0 Followers
Murphy's Bleachers
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Murphy's Bleachers
7.7
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Rooftop Views Revelry
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
A classic Wrigleyville sports bar that plays as a budget-friendly rooftop-adjacent move when you want the game-day energy without the fuss. Keep expectations in the bar-food lane—beer, something fried, something handheld—and treat the outdoor space as the feature.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken wings, Burger, Chicago-style hot dog
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Old-school Wrigleyville energy with big outdoor hang potential.
Who should go: Cubs fans and casual groups
When to visit: Non-peak hours or early pregame
What to order: Wings, burger, hot dog
Insider tip: Arrive early on event days to lock in outdoor space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; very difficult on game days. Public transit or rideshare is strongly recommended, especially during events.
Dress code: Ultra-casual. Team gear, jeans, sneakers, and hats are standard—no need to dress up.
Noise level: High. Loud crowd noise and game audio make extended conversation difficult.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on non-game weekends; significantly longer on Cubs game days.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait outside of peak summer or event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Basic bar-friendly options like fries or a simple veggie burger if available.
Vegan options: Very limited. Best to eat beforehand.
Gluten-free options: Limited and inconsistent. Cross-contamination likely—proceed with caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless the date is centered on sports and casual vibes. It’s loud, crowded, and more about energy than conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Arrive early—especially on game days—or be prepared to stand and wait for space to open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime and early hours can work for families, but it becomes adult-heavy and rowdy later, especially during games.
Best For
Better for: Pure Cubs energy, cheap drinks, and no-frills game-day atmosphere with outdoor hang potential.
Skip if: You want good food, a calm rooftop experience, or a place built around dining rather than drinking and sports.
Murphy's Bleachers
7.8
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Sports Bar Central
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
A classic Wrigleyville sports bar that’s best as an unfussy, dog-friendly patio stop when there’s no event lockout. Stick to handhelds, fried snacks, and a beer-first pace—this is about atmosphere and tradition more than chef-driven food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wings, Half-pound burger, Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wrigleyville institution energy with a dog-friendly patio on off-days.
Who should go: Cubs fans and casual groups with a dog
When to visit: Non-game days or early pregame
What to order: Wings, burger, pizza
Insider tip: Call ahead on event days—dogs may not be allowed then.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; extremely limited on game days and evenings. Metered spots nearby but plan to walk or use rideshare during events.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are the norm.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak hours; moderate and conversational on non-event afternoons.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on non-game weekends; significantly longer or restricted access on game days
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait on non-game weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — fries, basic salads, and cheese pizza are the safest bets.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible snack-only options like fries; confirm preparation.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some items can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date unless both of you are Cubs fans who enjoy loud sports-bar energy. Better as a casual, low-pressure hang.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on non-game days and early hours. Reservations aren’t typical, but arrive early during busy periods to claim a patio or bar spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and non-game hours, though it’s primarily an adult sports-bar environment with limited kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: Classic Wrigleyville atmosphere, budget-friendly bar food, and a dog-friendly patio on off-days.
Skip if: You want a food-forward experience, quiet conversation, or guaranteed dog access on game or event days.
Murphy's Bleachers
8.3
A Wrigleyville sports-bar institution where the burger order makes sense because the kitchen is built for volume and the crowd rhythm never really stops. The move is a straightforward half-pound burger with a simple topping plan, plus fries or tots, so you’re not waiting on a complicated ticket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Murphy's Famous 1/2 LB Burger, Mini Murphy's Burgers, Basket of Tots
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Wrigleyville bar energy with a legit, high-volume burger program.
Who should go: Game-day crews and late-night groups
When to visit: Late night after bars or games
What to order: 1/2 lb burger, mini burgers, tots
Insider tip: Keep the burger classic and add one side—speed stays high under rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and competitive on game days and weekend nights. Public transit (CTA Red Line Addison) is the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar attire; jerseys, hoodies, jeans all fit right in.
Noise level: High – loud crowd energy and TVs throughout; conversation requires leaning in, especially during games.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak game or late-night hours; can be longer after Cubs games
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of game days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited – a veggie burger and basic sides are available, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited – mostly fries or tots; not a strong choice for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some items can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date; better if the goal is a fun, low-pressure hang where sports and crowd energy help carry the vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during games or late nights. Going earlier or off-peak improves your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—especially before games. Late night skews heavily adult with loud crowds and bar-focused energy.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group hangs, game-day burgers, and late-night eating where speed and volume matter more than finesse.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad dietary accommodations, or a more polished burger-focused experience.
Murphy's Bleachers
7.9
A classic Wrigleyville sports bar that’s at its best when you embrace the simple formula: wings, burgers, and a drink while the place stays on rhythm. Happy hour here is about speed and familiarity, not a curated cocktail experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings, Mini Murphy's Burgers, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Across-from-Wrigley energy with a menu built for fast bar orders.
Who should go: Game-day groups and casual bar-food regulars
When to visit: Weekdays before games and weekend crowds
What to order: Wings; mini burgers; fish and chips
Insider tip: Order wings and burgers together—avoids staggered ticket timing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited near Wrigley Field and difficult during games or evenings. Public transit or rideshare is the practical move.
Dress code: Casual and sports-forward — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are all normal.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours and game days — conversation takes effort once crowds build.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on non-game weekends; significantly longer on game days
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait on non-game weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few bar-friendly options like fries or salads, but not a focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — not a strong choice for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free items, but no dedicated prep or menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a conversation-driven first date — it’s better if the date centers on a game, shared fandom, or casual bar energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in driven, but timing matters. Arrive earlier than peak hours, especially on game days.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-oriented. Kids are fine earlier in the day, but evenings and game times skew loud and boozy.
Best For
Better for: Fast-moving happy hours, pre-game drinks, and classic sports-bar energy with zero pretense.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, a quieter atmosphere, or dietary-specific dining options.
Murphy's Bleachers
8.1
A Wrigleyville institution where wings land best when you order like a regular: keep the ticket simple and let the bar handle the rest. It’s strongest as a familiar, fast happy-hour stop—wings plus one other classic—rather than a menu deep-dive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Mini burgers, Fish and chips
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Wrigley-adjacent sports-bar energy with a wings-and-beer comfort zone.
Who should go: Game-day crews and wing seekers
When to visit: Weekdays before the pregame surge
What to order: Buffalo wings; mini burgers; fish and chips
Insider tip: Order wings early—later rushes slow ticket pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meters and residential restrictions apply. Difficult on game days and after 6pm—rideshare or transit is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar attire. Jerseys, hoodies, jeans, and sneakers all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud. Conversation is possible off-peak, but expect raised voices during games and late-night hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on non-game weekends; 60+ minutes on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short bar wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, some sides, and salads; wings-focused menu overall.
Vegan options: Very limited—primarily fries or basic salads without modifications guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some grilled items and salads may work, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both want a casual, high-energy sports-bar vibe. It’s better for bonding over wings and a game than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is mostly walk-in driven. Arrive early for happy hour or grab bar seating to minimize waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes—especially before evening crowds. Late nights and game hours skew adult and loud.
Best For
Better for: Fast wings, classic sports-bar energy, and predictable game-day atmosphere right by Wrigley.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, dietary flexibility, or a more food-driven wing experience.