Chicago White Sox
Chicago South Side Overview
Chicago’s south side, particularly the Bridgeport neighborhood, holds a special place in my heart. This is where I grew up and this is where my dad helped nurture my passion for the White Sox.
There are several neighborhoods in the general area around the ballpark. The most well known is Bridgeport, which is primarily a residential neighborhood. Just east and slightly north of Bridgeport is Chinatown, with all sorts of great Chinese and Cantonese restaurants. About 10 minutes southeast of U.S. Cellular Field is the Hyde Park neighborhood, home of the University of Chicago and the world famous Museum of Science and Industry.
The Neighborhood
Despite the occasional uneducated ramblings you’ll hear from those not in the know, much of the area surrounding U.S. Cellular Field is very safe and walkable at any time of day or night. This is particularly true of Bridgeport, which borders the ballpark to the west and north. Bridgeport is all about bungalows and mom-and-pop establishments, with a few chain stores and restaurants thrown into the mix.
Just to the north and east, Chinatown is perfect for strolling and seeing the sights. Chinatown is only about four blocks long, from Cermak (22nd Street) south to almost 26th Street. In recent years, Chinatown has expanded west and slightly north of Cermak Road.
Up until recently, going east and south of the ballpark was to be avoided, particularly on foot. Although the notorious housing projects across the Dan Ryan Expressway are long gone, it is still wise to exercise due caution, just as you would in any big city. Truth be told, there isn’t a whole lot of reason to walk south or east of the ballpark anyway. Commerical establishments are sparse, particularly south of 39th Street. To the east, you’ll find the Illinois Institute of Technology and some street parking usually gobbled up by savvy White Sox fans.
About a ten minute drive south and east of U.S. Cellular Field is the Hyde Park neighborhood where you’ll find handsome (and pricey) old brownstone homes and a relatively vibrant commercial stretch along 53rd, 55th, and 57th Streets. In general, Hyde Park is quite safe, although be careful to stay within its general geographic borders.
The Ballpark
U.S. Cellular Field, formerly known as Comiskey Park II or New Comiskey, is located at the intersection of 35th Street and Wells Street. It’s immediately east of the Dan Ryan Expressway, making for convenient access to downtown Chicago or any suburban area.
Opened in 1991 and remodeled several times since then, U.S. Cellular Field is a comfortable place to watch a game. Concourses are wide and concession options are very plentiful and very good. Fireworks shows after selected home games are spectacular and a long time White Sox tradition.
Ballpark Tours
U.S. Cellular Field tours are available for groups of 10 or more on Tuesdays and Fridays – 10:30 a.m. on game days and 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on non-game days. Tours include the home dugout, the press box, the field, the suites and the Stadium Club. Advance reservations are required. For details and rates, call 312-674-1000.
Historic Baseball Sites
The White Sox have played in this neighborhood since their inception in 1901. Their first ballpark was South Side Grounds, home of the 1906 Hitless Wonders who defeated the crosstown Cubs in that year’s World Series. South End Grounds was located just south of U.S. Cellular Field. The mixed income housing development Wentworth Gardens now occupies the site which is adjacent to U.S. Cellular Field’s south parking lots. There’s an historic marker at the northwest corner of 39th and Wentworth, but don’t linger too long as the neighborhood in that section can be iffy.
From 1910 to 1990, the White Sox played at Comiskey Park, which was located directly north across 35th Street from the current ballpark. The site is now a parking lot. There’s a home plate plaque and the original baselines are striped on the pavement.
White Sox Tickets
Tickets are generally available on game day, but just like any major league teams, popular dates and popular rivals sell out well in advance. For a rollicking good time, sit in the bleacher sections in left center field.
Public Transportation
Chicago’s elevated line, appropriately enough dubbed “The El”, has two routes (lines) stopping near U.S. Cellular Field. These are the Green Line and the Red Line, both of which will take you back north to downtown Chicago. If you’re staying downtown, it’s not a bad option, as it’s convenient, inexpensive, and as safe as any public transportation option in any major city. Both the Red and Green Lines have stops (stations) a few blocks east of the ballpark on 35th Street and there is typically a sizeable pre and post game crowd walking to and fro.
Bars, Taverns, and Restaurants
For the most part, the Bridgeport and surrounding areas are middle class, corner tavern neighborhoods, so don’t expect to find brewpubs or upscale beer bars here. However, there are quite a few gems serving some terrific food that’s easy on the wallet. It’s at these places that you’ll really experience Chicago, from the chatter of locals to the satisfying, freshly prepared fare.
Here are a few of our favorites, all within a five minute drive from U.S. Cellular Field:
Schaller’s Original Pump: A personal favorite and also the oldest tavern in the city of Chicago, owned by the Schaller family since 1881. Not much of a beer selection, but who cares? This place is about good food and history. The cheeseburgers, butt steaks, and signature hash browns are legendary and easy on the wallet. The parking lot adjoining Schaller’s is the former site of the Ambrosia Brewing Company. The brewery buildings were demolished in 1965. The place is called The Pump because an old horse trough and water pump were located near the front entrance for many years. 3714 S. Halsted St. Phone 773-376-6332.
