Are you among the Sox fans planning to dip out of work early Thursday afternoon to catch the South Siders play the Detroit Tigers? This year's Opening Day comes as the team considers moving to the South Loop.
The original Bridgeport ballpark was Comiskey Park, and it was considered the "baseball palace of the world" in 1910. Throughout the 20th century, the park hosted the Negro League East-West All-Star game, the first Major League All-Star game, Chicago Cardinals' football games, music fests, picnics, and more.
In the 1980s, new owner Jerry Reinsdorf threatened to move the Sox unless they could build a new stadium. The team played their first game at the new ballpark in 1991. More than 30 years later, Reinsdorf is again pushing for a new stadium.
Chuck Sudo has lived in Bridgeport for almost 25 years. Having seen the neighborhood change immensely, Sudo says Bridgeport still has that quiet charm that attracted him to the area. Here is what else to do in Bridgeport before or after the game.
Something to Eat
- Phil’s Pizza serves one of the best tavern crusts in Chicago.
- The Duck Inn offers everything from hot dogs to rotisserie duck.
- Kimski is not only known for its Korean American fare but for the culinary talent it produces, too.
- Zaytune Mediterranean Grill is perfect for vegetarian falafels, steak shawarma, and more.
- Gio’s Cafe & Deli, a casual Italian and Sicilian spot, aims to make patrons feel like they're at grandma's house.
- The Polo Inn, a Bed & Breakfast, offers a hearty gospel brunch on Sundays.
- Martinez Market & Grill is a bar, market, and restaurant all in one. Plus, the big baby burrito is no joke.
- Kathy De’s Deli is your one-stop sandwich shop.
Something to Drink
- Bridgeport Coffee has lots of drinks to choose from as well as beans to stock up on.
- Jackalope Coffee & Tea House is a funky coffeehouse that is great to set up shop to study or work from. (We think it's among the best coffee shops in the city!)
- Maria’s Packaged Goods has quite the beer and liquor selection.
- Marz Community Brewing has unique brews and fun programming. Krampus usually comes out at Christmas at this bar ...
Something to See
- WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer profiled Palmisano Nature Park on the City Cast Chicago podcast for good reason: "'Mt. Bridgeport' is a welcome refuge for nature lovers in the middle of the city. With spring in full swing, it’s also popular for kite-flying enthusiasts,” Sudo tells us.
Something to Do
- Come to Bridgeport for the monthly Third Fridays Art Walk at Zhou B Art Center and Bridgeport Art Center.
- Co-Prosperity also has regular exhibitions and events.
Somewhere to Shop
- Spend a Saturday digging for rare finds at Let’s Boogie Record & Tapes.
- Tangible Books is a wonderful used bookstore.
