Best Places To Eat Before The Game In Chicago
No matter which Chicago baseball team you root for, grab some grub outside the ballpark and save a bit of dough, even if it's a hot dog that you have a hankering for. Outside the walls of the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and in the streets surrounding U.S. Cellular Field, you'll find a plethora of good eats that are sure to please your tastebuds. For good grub and a great deal, check out these five places to eat before the game in Chicago.
El Jardin (near Wrigley)
3335 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-6775
www.twitter.com/eljardinchicago
Go for the margaritas and stay for the homemade salsa, traditional Mexican food and more margaritas. This large restaurant is just a few blocks from the home of the Cubbies, and with its large outdoor patio, it's perfect before or after a summer game. The prices can't be beat either as most entrees clock in around $9. All dinner entrees come with rice, beans, salad or steamed vegetables, your choice.
Lucky's (near Wrigley)
3472 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-0665
www.luckysandwich.com
Fill up with "overstuffed" sandwiches at the original Lucky's just down the street from the ballpark. These meaty sandwiches arrive on thick French bread with a side of French fries. Other menu items include salads, chicken tenders, cheese sticks, chicken wings and chili. For those with an especially big appetite, partake in the restaurant's contest and attempt to consume three hefty sandwiches in just one hour; successfully gorge and hit it out of the ballpark, and you'll be on the wall of fame. Not surprisingly, the sandwich shop has also been featured on Travel Channel's "Man. vs. Food."
Rockit Burger Bar (near Wrigley)
3700 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 645-4400
www.rockitburgerbar.com
There's something for every kind of burger lover at this Wrigleyville hotspot. While most burgers start with a black angus patty, there's plenty of other meaty toppings too, including bbq pulled pork, braised beef short rib, onion rings and, of course, bacon. Looking for something a little less meaty? Red bean burgers are available too for vegetarians. The restaurant also offers chicken sandwiches, pizzas and a variety of other pub food that goes well with craft beer, whiskey and cocktails. Burgers with fries are around $12 a pop.
Morrie O'Malley's (near U.S. Cellular Field)
3501 S. Union Ave.
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 247-2700
www.morrieomalleys35.com
If it's indoor seating you're looking for, go elsewhere. This is a hot dog stand through and through, but the stand, with a handful of patio seats, offers top-notch Chicago-style treats, including natural-casing Vienna Beef hot dogs, Italian beef and soft serve ice cream. It's also the perfect stop before a game, as it's only open March through November.
Han 202 (near U.S. Cellular Field)
605 W. 31st St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-1314
www.han202.com
For something a little bit different, get your Chinese food and Asian fusion fix before heading to a White Sox game at this Bridgeport gem. While a casual restaurant, it offers a well-priced prix-fixe menu (typically around $35 for five courses), and even better, it's BYOB. Just make sure to call ahead and reserve a table to guarantee a spot before or after the game.
Related: Best Outdoor Dining In Chicago
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
