When most people think of Wrigleyville, they picture the iconic red marquee and ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. But this lively pocket of Chicago offers so much more than just baseball. In fact, when visitors search for the best things to do in Wrigleyville, they are often surprised to discover that it is one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods for dining, nightlife, and local culture.
Wrigleyville is technically part of the larger Lakeview neighborhood, located right off the Addison Red Line stop, but it has grown into a destination all its own. Anchored by Wrigley Field, this area has evolved into a vibrant mix of sports history, entertainment, and modern city living. The ballpark and the vision of Chicago businessman William Wrigley Jr. not only shaped the team’s legacy but also laid the foundation for the thriving neighborhood we know today.
Modern Wrigleyville is buzzing year-round with energy. From legendary sports bars and rooftop views to boutique hotels, family-friendly events in Gallagher Way, and some of the most talked-about Wrigleyville restaurants, this neighborhood is a must-see. Whether you are here for a Cubs game or simply exploring Chicago, Wrigleyville attractions deliver an unforgettable local experience.
How to Get to Wrigleyville?
The easiest way to reach Wrigleyville is by taking the CTA Red Line train to the Addison stop. The field is located right by the station, making public transit the most convenient option for most visitors. If you are new to navigating Chicago’s public transit, plan for extra time during peak hours or game days, and check the train schedule in advance to avoid delays.
Ride shares are also available, but prices can rise significantly during Cubs games or special events. Driving is not recommended because parking is limited and expensive on game days. If you do drive, expect to pay for nearby lots or street parking, and allow extra time to navigate traffic.
Biking is a fun and efficient way to explore Wrigleyville and the surrounding neighborhoods. Bobby’s Bike Hike offers bike rentals for visitors who want to see the area at their own pace. You can also join a guided bike tour to experience Wrigleyville attractions, nearby restaurants, and even downtown Chicago while staying active.
When is The Best Time to Visit?
Wrigleyville is lively year-round, but the experience changes depending on the season and Cubs schedule. Baseball season, which runs from April through September, is the most popular time to visit. Game days bring a festive energy with fans filling bars, restaurants, and streets around Wrigley Field. If you want to enjoy the neighborhood without the crowds, plan your visit on a non-game day when you can stroll through Wrigleyville attractions more comfortably.
Spring and summer are ideal for exploring outdoor spaces like Gallagher Way, enjoying rooftop views, or trying some of the best Wrigleyville restaurants with patio seating. Fall offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, while winter brings a quieter, more local vibe with cozy bars and seasonal events.
Special events and festivals in the area, including live music at Gallagher Way, charity runs, and holiday celebrations, can also shape your visit. Before planning your trip, check the Cubs schedule and local event calendars so you can time your visit to match your preferred experience, whether it is the excitement of a game day or a relaxed neighborhood stroll.
Tip: Weekdays are generally less crowded, while weekends, especially during a home game, are bustling with activity. Plan accordingly to make the most of your visit to Wrigleyville.
Top Attractions & Sights
Wrigley Field
There would be no Wrigleyville without Wrigley Field. Opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park, the field became the permanent home for the Chicago Cubs in 1916. Later, William Wrigley Jr. of Wrigley gum bought the Cubs and the park’s name was changed to Wrigley Field in 1926. The second oldest Major League Baseball Stadium in the world, this renowned site was eventually designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020.
If you’re interested in attending a Chicago Cubs game during the season (April through September), check out the team’s schedule online. If you’d rather get an up-close perspective of the field without visiting on a game day, you can take a 90-minute tour. This gives you an opportunity to walk around the bleachers, seating bowl, press box, field, and more. You’ll also get to view the stadium’s signature ivy-covered walls, which the field has sported since 1937.
Rooftops
Say you want to watch the Cubs play live, but you want a more social experience with a group of people–you can visit a rooftop right beside the field instead! Reserving a rooftop is a great option for parties or large groups to enjoy the game and socialize with food and drinks. Wrigley Rooftops is a partner of Wrigley Field and provides 11 rooftops around the stadium. Their price includes admission to the game as well as an all-inclusive food and drink package, and people of all ages are welcome.
