Published April 21, 2022
There are a lot of things Chicago does right — sports and pizza are no-brainers — but they absolutely nail happy hour, too.
Whether you’re wrapping up a long day of work in the financial district, want to unwind with a glass of wine by the river, or are just looking for the best deal during your vacation to Chi-Town, we’ve rounded up all of the top spots to catch happy hour in Chicago.
While we do our best to keep this list updated, rates and menu items are subject to change. Check each location's website for the most up-to-date offerings.
Near North Side
Unwind from a long work day at this sultry library themed spot. Their $5 happy hour specials include everything from tasty high-end bites to delicious drinks. Wanna lean into the vintage vibe? Order the old-fashioned.
Location: 230 W Kinzie St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4pm-5pm
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 4pm-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm
For more information on Gilt Bar.
Near North Side
Unwind from a long work day at this sultry library themed spot. Their $5 happy hour specials include everything from tasty high-end bites to delicious drinks. Wanna lean into the vintage vibe? Order the old-fashioned.
Location: 230 W Kinzie St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4pm-5pm
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 4pm-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm
For more information on Gilt Bar.
River North
Wait, is this Chicago or Tulum? This trendy Mexican restaurant is like a tropical hideaway in the middle of the city, and it’s the perfect spot to forget your worries while soaking in the good vibes. From 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday through Friday there are plenty of great deals, but the best of the best is their margarita and taco bundle — a marg and a taco of your choosing for just $10.
Location: 601 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 12pm-5pm
For more information on Diver.
River North
Wait, is this Chicago or Tulum? This trendy Mexican restaurant is like a tropical hideaway in the middle of the city, and it’s the perfect spot to forget your worries while soaking in the good vibes. From 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday through Friday there are plenty of great deals, but the best of the best is their margarita and taco bundle — a marg and a taco of your choosing for just $10.
Location: 601 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 12pm-1am, Sunday 12pm-5pm
For more information on Diver.
Andersonville
Uvae’s upscale American fare is delicious at any price, but their $2 oysters and shrimp is also one of the best happy hour deals in the city. Pair those with their $5 draft prosecco and stylish bar and you’ve got the makings of a truly fantastic post-work nosh that will make you feel more than a little bougie.
Location: 5553 N Clark St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Saturday from 5pm-6:30pm, Sunday from 3pm-6:30pm.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-10pm, Sunday 10:30am-9pm
For more information on Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar.
Andersonville
Uvae’s upscale American fare is delicious at any price, but their $2 oysters and shrimp is also one of the best happy hour deals in the city. Pair those with their $5 draft prosecco and stylish bar and you’ve got the makings of a truly fantastic post-work nosh that will make you feel more than a little bougie.
Location: 5553 N Clark St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Saturday from 5pm-6:30pm, Sunday from 3pm-6:30pm.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-10pm, Sunday 10:30am-9pm
For more information on Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar.
Fulton Market District
Considering this massive former meatpacking factory offers everything from shuffleboard to ping pong to bocce to bowling and even virtual reality games, it’s easy to forget that it also has one of the best happy hours in the city! From 4 to 6 pm every Monday through Thursday, Punch Bowl Social offers a wide selection of snacks ranging from just $6 to $11, and a slew of beers, wines, and mixed drinks like — naturally — punch, for just five bucks!
Location: 310 N Green St
Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday 11am-2am, Saturday 10am-2am, Sunday 10am-12am
For more information on Punch Bowl Social.
Fulton Market District
Considering this massive former meatpacking factory offers everything from shuffleboard to ping pong to bocce to bowling and even virtual reality games, it’s easy to forget that it also has one of the best happy hours in the city! From 4 to 6 pm every Monday through Thursday, Punch Bowl Social offers a wide selection of snacks ranging from just $6 to $11, and a slew of beers, wines, and mixed drinks like — naturally — punch, for just five bucks!
Location: 310 N Green St
Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday 11am-2am, Saturday 10am-2am, Sunday 10am-12am
For more information on Punch Bowl Social.
