Gallagher Way: Everything About Cubs' Entertainment Plaza
Gallagher Way turned the blocks around Wrigley Field into a year-round destination. Before the 1060 Project renovated the Friendly Confines, the west side of Clark Street was mostly parking lots.
Now, the open-air plaza adjacent to the ballpark hosts chef-driven restaurants, free community events, movie nights, fitness classes, holiday markets, and everything in between. Whether you're pregaming a Cubs home game or visiting Wrigleyville on a random Tuesday, Gallagher Way delivers something worth showing up for. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Gallagher Way?
Gallagher Way is the public greenspace and entertainment plaza located on the west side of Wrigley Field, along Clark Street in Wrigleyville. Named for Gallagher, a global insurance and risk management company with Chicago roots, the space opened as part of the ballpark's multi-year 1060 Project renovation.
The Layout and Access Points
The plaza sits between Clark Street and the ballpark, surrounded by restaurants, Hotel Zachary, and retail shops. Visitors can enter from three main access points:
- South entrance: Located at the intersection of Clark Street and Addison Street
- West entrance: On Clark Street
- North entrance: Through Caretakers Way
Standard operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours change for events and gamedays. The greenspace includes open lawn areas, seating, and a pop-jet water feature that operates on a case-by-case basis depending on scheduled events.
Gallagher Way on Gamedays
On Cubs gamedays, Gallagher Way usually opens up to ticket holders an hour before first pitch and stays accessible throughout the game and for one hour after. Per city ordinance, only same-day ticket holders can enter during gameday hours. The Gallagher Way video board shows a live broadcast of the game, so you can watch the action from the plaza. Concession stands serve beer, wine, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic options.
Ticket holders can exit through the Gallagher Way Gate to access the plaza during the game, starting in the first inning. Re-entry into the ballpark closes at the bottom of the eighth inning. Alcohol cannot be carried between Gallagher Way and Wrigley Field.
Restaurants and Bars at Gallagher Way
The dining options surrounding Gallagher Way cover every mood, from quick bites to upscale dinners. Each restaurant operates its own hours independent of the greenspace.
Where to Eat and Drink
A strong lineup of restaurants and bars ring the plaza:
- Swift and Sons Tavern: Upscale dining, directly across from Wrigley Field. Weekend brunch with oysters, weekday steaks, and a polished cocktail menu.
- Big Star: Tacos, whiskey, and a loud, fun energy. Perfect for groups looking to share plates and cold drinks.
- Small Cheval: Focused on one thing, burgers, and doing that one thing very well. Fast, affordable, and always satisfying.
- Smoke Daddy: BBQ and live music with weekend brunch that includes a family-style all-you-can-eat option and bottomless drink packages.
- Steingold's Bagels and Nosh: Morning bagel sandwiches and coffee, about a five minute walk from the red line.
- Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Small-batch ice cream in inventive flavors. A perfect walk-around treat before or after a game.
- Lucky Dorr Patio and Tap: A newer addition, serving beer, cocktails, and casual bites in an open-air setting.
- Mordecai and Hush Money: A cocktail bar named after Cubs pitching legend Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, with a speakeasy-style vibe.
Gallagher Way also hosts a McDonald's and a Wintrust Bank for basic needs. The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field is located nearby at the corner of Addison and Sheffield, accessible from outside the ballpark.
Year-Round Events and Activities
Gallagher Way is not just a gameday destination. The plaza runs programming throughout the year, much of it free.
Free Community Events
The events calendar rotates with the seasons and includes:
- Outdoor movie nights on the video board
- Fitness classes and yoga sessions on the lawn
- Live music and DJ sets
- Open-air markets with local vendors
- Holiday events like Easter egg hunts, Winterland at Gallagher Way, and seasonal markets
Signing up for the Gallagher Way newsletter or following @GallagherWayChi on social media is the best way to stay current on upcoming events. Many events are free and open to the public, while select events require tickets.
Private Events and Venue Rentals
Gallagher Way offers distinct event spaces for weddings, corporate meetings, and private parties. The surrounding restaurants and The Event Center at Wrigley Field provide additional venue options.
For private event inquiries, visit GallagherWay.com and submit a request form, or contact the team at info@gallagherway.com or 773-388-8260.
Hotel Zachary and Staying Overnight
Hotel Zachary sits right on Clark Street, overlooking both Gallagher Way and Wrigley Field. Named for the ballpark's original architect Zachary Taylor Davis, the hotel opened in 2018 as part of the 1060 Project. Guest rooms offer views of the ballpark and the plaza, and staying here puts you within a one-minute walk of the Gallagher Way Gate entrance on gamedays.
Practical Details for Visiting
A few things to know before you go, especially on gamedays when security and bag policies are in effect.
Gameday Rules and Prohibited Items
Gameday restrictions at Gallagher Way mirror Wrigley Field policies. Backpacks (including clear backpacks), hard-sided coolers of any size, and bags larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches are not permitted during gameday hours.
Umbrellas with metal tips and umbrellas larger than 32 inches are prohibited, though small, collapsible umbrellas are allowed. Factory-sealed plastic bottles and a personal amount of food in a small, disposable bag can be brought in. All bags are subject to inspection.
Getting There and Parking
Public transit is the easiest way to reach Gallagher Way. The CTA Red Line Addison stop is less than a block east of the plaza. CTA Bus #152 (Addison) and #22 (Clark) both stop at Clark and Addison. Parking in Wrigleyville is limited. Hotel Zachary offers paid parking, and on non-event days, restaurant patrons can receive up to four hours of validated parking with proper validation. Valet runs $15 and self-parking is $14.
Accessibility
Gallagher Way is fully ADA accessible. Wheelchair assistance is available upon request, restrooms are accessible, and service animals as defined by federal law are welcome.
Make Gallagher Way Part of Your Wrigley Field Visit
Gallagher Way turned the area around Wrigley Field into one of Chicago's best gathering spots. Grab a taco at Big Star, catch a free movie on the lawn, or just sit in the greenspace and take in the energy of the neighborhood. On gamedays, arrive early and enjoy the plaza before heading through the gates. Check the Cubs schedule and the Gallagher Way events calendar to plan your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a ticket to visit Gallagher Way?
On non-game days, Gallagher Way is free and open to the public during standard hours. On Cubs gamedays, only same-day ticket holders can access the greenspace.
What restaurants are at Gallagher Way?
Swift and Sons Tavern, Big Star, Small Cheval, Smoke Daddy, Steingold's, Jeni's Ice Creams, Lucky Dorr, Mordecai, and McDonald's all surround the plaza.
Can you watch the Cubs game from Gallagher Way?
Yes. The Gallagher Way video board shows a live broadcast of the game. You must hold a same-day ticket to access the plaza during gameday hours.
Is Gallagher Way open in winter?
Yes. Winterland at Gallagher Way runs during the holiday season with seasonal activities, and restaurants remain open year-round on their own schedules.
Where is Gallagher Way located?
Gallagher Way is at 3635 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613, on the west side of Wrigley Field adjacent to Hotel Zachary.