This place is great! It doesn't really get that packed. You can actually move around and dance. The people are friendly most of the time never experienced anything terrible here.The service is fast the food is good not greasy and the portions are nice. read more

EXPENSIVE, but a decent place to come to after ball games to hang and watch the bands they usually have playing.

This review is only for Salsa Sundays at The Cubby Bear. Imagine my surprise when I moved to Chicago and found out a local sports bar was the venue for one of the biggest salsa nights in the city. Imagine my delight when it turned out to be AWESOME with excellent live music, talented and ultra-friendly dancers, and a reasonable cover charge (or free before 9 if you are on Latin Street Dancing's email list since they host it). The dance floor is large and cement (not as slippery as a wooden one) , so wear appropriate shoes. The bathrooms are huge and clean, with a drinking fountain outside for frequent water breaks. I wish there was a coat check, but no one else seems to care. They usually have live music but sometimes there is a DJ. The bands rotate, are wonderful and usually play a variety of latin dance music, including salsa, merengue, cha-cha-cha, and cumbia. The music has always been incredible. Even if you don't dance, you'll enjoy the lively atmosphere and spectating. Spice up your Sundays! http://www.laboriqua.com/welcome/salsasundays.asp read more

This place is very spacious. I love that they have bands play and they have an actual stage for them to perform on instead of them being on the ground with all the drunk people. Beer selection is just ok. Obviously this is a popular spot to go after a Cubs game since it's right across the street, but there are better places to go. Like out of Wrigley. read more

Let's start with the pros .. The venues acoustics are great and the live music there tends to be really good when I go! The cons are the drinks are super over priced and will run ya around 50/70 dollars if ya like to get shitty like me haha! read more

I've been to the Cubby Bear several times, but my most memorable experience was in January of this year. I'm pretty sure Stroke 9 was playing there, since I remember that they came up with the "Little Black Backpack" song that used to play on Q101 all the time. Before I arrived, I used my smartphone's park whiz app to find a close-by spot and book it ahead of time. After I parked in a Wrigley lot, I went to the bar. Overall the food was pretty good, though some items were more expensive than others. I'm not much of a drinker, but I could tell that the selection was okay, but not superfluous. It didn't take long for me to realize how good the location is -- close to the iO Theater, Wrigley and the Metro. I dunno what's with other reviews complaining about the bouncers, cos they were nice to me. I plan on coming by again in the near future. read more

The Cubby Bear is directly across from Wrigley Field. It's a very large place but not busy 2 hours before the game. We got a seat at the window and had 2 beers. The waitress was very attentive, talking us into an appetizer. We shared some nachos. We didn't expect much and got what we expected. Not a lot of sauce and not a lot of flavor. The price was reasonable. read more

If I could give this place -5 stars, I would. NEVER, EVER go there on NYE. My girl and I waited in a loud, hot mob of drunks for over 2 hours to get our coats back. The venue was packed, yet at close they had 2 people working the coat check. Pathetic. People were yelling, fighting and rioting to get down there just to fight and riot to get coats back. It was horrible. On top of it all, coats were $5 each with no refund for the wait. I will never return to such a poorly run place. read more

I am not well-versed in Wrigleyille bars, but I took some friends from out of town to this bar when the game got rained out, and it was a pretty bad experience. After coughing up the $6 for draft beer, I asked for a glass of water and was told that it was against policy to serve glasses of water. To which everyone said, "Isn't that illegal?!" We ordered one of the few appetizers we could afford, which was spinach artichoke dip, and everyone got food poisoning later that night! What a terrible way to spend their time in Chicago. The waitress was pretty nice, even if she was forced to do stupid things like impose an automatic gratuity. read more

Sonically and visually, the sound and lights are amazing.They have cover bands and original bands. If there is a show you want to see it will sound and look great. Menu has changed and the food is pretty good. If you like sports, its all there for you. It's a good bar that does music and sports well. Some people can't deal with the Wrigleyville crowd. People are people and douchebags are everywhere, get over it. read more

What a place to see a show. You can't be closer to an artist then at this venue. The sound in the Cubby Bear is unreal and powerful. The staff is fun the drinks are strong. Hello Cubby Blue BOMBS! I don't know whats in it but it did the job! read more

I went to Cubby Bear last night and there is a Dj there for Kareoke his name is B Master, and he is the bomb!!!!! He was so entertaining, and he definitely made our night. The Cubby Bear should keep B Master forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Generally, I enjoy a trip to The Cubby Bear and had a great time there this Saturday dancing to live music with friends. However, was extremely irritated when I asked for a cup of water at the bar (during and after buying multiple rounds of drinks). The options were to buy bottled water or receive a cup of ice and go fill it at the water fountain downstairs. This is unacceptable and ridiculous. Regardless of the fact that the bar was incredibly hot, we spent a lot of money there and should have been able to get a simple cup of water without having to trek to the water foundain. read more

Arizona State University bar. The food is good but a little pricey.

