Wrigleyville after the game...
One of the most popular attractions in Chicago during the Spring and Summer months can be found off of the Addison stop on the Red Line at Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play their home games. However, the city has recently begun a massive infrastructure project to increase capacity on its ancient commuter train system, which has made the train a very unattractive option when traveling during rush hour. The Cubs are one of the last teams in Major League Baseball to play most of their home games during the afternoon, typical start time is 1:20, which means that when the game gets out three hours later right at the beginning of rush hour. As any Chicagoan will tell you, it is ill advised to travel north or south during rush hour for any reason if it can be avoided.
Some of my favorite options available to Cubs fans as a way to avoid the mess and kill some time in Wrigleyville include the following:
Goose Island Wrigleyville - An up and coming Chicago brewery, Goose Island is my favorite place in Chicago to get a beer. The India Pale Ale is one of the most acclaimed Pale brews in the world, but at over 9% alcohol content it can pack a mean punch. Other more well known Goose Island original recipe beers are 312 and Honkers Ale. For the kids, or those adults who don't drink, I recommend the Goose Island Root Beer, Cream Soda, Grape Soda and Orange Soda.
The food is pretty good too. I suggest the chicken tenders with the mild sauce, or the Stilton Burger. Everything you can get is a Goose Island original, whether it be beer or food.
El Jardin - A popular destination for college students in the Chicago area looking for a late night snack, El Jardin is one of Chicago's best Mexican restaurants. Its Margarita was voted best in Chicago on Citysearch.com. El Jardin also has outdoor seating.
Murphy's Bleachers - Few bars in Chicago are as well known as Murphy's. Before, after and during the game Murphy's is jumpin'. However, the crowd is often made up of sloppy, belligerent and obnoxious locals that have little regard for anything other than where their next shot is coming from. Good drink deals, but unless you are looking to get rowdy there is probably a better option.
Bar Louie Wrigleyville - One of the more popular bar chains in the entire Chicagoland area is the Bar Louie franchise. It is a bit more trendy than most Wrigleyville bars, but if you are hungry and looking for a nice place to sit indoors with friends then Bar Louie is a great choice.
Penny's Noodle Shop -Those of you who are fans of BYOB restaurants will really enjoy the Thai food served at Penny's, which is located straight down Sheffield (which is the street immediately behind the right field bleachers) underneath the El tracks. They have a great BBQ pork dish, and their Cucumber Salad is as good as you will find anywhere.
Leona's Restaurant Sheffield - Located a little further down Sheffield from Penny's, Leona's is a great option for Italian food served in huge portions. I recommend the Ravioli and fried mozzarella, and if you are lucky there will be a table open on the patio.
Clarkes on Belmont - Clarkes is my favorite Diner chain in Chicago, with three restaurants located on the north side of the city. It is a bit of a walk from Wrigley, but if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle around the stadium then Clarkes is a great option.
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Of course, this warning does not extend to only the north side, as the White Sox stadium is also located along the Red Line. My next article will give some suggestions about what to do when avoiding the crowds on the El.
