The 17 best Wrigleyville bars

When we heard that one of the country's largest selections of collectible vintage spirits could be found in a Wrigleyville bar, we thought there must be a mistake. But it's true: Matthias Merges's Mordecai serves its supply through classic cocktails or new favorites like the appropriately-named Bleacher Tea with bourbon, amaro montenegro, earl grey, white balsamic shrub and China China liqueur. Pair your expertly mixed cocktail with the lobster and shrimp dip, a decadent burger or an order of Crackerjack beignets.

Formerly known as the Gingerman, this Wrigleyville bar changed its name when it was bought by the owners of adjacent venue Metro. Now it's the official pre-show watering hole for concertgoers (and sometimes performers) who want to pump quarters into the bar's formidable jukebox. Gman's back room has been repurposed to include a second bar, a small stage for intimate performances and more room to mill about before the headlining act goes on next door.

Originally housed on the fourth floor of the magnificent Wrigleyville building (also home to Metro), this venerated dance club is now in the basement. A makeover in 2006 slicked up the looks a notch and brought back a vibrant young crowd. But more important, the club boasts a world-class Funktion-One sound system, which sounds tremendous on the central dance floor. Typical bills find cutting-edge DJs from Europe, Detroit and Chicago spinning for the crowd and the weekly Queen! house music party takes over the venue every Sunday night.

Neighborhood folk and game-day revelers flock to this bar for its impressive selection of local beers on tap from brewers like Middle Brow, Pipeworks, Maplewood and Alarmist. All beered out? Ask for a draft cocktail; there are three classic options from the mix masters at Billy Sunday. The abbreviated food menu isn't much to look at, so plan your imbibing accordingly.

Since opening in 1951, not much about this Wrigleyville dive has changed. The dartboards, pool table, jukebox and regulars are still a blast from decades past. A few notable modern conveniences (i.e. TVs and the fact that they accept credit cards) make it an excellent choice for game day. And if you're a fan of Malört, make sure to ask about the bar's latest concoction involving Chicago's favorite bitter liquor.

Tucked over on Sheffield a bit outside the gameday mayhem of Clark Street, Graystone is a perfect gameday spot for those who want all the great sports bar trappings—pub food, cold beer, TVs, big patio—with a bit more of a relaxed vibe. Choose from more than 40 different beers or ciders and pair them with wings or chicken tendies in seven different sauces. 

There's a clear attempt to elevate this sleek cedar-paneled space beyond its beer-stained, royal blue neighbors while still honoring that baseball team a block away. Glossy flat-screens, loaded pub appetizers and a continuous mix of Counting Crows-ish tunes aren't rare in these parts, but specialty drinks—like the Spicy Cucumber Smash and The W, featuring Ketel One, St. Germain and prosecco—add some distinction.

For those experiencing Cubbie withdrawal in the offseason or when the Cubs are on the road, here's a place to liquor up while looking longingly at Wrigley Field across the street. Game day or not, this Wrigleyville standard offers plenty of space to drink and dine alfresco in the summer, with a long sidewalk cafe and a substantial beer garden.

Can't snag a bleacher seat at the Friendly Confines? Don't fret. Bathed in dark wood and brimming with beer, burgers, apps and wraps, this surprisingly friendly bar just a stone's throw north is the next-best place to park your tush on game day. With 35 HD plasma TVs, you'll catch every angle without catching a single harmful UV ray.

Sure, it’s literally across the street from the ballpark, and sure, the bar has TVs for when the Cubs are on the road, but there are only two reasons you’re really going here—tacos and margaritas. Fuel up for Cubs baseball with some sweet-and-savory al pastor tacos and refreshing, summery pitchers of margs or palomas. 

Located just across the street from Wrigley Field, it's no wonder that this 30,000-square-foot bar has amassed a strong following. If you've got friends in town who are looking to cheer on the Cubs with a rowdy but good-natured crowd, the Cubby Bear is a solid bet. Plan a return trip to enjoy the venue's lineup of live music, packed with tribute bands for when you need a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Function trumps form and comfort at this woody, yet cavernous Cubbie corral and outdoor stable (er, patio) behind the Friendly Confines. The clientele of former frat brothers and sorority sisters wants its alma mater’s game on the TV and it wants it now—not a problem considering the prevalence of flat-screens.

What can lure sports fans away from a sidewalk patio that’s spitting distance from Wrigley and offers a front-row people-watching? A bajillion TVs playing every televised game, a batting cage, Pop-A-Shot, dueling pianos, mini bowling and more wings than even “The Fridge” Perry can handle.

Located just one block north of the Friendly Confines, the dual bars and large patio draw out the pre- and post-game Cubs fanatics who take comfort knowing that no matter which glazed-wood table at which they choose to eat hot wings, they'll be just feet away from at least one of the two dozen TVs.