The Cubby Bear is in the heart of Wrigleyville and right across the street from the stadium. I was expecting a sports bar but it's definitely more of a concert venue/bar. There's a stage, a bar then the rest of the bar is wide open for concert viewing and dancing. On the days of Cubs games, it just gets jammed packed with jersey wearing baseball fans looking for a few beers before the game. I was one of those jersey wearing baseball fans just looking to drink a few beers. We were packed in like sardines with no room to move and with so many people it was hard to hear my friends talk. The beer was expensive and small plus it tasted bad. I got a Goose Island 312 that tasted more like Bud Light and my buddy got an actual Bud Light. They were two different colors so I know I didn't accidentally get a Bud Light. I just question how often they clean their lines. Anyway, I didn't like the vibe at all but maybe it's better for music read more

You're going to change a cover with 12 people in your bar. Yeah... good decision. Your door staff is obviously poorly trained as we watched 3 underaged walk in the door. But hey, they had your cover...Good job! read more

Great for pregaming! Fun after the game with the dj and dancing. Beer selection is good and love the Photo Booth

I decided to build my own burger. I added tomato, lettuce, pickles, and pepper Jack cheese. They only have pepper Jack and cheddar. The burger was good. The fries were the best part of the meal. They were crispy just how I like them. While I enjoyed water, the ladies I came with got beverages. Please note they do not have drinks on the menu but you can tell your waiter what you want (ex. Margarita), and ours was able to get it done. My group said they really enjoyed their drinks. read more

The Cubby Bear - BYO Burger - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ridiculously busy at this bar pre-game, and the service is horrible. Waitresses will help bigger groups especially makes groups so they can get their tips! Food is not so great. read more

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We heard this place was an institution, and since my husband is a die hard Cubs fan, we went to check it out before a game two weeks ago. We were there early, so we had no line. It did fill up quickly though! Bartender was friendly, drinks were fine, food was tasty, but I am extremely concerned with the amount of negative reviews mentioned on here due to racism from the bouncers and/or staff members. I will have a hard time going back there after reading some of these reviews--hard to support a place that continues to have these comments made about them. There are plenty of other bars in Wrigleyville, so I think I might have to frequent somewhere else. read more

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Maybe it's just a school girl type crush but this was the first bar I visited years ago at my first Cubs game. This is a Chicago must see and do. Even if Cubs are on the road. It's a bar that thrives because of the neighborhood and a fun time. Always packed before during and after Cubs games. Live music early and often. I've eaten here several times and I think it was good. This place is more of the experience. Before any Cubs game....a bar crawl and one last beer here before you walk in. Buy a shirt. Be a tourist. Have fun. I love this bar and the first feeling I had walking in my first time. Very nostalgic. Very Chicago. Very Cubs. read more

Free Live Show. Up close and personal with Performers. $7 tap Cider. No Entrance. Friendly Staff. Free Ear Plugs! Say HELLO to the Scorpio big guy bouncer, LeRoy! read more

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This place is way overpriced (what would you expect being across from Wrigley Field) They put six of us at a bar table barely big enough for three. My wife and I had some kind of Wrap sandwich. I think it had turkey on it. I'm not sure. That's how unforgettable it was. Very bland. My wife got some honey mustard to put on hers to give it some taste. My sister had some wings. Again, nothing to get excited about. The absolute worst thing about this place was the attendant in the bathroom. I go to wash my hands and he is already ripping a paper towel off the dispenser before my hands are even in the water. I finish washing my hands and as he's handing the towel to me, he's looking down at the tip jar. Now, my wife complains because I'm a very generous tipper. As it is, I don't usually carry cash on me. That's why I have a debit card. And even if I did have cash, I would give a tip to somebody that earned it. Not because some big mean looking guy in the bathroom is expecting it because he handed me a paper towel. Not only that but the grunt he let out while I was leaving the restroom. I won't be back anytime soon to the Cubby Bear. read more

