Questions for the locals (again)
by royhobbs on Jul 18, 2010 1:03 AM CDT
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PrintHi Cubs fans,
I came around March, asking you guys a bunch of questions about Home Opener tickets, and we all shared a few laughs over the futility of it, as well as Viking Women Races, and in the end, those plans got derailed badly by a job situation and well, being a Southerner, I guess I didn't feel like dealing with Illinois April weather.
But anyway, long story short, I have tickets to next Saturday's game at Wrigley Field against the Cardinals, and I'm very much looking forward to my first (second, but I was six years old then) cognitive trip to Wrigley Field. Bottom line is, and pardon me if these questions have been answered a ton of times, I'm never quite lucky with the SBN search function, as it always seems to be malfunctioning when I try to use it, and I'd greatly appreciate if prior FP links or tips can be provided, but naturally, I have some questions of my own in regards to visiting Chicago.
I've rented a car, and I'd really like to hear honest opinions from the locals on whether or not it's even necessary? Obviously, keeping costs down on any trip is a good idea, and aside from Sunday, when I drive up to Milwaukee, I don't really know if a car is really necessary, given what I've heard about Chicago's rail/bus system. I am staying near O'Hare, near one of the rail lines. I like the relative freedom that having a car provides, but at the same time, comes the tedious nature of parking, and risking driving after a few pre/post game beers, along with horrendous things I've heard about Chicago streets.
Second, any good restaurants that I should definitely consider hitting up? Foods I should make mandatory on this trip? Not going to lie, I love food, and I love to eat. My internet persona weighs 427 lbs., so I do take this question somewhat seriously.
Finally, anything I should keep in mind when visiting Wrigley? I've read WRIGLEYWORLD, and let's face it, Wrigley's clearly the National League's cathedral, so there are a lot to hear about the place, but I'd really like to hear it from my fellow internet nerds who might know a few nuggets of wisdom not quite so popularly known to the masses.
Any suggestions and funny remarks are all appreciated, and I thank everyone in advance simply for reading this far. As if you guys would need to read yet another biased opinion about your home field, I throw it out anyway, to those who are interested, I'd be more than obliging to write-up a picture-packed, opinion-filled FanPost about my trip to Wrigley after my trip, in a similar style to those teams below who have been as accommodating to me.
A Visitor's Perspective Series:
Dodger Stadium - True Blue L.A.
Angel Stadium - Halos Heaven
PETCO Park - Gaslamp Ball
Great American Ball Park - Red Reporter
Tropicana Field - DRaysBay
Metrodome - Twinkie Town
PNC Park - Bucs Dugout
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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If your hotel is accesable to the el
You do not need a car. One tip though, most people take the el ( Blue line) from O’Hare to Addison and then the addison bus to Wrigley. I think it is faster to get off at Irving Park
( the stop before Addison) and take that bus to Clark and walk the 4 blocks to Wrigley. Addison is just a mess, Irving is busy but not as bad.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Really?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Whoops
Bus it? Really? Blue Line to the Loop, and then grab a Red Line train to Addison is the way I do it.
I’d be on vacation though, so time is less of a factor; the hour on the trains wouldn’t bug me. Jumping off the train a block away from Wrigley is what I look for…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Don't drive anywhere if you can help it.
I’m not a local, but we come to Chicago yearly for trips. We park the car and leave it until we need it to come home to Michigan.
The EL is $2.25 one way and is the most cost effective method to get around town. I can’t comment on the bus system since I’ve not used it.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Really. I did this on Saturday
It is faster than taking the el and changing downtown. I have tried every variation. If this were
a weekday game it would be a no brainer because some Irving Park buses run express.
You should a lot an hour for this though, a bit less if you are going early to check out the park.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
by Doggie Stalker on Jul 18, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
its not a bad ride from Irving park on the Blue Line, done it many times
you are correct DS
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
I used to live at Addison and Kedvale.
The Addison bus works fine. Get off a few blocks from the park and walk in. Or Irving, that works too. If it’s a nice day it’s a great walk in either case.
The Red Line trains get insanely crowded on game days. If there’s another way to do it I would.
The only thing I’d avoid is trying to drive to Wrigley.
