Updated Apr 6, 2026 - Food and Drink

Happy Hour Hop reviews across the Chicago area

Monica Eng

Two white dishes on a marble bar counter: one with three meatballs topped with grated cheese, another with thinly shaved white vegetable curls garnished with herbs and cheese. Two drinks, amber beer in a tall glass and a red cocktail with an orange slice, are behind the dishes. — Meatballs, kohlrabi salad and drinks at Nic & Juniors. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the state re-legalizing happy hours, we're taking a year-long look at these bargain bites and drinks around town.

Nic & Juniors

The time: 4-6pm weekdays.

The vibe: This Brazilian-Italian eatery tucked away in River Plaza between the Wrigley Building and Trump Tower exudes a quiet, grown-up elegance.

Close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with melted white cheese sauce dripping over a toasted golden-brown bun, served on a white plate with orange paper. A person holds another burger in the background. — Double cheeseburger at Nic & Junior's. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The bites: From a double cheeseburger with gruyere and beer mustard ($15) to a kohlrabi Caesar ($7) that looked better than it tasted.

The drinks: Enjoy a well-made old-fashioned for $7, draft beer ($5) or wines by the glass ($9).

Best bets: Brazilian cheese fritters with silky mortadella and housemade giardiniera ($7), arancini with roasted garlic ($7) and a beer.

🍺 Seven-word review: Thoughtful innovative bites, affordable drinks and elegance.

Common Decency 3154 W. Diversey Ave.

Buffalo chicken wings with dipping sauce, a cheeseburger on a brioche bun, and thick-cut fries with dipping sauce on gray and brown plates on a white table. — Thrice cooked wings, a double cheeseburger and wedge fries at Common Decency. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The vibe: Young hipsters in high-waisted jeans bask in '80s neon at this Logan Square bar.

The time: Weekdays, 4-6pm.

The bites: Artsy veggie crudite with green goddess, hummus and house ranch ($8), crispy wedge fries with garlic aioli ($5) and the Decent Cheeseburger ($10) with American Swiss, bacon jam, pickles and dijonaise on a brioche bun.

Close-up of a plate with seasoned sliced vegetables including green celery, orange carrots, green cucumber, red radish, and white turnip on a blue plate. — The veggie plate at Common Decency is served with three sauces. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The drinks: $3 Hamms, $5 Boochraft Hard Kombucha and $11 cocktails.

Best bet: The thrice-cooked (brined, baked, smoked and fried) wings for $10.

🍺 Seven-word review: Neon-lit hipsters, cheap beer and tasty food.

Boeufhaus, 1012 N. Western Ave.

Plate with a cheeseburger topped with sesame seed bun, lettuce, and sauce, served with golden French fries, a pickle spear, and a small cup of dipping sauce garnished with green herbs. — Burger, fries and wine or beer cost $25 at Boeufhaus. during Happy Haus hour. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The vibe: Rustic French-German pub meets American farm-to-table eatery.

Happy time: 3:30-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday.

Four golden brown fried pastries in a green bowl with a small white cup of dark dipping sauce on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin on a marble surface. — Short rib beignet at Boeufhaus Happy Haus time. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Bites: Roast beef sandwich with horseradish mayo ($24) and cheesesteak ($24) on a D'Amato's roll.

Drinks: Old fashioned ($10), amaro shot ($4) and Franconia amber lager ($6).

Best bet: Burger and fries with beer or wine for $25, with a shortrib beignet ($2) on the side.

🍺 Nine-word review: A beer and beignet for eight bucks, oh my!

Fat Rosie's, with seven suburban locations

A table with Mexican dishes including queso fundido topped with chorizo and a flour tortilla, a bowl of guacamole with diced tomatoes, a bowl of salsa, a red drink with ice in a goblet glass, and a yellow drink with ice in a plastic cup. — Queso fundido, guacamole, a margarita and Berry Chico drink. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The time: 3-6pm Monday-Friday

The vibe: Festive, bright and airy with a modern Mexican flair.

