- Photos:
-
- Address:
- 3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL, 60657
- Phone:
- 773-327-7800
- Overall User Rating:
-
(28 ratings)
- Hours:
- Cubs home game days: 10 a.m.-close Non-game days: closed Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m.-close Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-close Saturday and Sunday
- Official Web Site:
- http://www.harrycaraystavern.com
You know it’s baseball season when Wrigleyville’s streets are filled with Cubbie blue and a Harry Caray impersonator keeps popping up in commercials. When fans pour into Wrigley Field Monday for the home opener, they’ll not only pass the Harry Caray statue at Addison and Sheffield; they’ll also spot a different kind of monument to the late announcer: a souped-up bar-and-grill version of Harry Caray’s classic steakhouse.
Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group, which started with the first Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse on Kinzie Street in 1987, took over the Hi-Tops space last year. The group closed the space for remodeling in late November and opened the new tavern just in time for baseball season.
INSIDE: Harry Caray’s Tavern has the look and feel of the other Harry Caray’s properties, with mahogany-paneled walls, tin ceilings and mosaic tile floors. But this spot’s amped-up with 53 flat-screen TVs—including a 123-inch flat-screen Starglass system on the back wall—to satisfy overstimulated sports fans. (And did we mention the 16 flat screens in the Skybox bar on the second floor?)
Belly up to the 60-foot-6-inch bar (yes, that’s the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate) or grab a high-top table in the massive main room. Stick around late enough and you might see bouncers clearing tables to make way for the, uh, dance floor? Yes, this HC has a DJ and dance floor to cater to a partying crowd.
FOOD: Harry Caray’s has established itself as a dining destination on Kinzie Street and at suburban locations in Rosemont and Lombard, but getting a seat at the tavern to eat a full meal could be tough on game days. We stopped in during March Madness and found a seat-yourself scenario. With no hostess, it took awhile to find stools at the bar.
Don’t expect hearty steaks here. The menu caters to an informal baseball crowd: burgers, burgers, burgers. Make your own by choosing options from the Holy Cow Burger Bar menu: mix-and-match bun, cheese, toppings and meats such as Wagyu beef, lamb, turkey, venison, veggie and sirloin ($6.95-$8.95 plus extras; not available on home game days).
We sampled a trio of so-so sliders and a crispy, well-seasoned chopped chicken salad ($9.95). The Holy Cow potato chips with buffalo sauce and bleu cheese crumbles were a tasty treat ($4.95); toasted (not fried) cheese ravioli ($5.95) were crispy and flavorful. Fans of the original restaurant will notice that Dutchie’s Salad and the signature chicken Vesuvio also made the cut.
DRINKS: This close to Wrigley, you’re in Jager Bomb country: There are seven bomb shots ($8) and five specialty shooters ($6-$7) on the menu. That fraternity-house element is balanced with beer ($4-$5.25 average), wine, signature cocktails ($10-$12), and whiskies, tequilas, scotches and cognacs ($7-$25).
CROWD: While the crowd spans several decades, we found groups who fit the Wrigleyville stereotype of loud and overserved. We were a tad shocked to spot a young couple leaning against a wooden column making out as if at a junior high mixer. Remember, though, that it was the first weekend of March Madness. Non-game days will likely draw a more laid-back neighborhood crowd.
SERVICE: We had a friendly bartender who deftly handled the crowds and still took note of our needs. Even with a full house during a soft-opening weekend, it was a well-oiled operation.
OPENING DAY: Expect a crowd and then some for the grand opening, which coincides with March 31's home opener. Look for crews from Eric and Kathy from The Mix (101.9FM), CBS, ABC and WGN’s "Around Town." Ernie Banks and Dutchie Caray are expected too.
BOTTOM LINE: This ain’t your daddy’s Harry Caray’s, but it looks like it will be a hit with today’s generation of Cubs fans.
[ Karen Budell is the Metromix nightlife producer. all food and drink is paid for by metromix. ]
kmbudell@tribune.com