The Cubby Bear - Cubby Bear Turkey and Bacon Wrap with Garlic fries. - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Last night in Chicago we were turned away from a bar IN Wrigleyville because they didn't like our attire. We were literally in the bar just hours before. Then when we asked how can you not let us in when we are right across from the stadium and wearing that teams jersey they told my cousins fiancé that he could leave and take his "sp**" friends with him. I'm not sure why I let this get to me so badly but I've never had to deal with something like this in my life. read more

The Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Security was extremely rude, ESPECIALLY these two! My sister was outside the door looking for my cousin and the man with the white beard started disrespecting my sister and calling her out of her name so she can get inside. It wasn't like he had to tell her multiple times or anything, he just went straight into anger. Will never go back ! read more

The Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The Cubby Bear is probably one of the most iconic bars in Wrigleyville. I happen to go by when it wasn't very busy at all and it was pretty "meh." I had a fine time, but I can see where some of the other comments are coming. It's sort of a bummer that the atmosphere is so dependent on the Cubs schedule. That said, the bartender was super nice, but the drinks were just a-okay and the food was definitely mediocre. I had the burger which was fine but nothing spectacular. Because this place is such an institution, honestly, I'll probably find my way back next time I'm in Chicago. I just wish that it was a bit more comfortable to hangout in. read more

It is what it is. Right across from Wrigley Field. Cub fans come here for mental programming, a brat and beer. This Hole has a large space. Live music. Stages. Salsa night. All kinds of fun. read more

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I went to see a show at the Cubby Bear tonight. Apparently, they decided the DJ would draw in a bigger crowd and canceled the show for all 4 bands slotted to play. No notice ahead of time. The musicians had to just pack up all their instruments and go. Myself and countless individuals traveled out of our way to be there for this show. I guess our time means nothing to the venue. This was disappointing for us, but straight up disrespectful to the musicians for their time and effort. Worst of all is the DJ sat on his phone and played music from 2010 all night. This was prioritized over live music and real talent. Pitiful, embarrassing,and shameful. read more

Absolutely terrible bouncers here. Went with a group of friends to see a band I've seen a few times before. Immediately the bouncers had an attitude at the door barely addressing our group as we walked in. Our friend who came in later had overheard the bouncers making negative remarks about our group after we had just paid to get in. Tried to go up to the photo booth with a few friends and when the employees saw us up there they immediately told us to leave the booth and slammed the door shut to that floor. Bar service was great no negative reviews for the bartenders themselves. A little while after the band had been playing my friend decided she needed to step out for some fresh air and make a phone call. She showed the bouncers her stamp and said she would be back shortly to which they responded "don't bother coming back." Needless to say we did not bother. Genuinely don't know how this place has such poor staff yet is directly across from Wrigley field itself. Cubby bear owners please address your bouncers! read more

Great pub right outside of Wrigley field! We stopped in for beers on our way to a Cubs game. Tall boys of Budlight or Millerlite were $8. We ended up eating Chicago hot dogs that were great, came with tots or fries and were under $10. This saved us from overspending on food in the stadium. read more

The Cubby Bear is interesting. I have been before a Cubs game years ago and now I have been before a large concert at Wrigley, Dead and Company in June of 2019. CB is obviously in a great location, you can look out the window and see Wrigley. But, it is ALWAYS packed, always noisy and I've not seen it very clean. The restrooms in particular are not great. Despite all of that, they do a good job of getting hundreds of people hundreds of drinks in a fairly reasonable amount of time. When I last went they had everything cleared out, it was just a large room with TVs on the wall, the big bar, and a couple of iced canned beer stations throughout. Even with the crowd being so massive the wait at the bar was never more than 3 people. I see some Yelpers were charged a cover. We were not, so if I had been I probably would drop this rating down a star. As it stands, the hardworking employees make up for what otherwise is a below average bar experience. That said, it's the Cubby Bear. You gotta go if you're going to an event at Wrigley, pretty sure it's a city ordinance. read more

