Categories: Sports & Recreation Classic Chicago Transportation

CTA: Chicago's Red Line

Author: By Allison Knab

From Sox to Cubs, the L takes Chicago baseball beyond spectator sport. When you're done with the architectural and historic Chicago cruises (or before, depending on your priorities), try taking a baseball cruise of the Red Line L, riding between the White Sox's U.S. Cellular Field and the Cubs' Wrigley Field.

Wrigley's Addison stop may have gone up 69 years before the Sox-35th stop, but now the two are inexorably linked together. From downtown, hop on at Lake, Washington, Jackson or Madison and head north or south, depending on your loyalties. Then stop off at some of these other cruise-worthy sites.

U.S. Cellular Field 
Especially since their 2005 World Series victory which overcame an 88 year slump since their previous victory in 1917, the White Sox still inspire fierce loyalty. Old Comiskey Park went up in 1910 and the new stadium was built in 1991; last year it officially became U.S. Cellular Field (though try telling that to die-hard native fans). They say there's not a bad view in the house, plus the Sox' new home has every amenity you could desire. Fans here are notorious for their bawdiness, scoffing at their more ‘genteel' competitors to the north. Most of the action happens inside the park, so go straight in for your beer, hot dogs, burritos and of course, baseball. Just try not to mention that whole Black Sox incident. (L: Sox-35th stop)

Schaller's Pump
To finish off – or start – your White Sox experience, head on over to Schaller's Pump, which has been serving up Bridgeport locals and visitors since 1881, making it one of the city's oldest bars and a former hangout for many of the Daley clan. Go during the game to root the Sox on with the family of owners and the locals, or afterwards to celebrate with a cold beer. Make sure to try the corned beef and cabbage or the pork chops. (L: Sox-35th stop, walk two blocks south and three blocks west.)

Grandstand Sports
Whether it's an autographed player photo, a reproduction jersey from the Negro league, or a t-shirt from your choice of minor league team, Grandstand has it. They also claim to have the largest White Sox selection around, and a glance at rack after rack of shirts makes it hard to imagine they're wrong (not to mention the selection of White Sox Santas for sale). Glass counters hold rare and framed baseball cards, as well as official game balls. (L: Sox-35thstop, walk three blocks west)

Wrigley Field
The action at Wrigley is both inside and outside the park; from the moment you step off the L you're mobbed by fans heading both for bars and for the stadium. From inside Wrigley, porches and rooftop decks and bars rise above the stadium's ivy-lined walls to reveal fans watching outside the borders. Built in 1914 and the Cubs' home field since 1916, Wrigley is now the second-oldest stadium in the Major League (and celebrating its 90th anniversary this year). It's worth going just to see the hand-turned scoreboard, view Lake Michigan from the cheap seats, or soak up some sun in the bleachers. Plus, although winless in the Series since 1908, this could be the Cubs' year. (L: Addison stop.)

Goose Island Brewing Company
With nine TVs and three giant projection screens, Goose Island is not a bad place to watch the game if you've missed out on tickets. And with its large outdoor area, it's also not a bad place to party afterwards. Try the beer selection made locally: the classic Honker's Ale, Special Brown or the latest summer brew. Then attempt to identify the nine baseball greats in the mural on the back wall (hint: not one of them ever played for the Cubs). (L: Addison stop, walk two blocks west and a half block south.)

Murphy's Bleachers
If you want beer-swilling and Cubs-celebrating fans, this is the place to find them, as it's virtually an extension of the stadium's bleacher section. It's also a place to find great soups, chili and burgers in an open-air bar. Be sure to check out baseball memorabilia decorating the walls, and check out your neighbors: Cubs have been known to stop by after winning games. (L: Addison stop)

ESPN Zone
With a 16-foot TV, the ESPN Zone may have the largest view of games outside of the stadiums. Stop in before or after games for cheese fries, sliders (bite-sized burgers), pasta and burgers, then work it off with the never-ending selection of interactive games. (L: Grand stop, walk one block north and one block east.)

Harry Caray's
It's hard to miss the enormous Holy Cow! sign hanging from the side of Harry Caray's, a celebration of the famous Cubs' announcer's favorite saying. Sit down and dig into the famous steaks and Italian dishes, then walk through the more than 1500 items of baseball memorabilia on display. At the front of the restaurant, stroll down the “Walk of Fame,” honoring people important in Caray's life. Or just grab a beer at the 60' 6” bar (the exact distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate). (L: Grand stop, walk three blocks south and one block west.)