Old Town
There is no better spot for a casual (yet extremely fun) happy hour than Happy Camper. This funky industrial pizza shop knows how to start the party with half-off glasses of wine, espresso martinis, and salads from 3 to 6 pm Monday-Friday, plus a killer charcuterie board for a mere $10 and a few other tasty $5 sides.
Location: 1209 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10:30am-12am, Thursday 10:30am-1am, Friday 10:30am-2am, Saturday 10am-3am, Sunday 10am-11pm
For more information on Happy Camper.
Old Town
There is no better spot for a casual (yet extremely fun) happy hour than Happy Camper. This funky industrial pizza shop knows how to start the party with half-off glasses of wine, espresso martinis, and salads from 3 to 6 pm Monday-Friday, plus a killer charcuterie board for a mere $10 and a few other tasty $5 sides.
Location: 1209 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10:30am-12am, Thursday 10:30am-1am, Friday 10:30am-2am, Saturday 10am-3am, Sunday 10am-11pm
For more information on Happy Camper.
Motor Row District
This whimsical yet modern rooftop lounge comes with incredible views of the lake and all of downtown, but if the ambiance isn’t enough for you, the happy hour sure will be. Some of their lighter bar fare is just $5 a plate, and they all pair perfectly with their drink deals, like $8 sangrias and $5 Miller High Lifes.
Location: 133 E Cermak Rd
Happy Hour: Mondays-Thursdays from 4-6pm
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 11am–1am, Sunday 11am-11pm.
For more information on VU Rooftop.
Motor Row District
This whimsical yet modern rooftop lounge comes with incredible views of the lake and all of downtown, but if the ambiance isn’t enough for you, the happy hour sure will be. Some of their lighter bar fare is just $5 a plate, and they all pair perfectly with their drink deals, like $8 sangrias and $5 Miller High Lifes.
Location: 133 E Cermak Rd
Happy Hour: Mondays-Thursdays from 4-6pm
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday 4pm-1am, Saturday 11am–1am, Sunday 11am-11pm.
For more information on VU Rooftop.
Gold Coast
This sophisticated art-deco Cuban restaurant will have you feeling fancy while sipping their rum cocktails and craft beers. From Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7pm, grab $5 drafts and $10 wines by the glass!
Location: 12 W Elm St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday from 4pm-7pm
Hours: Sunday-Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday 4pm-3am
For more information on Sparrow.
Gold Coast
This sophisticated art-deco Cuban restaurant will have you feeling fancy while sipping their rum cocktails and craft beers. From Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7pm, grab $5 drafts and $10 wines by the glass!
Location: 12 W Elm St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday from 4pm-7pm
Hours: Sunday-Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday 4pm-3am
For more information on Sparrow.
River North
This colorful Roman pizza bar is a can’t-miss. Try their next-level Italian fare, and wash down your pie with $5 drinks Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm.
Location: 605 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday from 4-6pm
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 4pm-12pm, Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-9pm
For more information on Bar Cargo.
River North
This colorful Roman pizza bar is a can’t-miss. Try their next-level Italian fare, and wash down your pie with $5 drinks Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 6pm.
Location: 605 N Wells St
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday from 4-6pm
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 4pm-12pm, Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-9pm
For more information on Bar Cargo.
West Loop
Authentic Japanese grub with a killer drink deal on the side? What more could you want! Kinton Ramen offers Sapporos for $2, sake for $3, glasses of wine for $4, and cocktails for $5 every weekday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Location: 163 N Sangamon St,
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Sunday 12pm-9pm
For more information on Kinton Ramen.
West Loop
Authentic Japanese grub with a killer drink deal on the side? What more could you want! Kinton Ramen offers Sapporos for $2, sake for $3, glasses of wine for $4, and cocktails for $5 every weekday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Location: 163 N Sangamon St,
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Sunday 12pm-9pm
For more information on Kinton Ramen.
Fulton Market District
Stepping into Trivoli Tavern feels like stepping into a different world with its dim lighting, lush palms, and unique antler chandeliers. The ambiance screams “Old World,” and their happy hour prices feel like a throwback, too! Every day from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, tavern dwellers will find $5 deals for everything from mussels to sliders to mixed drinks and brews.
Location: 114 N Green St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4:30pm-5:30pm
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:30pm-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-11pm
For more information on Trivoli Tavern.
