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player ready...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 | Sheffield Avenue rooftops
1050 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Waveland Baseball Club
Location to Wrigley: Well beyond the left-field line.
Occupancy: 100
Building: Built in 1997 specifically for rooftop viewing.
View: Despite being so far left of the foul line, you actually get a great view of Wrigley, with only slight obstruction near the left-field warning track.
Go for: The cookie-tray-to-your-seat service. Yum.
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: One of the few rooftops with an elevator.
Price (per person): $150-$225June through September ($75-$150 in April and May).
For more information: 773-841-5070; wavelandbaseballclub.com
1048 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Beyond the Ivy
Location to Wrigley: Just beyond the left-field line.
Occupancy: 100
Building: Beyond the Ivy bought the building in 2000 and started rooftop viewing the following year.
View: Only slight obstruction near left-field warning track.
Go for: The view from the third-floor clubhouse balcony. Almost as good as the roof’s.
Menu: Hot dogs, pizzas, brats, Italian sausages, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, grilled boneless chicken breast, potato salad, chips, salads, cookie tray, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Clubhouse has an indoor bar and television for those pesky rain delays.
Price: $125 ($160 for the White Sox, $175 for Red Sox).
For more information: 847-825-8686, ext. 12; beyondtheivy.com
1044 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Brixen Ivy
Location to Wrigley: Left-field line
Occupancy: 140
Building: Formerly a yellow frame house that was bought in 1998, torn down and rebuilt “greystone-style” for rooftop viewing.
View: Slightly obstructed near left-field warning track.
Go for: Brownies topped off with nuts and caramel. Just leave some for the others.
Menu: Burgers, grilled chicken breasts, hot dogs, brats, fruit plate, vegetable plate, pasta salad, chips, brownies, cookies, beer, red and white wine and soft drinks.
Other amenities:Bar and party room on the third floor. A sky-deck above the bleachers.
Price: About $150 ($80-$90 in April).
For more information: 773-472-7889; brixenivy.com
1038 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Beyond the Ivy
Location to Wrigley: Left field
Occupancy: 80
Building: This latest Beyond the Ivy was bought last year, and started rooftop viewing last season.
View: Clear, unobstructed view.
Go for: The VIP backroom with theater seating and multiple televisions for maximum sports watching.
Menu: Hot dogs, pizzas, brats, Italian sausages, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, grilled boneless chicken breast, potato salad, chips, salads, cookie tray, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Third-floor club deck with indoor bar.
Price: $150 ($160 for the White Sox, $175 for the Red Sox).
For more information: 847-825-8686, ext. 12; beyondtheivy.com
1032 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Wrigleyville Rooftops
Location to Wrigley: Left field
Occupancy: 150
Building: The Cubby Bear bought the building in 1989 and has offered rooftop viewing ever since.
View: Slight obstruction near the left-field warning track.
Go for: Brats with as many grilled onions and peppers as you can pile on.
Menu: Hot dogs, brats, chicken breast, hamburgers and cheese-burgers, salmon, ribeye steak, grilled onions and peppers, fruit plate, pasta salad, chips, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Has one of the highest bleacher sections of all the rooftops.
Price: $175.50 ($193 for Red Sox and Cardinals).
For more information: 773-327-1662; cubbybear.com/rooftops
1010 W. WAVELAND AVE.
Beyond the Ivy
Location to Wrigley: Left-center field
Occupancy: 150
Building: The first Beyond the Ivy, this one was purchased in 2000 and started viewing the same year.
View: Slightly obstructed at right field and left field near the warning track.
Go for: The “Daily Special,” which can be anything from barbecue chicken to pulled pork.
Menu: Hot dogs, pizzas, brats, Italian sausages, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, grilled boneless chicken breast, potato salad, chips, salads, cookie tray, beer, wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Other amenities: Two additional levels of seating (tables and chairs) on top of bleacher section.
Price: $125 ($160 for the White Sox, $175 for Red Sox).
For more information: 847-825-8686, ext. 12; beyondtheivy.com
*(Skybox on Sheffield, 3627 N. Sheffield Ave., declined to be interviewed)