The Cubby Bear is an evil necessity: The food is overpriced and unspectacular, it plays host to a disproportionate number of washed-up (“old school” would be the positive spin on this) music acts, and after Cubs games, the place packs in like sardines—and on a hot day, they are especially drunk and smelly sardines. The flip side of all this is that if you are visiting from out of town (or hosting visitors), you almost feel obligated to check out this Chicago institution that’s kitty corner from Wrigley Field as part of any "Cubs game" experience. Well, I’m here to tell all you potential tourists, admire it from the outside, pop inside if there isn’t a line, but do not spend your hard-earned bucks on either a cover charge or food—your wallet will thank you later. It’s not that the Cubby Bear is a bad place, it’s just that there are far more enjoyable bars nearby.
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