On the bucket list for my Chicago stay was a visit to Wrigley Field. I hadn't been to Wrigleyville since I was a little kid and my dad would take me to see the Cubs play. Since the Cubs weren't playing, I decided upon some Saturday afternoon day drinking at The Cubby Bear. As you can imagine, it wasn't very crowded. Me and my buddy decided to sit at the bar facing out towards the iconic Wrigley Field sign. We were warmly greeted by our bartender, Lacey. It is great to write a review where you can say that one person's personality and attentiveness made a noticeable contribution. Lacey would be that person on my visit. Even though she probably gets asked a zillion questions about the whole "being across from Wrigley" experience, she gladly shared her stories, including when the Cubs won the Series in '16. On a hot July afternoon, she kept the icy cold draft Blue Moons coming. Additionally, being in Chicago, I had to have an Old Style, which was 16 oz. for $5. Later, I was talking with another bar patron about one of the craft beers CB had on tap. Lacey overheard the conversation, and attentively provided me a sample! Even though Wrigleyville has become so corporate in its bars and restaurants, I felt CB was more like a neighborhood bar. They had classic rock playing at just the right volume for conversation. The whole place was clean and spacious. I didn't eat while there, and I can't vouch for how it must be on a game day, but I found CB to better than the other bars immediately adjacent to Wrigley Field. read more

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When we walked in for lunch in the afternoon prior to an evening game, we were the only customers in the place. Kind of surprised me. But we were early for lunch and soon others arrived. The servers are great and very helpful with the menu. The food was tasty and they piled on the waffle fries. Could not eat it all. A must stop for Cubs fans. read more

Good dive bar huge, good place stop for a beverage right across from Wrigley field. The locals telling story Irs if the cubs is the best. read more

The Cubby Bear - Sign - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow...An interesting mix of people. Walks of all life. A fun mix of music but really not a sports bar. It takes a long time to get a drink, the bartender our group dealt with was very rude and overcharged us. I tried to explain to her what we actually ordered and what we received but she was being really rude. Eventually, she fixed the order but with an attitude all day. Overall not a fan and I think the next time I'm in town I"ll go to another bar instead. read more

Decent place to leadoff when it comes to bar hopping around Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. It's directly across the front entrance of Wrigley and even though it's pretty spacious inside, as you would expect it's super crowded. Standing room only with about an hour and half til first pitch. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4_9G72COc9jrQHA2VE-f2Q?select=AjYKRXO72hqWxj7ze5CgtQ) There's tv's everywhere but with so much action and noise going on it's information overload. Their tap could use a few more beers, the prices are decent. Kudos to the bartenders who try their best given the non stop lines. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4_9G72COc9jrQHA2VE-f2Q?select=a8FN82DKhekbRZkyHVi7RQ) read more

The Cubby Bear - Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not my scene, I just liked the name. It is located across from Wrigley Field so dropping in for a beer before or after the game is convenient but I would not go back. read more

The Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

About a 2-2.5: The Cubby Bear is located across Wrigley Field and this bar is usually a place where the fans go for post-game drinks. The menu offers appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides, as well as a bar of various libations. Usually, we eat finger food/appetizers, like the wings, the nachos, pretzel sticks, tots, and/or the quesadillas. The bartenders can be a hit-or-miss, as well as for the crowd. The place isn't the most cleanest, so just keep that in mind! The bar also has concerts, in which you can check their social media of upcoming performances. I've been here a few times for birthday parties and get-togethers, and most generally have a pretty okay time. Parking is a bit ridiculous (more impossible on game days), so you can either take a cab, carpool, and/or park in the valet lots. +located across from Wrigley Field read more

I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS Went to the Cubby Bear after a Cubs game and was instantly transported back to my college frat party days. Stacks of beer cans...check. Drunken revelers bumping into each other...check. Random high-fiving for no particular reason...check. I think the beer is over-priced ($5 for a can of Miller Light!?!) but it's still a fun place to go after the game if you're in the mood to get sloshed with the boys. read more

