We visited the Wrigleyville rooftops* to catch the vibe (but no fly balls). A seat will cost you $125 and up, but, hey, food and drinks are included!
Main story | Waveland Avenue rooftops
3649 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
Murphy’s Rooftop Company
Location to Wrigley: Center-right field
Occupancy: 50
Building: Known as Ernie’s Bleachers when it opened in the 1930s, Murphy’s started rooftop viewing in 1984 and renovated in 1998.
View: Outfield bleachers block most of left field.
Go for:The crowds. Hang out at one of Wrigley’s most popular beer gardens before the game.
Menu: Burgers, brats, polish sausages, chicken sandwiches, chips, brownies, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Other amenities: A Harry Caray light for night games.
Price: $2,000-$7,000 per group
For more information: 773-281-5356; www.murphysbleachers.com/rooftop.html
3643 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
Wrigleyville Rooftops
Location to Wrigley: Right-center field
Occupancy: 200
Building: The Cubby Bear bought the building in 1989 and has offered rooftop viewing ever since.
View: Center field slightly obstructed.
Go for: The friendly staff. (Ask for Peter. He’ll take care of you.)
Menu: Hot dogs, brats, chicken breast, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, salmon, ribeye steak, grilled onions and peppers, fruit plate, pasta salad, portobello mushrooms, chips, cookies, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: New 50-foot bleachers installed last year.
Price:$175.50 ($193 for Red Sox and Cardinals).
For more information: 773-327-1662; cubbybear.com/rooftops
3639 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
3639 Wrigley Rooftop
Location to Wrigley: Right field
Occupancy: 175
Building: The roof’s been used to watch games since the ’70s, but didn’t become a business until 1993.
View: You get one of the most expansive views of Wrigley Field and the surrounding area from the “Upper Deck.”
Go for: Two decks. Hang out on the rooftop bleachers or in the even-higher “Upper Deck,” one of the highest spots.
Menu: Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, jumbo hot dogs, brats, chicken breast sandwiches, veggie burgers, desserts, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Cafe-style seating with umbrella-shaded tables.
Price: $135-$150, can go up to $192 later in the season. Prices went up to $275-$325 during the Red Sox series.
For more information: 312-382-9100; 3639wrigleyrooftop.com
3637 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
Ivy League Baseball Club
Location to Wrigley: Right field
Occupancy: 160
Building: The roof has been entertaining fans ever since four spectators were photo-graphed watching from the roof on Opening Day, 1914, at Weeghman Park.
View: Slight obstruction in right and center fields near the warning track.
Go for: One of the best views of Wrigley Field. Bar none.
Menu: Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, Wisconsin-style brats, Italian and Polish sausages, chips, cookies, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Convenient parking.
Price: $150-$225 June through September ($75-$150 in April and May)
For more information: 773-842-5387; ivyleaguebaseballclub.com
3633 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
Lakeview Baseball Club
Location to Wrigley: Right field
Occupancy: 170
Building: Opened for rooftop viewing in 1988, and renovated earlier this year.
View: Great, unobstructed view from right field.
Go for: The signs: “AC” means “Anno Catuli” or “Year of the Cub” in Latin. The first two numbers are the years since the Cubs won the Central Division; the middle two are the years since the Cubs won the pennant; the last two are the years since the Cubs won the World Series. “Eamus Catuli” means “Go Cubs” in Latin.
Menu: Burgers, veggie burgers, brats, hot dogs, chicken breast and pork chops, salads, beer, wine, soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water and coffee.
Other amenities: Huge clubhouse, sheltered outdoor areas in case of rain, and a bowl of Goldfish on every table.
Price: $150 (requires membership)
For more information: 773-935-1880; lakeviewbaseballclub.com
3621-25 N. SHEFFIELD AVE.
Sheffield Baseball Club
Location to Wrigley: Right-field line
Occupancy: 200
Building: Started viewing on the rooftop and third floor back in 1938 when the Cubs and Yankees faced off in the World Series.
View: Very little outfield obstruction.
Go for: One of the biggest, most spacious decks along “Rooftop Row.”
Menu: Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, hot dogs, Wisconsin-style brats, Italian and Polish sausages, chips, cookies, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Beer-garden style seating. Nice 1,500-square-foot clubhouse.
Price: $150-$225 June through September ($75-$150 in April and May).
For more information:7 73-841-5387; sheffieldbaseballclub.com
*(Skybox on Sheffield, 3627 N. Sheffield Ave., declined to be interviewed)