3 Choice Spots to Visit on a Chicago Business Trip

Welcome to the Windy City, home to world-class museums, top-notch restaurants and storied sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs. Business may bring you to Chicago, but there are so many reasons to stay and explore.

If you love baseball, then your Chicago business trip should include an outing to Wrigleyville. As the oldest National League ballpark and one of the most iconic stadiums in the United States, Wrigley Field ranks high on the bucket list of every baseball enthusiast in America. A visit to Wrigleyville can be the perfect business outing or a memorable way to spend your afternoon when you wrap up your meetings.

To help you make the most out of your visit, we asked Jim Kearns, long-time Chicago Cubs usher, to share his choice Wrigleyville spots. For 22 seasons and more than half his life, Jim has been a staple at Wrigley Field, working the same aisle for players’ families and season ticket holders. Jim bleeds Cubbie blue and even proposed to his wife from a skybox at the stadium. Not only does he know the choice spots within the historic field, he knows his way around the neighborhood. From where to stay to the best food to baseball, here are the choice spots to experience in Wrigleyville.

Wrigley Field

1060 W Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613

There is no bad seat in the house at Wrigley Field. But if you are looking to impress your business client, choose an elevated experience at the American Airlines 1914 Club. Skip the line with a dedicated entrance under the famed Wrigley Field marquee. The VIP treatment includes endless food and beverage options served up in an old-school Chicago environment that will help you seal any business deal before making your way to incredible seats located directly behind home plate.

For the authentic Cubs fan experience, get tickets to sit in the legendary Budweiser Bleachers and perch under the 1937 scoreboard, one of the few remaining vintage scoreboards operated by hand. Being a bleacher bum is a great way to watch the game like a local. Just remember to follow “the Friendly Confines” rules. If you catch an opposing team’s home run ball, tradition dictates you toss it back on the field.
 

Hotel Zachary

3630 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613

Hotel Zachary is an ideal home base for ultimate baseball fans and business travelers alike. Drawing inspiration from Zachary Davis, the world-renowned 1914 architect behind Wrigley Field, the hotel is located in the heart of Wrigleyville just steps away from bars, restaurants and all of the action. You can choose from many hotels while you are in The Windy City, but only Hotel Zachary offers a one-of-a-kind view of the iconic Chicago Cubs marquee from it’s signature Marquee Suite. The suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Wrigley Field, a private bedroom and one and a half baths. And with separate living and sitting areas, it is ideal for holding small business meetings with a view.

If you have larger meeting needs, you can choose from the hotel’s exclusive meeting spaces including a state-of-the-art conference center, meeting rooms and dedicated meeting planners, who can do the legwork so your afternoon is free to explore classic Chicago institutions and hidden neighborhood gems.
 

Mordecai

3632 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613

Experience a taste of Wrigleyville at Mordecai, a bi-level bar and restaurant inside The Hotel Zachary. Everything from its name -- which pays homage to the early 20th-century Cubs pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown -- to its menu draws inspiration from the team next door. The restaurant serves up American-inspired fare with an air of sophistication, playing off the history of the Cubs. The curse of the goat has already been broken, but here you can double down and grab a goat brat and crackerjack beignets. Wash it down with your choice of craft beers, classic cocktails or one of 250 rare selections of whiskey. Whether you are looking for pre- or post-game eats, or a great place for a business dinner, there’s something for everyone including an outstanding view of Wrigley Field.