Browns backer bar on the second level! Friendliest staff & members

Came here before the game. It was super busy but the bartender was really good and efficient. He got us our drinks right way. It's a fun sports bar. Not gonna work out if you bring your kids to the game though. It's for 21+ only. read more

I'm still not sure if the bartender overcharged me, but I paid more for a Bud Light here than I did at Wrigley during the game - which is saying a lot. On the bright side, the game day crowd is lively and the place is big enough to accommodate a big crowd. I went on a recommendation, but I'd pick somewhere else in Wrigleyville if I go back. read more

Cool spot to come in for a beer before the game. JACK was the bartender and he was a very cool dude. I will def come back. go Giants

Shame on Cubby Bear for charging high cover charges for the Cubs playoffs. I can see a cover charge but 500 for one game and 100 for others. We did get to see a game Tuesday for no cover. Nice to be right across street from Wrigleyfield but so not worth it. My husband and I had a hot dog and three beers each $84.00. The beer cups were small too. Very disappointing as right in Wrigleyville. A place like this should be so ashamed to do this to the fans that support them all the time. read more

I feel like a lot of people don't like the Cubby Bear, but I can't figure out why. I think it's great. First, it's right across from Wrigley which is great, second, they have tons of great bands- including Mike and Joe, and Wedding Banned, and third, it's always a good crowd there. I really enjoy going there for some beers after a cubs game or hanging out to see one of the bands play. read more

Location location location... Conveniently located for a pre/post game drink after a baseball game, although very often it seems like half the stadium has the same idea. If you go during off-season they have open-mic nights and decent food, which are bearable. On the negative, a lot of overserved patrons, often rude clientelle, and sometimes even the staff. One of the bartenders gave me a nasty line when I asked if they served any ciders, read more

This is a really cool place to hang out in Wrigleyville. They usually have some pretty good shows and the doormen and servers are all pretty nice people! I love the fact they give out tall boys, thats always a plus. Just can be a little pricey, but where in Wrigleyville is it not? Definitely cool if u wanna catch a show, it's pretty spacey too! read more

Went in with a big group. Server pulled two tables together for us. She started us off with drinks, which she brought promptly. Meaghan was very sweet & gave great service! She was one of those girls that you want to hate( gorgeous) but was a doll. Food was definitely bar quality food but good. Prices were reasonable & came out quickly. Fries were amazing! Came back after the game advised by Meaghan. We had a BLAST! Music was good & the crowd was fun! Can't wait to go to another Cubs game & start & end at Cubby Bear! read more

I was very dissatisfied with the overall level of service and refusal of management/wait staff to change the channel on a TV when there must have been less than 10 people in the bar total and at least 50 TVs. I was not impressed by the overall air of pretentiousness at the bar either. read more

Came here at around the 8th inning of a Cubs game after freezing in the stands for the first 7 innings. I heard that this was "The PLACE" to watch a Cubs game so my girlfriend I made sure to stop in. Surprisingly it wasn't that busy but I guess its more of a pre game spot. The bartenders were super attentive and the space was quite big. We are big fans of cider and were glad to find some on tap at The Cubby Bear. We talked to the bartenders a little bit who seemed interested about how we made it through 7 innings at Wrigley on a really cold and windy April day, and we departed after two drinks each. I recommend The Cubby Bear to any of my NYC friends who plan to visit Wrigley. read more

Came here for a rock concert. The concert itself was good and I paid a deal for it, but I don't think I would actually come here to hang out any other night. Just like most bars in Wrigleyville it's pretty filthy, filled with rowdy obnoxious young kids, and rude bartenders. But if a good band is playing then I guess I'll bite my tongue for a few hours. read more

Katie was our waitress and she was awesome. Great drink prices and they even opened the gift shop for us so my girlfriend could buy a shirt. Directly across the street from Wrigley Field. Highly recommend. read more

Fun place to go before the Cubs game to get a drink and some bar food. We got the sampler platter and it was good before heading into the game. Service is a little slow but just because it's so busy I think. read more

