No trip to Wrigley Field is complete without a beer (or two, or seven).
So, in honor of the Cubs 2018 season opener tomorrow, we thought we’d give you guys a complete run-down of all our favorite spots to hit up pre AND post game. Best part? It’s easier to find parking nearby than you think.
This is UrbanMatter’s definitive ranking of the best* bars in Wrigleyville.
You’re welcome.
29. John Barleycorn
3524 N Clark
Douchey though it may be, Barleycorn is a Wrigleyville staple, so it earns a spot on our list (and in our hearts). Just maybe make sure to check what the cover is before waiting in line.
28. Trace
3714 N Clark
Rock n’ roll in Wrigley – no matter your strongly held opinions, you’ve gotta admit that Trace does have a nice ring to it.
27. HVAC
3530 N Clark
Though not a Wrigleyville bar in the strictest sense of the phrase, the HVAC pub is one of our go-tos for post-game drunk munchies. Oh, and their stellar live music set up doesn’t hurt either.
26. Dark Horse
3443 N Sheffield
True to its name, Dark Horse may not be a front runner when it comes to our fav Wrigley bars, but its great game day deals (and year-round beer garden) are sure to surprise you.
25. Country Club
3462 N Clark
For when you just wanna belt Jason Aldean without judgement.
What can we say? Sometimes baseball puts ya in a real country mood.
24. Moe’s Cantina
3518 N Clark
Though slightly more upscale (read: cleaner) than some of the other Wrigleyville bars on this list, Moe’s and their quesadillas have played host to many a worthy pregame party.
23. Brickhouse Tavern
3647 N Clark
Extra points for being within stumbling distance from the field.
22. Stretch
3485 N Clark
Wings, TV screens and tons of specials on beer – that’s all we want out of a good Cubbie bar.
21. Rockit Burger Bar
3700 N Clark
Two words: Mac. Attack.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about you better educate yourself right now.
20. Graystone Tavern
3441 N Sheffield
A classic sports bar with some pretty outstanding tacos.
19. Lucky’s Sandwich Company
3472 N Clark
Perhaps best known for being featured on Man vs. Food, a day at Lucky’s is admittedly less about beer than it is about chowing down. But oh boy, is the chow ever-so-good.
18. Old Crow Smokehouse
3506 N Clark
Amazing patio. Decent food. A total Wrigleyville mainstay.
17. Deuce’s and the Diamond Club
3505 N Clark
Deuce’s earns the number 15 spot on this list purely for having a pool. Sorry, not sorry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
16. The Full Shilling
3724 N Clark
One of surprisingly few Irish pubs in Wrigleyville, the Full Shilling is a great, casual hang for those of us who couldn’t afford a ticket to the game.
15. Sport’s Corner
956 W Addison
$5 well drinks, $3 brats and hot dogs on game days. ‘Nuff said.
14. Lucky Dorr
1101 W Waveland
Named after longtime Wrigley Field groundskeeper Bobby Dorr, this relatively new addition to Lakeview is a bit more, uhm, tame than the bars on Clark. But with an unmatched craft beer list (and bonus points for extra Cubs nostalgia) Lucky Dorr has definitely earned a place in our roundup.
13. Vines on Clark
3554 N Clark
Vines is just Vines…there’s really nothing else to say.
12. Merkle’s
3516 N Clark
Operated out of the same spot where the Wrigleyville Billy Goat outpost once stood, Merkle’s is an unpretentious spot to chill for game day.
11. Irish Oak
3511 N Clark
With great daily drink deals and a classic Wrigley attitude, Irish Oak is a must.
10. Sheffield’s
3258 N Sheffield
Sheffield’s has what is, without question, one of the best beer gardens in Lakeview. And while, true, it might be a little bit further from the field than we’d normally like to walk, the patio is totally worth it.
9. Rizzo’s Bar & Inn
3658 N Clark St
A newer haunt, but one we hope will stay. It’s named after our favorite Cubbie bear, so you really can’t go wrong.
8. Bernie’s
3664 N Clark
Family owned and operated since 1954, like you, Bernie’s has stuck with the Cubbies through the darkest of times, earning it a well deserved spot on our list.
7. Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N Sheffield
One of the oldest bars on the block, Murphy’s brick and ivy (and pure baseball history) make it a go-to for young and old alike.
6. Guthrie’s
1300 W Addison
Okay, wait, bear with me here – Guthrie’s may not be your traditional Wrigleyville bar, but as a true neighborhood favorite, there’s no way we’d dare leave it off our ranking.
5. GMan
3740 N Clark
Also known by its full name, The Gingerman Tavern, GMan’s old-school style, pool tables, and proximity to the field make it an excellent choice in Wrigleyville whether it’s game day or not.
4. Casey Moran’s
3660 N Clark
An absolute colossus of a bar, Casey Moran’s – and it’s 52 flat screens – is one of the undisputed kings of Clark.
3. Sluggers
3540 N Clark
Sure, Sluggers may have a particularly bro-y clientele, but that won’t stop us from hitting up the batting cages (or late night dueling pianos) come baseball season.
2. Nisei Lounge
3439 N Sheffield
Opened in 1951, Nisei Lounge isn’t just any Wrigleyville dive bar, it’s THE Wrigleyville dive bar. Sporting a cool and casual atmosphere complete with darts, pool, a killer jukebox and a slightly problematic obsession with Malort, Nisei may not have the crowds of the other Clark street favorites, but it’s got more than enough personality to make up for it.
1. Cubby Bear
1059 W Addison
I’m not even gonna try and explain myself on this one. There’s nothing quite like stumbling out of the game and right into Cubby Bear.
C’mon, don’t tell me you expected something else?
Honorable Mention: The Wrigleyville Taco Bell, long may she reign.
*SIDE NOTE: When we say “best” please keep in mind that we mean “most fun to get drunk off of $3 Bud Lights and cheese dogs at 11am” – it is Wrigleyville, after all.
Featured Image Credit: Sports Mockery