Gallagher Way
On the west side of Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way is an open plaza that hosts dozens of free seasonal events all year long. Events include morning workouts, community programs, farmers markets, movie nights, and more. There are also many family-friendly activities that take place like kid-focused live music and movies.
During the winter holidays, Gallagher Way hosts the much-anticipated Christkindlmarket from the end of November through December 31. You’ll find festive treats and drinks, hand-crafted gifts, and holiday tunes in this German-inspired market.
Food & Drink
Best Wrigleyville Bars
There are dozens of bars around Wrigleyville, but below are some of the classic sites as well as newer top-rated venues.
Murphy’s Bleachers
A staple in Wrigleyville for over 80 years, Murphy’s Bleachers (formerly Ray’s Bleachers) is family owned and operated and provides a classic sports bar atmosphere.
The Cubby Bear
Established in 1953, this sports bar is also a popular live performance venue. In addition to being voted the “7th Best Sports Bar in the United States” by Sports Illustrated, the establishment was deemed the “Best Rock Club” by the Chicago Music Awards.
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar & Grill
This bar lives up to its name. This 35-year old bar features over 40 televisions broadcasting sporting events, and the second floor is outfitted with batting cages, air hockey, arcade games, and more.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Opened in 2023, this newer restaurant and bar features a 2,000 square-foot curved screen which can show 25 games at once.
Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern
Overlooking Gallagher Way outside of Wrigley Field, this modern space consists of four bars and provides “refined sports-bar fare”.
Mordecai
Mordecai is a high-end cocktail bar located within Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field. This establishment was named “Bar of the Year” by Chicago’s Eater Awards when it opened in 2018.
Best Wrigleyville Restaurants
Dine-In Restaurants
Swift Tavern
If you’re looking for steak, oysters, and other seafood in the Wrigleyville area, this is the place to go. Swift Tavern is a casual sports-style offshoot of the upscale steakhouse Swift & Sons in Fulton Market.
Smoke Daddy BBQ
Smoke Daddy BBQ first started in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood in 1994, and it has often been rated as having the best barbeque in all of Chicago. The Wrigleyville location opened in 2018 inside Hotel Zachary.
Lost Never Found
Featuring prime Italian-inspired fare and craft cocktails, Lost Never Found’s interior is decked out in modern, bright pink furnishings, tailoring its vibe to a more feminine clientele.
Kid-Friendly + Quick Eats
Billy Goat Tavern
The Billy Goat Tavern has some of the most interesting lore of any establishment in Chicago. In 1934, a man named William Sianis bought a bar called the Lincoln Tavern, and later adopted a billy goat that wandered into the building. In honor of his new pet, he renamed the restaurant the Billy Goat Tavern. The restaurant has expanded to new locations around the city since then–including to Wrigleyville in 2024–and it gained a lot of fame from the 1978 “cheezborger” SNL sketch and the legendary Curse of the Billy Goat on the Chicago Cubs.
Big Star
Another Chicago staple, Big Star is a go-to spot for tacos and innovative Mexican street food.
Small Cheval
Small Cheval is a fast-casual spinoff of West Loop’s popular Au Cheval, focusing on delicious burgers and quick bites.
Suggested Itineraries
Half-day Itinerary
If you only have a few hours to spend in Wrigleyville, here’s a suggested itinerary with some of the “must-do’s” of the area.