Check out places of interest near CTA: Chicago's Red Line:

1492 Tapas Bar
42 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611

Located in a sea of prestigious restaurants, this new tapas restaurant is giving the more expensive eateries a run for their money. Authentic hot and cold Spanish dishes are perfect to share with a date in the cozy setting of this four-level Victorian house.

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

A Mano
335 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

Rustic Italian is on the menu at this restaurant brought to you by the folks behind Bin 36, one of the city's most popular restaurants. It's situated close to the intersection of State Street and the Chicago River, next to the House of Blues.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, Blackbird has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by Gourmet magazine. Contemporary American dining reaches its zenith here.

 

Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Serving breakfast and lunch, this sibling to the popular Wicker Park location serves omelets, breakfast burritos and upscale flapjack offerings such as the “Oreo cookie” for breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch, seasonally inspired salads and sandwiches highlight the menu.

Brazzaz
539 N. Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610

Servers at this River North Brazilian steakhouse carve some 16 varieties of meat tableside.

Cotes du Rhone Bistro
5424 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640

A Chicago BYO restaurant for now, chef Brian Moulton serves classic French fare with his own personal touches at more-than-fair prices.

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Gold Coast Dogs
159 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601

Gold Coast Dogs serves gourmet Chicago hot dogs and other great sandwiches. When it comes to Chicago hot dogs, this is it!

Goose Island
3535 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago , IL 60654

This contemporary-American restaurant, located in the River North gallery district inside a 19th century printing warehouse, has all the taste of an uppity resaurant, but none of the bitterness.

Harry Caray's
33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Italian steakhouse is named for Chicago's beloved baseball announcer, Harry Caray.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

 

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Keefer's
20 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60611

This French-inspired steak house offers steaks, chops and seafood, plus a bisto menu of lighter fare like seafood pot pie and a steak sandwich with pommes frites

Le Lan
749 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Chef Bill Kim, a veteran of the Chicago dining scene, melds the textures, flavors and concepts of Asian cuisine with an extensive skill set to make this one of the hottest restaurants in town year in and year out. Expect a black sunglasses AND clothes crowd here: visitors from NYC and Paris seem to delight in it.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.

 

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

 

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game. 

 

Walnut Room
111 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60602

The historic Walnut Room, located on Macy's seventh floor, has been a premier Chicago dining destination since 1907.

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Carl Hammer Gallery
740 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654

New and emerging artforms have a place to call home. The Carl Hammer Gallery is one of the River North neighborhood's hottest shops for outsider art and has been since opening in 1979.

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

Sam's Wine & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St., Chicago, IL 60614

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

 

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.

 

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

Potter's
17 E Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.

 

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Tryst
3485 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Tryst is the most chic place to be if you're in Wrigleyville, that is--if you're not into the whole sports bar mania that is Clark Street. 

 

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game. 

 

Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.

 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

ESPN Zone
43 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

ESPN Zone mixes the fun of an arcade with the excitement of a sporting event, serving deliciously fun food.

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

Oriental Theater- Ford Center for Performing Arts
24 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL 60601

Oriental Theatre- Ford Center for Performing Arts, home of the current Broadway smash "Wicked", offers a variety of seats so you can get the best seat for your budget. 

 

U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616

Home of the Chicago White Sox and the baseball darling of Chicago's South Side, U.S. Cellular Field is one of the nation's premier ballparks--Chicago baseball meets a good time here.

Untouchable Tours
600 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614

This two-hour guided bus tour of Prohibition-era gangster hot spots is a wild ride.  Visit notorious speakeasies, shoot-out locations and other haunts of the 1920s Chicago gangsters while tour guides provide all of the insider scoop about gangster history. 

Has been designated a:
Concierge favorite

Wrigley Field
1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613

Home of the Chicago Cubs.

Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.

Chicago Bicycle Federation
9 W. Hubbard St., Ste. 402, Chicago, IL 60610

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation advocates for bicyclists' rights in all respects. One of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, this organization works to bring awareness to the biking community in all its many forms.

 

Chicago Line Cruises
455 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

Premier boat-based tour service offering cruises focused on architecture, history, or private charters, serving complimentary coffee and muffins.  Group rates available, and tickets available online.