Spring has arrived in Chicago! And with spring comes sunshine and 70s one day and rain and temps in the 50s the next. But spring also brings the return of baseball to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. Wrigleyville’s history is obviously linked to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. Wrigley Field was built in 1914 and now serves as a Chicago and baseball landmark. Wrigleyville is the name of the neighborhood that surrounds Wrigley Field and is also referred to as Central Lakeview. The neighborhood encompasses an area that runs from Irving Park Road and Diversey Parkway to Racine Avenue and Halsted Street.
Wrigleyville includes many houses and low-rise brick buildings including some with rooftop bleachers which serve as Wrigley Rooftops where Cubs fans purchase seats to view games and typically all you can eat and drink service. These rooftop owners work in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs organization.
The Wrigleyville neighborhood is so much more than Wrigley Field. It’s also host to a wide selection of Chicago restaurants including Salt and Pepper, the Kit Kat Lounge, Tuscany on Clark, Shabu-Ya, Mr. Thai, Heaven on Seven, Bar Selona and more. Wrigleyville is also home to some of Chicago’s most famous bars including The Cubby Bear, the Ivy on Clark, Chicago’s Blarney Stone, John Barleycorn’s, Murphy’s Bleachers, Casey Moran’s, Sluggers, Sports Corner and Roadhouse 66 all located near the Wrigley Field intersection of Clark and Addison Streets.
The businesses, restaurants, pubs and boutique businesses of Wrigleyville draw tourists from across the world as well as its fair share of Chicagoans. But these aren’t the only attractions in the neighborhood. It’s also home to several theatres including the Music Box Theatre (a historical movie house), the Stage Left Theatre (featuring live plays) and the Improv Olympic featuring shows that depend on audience participation. Music venues include Metro, The Wild Hare, One and the Cubby Bear.
Wrigleyville residents are typically younger, many under 30 and most are professionals with families. Despite the area’s associated with Cubs baseball, it manages to have a residential feel that is actually a perfect spot for quiet walks along the sidewalks away from the main streets. Buying a home in Wrigleyville could be a charming brownstone with large windows shaded by trees.
Wrigleyville is home to those who love the Chicago Cubs but also serves as one of Chicago’s most spirited neighborhoods and a great place to call home!
