Chicago North Side Bars: Complete Pub Crawl Guide
Want to experience Chicago bars the right way? Start where the Cubs play and work your way through the North Side's best watering holes. No fancy apps needed, just good shoes, better company and a plan that's been perfected over decades of Cubs victories, heartbreaks and everything in between.
Here's your complete guide to conquering the North Side bar scene, Chicago style.
Why the North Side Rules for Bar Hopping
The North Side isn't just home to Wrigley Field, it's where Chicago's bar scene really shines. From pre-game spots that have served generations of Cubs fans to neighborhood taverns where locals have claimed the same barstool for 40 years, you'll find authenticity at every stop.
Each neighborhood brings something different. Wrigleyville delivers the energy, Lakeview offers the neighborhood vibe, and Lincoln Park brings a mix of both. Unlike the tourist traps downtown, North Side bars earn their crowds through decades of service, not slick marketing.
Starting Point: Wrigleyville
Murphy's Bleachers
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Begin your crawl at Murphy's Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.), the legendary Cubs bar that's been serving fans since 1930. Located directly across from Wrigley Field, Murphy's earned its reputation as the go-to spot before, during and after Cubs games.
Murphy's keeps things simple with cold beer, solid bar food and a rooftop that offers views of the ballpark. On game days, you'll struggle to find a seat. On off days, you'll get the authentic neighborhood tavern experience that makes Murphy's a North Side institution
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar
Walk one block east to Sluggers (3540 N. Clark St.) for something completely different. Beyond the typical sports bar setup, Sluggers features batting cages on the second floor where you can take cuts between drinks.
Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Sluggers bridges the gap between sports bar and late-night destination. The dual-level setup means you can watch the game downstairs or escape to the batting cages when the crowd gets thick.
The Cubby Bear
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Complete your Wrigleyville trifecta at The Cubby Bear (1059 W. Addison St.), another Cubs institution located right across from the ballpark. Since 1953, The Cubby Bear has evolved from a simple bar to a full entertainment venue featuring live music and DJs.
Game days transform The Cubby Bear into controlled chaos with Cubs fans packing every available space. Visit during the off-season to appreciate the venue's actual character, which includes a surprisingly solid music lineup and respectable bar food.
Moving North: Lakeview Classics
Gingerman Tavern
Head north on Clark Street to Gingerman Tavern (3740 N. Clark St.), where the beer selection shifts into serious territory. With 60-plus beers on draft and hundreds more in bottles, Gingerman caters to craft beer enthusiasts without the pretense.
The narrow space and limited seating create an intimate atmosphere that rewards weeknight visits over weekend crowds. Gingerman proves that Wrigleyville offers more than just Cubs bars, serving a neighborhood that appreciates quality beer year-round.
Kirkwood Bar & Grill
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Continue north to Kirkwood (2934 N. Sheridan Rd.) for the neighborhood tavern experience. Operating since 1934, Kirkwood maintains the classic Chicago bar aesthetic with a long wooden bar, vintage Schlitz globe lights and regulars who've been coming for decades.
The kitchen serves above-average bar food, the beer stays cold and cheap, and the jukebox selection reflects actual taste rather than algorithm-generated playlists. Kirkwood represents the North Side at its most authentic.
Lincoln Park Stops
Old Town Ale House
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Venture west to Old Town Ale House (219 W. North Ave.) for the diviest bar on this crawl, and we mean that as a compliment. Since 1958, Old Town Ale House has embraced its role as the neighborhood's unpretentious drinking establishment.
Cheap beer, sawdust on the floor and paintings of local politicians in various states of undress decorate the walls. Old Town Ale House reminds you that great bars don't need fancy cocktails or craft beer lists, just honest drinks and real character.
Glascott's Groggery
End your crawl at Glascott's (2158 N. Halsted St.), a family-run tavern operating since 1937. The mahogany bar, tin ceiling and hexagonal floor tiles transport you back to when neighborhood bars served actual neighborhoods rather than Instagram feeds.
Glascott's offers 15 beers on tap, wine by the glass and a game room in back. The consistency across decades proves that doing the basics right beats chasing trends every single time.
Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden
A short walk from Wrigley Field, Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield Ave.) trades the chaos of Clark Street for a more laid-back but still lively neighborhood feel. Around since 1980, it’s one of the city’s early champions of craft beer, long before that became the norm.
The beer list runs deep with a rotating lineup of regional and national craft brews, and the staff actually knows what they’re pouring. Pair that with Memphis-style BBQ coming out of the smoker and you’ve got a spot that works just as well for a full meal as it does for a few rounds.