The bites: From a $5 queso cup and $8 flautas to $18 steak nachos.

The drinks: $5 beers, $6 margaritas and $2 off mocktails, which makes the giant sparkling "Berry Chico" drink $9.

Green rectangular plate with a serving of diced marinated meat topped with sliced green jalapeños and sesame seeds, accompanied by plantain chips and a lime wedge. — The Tuna Stack with plantain chips. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Skip: The poke-like tuna stack ($12) that was in sore need of lime and salt.

Best bet: A margarita and queso fundido ($7) or guac ($8).

🍹 Four-word review: Refreshing, suburban afternoon treat.

Community Tavern, 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Three dishes on wooden table: shredded salad with peanuts and herbs on blue patterned plate, roasted carrot sticks with sauce and nuts on similar plate, and four dumplings with greens on white blue-rimmed plate. — Papaya salad, roasted carrots and mushroom dumplings. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The vibe: Comfy, elegant, family -friendly neighborhood joint.

The time: 5-6 pm Tuesday through Sunday.

The bites: Generous plates of green papaya salad, spicy Chinese dan dan noodles, mushroom dumplings and cheesy kimchi fries for $10 each.

The drinks: $5 draft beer, martini, old fashioned and juicy cherry bomb mocktail ($10 each).

Two bowls on wooden table: left bowl with fries topped with orange sauce and kimchi; right bowl with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, sesame seeds, and crushed nuts in blue patterned bowl. — Kimchi fries and dan dan noodles at Community Tavern in Portage Park. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Best bet: Roasted Werp Farm carrots with grilled leeks,Thai basil curry, almonds and miso mayo ($10) with a cold IPA ($5).

Skip: The dumplings, which underdeliver at 4 for $10.

Eight word review: Cheap beer, friendly service and life-changing carrots.

Avaspi 1258 W. Belmont Ave.

Table set with black plates, red napkins, and purple glasses; a white wine glass and a white plate hold five bowls of colorful dips garnished with herbs on a dark marble surface. — Happy hour dips include babaghanoush (clockwise), red pepper muhammara, yogurt-based haydari, chopped ezme, and hummus. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The vibe: This Lakeview eatery in the former Fahlstrom's Fish Market space bills itself as an Anatolian tapas bar, but the interior oozes dark Euro nightclub.

Request outdoor seating if you like more light.

The time: 4 to 6pm, Tuesday-Thursday

The bites: Kebabs, dips, stuffed eggplant and grape leaves at a small discount from regular menu prices.

The drinks: $6 beer, $10 cocktails and $12 glasses of wine.

Cooked squid pieces in a brass bowl with chopped green herbs, two lemon wedges, and a pink orchid flower garnish on top. — Calamari meze at Avaspi. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

Best bet: A glass of wine ($12) from an excellent list and tender calamari meze ($16).

Skip the pretty-looking but flavor-challenged cold dips ($10 each).

Eight-word review: Pricy eats, moderate drinks in dark Euro bar.

R.J. Grunts, 2056 N. Lincoln Park West

A meal at a bar with half a cheeseburger, homemade potato chips, a dill pickle slice, side salad with tomatoes and carrots, a martini with lemon twist, a glass of beer, and a hazy beer. — Martini, salad, a tuna melt with cottage fries and beer at R.J. Grunts. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The time: 8 -10pm Thursday through Saturday.

The vibe: Your friend's groovy 1970s basement but with cool grown-ups hanging around.

The bites: R.J.'s usual pubby menu of burgers, nachos and salads (but RIP the old salad bar) at regular prices.

Orange-yellow cocktail in a tall glass with crushed ice, garnished with an orange slice and a dark cherry, on a wooden bar counter with metal fixtures in the background. — Amaretto sour. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The drinks: Classic cocktails (martinis, old fashions, margaritas and amaretto sours), wines and beer for $5 that are normally $10.

Perfect pairing: An amaretto sour ($5) and fried pickle chips ($9.50).