This restaurant is just fantastic. It opened at 11am sharp today, Sunday, with a welcoming staff. I had the Cubby Bear Burger with fries (crinkle) and they were fantastic. The bun is a brioche style with great pancetta and a flavorful aioli (no need for additional condiments on this gem). Service was prompt and very pleasant. Not loud, but lively (can talk comfortably). If you wish to enjoy a drink from the "vessels of nectar" before a Cubby game in a truly historic atmosphere, this is the place to do it! Go Cubs Go! read more

Great place to watch the cubs games and have a couple of bears. Friendly and fun staff, our waitress gave a round on the house. read more

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

See all

If I'm in the mood for crowds and loose chicks, this is where I go. On the weekends, it gets too pricey. Some cool bands though.

The Cubby Bear is a great Chicago experience for out of towners and regulars. My friends and I went on a night I was sure wouldn't be fun... Walked up and this amazing live band was playing my favorite song. They played anything and everything, drinks were great and the crowd was having a blast dancing. Such a good time if like live loud music and good drinks. The only downfall was the service... it was quite crowded and some of the bars were hard to get drinks. read more

Cubby Bear has a fun laid back atmosphere. It is a nice place to go with a group of friends and just hang out an drink. Everyone is nice. Everyone I saw and met were in their 20's. Great for a night out on the town. Decent drink prices. read more

The metric show was an aftershow. Why are people so surprised that they played AFTER the q101 shows were over? It seems that a bunch of amatures went out to see a concert and were mad that the show started later than their bedtime. It's a 2am bar. Obviously the band would play as close to 2am as possible. I called to check on the time of the band. I was told midnight. Ticketmaster never has correct times. Real concert goers know that. As a real concert lover, I enjoyed the show. It was great to see such a good band in this venue. Amatures, stay away read more

I have always had a grerat time at Cubby Bear. Good energy, great people and terrific food. The concert issue was likely not at all Cubby Bear's fault and they were as anxious as you to get the band an stage. Give them another try! read more

Went to the Cubby bear before a Cubs game to take in the local atmosphere that surrounds Wrigley Field. The bar was filled with middle aged men that probably didn't make 6 figures that all acted like they had a few Ferrari's back at the chateau. This male exaggeration was all in hopes to catch the eye of the"hotties" that were half their age working at the Cubby Bear. When asking for water at at 11am I can offer you a cup of ice and there is a fountain in the basement. It seemed to take forever to get my beer that I ordered, but I was forgiving considering that the place was packed a few hours before game time. Once the beer arrived it was delivered to me in a plastic cup. You would think that a pint glass, made of real glass, would not be too much trouble. If I wanted to drink from plastic I would have stopped off at the local frat boys house. There are more options in the area that offer better service and great food. Skip it! Unless you are 43, chubby, have grey hair and want to act like a 21 year old frat boy. read more

Great for gameday. Not cramped or tight, relatively cheap beer and always a selection of good looking women. Highly recommend!

I give Cubby Bear a 4 during Cubs games and a 2 when they are not playing. When the Cubs are in town I enjoy coming here because of the size and the distance I have to walk to and from my seats. I also tend to run into a lot of people I know here which is always a plus (depending on who it is) When the Cubs are out of town I pretty much don't like it for the same reason I like it during a Cubs game, the size. Not that there is anything wrong with a giant bar but when its empty it reminds me of a giant frat house because of the stench and the ignorant people it tends to draw. I have decided to only attend when the Cubs are playing. ps - thank you for getting me drunk on many occasions throughout the years. see you in April read more

I was here for a show a few nights ago and, after the show ended, I was standing around talking to a few of my friends. We were leaned up against the stage and I set my beer down at the edge of the stage as I was talking. One of the bouncers got on the stage, walked over to where I was standing, picked up my drink, threw it across the room and then started flashing his flashlight in my face to signal to the other bouncers. They came and physically removed me. The stage apparently had a sign written on duct tape that said no drinks, but communicating that doesn't seem to matter to these people. The staff had been rude all night, from the bouncers to the bartenders, but I wasn't going to hold that against the establishment. After being physically removed and having the drink I purchased thrown across the room by this bouncer on an ego trip, I will never step foot in this classless shit hole again. They can't seem to keep the drunken Cubs bros under control any other night of the year, but they'll sure take care of you if you set a can on the stage. Thanks for keeping Chicago safe, shitbirds. read more

Great sports bar that has live music on a regular basis.