Culture and the Cubs in Wrigleyville

This stop is right behind Wrigley Field, which you can see from the elevated train. No matter which direction you are coming from, expect a festive atmosphere on your train ride on game days as you'll be accompanied by many happy Cubs fans. (Don't worry about missing your stop—just follow all the fans sporting their Cubs gear.)

At the train station, take a minute to enjoy the murals featuring Cubs legends Billy Williams, Ferguson Jenkins, "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg, and a smaller painting of legendary Cub sportscaster Harry Carey, all by Chicago artist Steve Musgrave.

As you leave the CTA station notice the brick two-flats and residential buildings surrounding the park. Some entrepreneurs on Sheffield and Waveland have set up bleachers on the building rooftops, creating a fun alternative way to take in a game.

Welcome to “the friendly confines of Wrigley Field,” home of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team and the oldest ballpark in the National League.

Built in 1914, it was originally named Weeghman Park and served as home for the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. The Federal League lasted just two years (the Whales won the championship in the second year). After the Federal League folded, owner Charles Weeghman bought the Cubs and moved them into his ballpark, the only Federal League park still in use today.

From 1920-1926 it was called Cubs Park, then renamed Wrigley Field for the new team owner, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., who bought the team in 1925. Between 1921 and 1970, Wrigley Field also was home to the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.

Wrigley Field is famous among professional baseball parks for its ivy-covered walls, hand-turned score board, intimate dimensions and also, unfortunately, for the fact that it hasn’t hosted a World Series game since 1945.

Nevertheless, it is a jewel of a ballpark. Tours of the park are available on most days and very popular. It's recommended that you check tour availability and buy tickets online before heading to the park. Tour tickets sell for $25.

You’ll love the view of the lake from the upper deck.

Wrigley Field is located at the intersection of Clark and Addison and it’s a busy corner, especially at night.

Clark Street is home to scads of great eateries and bars, mostly on the strip south of the park, but more are scattered throughout the adjoining neighborhood.

The Cubby Bear is the mother ship of the strip. Established in 1953, it’s part sports bar, part rock 'n' roll emporium and all-around great spot for people-watching. The bar gives you a real feel of neighborhood. Either for postgame moratoriums or rocking the night away, it’s a Chicago classic.
---
1059 W. Addison
---
Hours
Game Days
Sunday-Friday 10am-2am
Saturday 9am-3am
Non-Game Days in summer
Sunday-Friday 11am-2am
Saturday 11am-3am
Winter
Monday-Thursday 4pm-2am
Friday 11am-2am
Saturday 11am-3am
Sunday 11am-2am

Turn left out of the Cubby Bear, cross Addison, then cross Clark Street to Seminary. Walk two blocks north to Grace Street. Turn right to Alta Vista Terrace.

This historic district features a distinctive collection of row houses built on a decidedly European scale—each lot is about 24 feet wide and 40 feet deep. Built in 1904 by Samuel Gross, the homes along this narrow single-block-long street are atypical of the Chicago architecture of the period. They're more like turn-of-the-century Mayfair London plunked down right in the heart of the North Side of Chicago.

The block is known as the “street of 40 doors.” The 20 different exterior styles are repeated in converse order on the opposite sides of the street. The entrance to each home is unique. The exteriors feature leaded side and fanlights, bay windows, arches, Doric and Ionic pilasters and a host of charming decorative architectural devices.

Take your time wandering this block and enjoying the lovely exteriors of the buildings, compact gardens and peaceful historical feel. Then head back south to Grace Street and turn right to get back to Clark Street.

A trip to Wrigleyville would not be complete without a visit to the Uncommon Ground Coffee House. Located two blocks north of the ballpark, this venerable establishment has been a staple of the Chicago counter-cultural scene since 1991.

Drop in for coffee or something stronger and browse the gallery, which features an ever-changing collection of work from Midwestern artists. Uncommon Ground boasts a fine kitchen serving breakfast/brunch through dinner. The club offers an eclectic blend of live music, from folk to jazz, seven nights a week.

When you've had your fill of coffee, food and art, head south along Clark Street for some entertainment of a louder sort at Metro.
---
3800 N. Clark
---
Hours
Sunday-Thursday 9am-10 pm (kitchen) bar until midnight
Friday-Saturday 9am-midnight (kitchen) bar until 2am

As you walk south on Clark back to the Addison Red Line, you'll pass many bars and restaurants. Anchoring the activity on most nights are rock acts old and new playing at Metro Chicago.

Metro, its companion dance club, the Smart Bar, and its store, have been hosting music—mostly punk and edgy rock—since 1982.

The Smart Bar is strictly 21 and older, but the Metro sometimes offers early all-ages shows. Check the website for the upcoming performance schedule.
---
3730 N. Clark