My martini and salad just felt too ascetic.

🍺 Five-word review: How can this be real?

Shaw's Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St.

Plate of oysters on crushed ice, served with sauces in metal cups, next to a glass of sparkling white wine on a wooden table at a seafood restaurant. — Oysters and champagne. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

🦀 The spot: The 41-year-old Blue Crab Lounge at , where, in the '90s, I used to grab bargain oysters right after I got off deadline at the Sun-Times and Tribune.

Hours: 3 to 5pm weekdays.

⚓️ The vibe: Nautical but comfy for tourists, neighbors and after-work business types.

Three lobster rolls on a rectangular white plate, fried potato chips with a creamy dip in a basket lined with a white cloth, fried seafood bites with sauce on a leaf, and a glass of champagne at Shaw's Crab House. — Kettle chips, mini lobster rolls, blanc de blancs sparkling wine and crispy rice bites with spicy tuna at Shaw's happy hour. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

🦞 Dig in: Half-priced oysters ($24 a dozen), chewy crispy rice bites topped with spicy tuna ($10), mini lobster roll trio ($12) and shrimp ceviche with tortilla chips ($8).

🥂 Drink up: Select beer ($5), oyster wine of the month ($7), bloody mary ($10) and mignonette martini ($10)

🦪 Perfect pair: Sparkling blanc de blancs wine ($7) and oysters, of course.

🍺 Best bargain: Goose Island pilsner ($5) and housemade Old Bay kettle chips with créme fraiche ($5).

Labriola Ristorante, 535 N. Michigan Ave.

Chips, a cocktail and sliders on a table. — Cacio e pepe chips, a bellini and sliders at Labriola. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

⏰ The hours: 3-6pm Monday-Friday.

🎄 The vibe: Super warm and festive, especially as it's decked out for the holidays and filled with office workers and tourists this time of year.

🍔 The bites: Chicken parm or meatball sliders ($3), cacio e pepe chips ($6), margarita pizza ($12) or a burger and salad $20.

🍹 The drinks: $5 draft Peroni, bellini, sangria, glass of wine, select cocktails or a giant Aperol spritz for $8.

🍻 Perfect pair: Chicken parm slider and a beer or cacio e pepe chips and a spritz.

📜 Eight-word review: Holiday warmth and affordability on the Mag Mile.

Bar Roma, 5101 N. Clark St.

Table with plates of garlic bread with tomato and basil spread, charcuterie with meats, cheese, olives, bite-size snacks with lemon and sauce, a glass with lemon drink, water bottle, and a small plate of bread with olive oil. — Ceci bean hummus, an antipasti platter, and fritters at bar Roma in Andersonville. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

⏰ The hours: 4-6pm Tuesday-Sunday.

🎉 The vibe: Fun, convivial, grown-up and LGBTQ-friendly

🍝 The bites: From a bowl of tomatoey bucatini ($12) and fried shrimp ($12) to ceci bean hummus ($10) and an antipasti plate ($12), the happy hour menu brims with Italian-inspired classics.

🍷 The drinks: Red or white house wine ($9) or the cocktail of the day ($10).

🍟 Perfect pair: Get the plump, crispy quartet of fritters ($11) studded with zucchini, sweet corn and garlic, and served with a tomato sauce, with a glass of house wine.

🍺 Seven-word review: A breezy trip to Rome in Andersonville.

Mordecai, 3632 N. Clark St.

Snacks on a table with a cocktail — Swedish meatballs, Extra Bases cocktail, poutine, deviled eggs and aracini at Mordecai. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: Chef Mathias Merges American-classic Mordecai recently reopened after a facelift and menu refresh — but the famous duck for two remains.

The hours: 5-7 pm Monday-Friday and home day game days.

The vibe: Grown-up Cubs fans and vintage whisky lovers gather amid dark wood furnishings for sophisticated fare.

The bites: $10 deviled eggs topped with dill, shallot and salmon roe; Swedish meatballs, poutine with cornichon and lardons; saffron arancini and crispy enoki mushrooms in aioli.