Fulton Market District
Stepping into Trivoli Tavern feels like stepping into a different world with its dim lighting, lush palms, and unique antler chandeliers. The ambiance screams “Old World,” and their happy hour prices feel like a throwback, too! Every day from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, tavern dwellers will find $5 deals for everything from mussels to sliders to mixed drinks and brews.
Location: 114 N Green St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4:30pm-5:30pm
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4:30pm-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-11pm
For more information on Trivoli Tavern.
River North
This bright American brasserie offers some truly unique beverages as part of their happy hour special. Weekdays from 3 to 6 pm, patrons can try their tasty French 75 slushie, make their own mule, or taste their cucumber loco or Gatsby concoctions. One thing to note: the happy hour deals are only at the bar, so skip the table and keep it casual!
Location: 400 N Clark St
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-9pm, Thursday-Friday 8:30am-10pm, Saturday 9:30am-10pm, Sunday 9:30am-9pm
For more information on The Smith.
River North
This bright American brasserie offers some truly unique beverages as part of their happy hour special. Weekdays from 3 to 6 pm, patrons can try their tasty French 75 slushie, make their own mule, or taste their cucumber loco or Gatsby concoctions. One thing to note: the happy hour deals are only at the bar, so skip the table and keep it casual!
Location: 400 N Clark St
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30am-9pm, Thursday-Friday 8:30am-10pm, Saturday 9:30am-10pm, Sunday 9:30am-9pm
For more information on The Smith.
River North
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! bills itself as Chicago’s original tapas bar, and their Spanish food still remains some of the best in the city. You’re going to want to try one of everything at this legendary spot, and their awesome happy hour allows you to do just that — on a budget! Taste their pintxos for $1.50, tapas from $2.50-$3.50, and red sangria pitchers for $20.
Location: 2024 N Halsted St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4-6pm in the bar and lounge area only
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 11:30am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-9pm
For more information on Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!.
River North
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! bills itself as Chicago’s original tapas bar, and their Spanish food still remains some of the best in the city. You’re going to want to try one of everything at this legendary spot, and their awesome happy hour allows you to do just that — on a budget! Taste their pintxos for $1.50, tapas from $2.50-$3.50, and red sangria pitchers for $20.
Location: 2024 N Halsted St
Happy Hour: Everyday from 4-6pm in the bar and lounge area only
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 11:30am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-9pm
For more information on Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!.
Wicker Park
This industrial-yet-airy grill has an onsite brewery, so, naturally, their happy hour is the perfect time to taste test some of their incredible house brews. On Monday through Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, pints are $5 and flights are just $8. Oh yeah, and you can also pay just $10 for a snack plus a beer and a shot.
Location:1932 W Division St
Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday from 2pm-5pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday 11:30am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10am, Sunday 9am-9pm
For more information on The Perch.
Wicker Park
This industrial-yet-airy grill has an onsite brewery, so, naturally, their happy hour is the perfect time to taste test some of their incredible house brews. On Monday through Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, pints are $5 and flights are just $8. Oh yeah, and you can also pay just $10 for a snack plus a beer and a shot.
Location:1932 W Division St
Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday from 2pm-5pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Friday 11:30am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10am, Sunday 9am-9pm
For more information on The Perch.
Theater District
City Social prides itself on having “something for everyone,” from modern bar food to classic drinks with a twist. If you stop by this upscale-but-casual theater district hang on Monday through Wednesday between 4 and 6 pm, you can snag $4 Draft Krombachers, $6 glasses of bubbly, $4 City Pale Ales, and $5 mini black & tans.
Location:120 N LaSalle St
Happy Hour: Monday-Wednesday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm
For more information on City Social.
Theater District
City Social prides itself on having “something for everyone,” from modern bar food to classic drinks with a twist. If you stop by this upscale-but-casual theater district hang on Monday through Wednesday between 4 and 6 pm, you can snag $4 Draft Krombachers, $6 glasses of bubbly, $4 City Pale Ales, and $5 mini black & tans.
Location:120 N LaSalle St
Happy Hour: Monday-Wednesday from 4pm-6pm
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm
For more information on City Social.