Mitchell’s Tap: Located in the 3300 block of south Halsted Street, Mitchell’s is the closest you’ll find to a beer bar in the neighborhood. Go on the cheap for Old Style or delve into one of the many imports on tap. There’s no food here, just drinks, and it’s a popular stop before or after the games. 3356 S. Halsted St., Phone 773-927-6073.
Ricobene’s: Since 1946, Ricobene’s has been a neighborhood fixture. Their claim to fame is the Italian breaded steak sandwiches. They’re actually a piece of ribeye, pounded flat and breaded, quick fried, dunked in marinara sauce and served on fresh Italian bread. They’re good but we prefer the eggplant sandwich, pizza, and beef sandwiches. There’s a couple of Anheuser-Busch products on tap and plenty of room to spread out. It’s a perfect pre-game stop. 252 W. 26th St. (26th and Wells, 9 blocks north of the ballpark). Phone 312-226-5555.
Tacos Erendira: It seems every Mexican restaurant brags about the authenticity of their food, but Tacos Erendira is the real deal. We’ve been customers since they opened in 1968. This isn’t your typical Sonoran cuisines you’ll find at most Mexican places. The owners are from the Michuacan area of Mexico in the southern part of the country. Try the chicken or pork stew burrito and you’ll find out what you’ve been missing. No beer here but believe me, you won’t mind! 3207 S. Halsted St., Phone 312-567-0202.
Bertucci’s Corner: Our vote for some of the best Italian food in Chicago. They have a menu but you’ll be best served ordering off the blackboard. In business since 1934, Bertucci’s attracts a neighborhood crowd plus city workers and those in the know. Expect a lot of food but not a lot of price. For an added bonus, go for lunch and be waited on by Josie or Gina, a mother/daughter team who are top notch and have the south side Chicago accent down pat. Located in the shadow of Chinatown about 5 minutes from the ballpark. 300 W. 24th St. (corner of 24th and Princeton). Phone 312-225-2848.
Cobblestone’s: Located just southwest of the ballpark on 39th Street, Cobblestone’s is another long time neighborhood institution. It’s a sit down Italian/Cajun place with a great muffalata sandwich. You can even park your car here and walk to the game. Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap and a lively pregame crowd. 541 W. 39th St., Phone 773-624-3630.
Lindy’s Chili: Since 1924, Lindy’s has been dishing out heaping bowls of chili, great hamburgers, and fresh cut fries. Located directly across from McKinley Park near the intersection of Archer and Western, Lindy’s looks like a roadhouse from the outside. Once inside, you can sit on barstools at the long front counter (preferred), or in a booth. There’s a surprisingly good selection of beer on tap too. If you’re not a beer drinker or just not in the mood, try the locally made Filberts root beer on tap. Filberts is just about the best root beer ever! 3685 S. Archer Ave., Phone 773-927-7807.
The Skylark: If you didn’t know it was there, you’d drive right past it, but that’s part of the charm. This eclectic bar/restaurant is located at the intersection of 22nd and Halsted in an old train depot waiting station. Now it caters to the hipsters from the nearby Pilsen and Bridgeport neighborhood, a loyal crowd of regulars, and beer lovers. There’s an ever changing selection of interesting beer on tap, and the kitchen turns out some creative comfort food specials … think grilled marinated veggie sandwich with a side of tater tots. You won’t find any TV’s here, just a unique and diverse musical soundtrack continually monitored by the bartenders. 2149 S. Halsted St., Phone 312-948-5275.
Pancho Pistolas: For sit down Mexican and tasty margaritas in the shadow of the ballpark, this is the place to be. Friendly service and a relaxed, casual atmosphere make Pancho Pistolas a great choice. 700 W. 31st St., Phone 312-225-8808.
Rocky’s Bar and Grill: Here’s a recent entry to the south side scene in the last couple of years, and it’s a welcome addition. Rocky’s is located 4 short blocks north of the ballpark and is probably the best choice within reasonable walking distance of U.S. Cellular Field. With 10 big plasma tv’s and great (inexpensive) home made menu items like the Chicken Vesuvio sandwich, you’ll be tempted to stay inside the handsome bar area … that is until you discover the 2500 sq. foot beer garden in back. Rocky’s is a great sports bar with good food in a fun atmosphere owned by local guys who know what they’re doing. 234 W. 31st St., Phone 312-842-9200.
Cork and Kerry: Located just north of the north parking lots of U.S. Cellular Field at the corner of 33rd and Princeton is the second outpost of Cork and Kerry, whose original location is in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s (further) south side at 106th and Western. This location thankfully took over the former location of Jimbo’s, best known for outrageously expensive cans of semi warm beer, horrible “who cares” style service, and rude owners. Thankfully, Cork and Kerry is pretty much the opposite, although the space is small and it can get crowded as it’s the nearest place to the ballpark. As the name suggests, it’s an Irish style pub and a good stop if you don’t have time to explore the other local places in the neighborhood.
