Nine Must-Try Restaurants Near Wrigley Field

Just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, Happy Camper is a party-ready restaurant to do lunch, dinner, or drinks on game day. The bustling spot has a ton of seats, whether you’re at a high top under twinkle lights indoors, hanging by the bar amidst innumerable disco balls, or on the covered patio, complete with Astroturf. Dig into a plate of mozzarella sticks or pulled pork nachos, then choose from the many-topped pizzas (or make your own). Drinks like the Trashy Tea and the Big Ass Lemonade are boozy and playful — a salve for Cubs losses and a treat for wins, too. 

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, visit Angelina Ristorante, an old-school Italian stalwart for comforting red sauce meals on white tablecloths. Open since 1988, the cozy spot is known for its handmade pasta, baked meatballs covered in stretchy cheese, and a seriously good tiramisu. Do note that Angelina is only open for brunch/lunch on weekends, and closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

At Small Cheval, you can skip the Randolph Street crowds, hang at a picnic table with friends, and still get a Cheval-caliber burger for lunch or dinner, just steps from Wrigley Field. Sounds sort of perfect, doesn’t it? The menu is pared down from the original location, but you can still sink into a juicy griddled double cheeseburger, with or without truffle sauce. (Vegetarians are covered with a plant-based burger, too.)

No reservations; more info here. 

You don’t need to keep kosher to love the serious barbecue at Milt’s, Chicago’s only kosher-certified barbecue restaurant. There are smoked brisket empanadas, pulled chicken sandwiches, Chicago dogs, and even a smoked seitan sandwich if you have a vegan in your crew. The space is no-frills and casual — tables, chairs, and cloth napkins — a good choice for a quick (and nap-inducing) meal. Just remember that it’s not open for lunch. 

Whether you’re dining outdoors at the pizza counter (in front of their Stefano Ferrara wood-fire oven), or tucked into a cushy booth, Coda di Volpe is a casual, convivial space to enjoy a good meal before or after a game (lunch only on weekends). You won’t find any stadium bites here: The restaurant specializes in southern Italian cuisine. That means fresh-from-the-oven pies, crisp arancini stuffed with peas and green garlic, and lots of handmade pasta. Don’t miss out on the Sicilian-style focaccia, either — Sal’s Special is topped with smoked mozzarella, crispy potatoes, caramelized onions, and rosemary.

You may recognize Lucky’s huge sandwiches from their spotlight on Man vs. Food a while back. And if you don’t, drop in for lunch or dinner and you’ll see why they’ve got such a cult following. From the roast beef with cheese to the Fredo with three types of meat, every sandwich here is seriously overstuffed — the perfect meal to last through all of those extra-long innings. Don’t be surprised to find your fries tucked inside of your sandwich — it’s all a part of the experience here. 

No reservations; more info here.

A noodle pioneer in Chicago, Penny’s has been a neighborhood staple for over two decades. Come here for a casual lunch or dinner for Thai noodle standards like pad see ew, pad Thai, and lad nar. On chillier nights, you may opt for one of the noodle soups, topped with everything from barbecue pork to wood ear mushrooms. Just note that seating is limited — when the weather permits, you can grab a spot outside, or order for pick-up and chow down post-game at home.

No reservations; more info here. 

From husband-and-wife team Aaron Steingold and Elizabeth Abowd, Steingold’s is the perfect spot for a serious deli feast before the game (it’s only open for lunch, and closed on Tuesdays). House-cured lox, smoked pastrami, and fresh pretzels are advertised right on the window, but the real treat here is the hand-boiled and baked bagels. Pick your flavor — we recommend the salt or za’atar — with schmear, or opt to top it with pastrami, egg, and cheese. Nosh inside or order everything for pick-up and be on your way. Just be sure to get a black-and-white cookie for dessert before you go. It’s — drumroll, please — a home run. 

No reservations; more info here.