June 16, 2020: Coming for Thirds

OK, let’s talk about food one more time. We just talked about the plan when coming to the United Center, but I wasn’t done. We’ve done this before some Bulls games, but mostly when it’s the guys heading out to see the Blackhawks… Billy Goat! Yes, this has to be part of the conversation. Get a cheezborger cheezborger for less than inside, and beers for much less. You get free parking and only have about a 3 block walk to the UC. During the winter, you may have to walk quickly; it can get cold… still well worth it. Did I mention free parking??? We do have our spots to park around the UC for free, which I will not reveal, but this makes Billy Goat perfect to stop before the game. I used to work at an Italian restaurant down on Western called Il Vicinato’s; it’s still there. That area was pretty popular for folks to stop before heading to the game. There’s also the Madhouse burger that is offered at the UC; a combination of polish sausage with a cheeseburger that is pretty tasty. OK, do we have the UC covered?

Let’s talk about the Bears & Soldier Field. If there is any game where I hate getting up, it’s the Bears game. I hate missing any action when I’m at the game, but baseball, basketball, hockey… you miss a couple plays, OK; I don’t like missing one snap of the Bears. Maybe it’s because I’ve been to Soldier Field less than anywhere else. I really cherish those visits. We’ve pre-gamed at Stocks & Blondes downtown, Miller’s Pub on Wabash, and Kroll’s on 18th & Indiana I believe. Parking is an issue for sure; parking restrictions everywhere. You used to be able to park around 18th street, which was perfect. Most of the time you’re going to be walking a good distance; that’s OK though… lots of folks in Bears jerseys migrating to the stadium. Always love the beers with the snowflakes in it, and taking shots from the flask I’ve snuck in to the stadium after every Bears score, but as far as food inside Soldier Field, I got nothing. Eat beforehand, or eat after the game; during the game, the only time you should leave your seat is for a beer… and to go to the bathroom… if you can afford to wait in a long line.

OK last stop on the food carousel is Sox Park. Yes, I’ll call it Sox Park because it’s not Comiskey any more; it’s not the Cell any longer either, but I don’t really know what to call it now… the Rate? Anyways, only one choice for food before and/or after a Sox game: Ricobene’s! Best sandwich in the world in my humble opinion. One that I used to order multiple times per week when bacheloring in my apartment. Anytime I’m over that way, it’s a must stop; going to a Sox game qualifies. I know there is supposedly good food at the Sox games; I do like the $1 dogs… but that still doesn’t mean I’m not stopping at Ricobene’s before the game. And maybe make a stop at the little shack on 35th for something, but that’s after the game. It’s Ricobene’s all day long. Oh yeah, they do shuttle you to the game, which is critical, especially with the increased parking restrictions around the park. I don’t believe there is anything between Halsted and the park for parking… it’s going to be a hike because I’m not paying $20 for parking… heck, I hate paying anything for parking. So yeah, two birds here, plus the breaded steak sandwich; easy call.

OK that sums it up I think. It only took 3 blogs to cover the food related to Chicago sporting events. I’m sure there are dozens of other options in each case, but these are mine. They will continue to be mine. I can’t wait to go back to that well… well, once we’re able to go see our teams play again.