Wrigleyville - what's the go-to spots?

- Big Star, Smoke Daddy and Happy Camper are all popular spots, but part of that comes from their other locations in the city, so it's "familiar."

- Both Bernie's and Murphy's Bleachers get very crowded, but go-to bars for a lot of folks sitting in the bleachers.

- Sheffield's has a great beer selection. Only about a 10-minute walk from Wrigley. Not Cubs season, obviously, but I love going on Black Wednesday before Thanksgiving. They have a big Goose Island BCS party every year.

- Old Crow has a massive space (including a retractable roof) + rooftop, which is great for a larger group, but I'd just go to drink. I've never found their food to be good.

- Deuce's has a big patio, but they try to bring River North prices to Wrigleyville, so I don't go there much.

- Lucky Dorr is the spot for craft beer. It's in Gallagher Way. My primary going before Cubs games was for Hop Butcher, but don't think they carry them anymore. Regardless, you'll see several Chicagoland craft breweries to choose from.

- Personally, not a big fan of The Sports Corner, but they are an open-air bar and proximity to Wrigley / Addison station can't be beat.

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(I "think" we are going to do the River Boat ARC Tour Friday, worth it? $100 for 2 ppl, never did it...always hear pretty good stuff..so said lets give it a shot)

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Been here since 2013 and, to be honest, I've never done an architecture boat tour Stupid, I know, but I avoid going into the downtown area unless I'm heading into the office. However, have had plenty of family/friends do the boat tour and they absolutely love it. My family was here in July for my wedding and they did it for a third time. That alone, I'd say it's worth the price of admission.

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think we're gonna check out the air show sunday after brunch and just wander mag mile area.

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Solid plan. As quick FYI, the Air and Water Show won't be as it was in years past, but there should still be a plenty good demonstration. I guess it's being categorized as a "reimagined" show as part of Chicago's opening initiative.

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toss in any other "kill time" stuff if you got anything

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I always maintain that Chicago's lifeblood is in the neighborhoods, but I understand that time, etc., can make it tough for weekend visitors to explore. Happy to provide recommendations if you have that time. Otherwise, if you only have a few hours to "kill," I'd swing through the River Walk and do a little bar hopping going east. Start at Tiny Tapp and go from there. My favorite place to go after work is The Northman - there's plenty of tree cover, patio tables, chairs lining the river, etc. Also, there is live music, which is fun.

If you'd prefer not to drink, can always swing up to Lincoln Park and walk through the zoo and the other paths. You can get some beautiful views of the city.

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take arch boat tour (it is awesome) and get off at the chinatown stop

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they allow you to get on/off?

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they allow you to get on/off?

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Technically, Chicago Water Taxi is operated by a company that does cruises/tours. There are a few different routes through the Chicago River on weekends only, one of which drops you near Chinatown. Water Taxi is a different way to look at the city, but you can always pop on the Red Line and see the city that way, too

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after we get off the boat looking to get some drinks somewhere. I believe he mentioned Three Dots and a Dash?

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Three Dots and a Dash is good, but I'd recommend just walking a couple minutes further and doing Arbella.

Another alternative would be to pop on the Green Line and swing into West Loop. Plenty of good cocktail bars there, including The Aviary / The Office (you’ll need a reservation for both — Aviary will be easier + more options to choose from for your experience), Booze Box, Lazy Bird, etc. Shouldn't be more than 15 minutes door-to-door each way, assuming you time out the trains right (monitor schedule on your phone).

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I always maintain that Chicago's lifeblood is in the neighborhoods, but I understand that time, etc., can make it tough for weekend visitors to explore.

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The Architecture Center, which offers the deservedly popular boat tours, also has bus tours (not sure if doing during covid). I took the neighborhoods tour, and it was really good. Guided bus tour for a couple hours that covered all the major ethnic neighborhoods and parts of town, which would have taken me multiple days to see on my own.

Took the L out to Oak Park and walked a few blocks to Frank Lloyd Wright's house for a tour. Then Lyft to Johnnie's Beef for lunch. That was a great day.

Wrigleyville: Big Star, right across the street from the ballpark, has good tacos, extensive bourbon selection, and (when we went) cheap Tecate for those on a budget. Huge place.

GREAT TRIP.... yet again, Chicago did not dissapoint! Left again wanting to come back and do MORE! With my buddy living up there shouldn't be a problem, just not in the near future...ha since I went on 2 seperate occasions over the past 2-3 months....

Skipped out on the boat tour...we just did more of relaxing and site seeing. Lots of hopping around and getting drinks at different places...

Wrigleyville was great! Soak up the scene before "too old", but it was slam packed even for a Cubs team that isn't great. Would love to go back for when they are chasing a World Series.

We biked! Divvy Bikes + Blue angels were great Sunday! Beautiful weather 75 and Sunny....

Will def look into renting a boat for a half a day next time we're out there and enjoy that scene... but all in all great trip!

(skipped some other summary ha, but don't want to bore, was GREAT!)

Thx again for all the recs!

Nice the air and water show is always a great weekend. Really one of the best summer weekends to go.

Is Wrigleyville still a popular place or is everything still open and hopping around there even when baseball isn't going on? Going to be in Chicago October 14-17 so curious if this is a place we should check out.

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Yes. Wrigleyville is chalked full of people—mostly college students and recent grads—every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Only restrictions are indoor mask mandates. Just have a drink in your hand and you won’t be bothered.

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Good deal, thank you sir. Never been so doing my research on things we want to see and found this thread.