Happy Hour in River North
While there’s plenty of trendy bars and expensive cocktails in River North, weekdays between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., this vibrant, lively neighborhood becomes much more affordable. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink after work with co-workers or plan a full-on girls’ evening out on a weeknight, we’ve rounded up a list of 11 of the best places in River North for happy hour.
11 Best River North Happy Hour Deals
1. Doc B's
Doc B’s is a fresh, casual, American restaurant that serves salads, sandwiches, and pizza. Stop in during their daily happy hour for quality food that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Their Happy Hour menu offers a selection of food ranging from $3-$12, including $6 burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Their booze is also priced reasonably, so you can add on a beer, wine and well drinks for about $4 to $6.
Happy hour: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2. The Kitchen
Nestled right along the Chicago River, The Kitchen features classy views and farm-fresh American fare. Get amazing happy hour deals where you can order half-dozen oysters for $15 or get three snacks for $15 (think hummus, burrata or fried cauliflower). Select cocktails and wine will cost you $8 and select beer $5.
Happy hour: Weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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3. Il Porcellino
Enjoy an aperitif in this Italian-American restaurant on Hubbard Street. Classic Negronis and select glasses of wine cost $6 during Aperitvo Hour. Nibble on the antipasti board with salumi, marinated olives, cheese and fresh ciabatta for $7. Don't forget to use your LEYE points at this Lettuce Entertain You spot! After happy hour, you can head across the street to a tropical speakeasy. (Read: Raddest Speakeasies in Chicago.)
Happy hour: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
4. Fremont
The best way to describe Fremont is a bar, nightclub and American restaurant all in one. While their first floor generally hosts the dinner crowd, one floor up offers a more club-like vibe with DJs, live music and dancing. It’s also a great place to catch the football game on Thursdays — they have $5 Jamo and Jello shots.
Happy hour: Deals start at 5 p.m., Late Night specials go from 9 p.m. until close
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5. Bernies Lunch & Supper
Bernies offers Mediterranean cuisine and artisanal cocktails in a stylish, elegant atmosphere. The large rooftop makes this an excellent choice to share small plates in the summer. And it won’t cost you much either; most of their small bites including deviled eggs, falafel crispies, and their famous hummus cost just $5. Stop in for Happy Hour Monday through Saturday where featured drinks range from $4 to $7. And the Happy Hour deals don't stop there, you can also get half-priced bottles of wine every Monday!
Happy hour: Monday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Photo: Bernies Supper Club hummus, crudités, pita, fries, and Moscow Mule
6. Celeste
Chicago Magazine called it “River North’s sexiest 5 a.m. bar” for good reason. While they’re typically open till 4 or 5 a.m., Happy Hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring $8 house cocktails and deals on select dishes. Celeste has a great list of snacks and small plates like beef jerky, crudites, caramelized onion fondue, and seared tuna.
Happy hour: Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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7. Enolo Wine Cafe
At Enolo Wine Cafe, Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday where select glasses of wine are $7. They have an extensive wine list, but also offer beers, crafted drinks and hand-picked spirits. Don’t let their name fool you though; Enolo is also known for their simple and delectable small plates. Choose between favorites like truffle fries and calamari or, if you’re feeling hungrier, indulge in a salad, pizza, panini or one of their nine variations of bruschetta. Anything you pick is probably a safe bet; this modernized cafe received rave ratings online including 4.4 / 5 on Google and a 4 / 5 on Yelp.
Happy hour: Weekdays 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo: Enolo Wine Cafe
8. The Franklin Room
Happy Hour is every day at The Franklin Room, where deals are served up throughout the week. Come to take in their charming old-fashioned aesthetic, but stay for their awesome Happy Hour deals. On Mondays, you can get half-priced bottles of wine. Tuesday through Saturday, Franklin Room serves half-priced whiskey boy cocktails and glasses of sparkling wine. And that’s not all — every day there’s $1.50 oysters!
Happy hour: Every day, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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9. Arbella
Arbella has a modern, chic vibe that’s perfect for a younger crowd. This hip lounge features eclectic small plates like $6 tempura shrimp on Tuesdays and $8 Korean fried chicken on Wednesdays. Their Happy Hours run weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and they even have a separate menu during this time that you can view here. They frequently host local DJs and put on events, so make sure you check their calendar and time your visit to make the most of your evening!
Happy hour: Weekdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
10. Union Sushi and Barbeque Bar
Union Sushi is a Japanese restaurant with an eccentric, colorful atmosphere with an innovative take on Japanese food. Stop by here after work any day from 5-6:30 p.m. for $5 glasses of Rose, $5 Moscow Mules and half-priced Sake. While you’re at it, try their oysters, beef filet skewers and spicy shrimp sushi rolls that make for great dishes to share with friends and let you take a breather from your go-to bar food.
Happy hour: Every day from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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11. Highline Bar and Lounge
Highline Bar and Lounge boasts happy hour deals every day of the week, with specials changing daily. Stop in on Tuesdays for $5 Tall Boys and Silo’s or bring a friend for Thursday’s $5 build your own mule! This sleek, comfy spot is the perfect place for drinks with co-workers or an outing with friends.
Happy hour: Daily deals start at 5 p.m.
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Looking for other fun spots to check out in the city? You may also like The Raddest Speakeasy Bars in Chicago.
Thanks to Madeleine for contributing to this post! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for more adventures around Chicago!
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