Happy hour is truly a great way to relax after a long day of work. Who doesn’t like the idea of meeting up with a couple of friends to enjoy drinks--at a discount too--and maybe even some bites? Happy hour and a good time go together in Chicago like peanut butter and jelly, with many bars offering specials during the early evening to draw in thirsty customers.
But how do you choose where to go? While where you go can depend on what your preferred drink of choice is-- or whether or not you’re interested in munching on appetizers or getting dinner--a lot of people like to go where there’s a lively atmosphere, good drink deals, and maybe even a jukebox or live music. We’ve hand-selected this list of amazing Chicago bars and lounges that offer patrons a truly great happy hour experience!
What better way to have a fun happy hour then with a GiftYa electronic gift card? You can send them to friends in no time, just choose your happy hour destination, the amount you want to gift, and that’s it! The gift card will arrive electronically and be linked to the recipients debit card, so they’ll never have to worry about losing it!
Remedy
Head to happy hour at this fun, Chicago neighborhood bar
Everyone is part of the neighborhood at this bar! Image courtesy of Remedy.
1910 N Milwaukee Ave.
Bucktown
Once you walk through the doors of Remedy, you’ll know this is the place where you want everyone to know your name. The vibe here is super chill and very welcoming, and surely to become your go-to place for happy hour. Conveniently, they open at 4pm, making them the perfect stop after work! They offer thirsty customers some very cool cocktails such as the Rubarbarella, the Spicy Boi, and the Alternative Facts--all hand crafted from the finest spirits and mixers and made to order.
Remedy also offers customers a fantastic selection of draft and bottled (as well as canned) beer from both local and national microbreweries. It’s a great way to try out some new beers that you may not see anywhere else! Half off all drinks for happy hour keeps everyone happy at Remedy.
“My go-to neighborhood bar. Ecstatic I found this place. The lighting is dim inside and the atmosphere is super relaxed.” -Yelp Review
Somerset
Enjoy cocktails at Chicago’s famous Cedar Hotel
An elegant way to end your day. Image courtesy of Somerset.
1112 N State St.
Gold Coast
Happy hour at the Somerset feels like you’ve taken a step back, where you can slow down and enjoy your drink-- and the company you came with. This bright and airy establishment makes it home in the Cedar Hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast, and seeks to bring the fun and relaxed vibes of American country club culture to happy hour.
Happy hour here starts at 4:30 sharp, so make sure to grab your favorite seat at the bar--or booth--and enjoy some of their stately options such as the house favorite, rosemary and lemon-- or choose to go classic and enjoy a sidecar or a martini. If you’re in the mood for wine, that’s no issue either, and the staff can guide you to just the right selection.
“This place is so beautiful! Their open layout is so warm and welcoming. Our water/wine glasses were never empty which I always appreciate. Can't wait to visit again!” -Yelp Review
Lazy Bird
Come for the wonderful cocktails and stay for the live music
This jazzy spot will have you chilled out in no time. Image courtesy of Lazy Bird.
200 N Green St.
Near West Side
If you like a chill, and relaxing happy hour, then the Lazy Bird is for you. This fun joint is located in the cellar of the Hoxton Hotel, and as soon as you walk in, it feels like you’re in for a very cool night. This bar is also a live music venue, and there are talented musicians playing almost every weekend, so you can savor the chance of listening to some great music while you sip on their famed cocktails.
Going right along with its “speakeasy” vibe, Lazy Bird is well known for their hand-crafted cocktails, in fact they have 52 of them. Some of the locals’ favorites are the Clover Club, Negroni, and the Salty Dog--but with such an extensive list of choices, we’re sure you’ll find your new favorite in no time!
“Been here couple times and I absolutely love this place. The drinks are 10/10 mind blowing delicious and smells so good!The service here is amazing and people are really nice.” -Yelp Review
Sweetwater Tavern and Grille
The beer list is long at this fun Chicago tavern, and perfect for happy hour
A great spot for happy hour or to watch the game. Image courtesy of Sweetwater Tavern and Grille.
225 Michigan Ave.
The Loop
This large and airy restaurant is the perfect place to meet your crew after work. If there’s any kind of sports game on, not to worry, there are plenty of TVs around the whole place to accommodate your need to watch your team--even if it isn’t a Chicago team! The beer selection is unparalleled here, so make sure you come thirsty and ready to try some options from over 20 draft beers and seemingly endless bottles and cans.
The food here is also something to try along with your beer or cocktail, because what goes better with happy hour drinks then some happy hour appetizers perfect for sharing? Dive into Bang Bang Shrimp, cheese curds, or chicken nachos--all guaranteed to go perfectly with your drink of choice.
Buy a GiftYa To Sweetwater Tavern and Grille >
“This was a nice find on the Mag Mile. Service was great from the hostess to our server. A manager even came by to check if we needed anything. Great selection of beer.” -Yelp Review
Old Town Pour House
Enjoy happy hour in this elegantly furnished beer bar
There’s so many beers to try, you’ll have to come often for happy hour! Image courtesy of Old Town Pour House.
1419 N Wells St.
Old Town
When Chicagoans are ready for happy hour, they know they want some selection--especially in their beer choice! Thankfully there is Old Town Pour House which has 90 craft beer selections for you and your group to choose from. Whether you prefer a cider, or an ale, a porter, or just want to try the brew from a favorite Chicago brewery, the Old Town Pour House has got you covered.
When you’re ready to check out their food options, consider doing their half priced bar bites such as popcorn chicken, firecracker rolls, or pretzel bites. They’re the perfect size for snacking and very easy to share with your group!
Buy a GiftYa To Old Town Pour House >
“Huge TV screens, great beer selection but I gotta say the food was the best part. Great place to watch a game!” -Yelp Review
Dos Urban Cantina
Take your happy hour south of the border at this fun Mexican restaurant
Quirky and delicious cocktails await you at this popular restaurant. Image courtesy of Dos Urban Cantina.
2829 W Armitage Ave.
Logan Square
If you’re in the mood for a little something different for happy hour, why not stop by the Dos Urban Cantina? Their happy hour is considered one of the best in the city, and is available Tuesdays through Fridays as well as Sunday evenings making this the perfect place to wind down any day of the week!
Locals rave about their original margaritas--regardless of whether you prefer it on the rocks or frozen--and many choose add on the additional mezcal float or habanero tincture to even further enhance the flavor. Other popular house cocktails include the Paloma, the Sacred Heart, and Oh Honey--each drink handmade by some of the best bartenders in the Chicagoland area.
Don’t forget to try some of their creative food options as well--the tamal tots and the crispy shrimp taquitos are perfect for sharing!
Buy a GiftYa To Dos Urban Cantina >
“Very good happy hour with inexpensive and delicious bites. The mezcal flight (house picks) was very good.” -Yelp Review
Funkenhausen
Do happy hour in true German beer hall style!
You have to try out your favorite beer in their boot shaped glass! Image courtesy of Funkenhausen.
1709 W Chicago Ave.
West Town
Don’t fall into a happy hour rut--go out and try something totally different! That’s exactly what you’ll find at Funkenhausen, who has happy hour available Monday through Friday, but also on both Saturday and Sunday! So no matter when you stop by, you’ll have the chance to unwind and have some fun at this place. However if you happen to stop by anytime on Monday, you’ll be pleased to know that happy hour lasts all day!
If you get a little hungry enjoying their selection of German and German-inspired brews, consider ordering from their happy hour menu! You can order smoked rib tips and spicy smoked chicken legs to share, or get the real deal with a happy hour priced burger or sandwich!
“This place is the schnitzel! Came in right as they opened for happy hour and were not disappointed. The whole place has a warm feel and is beautifully decorated. ” -Yelp Review
Eno
Meet for happy hour on Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile
You’re just a pour away from an amazing happy hour. Image courtesy of Eno.
505 Michigan Ave.
Near North Side
If you’re looking to relax with a soothing glass of wine after a hectic day, then happy hour at Eno is for you! This spiffy spot is located in the Intercontinental Hotel, and their happy hour is from Sunday through Thursday, where you can enjoy half off select glasses of wine! If you’re new to wine--or would appreciate some expert guidance--this is a fantastic way to try some new varietals at half the usual cost.
The interior of this wine bar is extremely cosy, and while you’re there consider ordering one of their popular cheese or charcuterie boards--you can even pick your meat and cheese!
“We stopped in this place because it has an awesome location on the Mag Mile and we love a good wine bar. This place has a fabulous selection and we loved all of the different flights they offered.” -Yelp Review
Chicagoans love to work hard and play hard too--which is why happy hour in the Windy City is pretty much a must-do on any given day. Where are your favorite places to go for happy hour? Let us know in the comments!
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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