Cubs Opening Day
The time has finally come! After being pushed back for the first time in 30 years, the Cubs Home Opener is taking place on April 7th! We can not be more excited for a FULL season of Cubby blue and waving W flags. Tune in at 1:20 pm to watch the Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers. In true Wrigleyville spirit, there are plenty of bars and restaurants surrounding Wrigley Field that will be airing the game and even hosting some specials. Here are some game-day deals you don’t want to miss out on.
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Slide Into Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern
3647 N. Clark St
The early bird catches the ball! The Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern announced they will be opening at 9:30 am on opening day to ensure you get to celebrate The Cubbies all day long. Enjoy all the staple game-day necessities they offer, like mozzarella sticks, homerun nachos, or their loaded potato twists topped with pulled pork. Remember, you can’t celebrate all day if you don’t start in the morning.
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Photo courtesy of @Brickhousetavernchi on IG
Photo courtesy of @Deucesmlb on IG
Have a Ball at Deuce’s MLB
3505 N. Clark St
One thing about Deuce’s MLB is that they go all out, all the time. The decorations that flood Deuce’s are so enticing, that even non-sports fans get excited about baseball season. Get in the game-day spirit, opening bright and early at 9 am for not just the home opener, but for ALL 1:20 pm games all season long. Enjoy themed drinks that have been crafted to perfection, with size options small, medium, or major. The Cubby Blue comes with Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, Blue Curacao, Lemonade, Red Bull Blue Edition. If you’re feeling really pumped up, The Wildcard may be more your style, served with Effen Blood Orange Vodka, X-rated Passionfruit Liqueur, Sprite, Pink Sugar, Rock Candy Float, Rock Candy Lollipops, and Cotton Candy. With drinks this good, we wouldn’t be surprised if Deuce’s becomes your new home base.
Photo courtesy of @houndstoothchi on IG
Live Music at Houndstooth
3369 N. Clark St
After the game is over and you’re still looking to stay out and enjoy yourself, head over to Houndstooth Saloon! Starting at 6 pm and going until 9 pm, there will be live music by duo David and Stephanie, playing 90s jam all night.
Thursday specials include $2.50 miniwiches, $6 40’s, $3 college beers, and $5 Absolute Bombs. Keep the party going at Houndstooth!
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Seventh Inning Stretch at The Stretch
3485 N. Clark St
The Stretch Chicago is prepared to party on game day! Opening at 8 am, you and your team are invited to indulge in drink specials that are guaranteed a W. Specials include $5 Skrewball shots, $5 Fireball shots, $25 White Claw Buckets, and $5 Pacifico Drafts. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Have some food while you are there, like the Baha Mahi tacos or their buffalo chicken salad. Being known for Good food, good drinks, good vibes, and good people, trust us when we say you’re in for a good time.
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Photo courtesy of @thestretchchicago on IG
Photo courtesy of @murphysbleachers on IG
Sprint Speed to Murphy’s Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield
Murphy’s Bleachers celebrate the Cubs all day, all year long. Located directly behind Wrigley Field, this Wrigleyville staple is the place to be during all Cubs games. Just recently, Murphy’s got listed as #5 on USA Todays Best Chicago’s Sports Bars. Murphy’s will be opening at 7 am on Opening Day, and will have their grill open in their east bar. Choose to enjoy your grilled goods there, or take them to go! Hanging at Murphy’s is like being in a ballpark before you go to the game. Did we mention they have 15 beers on tap?
Bases are Loaded at Vines
3554 N. Clark St
Just in time for baseball season, Vines just updated their all Audio/Video including several giant new screens, so you won’t miss a moment of the action. They will also be rolling out some new menu items in honor of the Home Opener! Last, but not least, be sure to try their newest beer, a collab with local Spiteful Brewing: Cubby Bear Lager! Doors open at 10 am.
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Photo courtesy of @vineswrigley on IG
Photo courtesy of Rizzo’s
Touch Base at Rizzo’s
3658 N. Clark St
Known for their decked out pop ups, Rizzo’s is always a great place to get the party started. Opening at 10 am, Rizzo’s is offering $25 Goose Island variety buckets, so you and your team stay hydrated. To stay in shape for a day full of baseball activities, try some of their popular food items, like their buffalo fried chicken sandwich or their biggie burger. Their nachos are HUGE, making them a perfect app to share.
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Trader Todd’s is a Designated Hitter
3216 N. Sheffield
Trader Todd’s, Lakeview’s iconic tropical-themed karaoke bar and pizza restaurant, is attracting Cubs fans to their welcoming haven by giving away two tickets to EVERY home game. The drawings will happen 45 minutes after each home game, except for Cubs Home Opening Day, Thursday, April 7th. Opening Day tickets will be drawn at 11:45 AM on opening day! The winners will be transported to Wrigley Field in Trader Todd’s Tiki Trolley. Also, Trader Todd’s is offering a free slice of their delicious cheese pizza to fans who show their digital tickets up to an hour after each home game.
Day or night, keep the post-game party going with Chicago’s other favorite pastime, karaoke! Cubs-themed drink specials are on the menu, too! Try a Cubbie Colada which consists of Coconut 1800, Blue Curacao, Coco Lopez, and pineapple juice, served in a hurricane glass, garnished with orange slices and gummy bears. The Cubbie Blue Mojito consists of Don Q Cristal Rum, Blueberry syrup, simple syrup, lime juice, and garnished with mint, lime, and blueberries.