- Wrigley Field Tour-
To get an insider look at the iconic Wrigley Field, hop on a tour! Just note that tours of Wrigley Field are only offered from March through September. - Shop for Cubs merch-
You can’t visit Wrigley Field without buying a Cubs hat or souvenir. Visit the Cubs Team Store attached to the stadium to find some merch. - Lunch at Murphy’s Bleachers-
If you want to experience a classic Chicago joint and try some of the city’s authentic foods (like a Chicago-style hot dog) along with a pint of beer, Murphy’s Bleachers is one of the best places to go. - Walk/bike to the lakefront-
After you’re done exploring Wrigleyville, grab a bike or take a 20-minute stroll to Lake Michigan and enjoy the quiet lakefront. If you’re staying downtown, you can rent a bike from Bobby’s Bike Hike and easily cycle to Wrigleyville in about 30 minutes.
(If you want to briefly see Wrigleyville along with other iconic neighborhoods in Chicago, consider joining our Bikes, Bites, & Brews morning tour!)
Full Game Day Itinerary
- Breakfast-
To fuel up before the big game, grab a quality meal at Alma inside the Hotel Zachary right across from Wrigley Field. Breakfast hours there run from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. - Pregame-
On game days, Wrigleyville is the liveliest place in the city. Grab a drink before the game at Sluggers where you can test your swing in the second-floor batting cages, and/or get a bite to eat from the historic Billy Goat Tavern. - Hang out in Gallagher Way-
One hour before games, Gallagher Way beside Wrigley Field opens for ticketed guests to soak in live music and enjoy various activities. You can also watch the pre-game broadcast on the giant screen in the plaza. Also, be sure to stop by the Motorola Trophy Room to see the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series trophy. Check the Gallagher Way website to confirm the trophy is on display before your visit. - Game time!
Cubs games start at various times, so be sure to check the team’s home schedule. Don’t forget to grab a scorecard to keep track of the game and buy some merch from the Cubs Team Store. - Post-game-
Whether the team you’re rooting for wins or loses, head to The Cubby Bear to celebrate or brood over the result and take in some live music.
Wrigleyville FAQs
What’s the best way to get to Wrigleyville?
If you’re staying downtown, the best way to get to Wrigleyville is to take the Red Line train north towards Howard and get off at Addison. For tips on how to navigate Chicago’s transit system and how to pay for fares, check out this blog.
Is Wrigleyville Family-Friendly?
Wrigleyville is definitely family-friendly! While there are many bars in the area, there are also plenty of kid-friendly establishments that people of any age will enjoy (see above for kid-friendly restaurants).
What to do in Wrigleyville if there’s no game?
If you plan to visit Wrigleyville on a non-game day March through September, consider booking a tour of Wrigley Field. Also see what events are happening at Gallagher Way, and visit the Motorola Trophy Room to see the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series trophy. Otherwise, check out a local bar or restaurant.
How much time should I budget for a visit to Wrigleyville?
Plan to budget at least 2 hours to explore Wrigleyville. This includes time to grab a drink and/or bite to eat, as well as shop at the Cubs Team Store and walk around the neighborhood.
What to Expect in Wrigleyville
- Crowds/noise: On game days, Wrigleyville is extremely crowded and loud–but it’s all part of the excitement! Anticipate large crowds and lots of noise. On non-game days, Wrigleyville is relatively quiet, however bars will fill up for other televised sporting events throughout the year.
- Prices: Wrigleyville’s bars and restaurants are on the pricier side since the area is a popular attraction. Expect to spend a decent amount on food and drinks, especially inside Wrigley Field.
- Weather: Chicago’s weather is difficult to predict, so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time to properly plan for your visit. In case of severe weather during a game day, check the MLB website for information on potential delays or cancellations.
- Transit: On game days, public transit to Wrigleyville from downtown will be very crowded. Anticipate crowds and plan ahead to avoid difficulty getting to the game.
- Safety tips: Wrigleyville is a safe neighborhood, but pay attention to your surroundings as you would anywhere in the world.
Wrigleyville is more than just the home of the Chicago Cubs. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering things to do for sports fans, families, and couples alike. From exploring top Wrigleyville attractions like Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way, and historic rooftops to sampling food at iconic restaurants, the neighborhood delivers a full Chicago experience.
