St. Patrick's Day Wrigleyville: Bar Guide

Wrigleyville on St. Patrick's Day might be the second-best party the neighborhood throws all year, right after Opening Day. Wrigley Field anchors a stretch of bars and pubs that know exactly how to celebrate, and the whole area turns into a green-clad block party that runs from morning until last call.

If you are planning to spend St. Patrick's Day near the Friendly Confines, here is your bar-by-bar breakdown of where to go, what to expect, and how to survive the day.

The Must-Hit Bars Near the Ballpark

Every Wrigleyville bar puts on a show for St. Patrick's Day, but a handful have earned their reputation through decades of doing it right. Start with these and branch out from there.

Murphy's Bleachers

Murphy's Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield Ave.) is the anchor, located directly across from Wrigley Field and serving Cubs fans since 1930. On St. Patrick's Day, expect green beer flowing early, corned beef sandwiches, and a rooftop with ballpark views. Get there early because the place fills up fast.

Sluggers World Class Sports Bar

Sluggers (3540 N. Clark St.) features batting cages on the second floor where you can take swings between drinks. Open until 4 a.m. on weekends, the dual-level layout gives you room to breathe even when the crowd gets thick.

The Cubby Bear

The Cubby Bear (1059 W. Addison St.) sits across from the Wrigley Field Marquee and has been a neighborhood fixture since 1953. Live music, DJs, and drinks specials run nonstop on St. Patrick's Day.

More Bars Worth Your Time

Wrigleyville has enough spots that you do not need to limit yourself to the big three. Spread out and enjoy the neighborhood.

Old Crow Smokehouse

Old Crow Smokehouse combines BBQ with green beer, which is a combination that works surprisingly well after a few hours of bar-hopping.

Sheffield's Beer Garden and Beyond

Sheffield's Beer Garden offers outdoor space when March weather cooperates, and the fresh air feels great after bouncing between packed indoor spots. Further down Clark Street, you will find additional bars and restaurants that cater to the holiday crowd without the shoulder-to-shoulder intensity of the main strip.

How to Plan Your St. Patrick's Day Crawl

A good Wrigleyville St. Patrick's Day requires a little strategy. Here is how to pace yourself and actually enjoy the day.

• Start by late morning if you want a seat at Murphy's or The Cubby Bear. Afternoon crowds make standing room the only option
• Eat before you drink and keep eating throughout the day. Corned beef, shepherd's pie, and bar food are everywhere
• The Wrigleyville Shamrock Crawl is a popular ticketed event that gives you access to multiple bars with drink specials. Tickets sell out, so book ahead
• Wear layers. March in Chicago means temperatures can swing from the 30s to the 60s, and wind off the lake cuts right through

Getting There and Getting Home

The CTA Red Line to Addison is the only way to go. The station sits right by Wrigley Field, and every bar on this list is within walking distance. Skip driving entirely. Parking is expensive, limited, and not worth the hassle on one of the busiest bar days of the year.

Rideshare surge pricing gets brutal by evening, so plan your return trip around the Red Line schedule. Trains run frequently and late on weekends.

Pair Your Crawl with a Wrigley Field Experience

Before or after the bars, make time for the ballpark itself. A Wrigley Field tour on Sunday morning is the perfect recovery activity. Walk through the dugout, press box, and onto the field at a National Historic Landmark while learning Cubs history from a knowledgeable guide.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs and Wrigleyville are inseparable, and St. Patrick's Day is one of the neighborhood's biggest celebrations. Check Cubs.com for upcoming events, ticket availability, and the Cubs fan gift guide. Whether you are raising a Guinness at Murphy's or walking the warning track at the Friendly Confines, Wrigleyville is the place to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Wrigleyville bars for St. Patrick's Day?

Murphy's Bleachers, Sluggers, The Cubby Bear, Sheffield's Beer Garden, and Old Crow Smokehouse are all top picks near Wrigley Field.

What is the Wrigleyville Shamrock Crawl?

A ticketed bar crawl event that gives access to multiple Wrigleyville bars with drink specials and themed giveaways. Tickets sell out, so purchase early.

How do I get to Wrigleyville for St. Patrick's Day?

Take the CTA Red Line to Addison. The station is steps from Wrigley Field and all the major bars. Do not drive.

What time do bars open on St. Patrick's Day?

Most Wrigleyville bars open early on St. Patrick's Day, some as early as 8 or 9 a.m. Check individual bar hours as they vary.

Is Gallagher Way open on St. Patrick's Day?

Gallagher Way often hosts family-friendly St. Patrick's Day activities including live music and Irish dancing. Check GallagherWay.com for specific event details.

What food should I eat on St. Patrick's Day in Wrigleyville?

Corned beef sandwiches, shepherd's pie, Irish stew, and classic bar food are available at most Wrigleyville spots. Eat early and eat often.