White Sox and Cubs fans alike can agree: There’s nothing like the first home game of baseball season. The Cubs were scheduled to play Wrigley Field for the first time April 9 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but snow delayed their debut to April 10 at 1:20 p.m. The Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Stadium debut happened April 5 at 3:10 p.m. against the Detroit Tigers.
If you don’t have the funds to attend a stadium game, drink and eat the day away with these 10 bars and restaurants offering specials for spring sports kickoff.
Cubs specials were for Monday, unless otherwise noted.
Cubs territory
2000 W. Roscoe St., 773-697-7965
This Roscoe Village spot is offering $5 Chicago beers (including Metropolitan Brewing, Half Acre Beer Company, Revolution Brewing, Goose Island Beer Co. and Off Color Brewing) as well as $5 soft pretzels and $6 homemade corn dogs and fries. Catch the game on one of 12 TVs.
Commonwealth said the specials will also be available for Tuesday’s game.
Sheffield’s Beer and Wine Garden
More Top Picks Tents
3258 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-281-4989
Sheffield’s and Goose Island are partnering for the third annual Cubs opening day party. Sample a variety of Goose Island offerings as well as some bird-y treats, including smoked pulled goose — in mac and cheese and sandwiches — as well as house-made goose pastrami sandwiches.
Sheffield’s said both the Goose Island beer and goose food specials would likely be available for Tuesday’s game.
2683 N. Halsted St., 773-348-9800
Check out half-price happy hour on everything from 5 to 7 p.m. plus $3 Old Style and $5 Lagunitas all night. Stick around for baseball-themed trivia, starting at 8 p.m. and hosted by Whaddayaknow? Free Pub Trivia.
AliveOne did not immediately respond to a call asking if specials would be extended for Tuesday.
3216 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-348-3250
Wrigleyville’s colorful pan-tropical joint Trader Todd’s is slashing all menu prices in half for the Cubs Home Opener. Stay for the free wings (with a Cubs game ticket stub), shuttle rides to the park on the Karaoke Tiki Trolley and photo opportunities with “Revenge of the Nerds” star Don Gibb (aka “Ogre”).
Trader Todd’s said the specials would not be extended for Tuesday’s game.
1944 W. Division St., 773-227-4644
Avoid Wrigleyville with this Wicker Park bar offering half-off everything for happy hour (5-7 p.m.) as well as $2 PBRs, $4 Old Style beers, $6 glasses of wine and a Jimador tequila shot and Tecate for $6.
Easy Bar did not immediately respond to a call asking if specials would be extended for Tuesday.
Sox territory
Note: This story was first published before the Sox home opener; the specials were for April 5 and may not be available other days.
Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar
960 W. 31st St., 773-890-0588
At this community gathering place, $10 will get you a house-made polish sausages served Chicago-style with fries and a Marz Community Brewing drink.
238 W. 33rd St., 312-225-7333
Head upstairs to celebrate the Sox opener in Bridgeport, with deals on draft and bottle beers and affordable bar grub.
234 W. 31st St., 312-842-9200
Rocky’s in Bridgeport is offering food specials and reduced prices for sangria, margaritas and beers. Catch the game inside or in the backyard beer garden.
More Top Picks Levels
3259 S. Princeton Ave., 312-842-0769
Just blocks from Guaranteed Rate Field, this neighborhood tavern will celebrate opening home day with WGN Radio from 10 a.m. to game time. Free breakfast will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, courtesy of Goose Island. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody trailer will also be on site.
3356 S. Halsted St., 773-927-6073
Opening day is one of the biggest celebrations for this South Side Bar. In the past, players have shown up to give autographs, and patrons can practice their own pitching in the back.
Ben Meyerson contributed.
[email protected] | @HSteinkopfFrank
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UPDATES:
2:20 p.m. April 9: Updated to reflect which North Side bars are extending their specials through Tuesday’s Cubs home opener.
Originally posted 10 a.m. April 5.