Lakeview/Wrigleyville: Not Just for Cubs Fans

It goes without saying that if you’re a serious Cubs fan (or serious about taunting Cubs fans), you’re going to be checking out the Wrigleyville neighborhood, which is home to Wrigley Field. But even if you’re not so much into sports, Lakeview has tons to offer. People who live here tend to have serious hanging out and partying stamina, so no worries about finding someplace to go or something to do. This neighborhood is also known for diversity among its inhabitants and for its distinctive shopping opportunities, especially along the Belmont corridor.

Lakeview housing consists of a lot of low-rise buildings, but the buildings tend to get taller as you get closer to the lake. In this area a studio apartment goes for approximately $800 and a one bedroom for about $1,100. Two bedroom apartments are roughly $1,600 while three bedrooms are around $2,200.

Soupbox is always busy for a reason – ridiculously good made-from-scratch soups for just a few bucks. With 12 to chose from (always a couple that are veggie-friendly), and the chance to sample and customize by mixing, you really can’t go wrong. In the summer it turns into the Icebox and serves up Italian ice. For 5 bucks you can get yourself a filling breakfast at the Salt & Pepper diner. Seven bucks if you want a sandwich. And hang out with the Scots on Wednesdays and Fridays for all-you-can-eat fish and chips (we’re talking high quality stuff here), at Duke of Perth. Watch out, though – it may be the beer and whiskey menus that keep you coming back for more. If you require drinks that come in pretty colors, Tryst might be more to your liking. And last, but certainly not least, the requisite Cubby Bear for all the Cubs fans. This place can get filled to the max and can be a serious tourist trap, so have a backup plan, or check out one of the many other Cubs-oriented bars in the Wrigleyville area until you find something you like.

Hit the Brew and View for a unique cinematic experience, challenge your ear drums with a concert at the Metro, or go bowling at any time of day (seriously, it never closes), at Waveland Bowl. Warmer weather brings tons of outdoor festivals like the Lakeview East Fine Art Festival, Chicago Pride Fest and Pride Parade, and the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival.

The Red Line stops at Belmont and Addision; the Brown Line stops at Belmont (you can transfer to the Red line here), Diversey, Wellington, Paulina, and Addison. Be sure to check ahead, though, as alternating Brown Line stops are closed for construction throughout the year. City buses run on the major streets of Addison, Belmont, Broadway, and Clark.