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The Cubby Bear
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Cubby Bear
7.7
A Wrigleyville standby that’s best treated as a straightforward happy hour stop: order wings, one fried snack, and keep decisions fast. The setting is built for game-day flow, so it rewards simple ordering more than exploration.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Garlic Fries, Chicken Tenders
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Iconic Wrigley-adjacent hangout built for fast bar-food decisions.
Who should go: Fans and groups who want a loud, easy bar stop
When to visit: Before games or early happy hour weekdays
What to order: Buffalo wings; garlic fries; chicken tenders
Insider tip: Order one sauce flavor for wings—kitchen moves faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Wrigleyville; metered spots nearby but fill quickly on game days. Garages are available within a few blocks, but expect higher rates during events.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are all standard.
Noise level: Loud — conversation requires raised voices, especially before and after games.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on non-game weekends; longer on game days
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits before 4pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — mostly fried sides like fries or salads.
Vegan options: Very limited — may be able to piece together fries or simple sides.
Gluten-free options: Limited — not a gluten-free-focused kitchen; cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless the goal is casual drinks before a game. It’s loud, fast-paced, and better for energy than conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Arrive early on weekdays or well before games to improve your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes — especially before games. Late nights skew adult, loud, and bar-centric.
Best For
Better for: High-energy happy hour near Wrigley where speed, drinks, and wings matter more than menu depth.
Skip if: You want a relaxed meal, dietary flexibility, or a quieter bar experience — nearby neighborhood pubs will suit better.
The Cubby Bear
8.2
A classic Wrigleyville pregame-and-postgame room where wings work best as the dependable, no-drama order while the place runs loud and high-volume. Treat it like a quick happy-hour stop: one wing flavor, one fried side, then get back to the energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Chicken tenders, Mac and cheese bites
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Across-from-Wrigley scale and energy with a wings-first bar-food rhythm.
Who should go: Pregame groups who want wings fast
When to visit: Weekday happy hour before game crowds
What to order: Buffalo wings; chicken tenders; mac and cheese bites
Insider tip: Pick one wing flavor per order—kitchen timing stays cleaner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited near Wrigley and gets difficult after 5pm or on game days; paid lots and garages around Wrigley Field are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar attire—jeans, sneakers, jerseys, and team gear are all standard.
Noise level: High—expect loud music, TVs, and crowd noise; conversation requires raised voices during peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on weekends or game days without arriving early
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays outside of special events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fried appetizers like mac and cheese bites, fries, and mozzarella sticks are the main options.
Vegan options: Very limited—best bet is fries or sides; not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some non-breaded items may work, but cross-contamination is likely in a high-volume wing kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for conversation-heavy first dates—it’s loud and chaotic, but works if you both want casual drinks, wings, and sports energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but arriving early is key—tables fill quickly before games and on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day it can work for families, but evenings skew adult and loud; better suited for teens than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast wings, pregame energy, and big-group happy hours where speed and volume matter more than finesse.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, dietary flexibility, or a polished wing experience—consider neighborhood pubs or wing specialists instead.