Can You Bring Food Into Wrigley Field?

The short answer to the question for thrifty fans is yes, you can bring food into Wrigley Field from outside. The Cubs allow a 16*16*8 soft-sided bag (which is pretty big), so long as it doesn’t contain alcohol or projectiles. (Here is the Cubs’ bag policy.)

The Friendly Confines does have some great Chicago style grub (which I talk about in this truly informative Wrigley Field food post) but sometimes it’s good to save a few bucks too.

So what does this mean for you? In addition to bringing in peanuts and bottled water, which is easy to find anywhere outside, including at the Addison Red Line station, you have plenty of places near the ballpark to load up on Cubs game sustenance. This can help you choose an ideal parking spot, if you’re planning to park at Wrigley.

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Here is a list of truly Chicago-style suggestions if a chain doesn’t light up your palate:

Is there an “unofficial” hot dog of the Cubs?

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #1) Wrigleysville Dogs. Yes, that’s an “S” in the name, although the URL doesn’t have one. Probably some legal thing. Wrigleysville Dogs is a few steps north of the ballpark on Clark Street, and it’s a great place for super cheap grub – like that classic Chicago dog dragged through the garden.

You can park in their lot too, if you’re early enough, but that part isn’t cheap.

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Translation: “The Mexican Burrito”. Someone stayed up late thinking of that one.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #2) El Burrito Mexicano. This tiny but authentic joint is right at the foot of the Red Line station, and you can get yourself an easy-to-carry burrito to bring inside. (Burritos are an underrated ballpark food IMHO.)

Again, super cheap, but keep in mind that it’s cash only and very popular with fans. Get there early before it gets packed if you can.

No longer at the ballpark unfortunately, but just steps away.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #3) Nuts On Clark. There is actually a Nuts On Clark outpost inside Wrigley Field as of this writing, but you can order your gourmet popcorn right there at the store on Clark Street, and it’s cheaper than in the ballpark and has a wider selection.

It’s a very short walk from Wrigley, but it’s only open during the day, so use this one for day games.

No bleacher ticket necessary; just request a bag.
(photo courtesy of Small Cheval)

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #4) Small Cheval. The Small Cheval at Wrigleyville has everything you need; you also don’t need a Bleacher ticket. Get your takeout bag with any kind of burgers, including veggie burgers and with gluten free rolls.

Plus they have fries, chicken tenders, and even milkshakes if you want to try to figure out how to keep them cold. (Here is the Wrigleyville menu.)

It’s only right that The Billy Goat comes to Wrigleyville.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #5) Billy Goat Tavern. Yes, there’s a Billy Goat Tavern in Wrigleyville now; which should be obvious. I’m sure you’re familiar with the Saturday Night Live sketch, but it’s a great place for basic and inexpensive cheeseburgers and Chicago dogs. Plus you’ll love listening to the servers shout orders.

The Billy Goat is on Clark Street north of the ballpark, a short distance from Gallagher Way. It’s a great reason to park at Wrigleysville Dogs.

Use the yellow entrance.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #6) Big Star. Big Star Chicago is a sit down restaurant in its own right, but they can do takeout too, and they do some impressive tacos. On Taco Tuesdays, they have individual sliced beef, chicken, pork belly or shrimp tacos for a nice price.

They have burgers and nachos here too, although I expect nachos aren’t a great “bring your own” food. Soggy chips and whatnot. Big Star is on Clark Street across from the Marquee entrance.

Yes, people will park illegally for Do-Rite Donuts.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #7) Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken. Since the Cubs’ desserts aren’t super fancy (which is FINE, I’m not judging them!), you can grab a bag o’ donuts at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, on Addison Street across from Draft Kings.

Do-Rite has fresh donuts in various shapes and sizes (check out the Michigan Apple Fritter), and they have breakfast and chicken sandwiches too. Great for a day game pre-game takeout.

Incidentally, they make a point that many of their donuts are vegan. Have at it.

They would keep me awake too.

Bring Food Into Wrigley Field, Stop #8) Insomnia Cookies. Prefer cookies to donuts at a game? Hey, different strokes. At Insomnia Cookies (great name), you can choose from some very tasty cookie options for your bag. Like a chocolate peanut butter cup deluxe, S’mores deluxe, even some vegan and gluten free choices.

Insomnia is also conveniently located, on the corner of Clark and Addison just steps from the marquee entrance.

You always know where you stand at Wrigley.

As you can imagine, I’m just scratching the surface of Wrigleyville eats here – there are restaurants, taverns and eateries of all kinds in every direction. For this post I picked what I believe are the best spots for simple takeout that are very close to the ballpark.

There’s also various chains in the area, including McDonald’s, Culver’s, Crumbl Cookies, Panda Express, Subway, and Raising Cane’s. I figure you’re probably familiar with them. You can also take advantage of the concessions at the Addison station, or buy drinks from vendors surrounding the ballpark.

Bringing your own is a great way to save money, as is using public transit or shopping for Cubs tickets. But be sure to check out the amazing Wrigley Field food menu too!