The Best Bars in Wrigleyville

Cubs fans in a Wrigleyville bar
Photo credit Scott Olson / Getty Images

Depending on the mood of the crowd, the Cubs’ performance and the will of the baseball gods, Wrigleyville can be heaven or hell. But either way the place is a heck of a party on game days. You’re bound to encounter a crowd pretty much any place that serves alcohol, so you’d better like what you’re getting for the effort. Here are our favorite places (that are all worth the crowds) to get a drink before or after a Cubs game.

Nisei Lounge

The spirit of old Wrigleyville lives on at Nisei, a classic sports bar that dates back to 1951. As the bar’s website puts it, “Nisei Lounge is just where it has always been, ready and waiting to serve you a cold beer or a tasty cocktail in a bar that has not changed since Nixon was in the White House and the Cubs only had one World Series ring.” There are TVs, pool, and darts to entertain, and an extensive menu of beers both craft and mainstream.

Nisei Lounge

3439 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Murphy’s Bleachers

Love it or hate it, Murphy’s is another historic Wrigleyville drinking hole and a prime spot to pregame a Cubs game or celebrate victory. Despite the bar’s size and outdoor space, the place is usually packed with fans, and it inevitably turns into a party (whether or not it’s the type of shindig you particularly like). Still, Murphy’s is as much a tradition as singing “Go Cubs Go” or harassing Cardinals fans.

Murphy’s Bleachers

3655 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Sluggers

If one game isn’t enough for a day, head to Sluggers to play a bunch more of your own. Test your batting abilities at the batting cage or try not to get creamed at air hockey. “Enjoy” the dueling pianos, drink your weight in cheap domestics and generally carouse with other Cubs fans as you while away the hours from last pitch till closing time at 2 a.m.

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar and Grill

3540 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Brickhouse Tavern

Get upscale bar eats with a side of Cubbies history at this surprisingly chic tavern named for Cubs broadcaster Jack Brickhouse. Paraphernalia line the walls of the two-story space, which boasts four bars and two separate patios, giving fans plenty of room to spread out. Dig in to lollipop lamb chops and double decker barbacoa tacos, alongside a draft beer or cocktail.

Brickhouse Tavern

3647 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Mordecai

If you’re after a classier pregame, head to Mordecai, a high-end cocktail bar just across from Wrigley. A decidedly different venue from the mosh pits that dot Wrigleyville, Mordecai lives inside the posh Hotel Zachary, but it strikes a careful balance between polished and approachable. TVs above the bar stream the game but hide behind gold screens when not in use. Meat comes in baby back ribs and beef tartare. Cocktails are the drink of choice, but many drink names reference aspects of Wrigley. If you can swing it, we highly suggest you find a spot to lounge on the sunny roofdeck a few hours before a game.

Mordecai

3632 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613