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food & drink · music & nightlife ·

Published April 12, 2023

The Best Places for Happy Hour in Chicago

Looking for a new go-to spot to grab discount drinks? Check out our ultimate Chicago happy hour guide.🍹

by Chicago Bucket List

 

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 grab happy hour specials in Chicago.

The Ultimate List of Chicago's Best Happy Hour Deals

River North/Streeterville

Hubbard Inn
Hubbard Inn is a sparkling, contemporary, multilevel tavern with one of the best happy hours in River North! Every Wednesday, guests can enjoy three bruschettas of their choice and a full bottle of wine for just $40. And every Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm, they offer spritz cocktails and espresso martinis for $10, along with $1 oysters!

Happy Hour: Wednesday (all day) and Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm–7 pm.
Where: 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL
More information. 

 

Tanta
Every Monday through Friday, the bar at Tanta offers happy hour specials, including $5 yuca fries with Huancaina, $7 pollo anticucho, $9 cebiche, and more. Not to mention craft cocktails like El Cholito, a mix of pisco, cucumber, jalapeno, vermouth, ginger, and tajin, and El Chingon with jalapeno-infused tequila, mezcal, lime, and simple syrup for just $10.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday at the bar from 5 pm–7 pm
Where: 118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Arbella
For a sleek, lofty lounge with internationally inspired drinks and bites, Arbella is *the* spot. Munch on elevated bar bites with global street food influences while sipping delicious and creative cocktails. And on weekends, swing by for DJ sets by local Chicago talent!

Happy Hour: Monday–Saturday from 5 pm–7 pm
Where: 112 W. Grand Ave, Chicago IL
More information.

 

Gilt Bar
Unwind from a long work day at this sultry library-themed spot. The $5 happy hour specials include everything from tasty high-end bites to delicious drinks. Wanna lean into the vintage vibe? Order the old-fashioned. 

Happy Hour: Every day from 4 pm–5 pm
Where: 230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Diver
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 up 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. 

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 601 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Labriola
Labriola's sprawling counter-serve cafe serves delicious wood-fired pizzas with ciabatta-style dough. And what’s more, they’re currently running a stellar $5 beer, wine (from Prisoner Winery, one of Napa Valley’s best), and cocktail happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm only at the bar area.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 3 pm–6 pm
Where: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago IL
More information.

 

Bar Cargo
This colorful Roman pizza bar is a can’t-miss spot in River North. Try their next-level Italian fare, and wash down your pie with $5 drinks Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 605 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

The Smith
This bright American brasserie offers some truly unique beverages as part of its happy hour special. On weekdays from 3 pm 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!

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 3 pm–6 pm
Location: 400 N Clark St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Lincoln Park

Hinoki Sushi
A dual-concept Japanese restaurant, Hinoki Sushiko serves warm Japanese comfort food on the second floor, and an Omakase with 15+ courses on the second floor. Come by for Happy Hour Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 pm and enjoy special-priced Sake cans and buckets plus $10 sake bombs, $8 selected cocktails, and $5 selected beers.

Happy Hour: Thursday–Friday from 5 pm–7 pm
Where: 1465 West Willow Street, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! bills itself as Chicago’s original tapas bar, and its 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 the pintxos for $1.50, tapas from $2.50-$3.50, and red sangria pitchers for $20.

Happy Hour: Every day from 4 pm–6 pm in the bar and lounge area only.
Location: 2024 N Halsted St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Kibbitznest
This old-school spot boasts books, brews, and blarney, and encourages human connection through a strict no-wifi policy and events like comedy shows, storytelling, and more. Swing by Wednesday through Friday for a discounted selection of rotating beers and wines (usually $5) from 4 to 6 pm.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 2212 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Summer House
In case you were confused, Summer House Santa Monica is not in Santa Monica—it’s in Lincoln Park. But this Cal-inspired spot transports you to the west coast with menu items like yellowfin tuna poke 'nachos' and classic California-style pizzas. Every Monday through Friday, you can enjoy Happy Hour in the bar area with $8 glasses of wine, $8 Spiked Refreshers, $9 classic cocktails, discounted bar bites, and more!

