at the annual Winterland at Gallagher Way every December, or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with other revelers at Wrigleyville’s Irish-influenced bars. 

Wrigley Field

The namesake and centerpiece of Wrigleyville, this historic stadium has been hosting games since 1914, making it one of the oldest ballparks in the US. Cubs fans congregate inside its ivy-covered outfield walls and on rooftops of nearby buildings to watch the team play at home. Public and private tours of the beloved Chicago landmark are available for curious fans eager to learn more.

Ways to explore

For many travelers, Wrigleyville is a convenient spot for a drink or snack before attending a Cubs game or guided tour of Wrigley Field. But baseball is just the beginning of the neighborhood’s attractions. You can soak in the buzzy atmosphere at bars along Clark Street, or attend open-air events at Gallagher Way—a public area outside the stadium.

The highly walkable neighborhood is also home to a selection of landmarks, including the Metro music venue and the Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum. While it’s easy to explore Wrigleyville independently, you can also visit on a neighborhood pizza tour.

Accessibility

Wrigley Field offers accessible seating. A number of other neighborhood sights are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check ahead.

Age limits

None, although Wrigleyville bars are typically limited to patrons aged 21 and over.

What to pack

Small handheld bag, water bottle, sun protection, collapsible umbrella

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers—and don’t forget your Chicago Cubs gear.

Not allowed

Bringing banned items to Wrigley Field, including large bags, backpacks, professional camera gear, and selfie sticks.

Amenities

Bars, restaurants, shops, access to public transit

Address

Wrigleyville is a neighborhood located on Chicago’s North Side. It’s easy to get there via public transportation, as well as via taxis and rideshare services. Tours with included transportation also make exploring Wrigleyville easy.

Driving

Driving to Wrigleyville is not recommended, particularly on game days when roads are likely to be congested and parking is limited. Use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

To get to Wrigleyville, take the Red Line of the Chicago L to Addison or Sheridan stations. The Brown Line also stops nearby at Southport.

Best times to visit

While Wrigleyville is an all-day-long destination, the neighborhood really comes into its own in the evenings, when its bars welcome visitors and many Cubs games are held.

Best days to visit

Cubs games are held on various days of the week; consult the schedule for the upcoming events. As a general rule, expect weekends to be busier than weekdays in the area.

Best months to visit

To make the most of Wrigleyville’s main attraction—Wrigley Field—visit during the baseball season, held from March to late September.

Special events

Visit at the start of the baseball season to catch the home opener. Alternatively, drop by during the festive season for Winterland at Gallagher Way.