Ditch the Car:
Not literally, but you do not need a car and will wish you had not driven it down if you do. The Blue line makes life easy for you. I agree with Doggie…..get off at Irving Park and walk a few blocks to Wrigley. The reality is that it’s not only a neighborhood that has the greatest ballpark in the middle of it, but it’s also a great neighborhood. Get off the Blue Line at Irving early, walk around, and enjoy it.
"A few blocks"?
Try 4 miles: http://tinyurl.com/33q88g2
In my current state, that’s an extra hour on foot. Staying on until the Loop and grabbing a Red Line is both quicker and easier on shoe leather.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
You're missing the part where you catch the Irving Park bus all but 4 blocks of that.
Taking the el into the loop and coming back north is going to waste a lot of time – it definitely isn’t worth it
I think the Irving Park bus is the best idea, but Addison isn’t too terrible if you get to the game early enough.
That makes a lot more sense
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Slight error here.
Getting off the Blue Line at Irving will have you roughly at Keeler, slightly west of Pulaski. Get on the bus there and take it to Clark & Irving.
Cars in Chicago
I’m going to go by your profile and guess that you’re one of those NoVa types (nice hat, though). If you’re used to driving in DC, Chicago roads should feel very comfortable. Drive fast ‘til you can’t, he who hesitates is screwed. Parking is a righteous pain, especially around Wrigley on game days.
Your best bet: don’t bother. Other than that, your best bet is also “don’t bother”, unless you’ve got a particular far-flung agenda in mind. In that case, make sure the GPS has plenty of battery and always look for public garages – the locals have already taken the prime (free) street spots.
Chicago in the summer is one of the best places you can hope to be on this Earth. Stretch your legs, drink some beers, and enjoy. Everybody else is having a great time – you should, too. And worrying about you wheels just detracts from that.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Ha
you’re one of those NoVa types (nice hat, though).
Dead on. But there were no Nationals for me growing up and I refused to root for a team in Maryland, and then I moved to Atlanta, and the rest is history.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
I think the parking around Wrigley gets a bad rap.
There are plenty of pretty reasonable, respectable small parking garages that have easy in/out service. Over on Southport, is great for finding these types of places. It puts you about 4 blocks away from the park but the walk compares favorably to the expansive parking lots around most ballparks.
I've also found actual street parking in the past
east of the ballpark. You have to hunt a bit, but we found it near our hotel (The Majestic) and it was free…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
I'd add here to Clutch
That parking around Wrigley is a pain if you get there very near to game time as Trout says. If you get there perhaps 1-2 hours before, it isn’t difficult to park for free 6-8 blocks away. But I do think he’s right that it’s fun to walk around the area and taking the EL to get downtown, etc. isn’t difficult. Worrying about driving to the game and finding parking garages you trust afterwards does make it a hassle besides being expensive. Just do some research on places you want to see and discover the places nearby on your own. I sure wish I was going there…summertime in downtown Chicago is special.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 18, 2010 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
As for attractions (besides Wrigley)
May I direct your attention to this thread? Lots of good stuff there.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Not from the Windy City
but we also will be in town next weekend for the Cardinals series . We take Amtrak and then walk alot . Like Zeke said if you rent a car park it . Hotel parking fees are high and parking spots are hard to find at times .
Check out www.mywrigleyville.com . We also plan to dine at the new Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier . For food lovers 7/24 & 7/25 try the Taste of Lincoln Ave at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave .I heard the food at this is great from alot of # 1 restaurants .
One thing for sure Chicago has alot of attractions to visit . If someone leaves Chicago hungry it’s their own fault .
Thanks everyone
It’s pretty unanimous that I should be forgetting about the car, so I’ve pretty much done so. I will still need it on Sunday, since I’m going to be hitting up Milwaukee for a day, but hey, that’s still about $150 you guys have helped me pocket by taking the trains instead.
Now I’ve essentially got three days worth of Chicago to plan out some fine eating, if you guys wouldn’t mind helping me with suggestions on what to eat . . .
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
If you get off the Blue Line at Irving Park
just a couple of blocks away is Smoque (3800 N. Pulaski), a really good BBQ joint. The pulled pork sandwich is my favorite.
