5 insider tips for a successful Cubs game day in Wrigleyville

April 15, 3:05 PMChicago Neighborhood ExaminerDana Kavan

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Wrigley's wet '09 home opener/(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

For most people, birds chirping and trees sprouting green signify the start of spring. But for Chicagoans, it's the beginning of baseball that truly marks the end of winter. With the Cubs home-opening week upon us, here are five tips that will make your journey to the Friendly Confines a successful one.

1. For day games, grab breakfast and a bloody mary at Uncommon Ground (3800 N Clark) first.

This tip especially rings true for bleacher seat ticket-holders, who get to the game so early that this fave breakfast spot should definitely be wait-free. But even leading up closer to the game, this friendly, community-focused cafe sits far enough north from the stadium that it doesn't get overly crowded. Its bloody marys, made with poblano-, bell pepper-, onion- and garlic-infused vodka, are some of the best in town, and the fresh specials, often made with organic ingredients, never dissapoint. If you're in a hurry, grab the easily portable breakfast melt to-go. The Nueske pepper bacon, eggs over easy, cheese and organic spinach sandwiched between black bread will keep you satisfied until the seventh-inning stretch.

2. Never buy printed out tickets from random scalpers.

Illegality aside, it's never wise to purchase a printed out ticket from someone walking around the park. Stories of phony, photo-copied tickets aren't an urban myth, and you'll be left without recourse at the turnstile, getting sent home by Wrigley staff. If you need last-minute tickets, and don't go the Craiglist or StubHub.com route, stop by one of the legit storefront ticket brokers near the park, who usually welcome a little bargaining.

3. Pick up a copy of The Heckler.

This satirical sports newspaper, which takes a cue from The Onion but places Chicago teams under its humorous microscope, will entertain during the day's downtime. Stuck 200-people deep in the bleacher seats line? Why not thumb through a piece titled, "Cubs to wear Snuggies for all April home games; Zambrano boycotts new look, goes barechested" (from the most recent edition). Long inning? Read about "76% of Cubs fans in better shape than Aramis Ramirez".  You can pick up the rag free in blue boxes surrounding the park.  Bonus point on hot days when it doubles as a fan.

4. For the best hot dog in the park, get out of your seat.

You may be tempted to flag down the first roaming vendor hawking hot dogs. You're hungry. It's easy. But if you do, you'll be stuck with a slightly soggy bun and nothing but a small dollop of neon-green relish out of a plastic packet for topping. Instead, climb out of your seat and head to Upper Deck's outside patio area that's behind home plate. There you can score grilled onions and char-dogs, plus an unmatched view of the city.

5. Know you have options for the post-game bar scene.

After going thirsty for the final two-plus innings, most Cubs fans flock to the closest bars post-game. Packed places like Casey Moran's, Bernie's, Sluggers and Murphy's Bleachers are stellar if you're looking for an already-intoxicated set that's ready to toast to the Cubs' victory or drink away their sorrows. But if you want something slightly more mellow but still lively, head west toward Southport. The bar scene there still draws a crowd, but it'll likely contain a more civil wasted-to-appropriately buzzed ratio. Guthries on Addison boasts a well-edited beer list, board games and plenty of tables, while reliable spots like Newport and Toons sling better-than-average pub grub in relaxed, pretense-free environs.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of tips for enjoying a Cubs game. Some tips are obvious (i.e. don't drive unless you want to shell out top-dollar for parking). What are yours? Share them in the 'comments' field below.