The beer garden is the main draw in warmer months, consistently packed but never unbearable. In winter, the fireplaces inside keep things cozy without losing the bar’s energy. It’s a reliable pre-game option if you want good food and drink without fighting shoulder-to-shoulder crowds right next to Wrigley.
The Red Lion Pub
Head south into Lincoln Park for The Red Lion Pub (2446 N. Lincoln Ave.), a British-style pub that leans fully into atmosphere without feeling gimmicky. Open since 1984, it’s built its reputation on being a place for conversation first, drinks second.
Inside, you’ll find dark wood, Tudor beams and shelves lined with books on British history and literature, all pulled from the owner’s personal collection. Multiple fireplaces make it one of the better cold-weather stops on the crawl, while the open-air dining space keeps things lively in the summer.
The menu sticks to pub classics done right, think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a proper Sunday roast. Behind the bar, you’ll get a thoughtful mix of draft beers alongside a strong lineup of single malts, bourbons and ryes.
It’s quieter than your Wrigleyville stops, and that’s the point. The Red Lion works best as a reset on your crawl, a place to slow down, sit for a bit and actually talk before heading back into the noise.
Pro Tips for Your North Side Bar Crawl
Transportation
The CTA Red Line runs the length of your crawl with stops at Addison (for Wrigleyville), Sheridan and Fullerton. You can also take the Brown Line, which stops at Southport for Lakeview access. Skip the car, save money on parking and rideshares.
Timing Matters
Weekend nights in Lakeview and Lincoln Park get crowded after 10 p.m. Weekday early evenings offer the best opportunity to actually talk to bartenders and appreciate each venue.
Budget Accordingly
North Side bars range from $4 domestic beers to $12 craft cocktails. Budget $50-75 per person for a full crawl including drinks and bar snacks. Happy hours run 4-7 p.m. at most spots, cutting costs significantly.
Pace Yourself
You're looking at 3-4 miles of walking between bars. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, eat at least once during the crawl, and remember that Chicago's bar scene rewards stamina over speed.
Winter Preparation
Chicago winters don't cancel bar crawls, but they do require proper gear. Layer up, wear comfortable boots and keep your coat-check strategy simple. Many bars offer coat storage, though Murphy's and Sluggers get overwhelmed on busy nights.
Take a Wrigley Field Tour
Between bar stops or before starting your crawl, book a Wrigley Field tour to see where Cubs history happened. The 90-minute tours include the dugout, press box, visiting clubhouse and bleachers. Tours run year-round and offer a completely different perspective on the ballpark that anchors this entire neighborhood.
The North Side bar scene rewards exploration, values authenticity over trends, and connects you to Chicago's real character. Start in Wrigleyville where Cubs fans have celebrated and commiserated for generations, then work your way through neighborhoods where bars have earned their staying power through decades of solid service. Bring cash, wear good shoes and prepare for a proper Chicago night out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best day for a North Side bar crawl?
Friday or Saturday nights offer the most energy, but Wednesday through Thursday provides better access to bartenders, easier seating and genuine conversations with locals. Avoid Cubs game days in Wrigleyville unless you specifically want that scene.
How long does a complete North Side bar crawl take?
Plan for 5-6 hours to hit 6-7 bars at a comfortable pace. Starting around 6 p.m. puts you at your final stop by midnight. Add time for meals, which you should absolutely include in your plan.
Can you bar hop in Wrigleyville without attending a Cubs game?
Absolutely. Wrigleyville bars operate year-round and offer a completely different experience outside game days. You'll find better service, easier access and the neighborhood's actual character when the game-day crowds clear out.
What's the dress code for North Side bars?
Casual works everywhere on this crawl. Jeans and a T-shirt fit perfectly at dive bars like Old Town Ale House, while you might opt for nicer jeans at places like Gingerman. Comfortable shoes matter more than style since you'll be walking several miles.
Do North Side bars accept credit cards?
Most North Side bars accept credit cards, though a few old-school spots remain cash-only. Old Town Ale House traditionally operated cash-only with an ATM on site, though policies may have changed. Bring cash as backup regardless.
How do I get back home safely after bar hopping?
Take the CTA Red or Brown Line, which runs all night on weekends. Rideshares work well but surge pricing hits hard after midnight on weekends. Many North Siders simply walk home since bars cluster in residential neighborhoods, though winter weather may require other plans.