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Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden
Master Critic Review
Sheffield's Beer & Wine Garden
8.5
Sheffield’s Beer & Wine Garden is a long-running Lakeview institution where in-house smoked Memphis-style ribs, brisket, and pulled pork back a serious craft beer program and leafy beer garden. It works best as a casual BBQ-and-beer hangout before or after Wrigley, with the smoker room bar showcasing the house pit work.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Ribs Platter, Beef Brisket Platter, Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old beer garden with an on-site smoker turning out ribs and brisket.
Who should go: Beer-first BBQ fans headed to or from Wrigley.
When to visit: Warm evenings and game days for peak beer-garden energy.
What to order: BBQ ribs platter, beef brisket platter, Carolina pulled pork.
Insider tip: Ask for a seat near the Smoker Room bar to watch the pit in action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered and residential zones nearby; expect competition on game days
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and outdoor-friendly layers are common
Noise level: Lively — conversation is possible indoors but becomes loud in the garden during games and weekends
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes on warm evenings and Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to find a table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — salads, sides, and a few non-BBQ items
Vegan options: Very limited — a couple of sides and salads with modifications
Gluten-free options: Moderate — smoked meats without buns or certain sauces; confirm with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, beer-garden vibe and casual conversation; it’s less ideal for quiet or intimate dates, especially on busy game nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most seating is walk-in; arrive early on warm weekends or Cubs home games to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime and early evenings; outdoor seating works best for families, but late nights and game crowds can feel rowdy for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Casual BBQ with a strong craft beer list and one of the best shaded beer gardens in Lakeview, especially before or after Wrigley events.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, refined BBQ plating, or extensive vegetarian/vegan options — choose a sit-down smokehouse instead.