Chicago takes happy hour seriously. From Loop office workers to Wicker Park creatives, everyone's looking for a good deal. Most spots run 4-6pm or 4-7pm, with some offering late-night reverse happy hours.
Loop & River North
The Berkshire Room
River North | 4-6pm
Craft cocktails in the ACME Hotel. $8 drinks in a stylish setting.
Frontera Grill
River North | 4-6pm Tue-Thu
Rick Bayless's Mexican spot. Great margarita deals, excellent guac.
The Dearborn
Loop | 4-6pm
Classic American tavern. Half-off drafts and $8 cocktails.
West Loop & Beyond
The Aviary
West Loop | 4:30-6pm
Grant Achatz's cocktail bar. Happy hour makes it (slightly) more accessible.
Little Goat Diner
West Loop | 3-6pm
Stephanie Izard's diner. Half-off beer and wine, great snacks.
The Publican
Fulton Market | 3:30-5:30pm
Beer hall with excellent charcuterie. Great deals on their huge beer list.
Violet Hour
Wicker Park | 6-7:30pm
Legendary cocktail bar. Even happy hour here is an experience.
Chicago Happy Hour Tips
- The L is your friend: Skip driving—CTA makes bar hopping easy.
- West Loop dominates: Best concentration of happy hours in the city.
- Winter patios: Heated patios extend the season. Look for igloos.
- Wicker Park for value: Better prices than downtown, great bars.