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The Cubby Bear
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour in Lakeview
Best Happy Hour Wings in Lakeview
Master Critic Review
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.