Baseball stadium travelers

Hi, I'm hosting some NJ friends who are doing the baseball stadiums tour. Hitting Comiskey, Wrigley, Miller Park and they're going to several minor league games (I won't be joining that part) in Joliet and Rockford and one other place.

They like to hit spots before the games for a beer or two, then go in early for batting practice and such. Wrigley is easy for a north sider like me. I was thinking Schaller's near the Sox game, not sure if it is a walkable thing. No idea what else is nearby where people hang out before the games...suggestions?

I'm thinking of taking them to Al's on Taylor if Schaller's or something comparable isn't a good fit but I don't think there's beer. Love to find them a decent Polish as well. They're insisting on hitting Navy Pier but otherwise I think I can lead them along a reasonable path.

Thanks in advance.

35th Street Red Hots located at 500 W. 35th street just west of the Cell.
Polish and fresh cut fries, cheap and delicious

Schallers Pump is a good call, food is pretty good too. I'll go there and walk east towards the park, usually thirsty quickly so a stop at Shinnicks Pub is next. Also Morrie Omalleys has been a regular pre game ritual forever. Grilled chicago style dog here.

If your friends need Joliet ideas there is a few spots on the Joliet thread in beyond Chicago, same goes for the Quad Cities or Peoria if those are the minor league stops.

Shinnicks Pub
3758 S. Union
Chicago

Morrie O'Malleys
3501 S. union
Chicago

You might also check out these three related threads:

SOX game - looking for a Chicago Dining experience

Bar/Food on the way/at Comiskey?

Best options around the baseball stadiums?

I agree that Schaller's is a good call, especially if you are looking to get food. If your friends like a little bit more of a beer variety, I would recommend Mitchell's Tap, between 33rd and 34th on Halsted, which has a bit more variety in terms of craft beer and an outdoor area if the weather is nice where you can play bags. However, Mitchell's does not have food so keep that in mind*.

* Edit: Apparently, in doing some looking, Mitchell's does now serve food, but I make no guarantees on the quality. I only have been there to have Gumballhead before a game (and after work when I worked in the area).

I think Al's on Taylor is a great idea for your NJ friends because they don't have that back East. Yes, no beer, but it's not like y'all will be deprived the whole day.

For Miller Park, plan on getting up there early and tailgating. It's a wonderful scene. On the way up, it wouldn't be a bad idea to stop at the newly-refurbished Mars Cheese Castle just over the WI border. Plenty of cheese & sausage to take on the road for a tailgate, and the bar makes a mean bloody mary with a sidecar of New Glarus beer.

I'd recommend tailgating at Miller Park for them. It has to be the best tailgating in MLB and rivals a lot of NFL tailgating scenes. Also, Sobelman's is not very far from the stadium, and while I don't think they are close to the best burger in Milwaukee (as they claim), it is still a great Wisconsin tavern experience.

ziggy wrote:I'd recommend tailgating at Miller Park for them. It has to be the best tailgating in MLB and rivals a lot of NFL tailgating scenes. Also, Sobelman's is not very far from the stadium, and while I don't think they are close to the best burger in Milwaukee (as they claim), it is still a great Wisconsin tavern experience.

I'd hit AJ Bombers in Milwaukee, and make sure they get a burger with NUESKE bacon on it! Also the cheese curds there are great.

For Burgers near Miller Park, Oscar's on 19th and Pierce. Nice friendly place with superior burgers to the aforementioned joints. Another idea without much work. Stop at the Cermak Market just up the road from Miller Park and get the freshly made tortilla's, get a bunch of cilantro in produce, get fresh salsa, and the cooked pork shoulder from the deli area. Grab some cold beer and tailgate. Don't even need to pack a cooler as Miller Park is a mile away. Could go to Steny's on 2nd and National for great wings and other things and take the shuttle over.

sujormik wrote:Hi, I'm hosting some NJ friends who are doing the baseball stadiums tour. Hitting Comiskey, Wrigley, Miller Park and they're going to several minor league games (I won't be joining that part) in Joliet and Rockford and one other place.

In case Gary's Steel Yard is the stadium-to-be-named-later, I'd highly recommend tanking up before the game at Cavalier Inn in Hammond, a detour of only a few blocks. It's a fine old family-run Polish tavern with some pretty good homemade food—especially pierogi and fried chicken livers (not sure I ever tried their Polish sausage). I actually prefer Gary's ballpark to Joliet's (never been to Rockford's), only partly because it encourages a stop at the Cav.

Greetings!


Mixed plate


Cavalier Inn
735 Gostlin St
Hammond IN
219-933-9314
http://www.cavalierinn.net/

sujormik wrote:Love to find them a decent Polish as well.

jay2021 wrote:35th Street Red Hots located at 500 W. 35th street just west of the Cell.
Polish and fresh cut fries, cheap and delicious

I'm a big fan of 35th Street Red Hots, but their Polish is simmered (which I'm not a big fan of). Not sure what style you're looking for.

jimswside wrote:Also Morrie Omalleys has been a regular pre game ritual forever. Grilled chicago style dog here.

I like Morrie O'Malley's, but their default Polish prep is simmered. I think they'll grill (not sure about griddle) one for you on request. Better double check if this is important to you.

For a good griddled Polish and onions in Bridgeport, I'd suggest Maxwell Street Depot on 31st. They actually seem to take some pride in what they serve (unlike some of the better-known places).





Maxwell Street Depot
411 W 31st St
Chicago
24 hours
312-326-3514

You guys rock, thank you so much!

Well, it's a pretty cool idea--not that it hasn't been done before, the baseball tours. But...with a very few exceptions, ballpark food just kinda...sucks. Better to chow down at surrounding joints that are recommended so you don't get saddled with a limp hot dog for $5.50.

And that Maxwell Street Depot is killer, very good Polish!

Rene G wrote:

sujormik wrote:Hi, I'm hosting some NJ friends who are doing the baseball stadiums tour. Hitting Comiskey, Wrigley, Miller Park and they're going to several minor league games (I won't be joining that part) in Joliet and Rockford and one other place.

In case Gary's Steel Yard is the stadium-to-be-named-later, I'd highly recommend tanking up before the game at Cavalier Inn in Hammond, a detour of only a few blocks. It's a fine old family-run Polish tavern with some pretty good homemade food—especially pierogi and fried chicken livers (not sure I ever tried their Polish sausage). I actually prefer Gary's ballpark to Joliet's (never been to Rockford's), only partly because it encourages a stop at the Cav.

Greetings!


Mixed plate


Cavalier Inn
735 Gostlin St
Hammond IN
219-933-9314
http://www.cavalierinn.net/

The Gary Steel Yard is a great place to watch a game. Don't be put off because it's in Gary. It's extremely safe at the ballpark and the surrounding area.

Agree with Artie--we love going to Railcats games. When the boys were much younger and in Boy Scouts, they used to have sleepover campouts at the field. Pretty much the only thing they liked about scouts

At Maxwell St. Depot - Pork Chop Sandwich!