Photo courtesy of @tradertodds on IG
Photo courtesy of Big G’s Pizza
Batter Up at Big G’s Pizza
3716 N. Clark St
Would it really be opening day in Chicago without pizza? Big G’s has their annual Opening Day special, Hot Dog Pizza, which is exactly what it sounds like. Consisting of Vienna beef hot dogs, sport peppers, neon relish, yellow mustard, tomatoes, dill pickles, white onions, and celery salt, grab a slice at the low discount price of $2! Big G’s usually opens at 4 pm, but for the big day, their open at 11 am. Celebrate Chicago Style!
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Hit it Off at Graystone
3441 N. Sheffield
Located just a short block from Wrigley Field, Graystone will open nice and early at 9 a.m! Specials will be available EVERY Cubs game day, such as $8 Cubby Bombs, $8 22oz Old Style Steins, and $8 Miller Lite 22-ounce steins. Fill up with their Ballpark Stadium Menu with game-day fare like $6 Ball Park Nachos, $6 Popcorn (butter, cheddar jalapeno, cajun), and $10 Warm Pretzels. For fans that don’t have a ticket to the game, don’t worry! You’ll feel like you’re in a Wrigley Field private suite, as Graystone will broadcast the games on 9 TVs throughout the bar and their newly weatherproofed patio that features string lights overhead, and six TVs. Play a game during the game! Bags, giant Jenga, and giant Connect 4 are available for attendees.
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Photo courtesy of Graystone Tavern
Photo courtesy of @sportscornerchicago on IG
Return Home to Sports Corner
952 W. Addison St
Now that it is officially game time, Sports Corner’s rooftop patio is back open! Come and enjoy all they have to offer, such as a huge variety of beers, and classic game day necessities like pretzel bites, fried pickles, and beer-battered onion rings. With an all-new Game Day Menu with brand new items to enjoy, it won’t be hard to be in their corner this season. Doors open at 10 am!
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Get the VIP treatment at Old Crow Smokehouse
3506 N. Clark St
Known for its live music, lively dance floor, and moonshine cocktails, Old Crow is a Clark Street favorite for many. In honor of this year’s opening day, Old Crow is hosting a giveaway contest! Sign up to be a VIP member (for free) for a chance to win a 4-person reservation on Opening Day, with a $150 gift card! The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 5th at 5 pm.
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Photo courtesy of @oldcrowsmokehouse on IG
Photo courtesy of @bigstarchicago on IG
Be a Star at Big Star
3640 N. Clark St
Big Star is the go-to place for a lot of Chicagoans for craft tacos and margarita pitchers. For opening day, they invite game goers to stop in before or after the game to enjoy their specialty Sonoran Hot Dog, a Vienna beef hot dog wrapped in bacon, frijoles charros, pico de gallo, mustard, Oaxacan Crema & habanero salsa, only available from April 7 – 10th. Don’t have time to sit down before the game? Their to-go window will be open all day as well for your convenience!
Click here to make reservations.
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Get Smoked at Smoke Daddy
3636 N. Clark St
In honor of Opening Day, Smoke Daddy will be opening at 9 am! There will be live music before AND after the game to keep your game day spirit alive. At 1 pm, attendees will be entered to win TWO tickets to the opening game! Eating juicy BBQ while winning tickets sounds like an ideal way to spend a Thursday. Good luck, we’ll see you there!
Photo courtesy of @smokedaddybbq
Photo courtesy of @underground_lounge_chi on IG
Be an Underdog at Underground Lounge
952 W Newport Ave
For those wanting to stay a little more lowkey, we have just the thing. Chicago’s best-kept secret, The Underground Lounge, is participating in the Opening Day fun. Opening at 10:30 am, specials for the day include $5 Titos and $5 Oldstyle Tall Boys. There will even be a ticket giveaway contest for future Cubs games!
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Hit a Homerun at Sheffield’s
3258 N. Sheffield
The beer of the month at Sheffield’s is Chicago’s very own Goose Island. The beer lineup for the big day is: Guava squad, Summertime, Lost Palate, Lemon Shandy, Hazy Neon beer hugs, 21’ BCS Prop and BCS Fourteen.
There will also be food specials all day! Try the Goose Mac and cheese, the Goose Flatbread with arugula roasted tomato red onion parmesan cheese and BCS glaze, or a Goose pastrami sandwich with coleslaw, bourbon mustard, and swiss cheese. Nothing like a day filled with beer and baseball.
Warm-Up at West Town Bakery
3626 N. Clark St
Where are all the coffee enthusiasts at? West Town Bakery will be open from 7 am – 3 pm on game day, ready to get you caffeinated and hyped up. Get in the Cubby spirit by trying one of their blue and red cake balls, which pairs perfectly with any of their tap coffees.
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Swing into Cubby Bear
1059 W. Addison St
The Cubby Bear has been waiting for this day. They’ve recently gotten new audio and video array, including over a dozen GIANT new screens – just in time to catch all home or away games. They will be opening up at 10 am for the Home Opening. Cubby Bear currently has a collaboration with Chicago’s Spiteful Brewing, and is featuring a Cubby Bear Lager!
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Other spots worth hitting
