Gear Up
I like to see if the Engine 29 firehouse on 35th and Lowe is selling Chicago Fire Department/Sox t-shirts. Usually, if the garage door is open, you can inquire. But don’t pester them if it’s not as they have more important business to attend to. (It does make for a great souvenir, though.) Grandstand Sports is another great spot to gear up before game time.
Pre-Game Bites
Maxwell Street Depot is a favorite for a pre-game Polish or Chicago-style dog. New this year? They’ll also be serving pizza next door. Another standby is 35th Street Red Hots for hand-cut French fries. While their hot dogs and Polishes are great, too, the fried shrimp are phenomenal!
Where to Drink Before
Experience the Bridgeport sports bar scene a few blocks North of the ballpark at Rocky’s. Their back beer garden is a great place to relax and enjoy some food and drinks with friends before the game. If you’re looking for small-batch local beers in a hip setting, then make sure to check out Marz Community Brewing Company, a short jaunt West from the field. Prefer to pre-game in the park? Hunker down in the Craft Kave in the right field bullpen area.
Favorite Thing to Eat at the Game
If it were acceptable to get a plate of grilled onions, that would clearly be my choice, but I will just settle for extra on my grilled Polish! The elotes from Corn off the Cobb is not to be missed, it’s perfectly spicy, sweet, and creamy!
Post Up, Post-Game
Located just outside of Gate 5, stop into ChiSox Bar & Grill for some pulled pork nachos before heading home or venture North, just past the historic Park District field house, to Cork & Kerry at the Park for an authentic South Side Irish pub vibe.
Written By Colin Bertling
Colin’s a concierge at the Hotel Palomar Chicago in River North. A native Chicagoan, he’s a die-hard White Sox fan.