Inside Maddon’s Post, the Chicago Cubs’ Manager’s Wrigleyville Italian-Polish Restaurant

After helping the Cubs win their first World Series championship in 108 years in 2016, Joe Maddon is already a legend in the Chicago sports scene. Now the Cubs’ manager hopes to become a staple in the Chicago dining scene, beginning today when he opens his first local restaurant Maddon’s Post next to Wrigley Field.

Situated on the corner of Clark Street and Waveland Avenue and part of the park development Gallagher Way immediately to the west of Wrigley Field, Maddon’s Post is a large two-floor, 7,400-square-foot space that’s part of the transformation of the area around the Cubs’ historic ballpark. The first floor includes multiple facets — there’s a main dining with a full square bar, an open kitchen with a dual hearth, and a “family parlor” with booths. The second floor features a throwback bar dubbed the Flamingo Room, a large patio space, and a private dining room.

Baseball themes in the design features are more subtle than overt. The restaurant does include framed black-and-white photos and a retail space with items that feature Joe Maddon quotes and restaurant taglines and logos. The upstairs bar and dining room has throwback musical items such as a vintage stereo, classic rock albums, and a piece where “we are all originals” is written and surrounded by framed art portraits.

Maddon’s Post/Carlos Amoedo [Official Photo]

For the food, Maddon teamed with legendary Chicago chef Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia to mastermind menus that focus on Italian and Polish-inspired dishes. Chef Aaron Thebault and kitchen staff will execute items including three flavors of pierogi, paczki made with chocolate dough, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh pastas. Entrees include an Italian and Polish sausage platter, ribs, and whitefish.

Brunch includes orange-zested blueberry pierogi filled with mascarpone cheese, polenta topped with tomato-braised brisket and a poached egg, potato pancakes, and biscuits with Polish sausage gravy. Management also points out how family and kid-friendly the restaurant is so look for a dedicated kids’ menu. Drinks focus on wine, although cocktails, including of the bottled variety, and some local beers are also available. The full menus are available below.

During its first week through May 22, Maddon’s Post will open at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays for dinner and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full hours, which include weekday lunch, begin May 23 and are available below.

While Maddon is in the last year of his current Cubs’ contract, he hopes that his restaurant will be a Chicago staple for many years to come, joining other local sports legends with successful eateries including Harry Caray, Mike Ditka, Michael Jordan, and more. Take a first look around Maddon’s Post below.

Maddon’s Post, 1119 W. Waveland Avenue, open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.