By Kim Dunbar
Have you heard the one about four girls who walked into a bar and had a great time on Valentine’s Day? Probably not. This month, restaurants and bars are targeting their specials to couples, leaving the single ladies in the dust. But if you’re flying solo—or looking to ditch your man for a night—there are still plenty of options in Wrigleyville.
Although this Chicago neighborhood is synonymous with the Cubs and Clark Street bars, there is more for women to do than drink in a corner dodging unwanted glances from that “Jersey Shore” wannabe. Take Alexandra Clark, a 27-year-old Lincoln Park resident, who spent her Friday night with girlfriends at Sluggers.
“It’s a fun night out for girls because there is more to do than just drink and pick up guys,” Clark said.
Sluggers, located at 3540 N. Clark St., is the city’s “largest interactive show in Wrigleyville,” according to Zach Strauss, 34, one of the bar’s owners who books private parties for the venue. Between the full bar and dance floor, the second-floor batting cages, arcade game room and dueling piano bar, Sluggers is a popular girls’ night out spot.
“We have at least one bachelorette party almost every week, sometimes three or four,” Strauss said. “Ladies love the dueling piano bar.”
While many women flock to the pianos, Clark and her friends spent their night drinking beer and hitting balls in the batting cages before hitting the dance floor.
“The battling cages and arcade games make it like a Chuck E. Cheese’s for adults,” said Clark. “And it’s more affordable than Dave & Buster’s.”
Sluggers isn’t the only place in Wrigleyville where girls can have a great time. Here are our other picks:
Uncommon Ground
Looking for a place to warm up? Look no further than Uncommon Ground, 1214 W. Grace St. Just a couple blocks from the Rink at Wrigley, this is the perfect spot for some warm coffee drinks and heated discussion regarding which of you had the best skating form. It’s also a place Brooke Van Reken, 25, or Lakeview, loves starting the night with her friends. “It has a laid back cozy atmosphere,” she said. “It is a great place to get a specialty martini and listen to acoustic music in the back room, which they have almost every night of the week.”
Cesar’s
Cesar’s, 3166 N. Clark St., is home of the Killer Margarita. ‘Nuff said here if you and your girls are looking to start off a rowdy night or share some laughs over good food and even better drinks. As one woman (who wished to remain nameless) put it, “This drink should come with a warning label!”
Rink at Wrigley
There’s nothing like falling on your face and having your friends there to pick you up when you’re down. For the second season, the Rink at Wrigley is open for some frozen fun. Grab your skates (you can also rent skates for $10) and your girls and take a few laps around the temporary skating rink set up outside Wrigley Field. The rink is open daily until February 27 (Mon- Fri, 2-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.). Skating fees: Adults $10, Children $6 and Season Pass $50.
Brew & View
Take a walk over to the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., for a double (or sometimes triple) feature at the Brew & View. Armed with your stash of candy and $5 admission, the night is your oyster. Grab a couple of beers and enjoy a girls’ night at the movie. The rotation changes weekly, so check www.brewview.com for the featured movies.