Top 8 Happy Hour Spots in Chicago Open Now
Looking for a great happy hour deal in Chicago? You’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of the top 8 spots for after-work drinks. From wine bars to sports pubs, these venues have something for everyone. Most of them also offer food specials, so you can make a night of it. Be sure to check their websites or social media pages before you go, as things can change quickly right now. And don’t forget to bring your ID – most places are requiring it now.
Without further ado, here are Chicago’s current happy hour hot spots:
1. Il Porcelino
If your ideal after-work rendezvous includes wine, great Italian food and great ambiance, Il Porcelino is the place. They have Happy Hour every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m. inside and on their patio, featuring $6 Aperol Spritz, $4 Peroni and $6 Wines By the Glass. As a precaution, dine-in services will remain at 25% capacity in their spacious dining room and 50% capacity on the patio.
2. Brando’s Speakeasy
Sometimes happy hour is just the beginning. If your crew is likely to stick around for some extra shenanigans, check out Brando’s Speakeasy: they have happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and karaoke 7 days a week! Drink specials include $5 Bulleit Rye old fashioineds, $4 Absolut Moscow mules, $5 Bombay Sapphire G&T, $4 3 Floyds bottles, $5 Boiler Makers with Carlsberg and Jameson Caskmates. They also have happy hour deals on flatbreads, small pizzas, cheese trays and charcuterie boards. Masks are required for entry.
3. The Frontier
The Frontier’s Oyster Happy Hour boasts $2 raw oysters every Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. to be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling or rose, or two or three! Their website encourages guests to make reservations to avoid long wait times and take a walk around the neighborhood while you wait for your table rather than gathering by the door.
4. Funkenhausen
This funky West Town spot has happy hour Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. A modern bier hall with plenty of German charm and a southern spin, Funkenhausen offers $5 bier boots, $6 Wunder Punsch cocktails, $7 select wines and a few different deals on snacks, including A Big Garlicky Pretzel, smoked rib tips, raclette flatbread, haus fries and bacon and chicken liver mousse. Prost!
5. Offshore
One of the only spots still open on Navy Pier, Offshore is well worth the trip. They are the largest rooftop bar in the country, with an enormous glass dome so you can enjoy the rooftop experience any time of year! They are currently offering free parking to tables that spend $100 or more Monday through Thursday, and they have rotating food and drink specials on those days, including half-off bottles of wine on Wednesdays.
6. Bernie’s
Inside and out, Bernie’s is your Instagram-worthy happy hour hot spot with windows that stretch up to the high ceilings, exposed brick, industrial-chic lighting fixtures and gorgeous gold details. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays: check out this handy PDF of their happy hour menu, complete with COVID guidelines. They promise “Relentless Hospitality. Relentless Safety.” Get a table on their rooftop while it’s still open for the season!
Teachers get 50% off dine-in and carry-out orders during the month of October! Just show your current teacher ID at time of purchase when dining in, enter the code TEACHER50 when ordering online, or mention this discount when ordering via phone.
7. Easy Bar
If you’re looking for something a little dark and divey, Easy Bar is an unpretentious Wicker Park rock ‘n roll bar with comfy booth seating that stretches on forever and a good old-fashioned jukebox. Happy hour is straightforward here, with all drinks half price Sunday through Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. as well as other daily specials. And they’ve got a pool table!
8. Arbella
Arbella is something to see! Their decor is eclectic and industrial but still upscale, and some of their drinks are served in adorable bear-shaped mason jars. The cocktail menu is inspired by travel destinations around the world, and the fare is tapas-style new American. They are operating with limited capacity, so reservations are encouraged.
Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays with rotating mules and “slusheees,” old fashioneds, and the “B-Side Paloma,” which is a citrus-y lime and grapefruit cocktail all for $10, as well as featured wine for $8 and featured beer for $5. They also have specials on really fun burgers and bites.
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