CHICAGO — In case you haven't heard, there are plenty of options for bars to catch the Cubs' postseason run in Wrigleyville.
But if you want to be a part of the celebration that shuts down Clark Street, you have to be in one of the establishments either on Clark or very near to it — otherwise, due to police efforts to curb rowdy celebrations in the area, you may be barred from the most exciting bits.
Each bar on Clark Street has its own vibe, and you probably won't have time (or will you?) to check out all of them, so we did some Yelp scouting for you:
Casey Moran's, 3660 N. Clark St. A classic, Irish-style bar with an open-air front that gives customers great views of Wrigley Field.
The Good: "What I love about Casey Moran's is that it has a cool layout. There's plush booths to sit in, a dance floor, an extra bar, pub-style seats, an outdoor space and a rooftop patio. The patio is new, and it's beautiful. They serve food tapas-style up there. Very cool."
The Bad: "It's great if you like a bar that lets you order a round of drinks, then the bouncers start yelling for everyone to get out as soon as you take the first sip."
The Bottom Line: 2.5 stars
The Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. One of the most well known and rowdy of the area bars. It's known for its live music.
The Good: "Crowds are energetic and friendly, drinks are reasonably priced. I really liked they had a band playing after the game on a Tuesday night. Awesome pregaming with a gorgeous view of Wrigley across the street."
The Bad: "It is big and open and very touristy. The times I have ended up here I have seen fights and many really belligerent patrons ... I suggest you walk further down Clark Street to find a cleaner, more put together crowd."
The Bottom Line: 2.5 stars
Sports Corner, 956 W. Addison St. A massive, multi-floor bar offering traditions sports bar fare.
The Good: "They had two bouncers checking IDs for a quick entry. The place was bustling and busy, but we were able to run to the bathroom quickly. The bathrooms were super clean for a busy game day too!"
The Bad: "This last time we were there the food was just mediocre, (blue cheese burger, hot wings and goat cheese with grapes salad-the salad was excellent) service was very slow and our waitress seemed annoyed with everything and everyone."
The Bottom Line: 3 stars
Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield Ave. One of the oldest Wrigleyville bars and also perhaps the closest to the friendly confines.
The Good: "Nice big space that's usually not too crowded. They have this cool area in the back where you just go up to the window and order a dog or a burger and get it right away."
The Bad: "This place should close and let something better come into this prime location. I never write a bad review until trying a place twice, once was enough for here."
The Bottom Line: 3.5 stars
Sluggers World Class Sports Bar, 3540 N. Clark St. Jam packed with features, including a dueling piano bar and batting cages.
The Good: "Service was amazing, friendly, pleasant, and on point. I don't believe my beer ever became empty, and the snacks (hello pretzel) were sound."
The Bad: "The service is pathetic and the bartenders are some of the most unfriendly people I've ever interacted with. The food is horrible and there are far better options on the same block."
The Bottom Line: 3 stars
Old Crow Smokehouse, 3506 N. Clark St. Has a massive outdoor seating area with a retractable roof.
The Good: "Staff was incredibly friendly, and our waitress was very attentive, which is a major feat since it was packed before the game. We just had the wings which had great flavor, and the fries, which were literally the best fries we ever had in our life."
The Bad: "Had the burnt ends which were dry fatty chunks of pot roast which were served with dried out cornbread, smashed sweet potatoes with no flavor and a bowl of meat fat juices which looked disgusting. Service was fair, but drinks were cold and music was good."
The Bottom Line: 3 stars
John Barleycorn, 3524 N. Clark St. A popular bar with multiple spots in Chicago.
The Good: "Have been here a few times and its a cool spot! I love the fact that they have a roof top/sky line upstairs. They have good drinks and nice apps. A good chill spot to hang."
The Bad: This place has the potential to be really awesome with two floors of completely different atmospheres, but unfortunately it is severely lacking. Plenty of other awesome places in Wrigleyville that are way better than this."
The Bottom Line: 2 stars
Red Ivy, 3525 N. Clark St. An expansive bar with a nightclub-like atmosphere.
The Good: "Long story short, GREAT atmosphere for football, excellent drink specials ($4 Great Lakes and more), and solid bar food. Doesn't get much better for a Browns game in Chicago."
The Bad: "Red Ivy used to be my favorite spot ... they incorporated a dress code after 10 p.m. It is Wrigley for crying out loud! I would rather go to downtown instead of the place."
The Bottom Line: 3 bars
Moe's Cantina, 3518 N. Clark St. A Mexican-themed bar for those looking for a reprieve from sports bars (though it still qualifies as a sports bar).
The Good: "I don't know how this place stacks up if you're a local, but as a visitor coming right after a game, we had a really great time!"
The Bad: "Will never go back to this place. Every employee in the establishment was too preoccupied with their phones to do their job. Even the manager was standing around on his phone instead of making sure his employees were working. I would give this place 0 stars if it was an option."
The Bottom Line: 2 stars
Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N. Clark St. Perhaps the most restaurant-style of all the spots near Wrigley, but its known to have good food and, of course, great beer.
The Good: "Goose Island never disappoints with their flavorful beers. My husband and I stopped in their after our weird experience at the Cubby Bear. We had the Poutine - oh my god cheese curds! So good ! Had to try this northern dish and it was amazing."
The Bad: "The only positive I can say is that the goose island [sic] beer is cheap. Otherwise, the food is super mediocre. Service was slow and place was 1/4 full. I'll come back for beer but eat somewhere else."
The Bottom Line: 3.5 stars
The Irish Oak, 3511 N. Clark St.
The Good: "We came up for our annual Cards / Cubs weekend, and had an amazing time here. Menu is basically what you'd expect in terms of variety, but quality is above par in terms of flavor and execution. The bar is run incredibly well and can't be equaled in the surrounding area."
The Bad: "There are very few redeemable bars in the Wrigleyville area: this is not one of them. Well, I suppose if you are 21, still wear your Greek letters, and reach for bombs as your preferred drink of choice, then maybe it is."
The Bottom Line: 3.5 stars
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