Are you looking for the best happy hour in Chicago Loop? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
I have compiled this list of great happy hour deals in the Chicago Loop with their time and what they have on the menu like drinks and food specials.
So, if you are getting ready to go out with work colleagues, friends, or family, this is the article for you.
What is Happy Hour?
I’m sure you’ve heard the term Happy Hour. Maybe on TV or a radio ad. Maybe it was your friends talking about going out and getting a drink. If you’re like most people, you’d probably wonder what in the world is Happy Hour?
A time when bars and restaurants offer cheap food and drinks, like beer and appetizers. The drinks and food are usually discounted by 65% to 70%, and some bars may even discount their appetizers by %100. It is a great time to eat a large meal while saving money on the cost of food and drinks.
The origin of happy hour is meant to be debated, but many agree it originated from the United States Navy back in the early 20th century. Over the years, the happy hour became popular in other parts of the world, including the UK and Australia. Happy hour continues today and not just at the watering hole or pub, but also at restaurants and cafes.
SEE: How to Get Amazing Deals At Restaurants
What Are The Best Chicago Loop Happy Hour?
1. Townhouse Restaurant & Wine Bar
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Townhouse Restaurant has an extensive happy hour menu including, house wine, and spirits. You’ll also find a variety of small plates to pair with your drinks including sliders, flatbreads, and chicken wings. It is a great place to stop after work for a drink. The happy hour menu is short with $6 House Wines, $6 Draft Beers, and $6 House Spirits.
2. McCormick & Schmick’s
Happy Hour: Weekdays 3:30pm – 6:30pm
If you’re looking for a deal on seafood, McCormick & Schmick’s has you covered with their daily happy hour which features drinks and appetizers. During its weekday happy hour, McCormick & Schmick’s offers bites starting at $4, Well Spirits from $5, Wines by the Glass from $6.5, and Hand-Crafted Cocktails from $7.5.
3. Mindy’s Hot Chocolate Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Thursday 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
One of the best happy hour in the Chicago Loop can be found at Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, located at 1747 N. Damen Ave. Tuesday through Thursday, you can get Red or White by the Glass for $5, Draft Beers for $4, and Cocktails at $8.
Mindy’s has some of the best hot chocolate around, and they have many different varieties to choose from, including vegan and gluten-free options. For $5, you can get Mac and Cheese, Fried Pickles for $5, and Sliders for $3.
4. Franklin Tap Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Saturday11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Like many downtown Chicago bars, Franklin Tap offers a daily Happy Hour. But unlike most places that have a 4 pm to 6 pm weekday Happy Hour, this place is good enough to go to even if you don’t have the luxury of being able to leave the office early on a weekday.
With more different beers and a wide-ranging menu of food items featuring locally sourced ingredients, there are plenty of options for everyone. The food menu has something for everyone. During happy hour, their Drafts of Craft Beer go for $4 while Glasses of Wine go for $7.
5. Emerald Loop Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4 pm – 6 pm
The Emerald Loop on 216 N. Wabash Ave. is the place to be for happy hour in Chicago. The atmosphere is great, the drinks are delicious and the specials are unbelievable. The atmosphere is perfect for after-work drinks or a casual date.
During happy hour, you get Miller Lite pints for $4, flatbreads for $6, and Old Fashioned for $8. The bar is a little hidden from the street, so it is peaceful and not too loud. It’s always full of people enjoying themselves with friends, coworkers, or dates – but not so crowded that you can’t find a seat.
6. Elephant & Castle Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Sunday 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The drink specials at Elephant & Castle are very good here. There are also great appetizers like flatbread pizza, pulled pork sliders, and the “Emerald Nachos” with chili and cheese sauce. For happy hour, you will only get a discount on drinks with 20oz Green Line Beers going for $5 and 1/2 off glasses of Wine.
In addition to their drink specials, you can also have a great lunch and dinner at the restaurant every day of the week but for normal prices.
7. Venteux Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday 4 pm – 6 pm
Located at 224 N Michigan Ave, Venteux is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for an upscale happy hour spot with a wide selection of wine and cheese, and delicious appetizers look no further.
If you visit during happy hour, for just $8, you can score wine by the glass in a variety of different styles, and $10 for some of their hottest cocktail creations like the 1765 Old Fashioned or Honey badger. In addition, they also have food specials such as Oysters, Gem salad, Steak Tartare, and Sliders.
8. Florentine Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm
Florentine, located in the JW Marriott Hotel, 151 W Adams St, has an excellent happy hour and food. The happy hour menu consists of $5 Draft, Canned and Bottled Beers, $20 Antipasti Board & Glass of Wine, $10 Cheeseburger, $8 Truffle Fries, $8 Crab Cake Slider, $10 Pepperoni Pizza, and more.
9. Porter Kitchen & Deck Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Thursday – Friday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Located at 150 N Riverside of the Chicago Loop, Porter Kitchen & Deck is a great place to relax after work or stop in for a quick bite with friends. A wide selection of craft beers and specialty drinks are served on tap, along with an award-winning menu. Their happy hour offers specials drinks only with Old Fashioneds and Wines by the glass for $9, and Classic Margaritas for $8.
10. Sweetwater Tavern and Grille Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Looking to meet a friend for drinks and a bite to eat? Grab your pal and head to Sweetwater for happy hour. During the week 4-6 pm, Sweetwater is offering $5 to $8 Cocktails and 1/2 Off Beer. Appetizer specials are also available at a discounted price. This place is perfect for drinks after work or lunch during the workday. The staff are very friendly, and the service is fast. You can dine in or order To Go.
11. The Berghoff Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Berghoff has been around since 1898. It is a Chicago landmark, and one of the few establishments in Chicago where you can still get a legal Sunday morning drink. But what makes Berghoff really special is the happy hour. If you visit during happy hour, you will get Rotating Draft for $4, Well Drinks for $6, and House Wine for $7. In addition, you can get food specials from $4.50 – $6.
12. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub Happy Hour
Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
If you are looking for one of the best happy hour in Chicago loop, then you really can’t go wrong with Exchequer Restaurant & Pub. They have a great selection of beers, a wonderful assortment of wines, and delicious martinis. The best part? It’s all almost half off during happy hour. Their Budweiser, Bud Light, and Stock Top Pitchers are $8. And any of these with a dozen wings goes for $18.95.
Happy Hour In Chicago Loop: FAQs
What are typical times that happy hours take place?
In most restaurants and bars, happy hour is usually from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Are drinks discounted?
Yes, drinks and food are discounted during happy hour at restaurants and bars.
What are the most popular deals?
The most popular deals during happy hours are the discounts you get on beers, wines by the glass, appetizers, and desserts.
Is Time To Enjoy Happy Hour In Chicago Loop
Now that you know where to get the best happy hour in Chicago Loop, all you have to do is choose any of the places listed above. The best thing to do is make an evening of it. After all, when else are you going to get the chance?
Wind down from your busy day in the Loop with one of these great Happy Hours. Make friends, meet people and relax with a drink or two. Ruby Tuesday Happy Hour is another great deal I will encourage you to check out. With varieties of appetizers, sides, desserts, and drinks on the menu, you can have a nice time for $5.
I hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading
