Cubs fans will have to wait until Monday to play hooky to see the team's home opener against the Colorado Rockies. The North Siders will be facing the Rangers in Texas Thursday on Opening Day. But that means fans have more time to brush up on the history and figure out their game-day itineraries.
Wrigley Field has been home to the Cubs since 1916 and was briefly home to the Bears in the 1920s. As the second-oldest ballpark in the majors, Wrigley has helped innovate baseball traditions from allowing fans to keep foul balls to broadcasting games. In 2016, the Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years.
Lakeview resident Joel Simon gave the City Cast Chicago podcast a tour of the greater Lakeview area last year.
Something to Eat
- Steingold’s of Chicago is the spot for bagel purists who want a classic bagel with cream cheese or lox.
- S&G Restaurant is a family-run diner that has been serving Chicagoans for decades.
- Golden Apple also serves up old-school diner vibes and bites.
- The Gundis, the only Kurdish restaurant in Chicago, has an array of cheeses, jams, bread, honey, and olives.
- Paulina Meat Market is a beloved butcher shop. But beware of going around Easter or Thanksgiving: The line might be down the street.
Something to Drink
- Koval Distillery was the first legal distillery post-Prohibition and serves up unique drinks like oat whiskey.
- Sidetrack has been a destination for Chicago's LGBTQ community for decades. The venue has dance and trivia nights dedicated to big pop artists.
- Cody’s Public House has a beer garden and pool table. Plus, it's dog-friendly.
- Lincoln Tap is a spot for neighbors to gather and grab a brew. It's also where Simon and his wife went on their first date!
Something to See
- The AIDS Garden Chicago features a sculpture by the late artist and activist Keith Haring.
Something to Do
- The Annoyance Theatre is home to improv, sketch comedy, and plays. Plus, you can take classes.
- Schubas Tavern is a great place to check out up-and-coming artists and your favorite karaoke storytelling show.
- Center on Halsted is a community center for LGBTQ Chicagoans across the city.
- Theater Wit is a venue where you can see shows up close. "Inanimate," a show about a woman who fell in love with a Dairy Queen sign, is playing right now.
- The Music Box Theatre is a treasure, showcasing arthouse films, singalongs, and classic movies, too.
