While it seems just about anyone can go up to a random person on the street and ask for the best places to go before a Cubs game and get a good response, asking for a White Sox game is way more difficult.
Bridgeport, the neighborhood surrounding Guaranteed Rate Field, is not as well-known to most people in the Chicago area because it is not as commercialized or considered as much of an adult playground as Wrigleyville. Some people won’t even set foot in Bridgeport just because the street addresses are South of the Loop and they know nothing about it. This neighborhood, however, is a genuine, thriving community full of great, proud people from all walks of life.
One of the jewels in Bridgeport’s crown is its small business environment. Most of the places featured in this piece are family-owned, small businesses that are integral parts of the Bridgeport community and the surrounding neighborhoods. What they have to offer are extensive, flavorful, affordable menus, reflecting a variety of ethnic backgrounds where recipes were passed down from generation to generation.
These places need your business now more than ever to establish themselves on the other side of the pandemic. Next time you go to a White Sox game or want to try something new, go to one of these places and enjoy!
While restrictions are still in place please do whatever is comfortable for you (dine-in, pick-up, curbside, delivery, etc.)
Tailgate in Lot B
Location: 329 W. 34th St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
You can find at least a fraction of the Sox On Tap crew at practically every White Sox home game, so be sure to come tailgate when it’s allowed again. Anyone and everyone is welcome. Look for the On Tap Sports Net flag or PM @SoxOnTap, @NonnieJonnie, or @TonyOnTap on Twitter. It’s BYOB, but it’s not uncommon to find a new friend with some extra beer to spare if you need it. There is always lots of beer. Some games we will also have food, so stay up to date with our tailgates by following Sox On Tap.
Location: 600 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL 60616
Notes: Chicago sports team apparel, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Part of the Bridgeport community since 1989, Grandstand is another local family-owned business. It should be your home for your Chicago White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and, yes, even Cubs apparel. While it isn’t directly affiliated with any team or organization, every piece of merchandise is authentic and part of a major brand. Their selection is outstanding, so don’t miss out on the best of the best when it comes to Chicago sports merchandise. Even if you can’t make it out to the physical location, their updated online store offers a top-notch virtual shopping experience.
Location: 3758 S. Union Ave. Chicago, IL 60609
Notes: 21+ only, cash only, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Shinnick’s is a neighborhood corner bar in Bridgeport. It is one of the oldest Irish bars in Chicago, and much of the country, being constructed in 1890. A family-owned and operated establishment, Shinnick’s is an On Tap favorite before and after White Sox games if there isn’t a tailgate taking place in Lot B. On a sunny summer day, White Sox fans spill out into the sidewalk and parkway to enjoy the weather and socialize. And on some weekends, the side street is blocked off for patrons to enjoy catching up in a block party-like atmosphere.
Location: 500 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Looking for a classic hot dog stand with all your Vienna Beef favorites? 35th Street Red Hots is the spot, standing at the corner of 35th and Normal right in the shadow of the stadium. This is a great place to go if you need a quick bite pre- or post-game.
Location: 252 W. 26th Street Chicago, IL 60616
Notes: kid-friendly, free parking lot, free shuttle to the stadium, Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station
Ricobene’s extensive menu has everything a picky group of people could want. Along with its free shuttle to the ballpark, this is a no-brainer. Ricobene’s is home to one of the most underrated food items in the city limits: its breaded steak sandwich. Their pizza also doesn’t get the love it deserves, but you can try it out for yourself because they sell it by the slice.
Pro tip: There are two service lines. Order your main food and then while you wait, hop in the pizza line and get a slice as a quick appetizer.
Location: 3259 S. Princeton Ave. 60616
Notes: 21+, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Cork and Kerry is a neighborhood tavern across from Armour Square Park. They’re always serving up cold beer and delicious food, whether it be Irish classics or Chicago dishes. The bar also has sliding windows, which gives the place a patio-like feel on a warm summer’s day!
Location: 1102 W. 35th Street
Notes: Cash only, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Phil’s Pizza features one of the best thin-crust pizzas in the city by far. Stop in and grab a pie before the game. This is a Bridgeport favorite that’s worth taking a trip out of the way for on a non-game day.
Location: 238 W. 33rd Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Turtle’s is a cozy corner bar located across from Armour Square Park just north of the stadium. It features both indoor and outdoor seating while you enjoy a variety of drinks is along with a stellar food menu including chicken, burgers, and sandwiches.
Location: 2373 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
Notes: Kid-friendly, free parking lot, free shuttle to stadium, Halsted Orange Line Station, Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station
Connie’s has been an essential establishment for every Chicagoan and visitor alike to try. Family-owned and operated, Connie’s serves some of the best pizza in the city and in just about every variety imaginable. It also has a medley of other Italian-based dishes to satisfy anyone’s hunger. The dining room and patio are both spacious, making it an ideal pregame meet-up spot. Fun fact: Connie’s used to be the pizza served in the park back in the day.
Location: 3434 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Notes: Shuttle, parking, kid-friendly, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Buffalo Wings and Rings is a great spot for a big crew, as they offer menu options for everyone in your group. They are known for their variety of wings, killer burgers, and queso. Their shuttle service is also a nice convenience as it drops you off right at the stadium.
Location: 3920 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Notes: Parking, Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station
Located just a bit north of Bridgeport, Lawrence’s is located on the bank of the south branch of the Chicago River on Canal Street. A family-owned establishment that has been around for 70-plus years, it is a great spot for some quick seafood before a game. They have amazing shrimp! Take advantage of Lawrence’s if you are looking for something that you definitely can’t get in the park.
