If you’re under the impression that Wrigleyville is nothing more than a playground for Chicago Cubs fans, you need to keep reading! This vibrant North Side neighborhood is just that—a neighborhood. Its tree-shaded blocks are packed with brick residential buildings, street-side cafés, intimate mom-and-pop shops, public parks, athletic gyms, all sorts of businesses and friendly residents who love the friendly confines of their one-of-a-kind Chicago community.

Nothing defines a location like its food, especially in Chicago. Wrigleyville restaurants set the tone with dozens of places to grab a bite (and a beer), plus an array of international cuisines to tempt the taste buds. The main strip along Clark Street heading up to the baseball stadium is packed with sports bars & grills that serve pub grub and classic American menus. One of Chicago’s own is the Goose Island Brewery, a local institution responsible for producing the city’s homegrown beer selection. It is a giant establishment that favors the revelers on game days and fills up fast when any Chicago sport is playing on TV.

For a quieter meal with no sports or Chicago affiliation, head west to Southport Avenue where you’ll encounter a string of European cafés and candle-lit dinner spots. Tango Sur is a cozy storefront haunt that specializes in Argentine beef dishes prepared on the grill. Indulge on Spanish tapas at Bull-eh-Dia’s or get something light like a made-from-scratch scone at Southport Grocery & Café. Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Sopo Lounge & Grill offers everything from mac ‘n cheese to vegan quinoa stir-fry. Top it all off with a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt from Anthony’s Homemade Italian Ice.

There’s no doubt Wrigley Field has influenced the surrounding area with several pro-Cubs pubs and plenty of bars to accommodate the overspill of spectators gathering to watch the game. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local entertainment options. Wrigleyville boasts an active live performance scene with intimate stages that suit the thespian set, plus rockin’ nationally known venues that book world-famous bands and bring in the crowds. The iO Theater is a laugh-out-loud comedy house bound to keep the chuckles coming with improv shows seven nights a week. Up the street, music lovers have long flocked to the Metro for a cross-platform of acts from around the country. Big-name bands are known to frequent here as well as regional artists and even some Chicago favorites.

Community spirits run high for the Wrigleyville SummerFest, an annual two-day neighborhood festival with excellent food, a great musical line-up, and plenty of activities for the little ones to enjoy. Vendors cart in ingredients to cook up local fare for visitors to eat, drink and be merry. Keep children occupied with interactive games and entertainment at the Kid Zone. The festivities are coming up soon—August 14th and 15th on N. Seminary Avenue—so come out and see what this amazing Chicago neighborhood is really all about.