Where to Celebrate the Happiest of Happy Hours in Chicago: Low Key Edition
via Amaru
Picture this: it’s golden hour, you’re done with work for the day and you’re enjoying food + drink specials at some of Chicago’s best restaurants. Like what you see? Then happy hour is calling your name! Here are some of our recommendations for no-frill, no-fuss happy hour menus all around the city!
Amaru {1904 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.687.9790}
Tucked away on North Avenue next to Wicker Park’s bustling five corners intersection, Amaru is a must visit for authentic, flavorful Latin American cuisine. Their art filled, greenery laden, moody interior is the perfect place to enjoy a round of drinks, a date night, or some truly amazing happy hour specials! Offered every Monday-Thursday from 5-6pm and Sunday 4-5pm, Amaru’s eclectic happy hour menu includes $8 tropical cocktails like Caipirinhas, Mojitos + Daiquiris, $7 wines by the glass, and ‘Botanas’ like Yuca Frita, Sweet Plantains, Coconut Fried Rice and Fresh Ceviche of the day for $12 and under.
La Luna {1726 South Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.248.8957}
Mexican food lovers will find their happy hour heaven at La Luna. This Pilsen staple features specials every Tuesday-Thursday 4-6pm and Friday 3-5pm with varying food + drink offerings each day so there is always something new and fun to try! Enjoy $3.75 Tacos, $5 Tequila + Mezcal shots + $25 Paloma Pitchers on Tuesday & Friday, $10 Margaritas on Wednesdays and $15 Margarita Flights + $3 Chicken Empanadas on Thursdays. It’s a party every day at La Luna!
via Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! {2024 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL; 773.935.5000}
Lincoln Park’s beloved tapas restaurant, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba has been serving up one of the best happy hours in Chicago for over a decade. It’s available daily from 4-6pm in the bar area exclusively. Their menu is perfect for sharing, with an enormous array of $1.50 Bite-Sized Pintxos, $3-5 Tapas, $22 House-Made Red Sangria Pitchers, as well as other drink specials! Try to arrive right at 4pm if you want to secure a seat as happy hour is first come first serve and fills up FAST.
Chef's Special Cocktail Bar {2165 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.666.5143}
Chinese restaurants don’t usually come to mind when pondering happy hour spots, but then again, Chef’s Special is no ordinary Chinese restaurant! Located in an unassuming storefront on Western Avenue, you’d never guess that inside a full service restaurant adorned with moody, funky décor and catchy music awaits. Their expansive bar is the perfect place to enjoy happy hour food specials featuring Egg Rolls, Spring Rolls & Crab Rangoons and drink specials featuring Old Fashioneds & Amaretto Sours. Enjoy this non-traditional, truly delicious happy hour daily from 5-6pm.
The Oakville Grill & Cellar {163 North Green Street, Chicago, IL; 773.309.2300}
A West Loop happy hour offered every weekday from 4-6pm, including Friday? You should run, not walk, to The Oakville Grill & Cellar. Staying true to their Northern California-inspired menu, Oakville’s happy hour first and foremost includes $6 Wines by the Glass as well as $9 Martinis, $8 Spritzes and featured snacks like Grilled Cheese, Crispy Chicken Sliders and a Green Chili Cheeseburger. With a menu this delectable, it should be no surprise that happy hour gets busy fast.
Pro tip: Head to Oakville’s upstairs bar area if the downstairs is at capacity since happy hour specials are available at both!
Yardbird {530 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL; 312.999.9760}
River North’s Yardbird offers one clucking good happy hour deal every Monday-Friday from 3-6pm! Staying true to their ‘chicken focused’ menu, their happy hour features snacks like $5 OG Buffalo Chicken Wings and an $18 Chef’s Tasting Plate w/ 2 pieces each of Deviled Eggs, Fried Green Tomato BLTs + Crispy Chicken Biscuit Sliders - perfect for sharing! Drink offerings include a Southern-inspired $10 Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade and $8 Aperol Spritzes & Old Fashioneds.
via Ambar Chicago
Ambar {700 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL; 312.547.1700}
Newly opened Ambar brings a taste of traditional Balkan fare to River North and has been garnering praise from critics + diners alike since opening its doors. What people may not know yet is how AMAZING their happy hour is! Offered Monday-Friday from 4-6pm, Ambar features an array of small plates, cocktails, beer + wine all under $9 each. That’s right… under $9 for ALL food + drink features with highlights like Crispy Corn Ribs, Lamb Sliders, Cheese Pie & Balkan Kebabs.
The Whale {2427 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL; 773.825.2900}
Welcome to the happy hour that has something for everyone in the group! Located in Logan Square, New American restaurant,The Whale, features an expansive & approachable happy hour menu of food & drink specials every Monday-Friday 5-7pm. Sip on $10 cocktails like Espresso Martinis, G&Ts and Seasonal Sangria or unwind with $10 Wines by the Glass. Pair your drinks with American classics like $10 Bacon Deviled Eggs & Buffalo Fried Cauliflower and a $16 Burger + Fries.
By Robyn Glaza | Market Manager