Location: 2520 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Notes: Halsted Orange Line Station
Big Boss is a really cool dive in the shadows of the Stevenson Expressway. The outside of the building features a collage of graffiti art. These guys keep it simple, serving one of the best hot chicken sandwiches in the city with some delicious sides. It’s an ideal destination if you love spicy food.
Be warned, though: when they say hot, they mean really hot! Their middle option is described as “feel the burn” and they aren’t joking. So don’t be afraid to order a level lower than what you think you can handle heat-wise. Their “coolest” option has a similar heat level to a Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwich with no sauce. The sandwich is filling — you get enough chicken for 1.5 sandwiches, easily.
Location: 411 W. 31st St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Open 24 hours, Cash only, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Maxwell Street Depot is an excellent dive to satisfy all your grilled food needs. Burgers, pizza, dogs, Polish, fries… what more do you need? This place is perfect for a quick bite and to soak up the booze after a long day of drinking at the park.
Location: 2600 S. Wallace Chicago, IL
Notes: Halsted Orange Line Station
Punky’s is another corner neighborhood joint that offers Italian specialties. Its menu features the Panzerotti, which is like a calzone, and Punky’s knocks it out of the park. They also offer appetizing pizza and a variety of pasta dishes. You can’t go wrong with Punky’s.
Location: 1000 W. 35th Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Antique is a taco stand that offers an ala carte menu highlighted by handmade tortillas and homemade recipes. Drive right up to the stand and grab something to eat in the lot. It’s a rather cool vibe and setting.
Location: 3356 S Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Notes: 21+, Sox-35th Red Line Station
Mitchell’s Tap has one of the best beer menus in the city. It boasts tons of TVs and an outdoor patio, making it perfect for any summer day before or after a Sox game.
Location: 701 W. 31st. Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Freddies is another family-owned institution in Bridgeport. They offer a variety of homemade food choices that are quick and easy. With pizza, Italian sandwiches, deserts, you name it… Freddies has something for everyone will enjoy.
Location: 3630 S. Iron Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Marz is a brewery in a warehouse space just minutes from the park with some delicious beer selections. You can check out a review of one of their offerings here. Not only do they serve delicious beer, but they also have some mouth-watering food as well.
Location: 954-960 W 31st St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
This place is one of a kind. Kimski serves a fusion of both Polish and Korean foods. If you are looking for a unique experience before or after a ballgame, this could be the place for you. They also offer craft beer and wine, which you can enjoy on a patio in the afternoon sun.
Location: 218 W. 33rd St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
This is the first place off of the Sox-35th Red Line if you take the less-busy 33rd Street exit rather than the 35th Street exit. Pizza has been a common theme throughout this list, but Stix ‘n Brix makes a wood-fired pizza, setting itself apart from other pizza places in the area. Their other offerings include sandwiches, salads, pasta, coffee, smoothies, beer, wine, and more.
Location: 514 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
The name says it all; a local pub dedicated to the ballpark and all things White Sox. This place features an excellent selection of food, including affordable, great-tasting burgers and chicken. You can’t go wrong with anything here.
Location: 330 W. 26th Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station
Carbon serves delicious authentic Mexican food at an affordable price. The dishes come in large portions, providing a good bang for your buck. It’s always great to have some leftovers after a day at the park.
Location: 300 W. 31st St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
While this place is distinctly sit-down and a bit pricier than others listed here, it is still a great location before a game or for a special occasion, date night, birthday, etc. Their authentic Italian food is to die for, and the highlights include tasty pasta dishes along with veal, chicken, and more.
Location: 2105 S. State Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Free Shuttle, Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station, Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station
While Reggie’s offers delectable beer and food, it’s also a large venue that can house sizable concerts and shows. Hit up a day game and then hop on the shuttle here for a show at night. Beer, music, and baseball… you can’t go wrong.
Location: 3238 S. Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Bernice’s is another corner tap offering food, beer, and, best of all, live music and open mics all in a friendly atmosphere. It’s definitely a destination that would be ideal on both game days and non-game days.
Location: 700 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Pancho Pistolas is another family-owned joint known for serving up some killer traditional Mexican food and amazing margaritas, making it perfect on a warm summer’s day. It also has an outdoor patio to enjoy.
Location: 2701 S. Eleanor Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Halsted Orange Line Station
The Duck Inn is another upscale option on this list, but it’s always good to have a variety of options in all areas. It’s a retro-inspired establishment with creative duck dishes and other American eats, plus cocktails and local beers. It also has an outdoor patio.
Location: 3501 S. Union Ave. Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
This joint is a member of the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame. Morrie O’Malley’s offers sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs, along with some favorite summertime treats — ice cream and Italian ice. It’s a quick and easy place with outdoor seating.
Location: 960 W. 31st Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Here’s another excellent place to grab a drink before a game. Maria’s has a nice offering of local and regional brews in addition to cocktails and wine. It also doubles as a store if you want to grab something to go.
Location: 1141 S. Jefferson St. Chicago, IL
Notes: Roosevelt Red Line Station
Manny’s is one Chicago experience everybody ought to try at least once. It features a cafeteria-style restaurant where you slide down the counter and select what you want from the deli. While it’s known for its corned beef sandwiches, Manny’s also offers soups, salads, a plethora of other sandwiches, meatloaf, fish, and other sides. It even offers breakfast for those early day games. This place is a convenient option if you are coming down 90/94 from the north en route to the stadium.
Location: 3500 S Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Notes: Sox-35th Red Line Station
Here’s a restaurant with a diner feel. It’s an ideal location for an enjoyable breakfast, and it also offers everything under the sun for lunch and dinner options.
As you can see, there are a plethora of excellent restaurants and bars within the vicinity of Guaranteed Rate Field. When mapping out your White Sox gameday experience, you won’t be disappointed if you include one or multiple of these establishments in your plans.
*Valid for gamblers 21 and over in Illinois and Iowa