PLACES TO EAT

Tuscany Restaurant on Clark, 3700 N. Clark - Official Web Site

This small, cozy establishment is tucked into a corner and easy to miss; however, missing it would mean foregoing a truly pleasant dining experience. Once seated at your table in one of two small dining rooms, or in the outdoor seating area, you will be offered bread with a plate of roasted garlic, cheese and oil. The bread is fresh and the garlic whets your appetite for the meal to come. As you wait, take in the friendly atmosphere and the din of content diners at nearby tables; there is a buzz to the room that is inviting and lively.

Try the bruschetta as an appetizer; it is topped with fresh, red tomatoes and seasoned to perfection. If you are in the mood for pasta, the Four Cheese Ravioli is the way to go; each ravioli is stuffed with meat and parmesan cheese in a four cheese sauce. For a more carnivorous appetite, try the Veal Parmesan; this is a breaded veal topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The subtle flavors that characterize dishes at Tuscany make you want to linger over your meal and enjoy every morsel.

For a delicious meal and pleasant service, Tuscany is an excellent choice.


Julius Meinl, 3601 N. Southport - Official Web Site

This coffeehouse is unique, in that there are only two in the world. One is in Vienna, Austria, and the other is right here in Wrigleyville. Indeed, stepping into this spacious café is like stepping into Vienna itself: many ingredients are directly imported from Austria and ensure a genuinely exotic experience. You will notice blackboards featuring names of Austrian delicacies and other European specialties, all available at the café. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a fixed price menu, you can choose anything from a full meal to a simple coffee.

Be sure to linger at the pastry counter and take in the aesthetically pleasing cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Each one looks like a mini work of art and the experience of tasting one is no less pleasing.

If you are in the mood for a caffeine kick, try the Café Mocha; this is Meinl espresso, Meinl European cocoa and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream. The Hot Chocolate is incredibly delicious; made with European cocoa, it is rich and can almost be a meal unto itself. Both drinks make excellent complements to the wide array of pastries.

There is outdoor seating at the café, but if live music is being featured that day, be sure to find a seat inside. The music is beautiful and can vary from a quartet of violinists to a pair of Spanish guitars. Lean back, listen to the music, take in the artfully decorated walls and revel in the tastes that only Julius Meinl can offer.


BARS/CLUBS

Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison - Official Web Site

One of Wrigleyville’s most well-known establishments, the Cubby Bear has been around since 1953 and actually functions as much more than simply a bar. This busy, boisterous space features several big screen televisions that play different sporting events. There is also a restaurant adjoining the bar area. The Cubby Bear hosts not only live music and karaoke but also a variety of fundraisers and events occurring year-round. You can even book a room for a private party.

Some live music events require a cover charge; others do not. Hours vary depending on whether or not there is a Cubs home game; on game days, the bar is open from 10 am-2 am Monday through Saturday and 11 am-1 am on Sunday.

Sluggers, 3540 N. Clark - Official Web Site

Sluggers also goes beyond being just a bar. This immense entertainment center is divided into two floors and literally has something for everyone. Downstairs, watch sporting events on one of over 40 televisions. Enjoy lunch or dinner chosen from the full menu. Play a game of pool on one of 7 pool tables. Or just sit back and enjoy the scene!

Sluggers also features Dueling Pianos, an interactive show on the upstairs level, taking place every Friday and Saturday night as well as after every Cubs home game. The show begins at 9 pm and consists of piano players who will play anything the audience requests. The show has a reputation for being very exciting and can be hired for private parties at Sluggers as well.

Also upstairs you will find a huge game room, with trampoline basketball, batting cages, electronic basketball, electronic football, virtual driving, Skee ball, golf, air hockey and even a ski simulator! The game room is ideal for families and offers hours of entertainment for adults and children alike.

There is a varying cover charge for live music. Bar hours also vary; on Cubs home game days, hours are 10 am-2 am.

PLACES TO STAY

Majestic Hotel, 528 W. Brompton - Official Web Site

This charming hotel is tucked away on a quiet street, but still provides easy access to Wrigley Field and the rest of Wrigleyville. Upon entering the foyer, you notice the Majestic’s peaceful interior as well as the elegant furnishings. Rich fabric adorns the furniture and intricate tapestries hang on the walls. Off the foyer there is a large sitting room and library, with oversized sofas that beckon invitingly.

The Majestic offers free wireless internet throughout the hotel, as well as amenities for each room including honor baskets, luxury robes, hair dryers, complimentary morning newspaper delivery, spacious workstations with data ports and continental breakfast in the lobby. Many of the guestrooms feature a separate sitting room as well. The hotel also has a bellman, concierge, turn-down service and limousine service available.

• Find discounted rooms at the Majestic Hotel.

TOURS

Walk Chicago Tours, Wrigleyville - Official Web Site

Walk Chicago Tours offers several neighborhood tours, including one of Wrigleyville. This tour will take you on a walking tour of the entire Wrigleyville neighborhood, explaining its unique features and history along the way. Visit the historic Chicago Fire Department’s Engine Company 78, the Alta Vista Terrace area, and even the Cubby Bear or Murphy’s Bleachers, two popular bars in the area that serve the legendary “Chicago brew.” Interior tours of Wrigley Field can be combined with this tour upon request. For a tour that combines history and architecture with baseball, this tour is a home-run!

For the 2007 season, the tour operates between May 1st and October 31st. Tour begins at 11:30 am at the corner of Michigan and Washington. The cost is $35; discounts are available for children. Reservations are recommended. For more information, please call 708.557.5400.

For your convenience, the locations of all the businesses mentioned in this article are shown on our Wrigleyville Neighborhood Map.

Chicago Neighborhood Information

• See our Chicago Neighborhood Overviews & Map.