So, this is the first time I've ever been to a college world series game. Kids bought me tickets for fathers day. So....any suggestions as to bars, beer gardens, tailgates...etc. that the general public can go to?
Near the ballpark -
I recommend finding a food truck, there will be plenty of great options. Some inside the tailgates, some outside.
The Blatt is a good location for local/craft beers and more German/sausage eats. It’s attached to the Zesto’s too, of course.
Old Mattress Factory has the big tailgate near the ballpark. They have/had free concerts in the tailgate. Usually first Friday night is a named band you might recognize. The rest of the week, I dunno. When I first moved back about 9 years ago it was $4/16oz cans and then went corporate to $5, then $5/12oz cans, and then they also started collecting cover after 9pm. Haven’t been in there after several years as I grew tired of that scene and overpriced Bud Light.
Lefty’s isn’t a bad spot to get a beer, just across the street from the ballpark. They are owned by the adjacent pizza joint, so you can also order food.
Same block or one block west of Leftys is another business complex with Zipline and another bar.
I haven’t heard anything to make me go out of my way to eat at Burger Theory. Heard it was about a $50 tab for a couple burgers and beers.
If you can’t find parking or don’t mind a short walk...there’s free parking under the viaduct just south of CHI, as if you were going toward the old Rick’s Boatyard. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk. There’s usually no issue getting parking there and thats become our default location to not fight parking during CWS.
Off the beaten path:
I will throw a plug for Lo Sole Mio because I worked there. It’s the only reason I’ve found to like texas fans. I had the fortune to wait on Auggie, and being a baseball guy it was neat for me. I wanted to ask him to curse me out! Him and Molinari used to dine there every year their teams made it. Good Italian food, will leave you stuffed or with a second meal in to-go box.
-Block 16 is legit farm to table location, a gourmet spin on “burgers” and other infusion flavors.
-Dinkers is a great cash dive bar with good burgers and cheap domestics - like $8 pitchers
-Stellas, my favorite burger spot. Great family owned business.