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Yak-Zies Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Yak-Zies Bar & Grill
7.8
A low-key Wrigleyville bar where the wings are the only reason to overthink the menu. Order wings in one flavor (or split two for a bigger group), keep expectations in the classic bar-food lane, and treat it as a pre- or post-game move.
Must-Try Dishes:
10 Wings (Hot), 20 Wings (Medium), Wings (Tang-Z-Q)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straight-to-the-point wings focus in a classic bar setting.
Who should go: Pregame wing people near Wrigley
When to visit: Before first pitch or late-night
What to order: 10 wings hot, 20 wings medium, Tang-Z-Q
Insider tip: Ask for sauce on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very difficult during Cubs games and busy nights. Plan on walking from a few blocks away or using rideshare on game days.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, jerseys all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud during games and late nights; conversation is possible off-peak but expect bar-level noise most of the time.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes on non-game weekends; longer before and after Cubs games.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries and basic bar sides, but wings are the main focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly snack-level sides only.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free menu; sauces and fryer cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe is ultra-casual. It works for laid-back, sports-focused hangs but not for conversation-heavy or intimate first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation culture here. Arrive earlier on game days or be flexible with bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. It’s primarily a bar environment, especially loud and crowded during games and late nights.
Best For
Better for: Straightforward, no-frills wings at a solid price point with true neighborhood sports-bar energy.
Skip if: You want polished cocktails, a quiet meal, or broader menu options beyond wings and classic bar food.
Yak-Zies Bar & Grill
7.8
A straightforward Wrigleyville bar where fries make the most sense as the add-on that rounds out a wings-and-beer order. Go in with a plan—fries plus one primary plate—so you get hot, fresh sides without a long ticket-time spiral.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries, Chicken Wings, Mozzarella Sticks
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Classic bar format where fries are the clean, reliable side.
Who should go: Pregame crews keeping it simple.
When to visit: Weeknights or post-game late hours.
What to order: French fries, wings, one round of beers.
Insider tip: Order fries early—second rounds can slow the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited near Wrigley Field and tough after 6pm or on game nights.
Dress code: Casual bar wear—jeans, hoodies, jerseys, and sneakers are all normal.
Noise level: Loud—sports audio and crowd energy make conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min on non-game nights; longer before or after Cubs games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries and a few bar-friendly sides work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—fries may be vegan but share fryers with meat items; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated prep area and high cross-contamination risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual drinks or a pregame vibe—it's loud and sports-focused, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, but timing matters a lot on game days and weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day, yes; late nights skew adult and rowdy with limited kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Quick fries-and-beer combos before or after games with minimal decision-making.
Skip if: You want standout fries as the main event or a quieter sit-down experience.
Yak-Zies Bar & Grill
7.7
A more local-leaning Wrigleyville bar option where wings play well as a simple happy-hour anchor while the room stays casual. The best approach is to treat it like a neighborhood stop: one wing order, one drink, and keep it moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Boneless wings, Mozzarella sticks
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A more neighborhood-feeling Wrigleyville stop where wings fit happy hour.
Who should go: Locals who want a quieter bar
When to visit: Weekdays for the smoothest service
What to order: Buffalo wings; boneless wings; mozzarella sticks
Insider tip: Order wings right away—later rushes slow the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive near Clark Street, especially after 6pm—allow extra time or use rideshare on game nights.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, hoodies, and team gear are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate—generally conversational on weekdays, louder during games but not club-level.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes on non-game weekends; longer if there’s a Cubs game nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fried bar snacks like mozzarella sticks and fries are the safest bets.
Vegan options: Very limited—fries only, and cross-contact is possible.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some wings may be gluten-free by ingredient, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a polished date—conversation is easy on weekdays, but it’s still a sports bar at heart.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids, but it’s primarily an adult bar environment, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, more local-feeling happy hour wings compared to louder Clark Street sports bars.
Skip if: You want a polished dining experience, extensive food options, or a destination-level wing standout.