The drinks: $8 local draft beers, $12 house wines, $10 craft cocktails with names like Bleacher Tea, Extra Bases and Cracked Bat, plus $8 spirit-free beer and cocktails.

Perfect pair: A cold local draft with the umami-packed enoki mushrooms.

🍻 Seven-word review: For box seat ballers, not bleacher bums.

Briny Swine Smokehouse and Oyster Bar , 2577 N. Clark St.

Beer and snacks and oysters — Fried pickles, oysters and chicken slider at Briny Swine. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: This Lincoln Park eatery is one of the city's only coastal Carolina-style barbecue joints.

The hours: 4-6pm every day.

The vibe: Breezy open room with bros, professionals and Lincoln Park families.

The bites: Oysters ($1.75 each), fried pickles ($5), pork rinds with pimento cheese ($5), barbecue tater tots topped like nachos ($7) and slider of the week ($5).

The drinks: $10 cocktails, $5 draft craft beer and $5 Tito's vodka in various drinks.

Perfect pair: Maplewood Son of Juice IPA with cheesy pork rinds.

🍻 Eight-word review: Tasty Carolina coastal chow and good cheap beer.

Wilma's Famous BBQ, 17 N. Wabash Ave,

Metal tray with glazed barbecue ribs, a grilled sausage, toast, and crispy fries. A red cocktail with lemon wedge and cherry sits beside on checkered paper. — Turkey tips, a turkey link and Wilma's punch. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: Huge second floor BBQ house on Jewelers Row.

The hours: 4 to 7pm Mon.-Fri.

The vibe: Upbeat music, Afrocentric art, sports on TVs and paintings of Flintstones characters create an eclectic but welcoming atmosphere at this spot with views of the Washington and Wabash L platform.

The eats: "Mini" baskets of crispy seasoned fries paired with turkey, rib and chicken tips, wings or a turkey link smothered in sweet barbecue sauce go for $10.

The regular menu offers jerk chicken, greens & turkey, peach cobbler, catfish and more.

The drinks: Lemon drops, margaritas and a sweet and boozy Wilma's punchbowl for $10, while draft beers go for $6.

Perfect pair: A turkey link and fries with a draft beer or a punch if you can handle it.

🍻 Eight-word review: Mellow after-work sports and commuter watching with barbecue.

La Grande Boucherie, 431 N. Dearborn St.

Restaurant table with a plate of mussels and a crusty baguette, a glass of pale beer on the left, a tall glass of red wine, and a basket of fries in the background; dim bar lighting. — A Stella beer, mussels in mustard cream, truffle aioli fries and a house red. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: After a rocky start, this New York import has gotten its bearings under chef Michael Taus and boasts one of the loveliest dining rooms in the city.

The hours: 4-7pm Tuesday-Saturday

The vibe: Belle Époque Paris, but with friendly servers.

The bites: Pate with cornichons ($14), escargot ($16), a Boucherie burger with fries ($19), French cheese plate ($19) and mussels in mustard cream ($21).

The drinks: $7 Stella beer, $10 house wines, $12 absinthe (drip or frappe) and French cocktails like a Cashmere Rouge (cognac, Lillet Rouge, pomelo and lemon) for $11.

Perfect pair: Mussels with a house white — or for budget eaters, a Stella ($7) and truffle aioli fries ($8).

🍻 Seven-word review: Not super cheap, but ooh la la.

Il Porcellino, 59 W. Hubbard St.

Dim restaurant table with a burger plate, a creamy meatball dish, and a skillet of tomato sauce meatballs. A bright orange cocktail, a beer, and a glass of red wine on a wooden table. — Negroni, Peroni, meatballs, slider and arancini at Il Porcellino. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: Lettuce Entertain You classic Italian in the old Brasserie Jo building.

The hours: 4 to 6pm Monday-Friday.

The vibe: Warm and stylish Rat Pack Italian-American.