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 3 pm–6 pm
Where: 1954 N Halsted St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Blue Sushi
A favorite spot for fresh nigiri, sashimi, sushi, and more, guests can also enjoy Happy Hour for dine-in or carryout Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 pm. All day Sunday Happy Hour will be offered for dine-in only.

Happy Hour: Monday—Saturday from 3 pm–6 pm. All day Sunday (dine-in only)
Where: 2351 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

West Loop/West Town

Proxi
Proxi brings the world to Chicago with a menu packed with global flavors. Enjoy half-priced appetizers like Tempura Elotes and Smoked Carrot Dip to pair with $9 glasses of wine or Proxi’s $9 Cherry Springer featuring bourbon, cherry bark vanilla, and soda.

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday in the bar and lounge area from 4 pm–6:30 pm.
Where: No. 565 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Trivoli Tavern
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 on everything from mussels to sliders to mixed drinks and brews.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 4:30 pm–5:30 pm
Where: 114 N Green St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Kinton Ramen
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 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 4 pm–7 pm
Where: 163 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

The Press Room
The Press Room is a small, sophisticated restaurant, and their happy hour is a swanky steal; $20 charcuterie boards, $7 old-fashioneds and martinis, and $1 oysters made shuck-to-order! The real pearl in the clam, though? Their Oysters and Bubbles deal—a dozen oysters and a bottle of sparkling wine for $45.

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago IL
More information.

 

Funkenhausen
This Michelin-starred Beer Hall serves up soulful Southern and Bavarian flavors alongside German Beers. During happy hour, patrons can score hearty snacks, from smoked chicken thighs to crab dip to pulled pork sliders, all for under ten bucks each. Then you can wash it down with one of their discounted drink options: $5 shots, $8 cocktails and wines, and $16 “Smallcohol” Flights.

Happy Hour: Thursday–Saturday from 5 pm–6 pm; Sunday from 3 pm–6 pm
Where: 1709 W, Chicago IL
More information.

 

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
Experience the flavors of the Black Sea without ever having to leave Chicago at Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar. They have a large happy hour menu with $12 Bloody Marys, $5 shots, and a $15 shot and caviar bump. You can also enjoy the They ($19), featuring a dozen oysters and a glass of house bubbles, fried duck wings ($15), the Heritage Steakburger ($12), and more elevated bar bites on the cheap.

Happy Hour: Energy day from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 2700 W Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

El Che Steakhouse
El Che pays homage to Argentina’s beloved asados: traditional backyard BBQs featuring platters of rustic grilled meat. During happy hour you can enjoy $3 beef picadillo or kale florentine empanadas, $11 bone marrow, and $8 glasses of house red wine.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 5 pm–6 pm
Where: 845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Punch Bowl Social
This massive former meatpacking factory offers everything from shuffleboard to ping pong to bocce to bowling and even virtual reality games, but most importantly, it 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 punch (naturally) for just five bucks!

Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm–6 pm
Location: 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

South Loop

VU Rooftop
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 the lighter bar fare is just $5 a plate, and it all pairs perfectly with the drink deals, like $8 sangrias and $5 Miller High Lifes.

Happy Hour: Mondays–Thursdays from 4 pm–6 pm
Where:
133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Logan Square/Wicker Park

Logan 11
The industrial and airy Logan 11 is known for its vaulted ceilings, heated outdoor patio, and a truly community-driven bar and kitchen with friendly service. Stop by during happy hour from 4:30–6:30 pm for half-off appetizers and daily drink specials!

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
Where: 2230 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

The Walk-In
The Walk-In is a cozy bar and lounge accessible by a walk-in cooler door in the adjoining Red Star Liquor store. Along with great Chicago Speakeasy vibes, the Walk-In is the jack-of-all-trades for happy hour! Stop in for daily deals on classic cocktails like a Gimlet or Old Fashioned for $6, wine glasses for $10, and shots for $3 to $6.

