Home Cooking: White Sox Thrive In Bridgeport Neighborhood

CHICAGO — Longtime baseball fans fondly remember the "Winning Ugly" Chicago White Sox team of 1983. In his first stint as White Sox manager, Tony La Russa led the squad to its first postseason appearance since the 1959 World Series.

One person who got to see that team up close is Bill Guide. The owner of Cork & Kerry at The Park, located at 3259 S. Princeton Ave., he was a batboy for the White Sox that season.

"I was born and raised in Chicago, so I've been a lifelong Sox fan," said Guide, who has owned the Irish pub for the past 11 baseball seasons.

Cork & Kerry is just one of a number of bars and restaurants open for the playoffs near Guaranteed Rate Field. The Bridgeport neighborhood, and the surrounding area, is one of Chicago's most diverse.

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The White Sox begin a best-of-five American League Division Series Thursday at the Houston Astros. First pitch is set for 3:07 p.m. Game Two in Houston will be played Friday (1:07 p.m. start), before the two teams come to Chicago on Sunday for Game 3, with a 7:07 p.m. start time at Guaranteed Rate Field.

"Everyone is excited [for the playoffs]. The response has been great. That's what we hope for as far as the fan base goes," Guide said. "I think it will be electric for the two away games [Thursday and Friday]."

As a fan of the White Sox, Guide said he's been "cautiously optimistic" when it comes to the 2021 season. He added that fans have been patient for the last few years during the team's rebuild.

During the 2005 World Series run, USA Today called Cork & Kerry the "White Sox bar," according to Guide. Cork & Kerry features an outdoor beer garden, popcorn machine and 20 rotating taps. It opens at 11 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

"We're [also] known for having part of our menu coincides with whomever the Sox are playing," Guide said. "If it's Houston, we have Shiner Bock beer. We'll also have something from Houston like barbecue or something that Minute Maid Park [home of the Astros] is known for."

Other menu staples include Irish eggrolls, the "Irish Southside Burger" and the award-winning "The Latino" burger.

The original Cork & Kerry is located in the Beverly neighborhood at 10614 S. Western Ave.

For hours, menus and more on Cork & Kerry at The Park, visit here.

OTHER RESTAURANTS AND BARS NEAR GUARANTEED RATE FIELD

Hot dogs are synonymous with both Chicago and baseball. If you're near the stadium and looking to get your fix, there are few spots as popular as 35th Street Red Hots. Located right next to Guaranteed Rate Field Lot G at 500 W. 35th St., the longtime establishment is cash-only. It features Vienna Beef hot dogs, fresh cut fries and Italian lemonade, among other items.

Though located right next to Guaranteed Rate Field at Gate 5, ChiSox Bar & Grill is open to all White Sox fans, with or without a ticket. Half-priced appetizers are available after every home game. There are more than 70 flat-screen TVs and a state-of-the-art sound system. Also, make sure to check out the beer garden.

Ricobene's, located at 252 W. 26th St., is not as close to Guaranteed Rate Field as some other places mentioned, but the 1.1 miles is worth the hike before or after a White Sox game. The famous breaded steak sandwich is the stuff of legends, along with the restaurant's pizza and other Italian standards. Ricobene's, which opened in 1946, is on every foodie's Chicago bucket list.

Family-owned for more than 80 years, Shinnick's Pub, 3578 S. Union Ave., is found in a building constructed in the late 1880s. It is one of Chicago's longest running bars and a neighborhood landmark. Offering beer and televisions for the big games, it's the perfect spot for fans of the White Sox and other Chicago sports teams.

• Turtle's Bar & Grill, 238 W. 33rd St., is a cozy spot for burgers, beer, watching sports and even playing the jukebox. Also, make sure to enjoy some homemade appetizers, sandwiches, salads and pastas.
• Stix n Brix Wood Fired Pizza, 218 W. 33rd St., Chicago. This Armour Square establishment features wood-fired pies and sandwiches, along with draft beer and wine. If you're in the mood for a smoothie or coffee, they've got you covered as well.
• BallPark Pub, 514 W. Pershing Road, is owned by Bridgeport natives and features 16 beers on tap and in-house smoked meats. It has been featured on "Chicago's Best" and is open every day for lunch.
• Phil's Pizza, 1102 W. 35th St., is cash-only and known for being kid-friendly. It's open every day at 4 p.m. and closes late. In addition to its popular thin-crust pizza, the menu features comfort food options for the entire family.
• Bridgeport Restaurant, 3500 S. Halsted St., is a classic Chicago diner and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sit in a booth or at the counter. Steaks, burgers and breakfast are among the most popular items on the menu.
• Morrie O'Malley's Hot Dogs, 3501 S Union Ave., is a cash-only restaurant with counter service. It is known for Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers and ice cream. Before you go, remember if there is a White Sox home, Morrie O'Malley's is open 10:30 a.m until the start of the second inning.

If we missed one of your favorite Bridgeport area restaurants or bars, let us know and we'll add it to the story. Reply in the comment section of this story or email eric.degrechie@patch.com.