The bites: From warm olives ($6) and focaccia pepperoni pizza ($6) to short rib sliders ($9) and wild mushroom arancini ($6).

The drinks: Negronis ($8), Peroni beer ($6) and house whites and reds ($8).

Perfect pair: House Sangiovese ($8 ) and prime rib meatballs ($6).

🍻 Six word review: Decent drink deals and amazing food.

Figo Wine Bar, 3207 N. Sheffield Ave.

On a warm wooden table, white bowl with orange sauce, shaved cheese, and basil; blue-patterned bowl with roasted vegetables. A tall rosé glass sits behind, with a small side dish to the right. — Meatballs and Brussels sprouts and rosé at Figo Wine Bar. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The hours: 5-6pm Monday-Thursday

The vibe: A cozy, bougie wine club.

The bites: Figo offers Wagyu meatballs, charred Brussels sprouts with chili flakes and truffle fries for $10 each. Also, free bread and olives.

The drinks: $10 cocktails and $9 glasses of wine.

Perfect pair: Figo's meatballs with a glass of rosé.

Seven-word review: Mellow times with quality food & wine.

Trader Todd's, 3216 N. Sheffield Ave.

Beer pizza and a cocktail in a dim bar. — A non-alcoholic beer, a pizza slice and a margarita at Trader Todd's in Lakeview. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: Wrigleyville's 25 year old karaoke fixture and tropical oasis.

The hours: 4-7pm Wednesday–Friday

The vibe: Margaritaville frat party.

The bites: Todd's dishes up big $1 slices — sometimes crispy, sometimes cardboardy, but always a buck!

The drinks: Hurricanes and sweet margaritas for $5 that can fuel early karaoke if your bartender has the bandwidth.

Perfect pair: Todd's pepperoni slice and a margarita.

🍻 Six-word review: Cheap food, drink, songs and fun.

Nine Bar, 215 W. Cermak Rd.

Close-up of a tower of crispy fried bites topped with creamy sauce, red chili rings, and chopped green onions; blurred background plates with dips and rolls. — Mapo fries. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: A clandestine hideaway tucked in the back of Chinatown's Moon Palace,

The hours: 5 to 6pm, Sunday–Thursday.

The vibe: Like a groovy, Asian speakeasy full of hip young cocktail enthusiasts.

Ranked among best new bars in the world by Timeout.

The bites: Decadent crab rangoon ($5), crispy spring rolls ($6) and mapo hot fries ($7).

The drinks: $5 beers, $9 classic cocktails, $9 sake bombs and $20 bottles of soju.

Perfect pair: A cold Tsingtao and mapo waffle fries, topped with pickled Fresno chiles, spicy mayo and pork chili sauce.

🍻 Nine word review: Zesty chow, cool drinks and an even cooler vibe.

Hey, it's Monica, and I'm back checking out local happy hour specials.

This week, I've landed on one with prices that take me back decades.

Publican, 837 W. Fulton Market

Three-panel food scene: left shows a bone-in roasted meat with a croquette on a plate; middle features a pepper medley with fries in a cone and at-table drinks; right a cone of orange puffed snacks. — Stuffed chicken wings and ham and cheese croquette, beef-fat fries, seasonal shishito peppers and house-made pork rinds at Publican. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

The spot: Now helmed by chef Rob Levitt, this 16-year old spot is still cranking out artisanal meat and veggie delights in a warm beer-friendly atmosphere.

Hours: 4-6pm Monday through Friday.

The vibe: Laid back, after-work office jockeys and artsy types in a gastropub.

Dig in: Elevated bar snacks from $2 oysters with mignonette and beef fat fries ($9) to house-made pork rinds ($8), stuffed chicken wings ($10) and fried maitake mushrooms ($18).

Drink up: Beer $8-$10, wine $10 and martinis $12.

Perfect pair: A Krombacher Pilsner ($8) with ham and cheese croquettes ($12).

🍻 Four-word review: Everything here is delish.

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