Where: 2727 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
More information.

 

Remedy
Remedy is a neighborhood “anytime” bar with a laidback yet refined atmosphere, featuring cool events, creative craft cocktails, locally brewed beers, and a solid wine list. And, during happy hour, you get to enjoy it all for half price!

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 4 pm–7 pm
Where: 1910 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Bungalow by Middle Brow
Middle Brow is a community beer company serving up delicious brews alongside fresh and creative salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Swing by Wednesday through Friday evenings for happy hour offerings on beer and wine, plus discounted salad, bread, and pizza!

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 2840 W Armitage Ave. Logan Square, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

The Perch
This industrial-yet-airy grill has an onsite brewery, so, naturally, their happy hour is the perfect time to taste-test some incredible house brews. On Monday through Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, pints are $5, and flights are just $8. You can also pay just $10 for a snack, beer, and shot.

Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday from 2 pm–5 pm
Where: 1932 W Division St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Queen Mary Tavern
This neighborhood cocktail tavern has a history that dates back to the 1940s and draws inspiration from the British naval tradition, serving up fine maritime spirits, cocktails, and wines. Happy hour specials include $1 oysters and $6 martinis.

Happy Hour: Sunday from 3 pm–7 pm; Monday from 5 pm–7 pm
Where: 2125 W Division St., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Old Town/Gold Coast

Sparrow
This sophisticated art-deco Cuban restaurant will make you feel fancy while sipping rum cocktails and craft beers. From Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm, grab $5 drafts and $10 wines by the glass!

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday from 4 pm–7 pm
Where:
12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Happy Camper
There is no better spot for a casual (and 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 through Friday, plus a killer charcuterie board for a mere $10 and a few other tasty $5 sides.

Happy Hour: Monday–Friday from 3 pm–6 pm
Where: 1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Andersonville/Near North Side

Volo Wine Bar
Volo Wine Bar lets you experience wine and fine dining in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The cozy, urban spot serves seasonally influenced new American small plates ideal for pairing with over 30 boutique wine options and offers a Cabana Happy Hour in a year-round heated retractable awning on their outdoor patio from 4 pm to 6 pm Wednesday through Saturday nights.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Saturday from 4 pm–6 pm
Where: 2008 West Roscoe Street, Chicago, IL 60618
More information.

 

Bokeh
Known for serving seasonal cocktails and late-night small plates, Bokeh is an intimate and sophisticated space that offers pretty sweet happy hour deals. Enjoy discounted drinks like $6 seasonal cocktails, $2 Old Style tallboys, and $5 rose or pinot noir Sunday through Thursday.

Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday from 5 pm–6 pm and 11 pm–12 am.
Where: 4716 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
Uvae’s upscale American fare is delicious at any price, but $2 oysters and shrimp is hard to beat. Pair those with a $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.

Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday from 5 pm–6:30 pm; Saturday–Sunday from 3 pm–6:30 pm
Where:
5553 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
More information.

 

Pilsen

La Luna
Walking into La Luna feels like you just entered a warm, authentic Mexican kitchen. You’ll find yellow-bricked walls, sunflower tiles, and painted murals while you dine on delicious Mexican eats and drinks. La Luna also serves up rotating happy hour specials.

Tuesday is $3 tacos and $10 Lime Margs, Wednesday is $8–$12 cocktails and $12 mussels, Thursday is 25% off shot flights and $10 margs, and Friday is $3 Tacos, $8 Palomas and an excellent $25 Paloma pitcher. 

Happy Hour: Tuesday–Thursday from 5:00 pm–7:00 pm; Friday from 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Where:
1726 S Racine, Chicago IL
More information.

 

Note: 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.

 

EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Sports Bars in Chicago
The Best Restaurants for Group Dinners in Chicago
The Best Places for Brunch in Chicago

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