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
Do their ribs compare to Gale St?
I’ve been thinking of trying that place but I’ve been stuck on Gale St. Inn’s Ribs.
I haven't had the ribs at Gale St. Inn
but Smoque’s ribs are pretty damn good. Their real signature menu item is the brisket, but I haven’t tried that yet. Soon…
"One of the things I like about baseball is that between innings you can go to the restroom.'' ~Manny Acta.
Gale Street.......
…….is good for the “fall off the bone” variety. I’m not a fan of that style and prefer a bit of “tug” when I’m cleaning a rib.
Smoque, as the name implies, manages to get genuine smoke flavor in their meat, and the taste is fabulous. Their sauces are served on the side and complement the brisket, ribs, pulled pork perfectly. The mac n cheese is amazing, and the Texas Hot Link is really good too.
There will be a wait to dine at Smoque (I waited 20 mintues in line Friday night), but it is well worth your time. In my opinion, there is no finer BBQ in Chicago (the world?).
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Since you are a fan of
the game a must is Harry Caray’s on Kinzie in the loop . Last time I was there both Chip and Skip Caray were in attendance . ( After a game with the Braves) Food is not all that bad and the walls are lined with alot of baseball history .
Millers Bar on Wabash has great BBQ ribs and late night service . Another great place is Chicago Brauhouse on North Lincoln or The Berghoff on Adams Street . All will be busy on the weekend .
Uno's the original. Ohio and Wabash. Close to the magnificent mile.
You can take the El close enough to it and everyone should experience the best deep dish pizza in the world to me. Cold draft beer, great food…a wonderful place to eat before or after the game plus it’s close to so many places to visit on the mag mile. Any lady with you will surely like seeing all the stores there…and the WGN building for me is fun to see. It’s a little hike, but still within walking distance to the museums, Grant Park, Aquarium, Planetarium, etc. The Hard Rock is relatively close as well though I wouldn’t be going there for the food…it is cool to see all the albums on the wall there.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 18, 2010 3:44 PM CDT reply actions
Agreed
If you like thick crust pizza, nothing tops Lou Malnati’s. Get the Chicago style with sausage and you won’t be disappointed. It’s about 2 1/2 miles from Wrigley on the corner of Wrightwood and Sheffield
Some other nice spots in the neighborhood
El Jardin – 3 blocks south of Wrigley on Clark St. Solid sit down Mexican food. Outdoor patio. La margaritas esta bueno.
Mia Francesa – good Italian. Just a little further down the street from El Jardin.
Rise – if you like sushi, this is the best in the neighborhood. A bit of a hike at Roscoe and Southport.
Giordano's, Malnati's or Gino's East, IMO...
I’m not a big Uno’s fan either.
But like you said, to each his own.
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
Malnati's has locations everywhere.
Don’t need to go to that location to find one. Uno’s has franchises in other cities, and I’ll admit I have only been to a Malnati’s once. I would say that the other Uno’s are not nearly as good as the original…that crust just isn’t duplicated well.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
i still perfer
Gynos East and Giordanos
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
Ian's on Clark just south of Wrigley
Second time I have been there in less than a week. I took the wife and 7 year old daughter there for dinner before last night’s debacle. Great pizza by the slice and some really unique flavors. I had Tomato, Spinach, and Feta Cheese pizza last night. My daughter had Mac and Cheese. So good.
Given last night’s game, this was probably the highlight of my evening.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 20, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Wonder if the noodle
inspired the chef to come up with that flavor pizza.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
I read they've been around for 2 years
They are HQ-ed in Madison, WI. Not sure how old the Clark street store is.
"They come to see me strike out, hit a home run, or run into a fence. I try to accommodate them at least one way every game." - Gorman Thomas
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 20, 2010 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, franchised Uno's is very different
from the original Uno/Due on Wabash, which is more like Malnati’s. I always thought of Malnati’s as a knock-off of the original Uno/Due.
We have an Uno's here in the Loo.
And I sometimes go there when I miss the original. And everytime I do so I wish I was in Chicago on Wabash lol. It’s like “old time rootbeer just like you used to have”. Tastes ok…but not the real thing by any stretch.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 21, 2010 3:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Whatever happened to Nancy's?