The Cubby Bear - View from the Second Floor - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Okie Dokie... I'm good with the sound system, the food is pretty decent too and I like the live music they have sometimes. The thing I'm not good with is the fact that 2 shots of Jack and a Patron costs $25 or that a was daggone near $15 for a folded over tortilla with chicken 'n cheese in it aka: Chicken Quesadilla... The upside to both those little doozies - The shots are *almost doubles and the Quesadilla was pretty good and came with salsa, sour cream and Guac. Staff is friendly enough and the bartenders just seem to pour drinks and go about their business. Speaking of the bar - no bar stools. Speaking of no bar stools - there's a serious disparity in what I call Chair to Table Ratio. Chairs are a hot commodity at Cubby... people tried taking ours twice! and we were AT our table too... Ain't nobody got time for that! Seriously though, find a table with chairs and you're golden, we were standing at our table for 30 minutes before we were able to (by advisement of wait staff) snag some from another table when they're not around". Bathrooms - Mens room has an attendant, nice guy, been there every Saturday for like 20 years he said. His little table of stuffs includes - Mints, Gums, assorted Axe stuff, ahem condoms... oh and Jolly frickin' Ranchers! Coat check - I forgot what the charge was, but I DO remember thinking "F that mess" and walking to the car in a jacket and then walking back without one. Oh - if they bar line is too long, they sell beer at the coat check too. Bonus - coat check girl is cute. If a band I like is playing there, I'd definitely come back and check it out... though I'd probably preflight at another bar first... Cubby just seems a bit steep on their beers and shots. read more

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Bands. Bands. Bands. This review is for music nights, only, as I've never been to Cubby Bear for anything but bands and music. The Cubby Bear has a nice big stage, and you can get close to some of your fave local bands and fave oldies acts (XRT has brought World Party, the Fixx, the Alarm, English Beat). The sounds is...umm...loud and clear. Not too much they can do with the box they've got. Cubby Bear has a typical bar menu, but I recommend eating beforehand. Bar service is adequate- probably have PTSD from all the Cubs games they have to bartend, here! Bathrooms are downstairs- clean, and the men's has those old school bathroom attendants who crack funny, and try to sell you a stick of Big Red or a spray of Polo for an extra buck. Just doing their job. Tip them once and you're good. Cubby Bear- three stars on band nights! read more

Beer. Cute, young women selling beer. Shots in plastic cups. Burgers and fries Easy out parking. Oh Cubby Bear. I know you want to be so much more to me. I know you want me to love your crowded bar. To embrace the bouncers who check my ID twice just to get in the door. To understand the crazies who drink until they fall down. Or to forgive the guys who think a Cubs game is license to be jerks. But I can't. So for now- you will just be my place to get "easy out" parking ($40), meet up with friends to exchange tickets for the game and to grab a quick beer before the real madness inside the stadium begins. Love your name, though. read more

Being a tourist I still realize this is no place to go out at as a Chi local without being a douche. However thankfully I am a tourist and can use that as my excuse to enjoy people watching here after game days. From old people griding in the corner, to everyone jumping up and down as though at a concert, I had a good time laughing at the crowd. So thank you TCB. read more

The bottom bar smells like actual vomit. It's horrible. After a few drinks I even asked a bartender "does it always smell like puke in here?" And she laughingly assured me that yes...it does. Ha! On a brighter note, I will say this place is a classic Chicago spot. You really can't go to Wrigley Field without stopping here for a beer before or after. My recommendation is that you go to the top level(no puke there!) it gets fun and rowdy anytime there's a home game, and overall it's an experience everyone's gotta try. Also, get the Chicago dog and garlic fries. So unhealthy, but SO worth it. When in Chicago...am I right?! read more

The Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A good place to hang out and have a a drink or two after a Cubs game. You can avoid huge waits at the bar by purchasing beer from the beer tub ladies. We've had food. It's fine. Nachos and stuff. Sometimes they have a dj and sometimes there is live music. I have never paid a cover but maybe somethime you have to, depending on the entertainment. read more

The Cubby Bear is an institution. Located directly across the intersection from what is Chicago's most iconic building, the Cubby Bear's atmosphere and clientele is dictated by the Cub's schedule. On a game day, it's a wonderland for Chicago fans. Big crowds, big TVs, and plenty of bars to make sure patrons aren't thirsty. Both levels have a great collection of jersey and photos autographed by Chicago legends (despite being a huge Cubs fan, I think my favorite is the playful photo of Walter Payton). When the Cubs are on the road, or in the offseason, the Cubby Bear hosts concerts in a wonderful, intimate venue. It's always a fun place with a better-than average selection of local and national beers. read more

The Cubby Bear - Spazmatics Chicago concert at the Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's very close to Wrigley Field. The one waitress I had was friendly. I can't think of anything else positive to say about this place. The food is not great, but is edible. read more

So, I didn't even make it in the door before the extremely rude bouncer, yelled at us "need your ID or you can't come in" I didn't have my ID because I can't take my purse into the game, by the way I'm 62 years old! For the record all we asked was if they were even open because there was not a single person in the bar, on a game day no less. No wonder they don't have customers. read more

The bartenders were extremely rude. Attended for an event and tipped for outrageously priced drinks ($11/shot?!) and were treated with nothing but attitude and contempt. Having lived in this area, busy nights are not unusual (the line often extends past the front door) but the drinks and food are OUTRAGEOUSLY overpriced and drinks are watered down. Bartenders are rude and disrespectful towards guests' conversations even away from the bar. Would not ever come here again- the staff is so rude and the prices are so extreme that a night at home with 7/11 liquor seems like luxury. Will never return. read more

We were at Cubby Bears across the street from Wrigley Field before the Foo Fighters Show last night. Rudest waitress ever. Told us we had to order from her or leave cause she wasn't making any money on us. We already had drinks so I ordered another round. After we got our drinks the security guard came up and said we had to leave if we weren't going to order from the waitress. I said that we had just gotten a round. Mario went to talk the manager and was told that that if we were sitting at a table, we should order food. There are no signs stating that you have to order food to sit at a table. Needless to say, we finished our drinks and left. No tips for the waitress. FYI, her name is Chris. Rudest server ever! Too top it off my husband is currently wearing a knee brace due to a torn minuscule, but shame on him for needing to sit! read more

My wife and I attended the q101 halloween bash last night. Now to give you some background, my wife and I have welcomed our first baby into the world about a month ago, this was one of our first nights out without the baby. My wife did not have any drinks last night at the event but had fainted about halfway through the show. I'm not sure why, but the first thing security did was kick us outside. I'm more so just looking for an explanation why we were treated the way we were? read more

As the name implies, this sports bar and music venue is just across the street from Wrigley Field, so it's jam-packed with baseball fans in the summertime. The food here is serviceable, but most come here for the liquor. There are plenty of TV screens and sports memorabilia to keep you occupied. They do have some free concerts here to complement its schedule of occasional headline acts. read more

The Cubby Bear - The Cubby Bear - Sports Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is always super fun for me. After a game its a crazy fun atmosphere. People are dancing and acting like its 2 am when its really 6pm and still daylight :-). Also on Sunday night they have salsa night and its packed with dancers from all levels. Drinks are decently priced. This for me is a staple when coming to wrigleyville. read more

This place blows. I'm currently in line, waiting for a drink, as I write this review. They charged me $10 for cover and I have been waiting in line at the bar fo 20 minutes. They clearly have the volume of customers to open up the second bar they have, but refuse to do so. Not to mention, they charged the cover for a below average college bands performance. Overall, don't come here if you want to spend time with your friends outside of a line at the bar. If I could go less than one star I would. Go cubs. Cubby bear can F off. Once again, go Cubs. read more