And wasn’t there one called The Nancy’s that was different from Nancy’s? Haven’t heard about either in years. Are they still around?
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
Hey Roy, since you're staying
near O’hare, you have to go to Paradise Pup. It’s 4.5miles from O’hare straight down River Rd. in Des Plaines. The Charburger(Hamburger for those not familiar with the pup) and the Italian Beef will change your life. I know it’s odd to say that about food, but it will.
been there, done that, can confirm it
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
For night life House of Blues and Buddy Guy's is pretty good.
all within walking distance of the other downtown attractions.
"The ones who want to achieve and win championships motivate themselves." - Da Coach
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 18, 2010 5:23 PM CDT reply actions
Don't forget Saturday night fireworks over Navy Pier.
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
I'm not a local
But I highly recommend stopping at the Goose Island brewpub on Clark Street.
I’m still waiting for their beer to be available in PA!!
If you're just passing through O'Hare
The small Goose Island pub there is worth a visit. They have a small selection on tap there that they just don’t sell in bottles. Terrific stuff.
I wish Wrigley was still selling the Honkers Ale. Alas, the best they have now is Heineken.
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
About three and a half years ago...
… the BCB Reader Tourist Guide To Chicago was posted here. A number of good suggestions were made there and it is now permanently on the right sidebar under “BCB Specials & Site Info”.
I have added this post as a comment in the earlier one, so any ideas you all have that are posted here, will appear there in a link.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If you like Italian Food, Giornados is very good.
You can also go to their website and sign up for a 10% off coupon for your dinner or a free dessert coupon.
We also enjoy the Shedd Aquarium and their Jazz Concert series…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
Boy, my spelling stinks today. Or my eyesight. Or both.
You are correct Al. The Weber Grill is good too (though a little pricey)…
We have met the enemy and they are us! ~ Walt Kelly, Pogo, 1971
you went to the Cubbie Tim Sckool of Speeling?
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Player Formerly Known as Castro Blocker Fan Club
Bleed Castro Blue
Wow
You guys have been absolutely excellent with all these suggestions; admittedly, I’m a tad overwhelmed here! The span in which I’m actually going to be in Chicago is roughly three full days, and only one of them is going to be solely dedicated to pretty much hanging out in Wrigleyville all day, before, during, and after the game.
I’d love to be able to hit everything you guys have suggested, and I’m already telling myself that I might be able to nurse out five meals a day in the span, but I’m worried that I’m going to come back to Atlanta looking like David Wells. I have a pretty good idea of all the places I’m likely going to hit up, mostly thanks to everyone’s fine suggestions, so I think it’s safe to say that I do not need anymore.
I appreciate all the great ideas that everyone has provided, and I’m definitely looking forward to the Cubbies leg of my trip more than before.
No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.
Lots of great food in Milwaukee too.
"Fasten those seatbelts!"-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Jul 20, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
PEQUOD'S PIZZA is my fave
They are at 2207 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago 60614
(773) 327 – 1512 you can take the train there.
You should try to get to any of the good Chicago Hot Dog joints, Gold Coast Dogs, the Wiener Circle, etc.
Hackney’s in Printers row has the best onion rings and some great Burgers. As posted above, I would also train/bus/cab it on your trip.
Have a great trip, hope the weather is great for your stay.
Good Guys Wear Blue
Um...
… the L doesn’t stop anywhere near 2207 N. Clybourn. The nearest L stop is about seven blocks away. The nearest Metra stop, about 3/4 of a mile. Kinda far.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Metra's "Clybourn" station isn't quite that far
… probably a little under a half-mile. It’s at Ashland & Armitage. It’s on the Union Pacific North and Northwest lines. But Metra trains don’t run that frequently.
That's still a pretty good hike from Clybourn and Webster.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And the North & Clybourn L stop...
… is about a mile and a half away.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Glad you mentioned that.
I’m not that familiar with how to get to the restaurants as ya’ll, but besides pizza being a trademark of Chicago, their hot dogs are fantastic and something worth seeking out.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 21, 2010 3:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry Al
I wood take the L there, walk if it was nice or catch catch a cab if it was too hot or cold.
Good Guys Wear Blue
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