After a long work day, grabbing food and drinks with friends is the highlight of my day. Who doesn’t love a good happy hour with exceptional deals? No one wants to always just “work, work, work, work, work, work…”
Chicago has great happy hour specials throughout the city. Here are a few of my favorite spots…
5. Hub 51
While Hub 51 is known for classic American fare, be sure to check out their happy hour sushi deal. They offer half off all of their sushi rolls from 3-6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to close. Like all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, the quality exceeds itself. Check this spot out the next time your midday or late night sushi craving strikes!
Spicy Shrimp & King Crab, Hamachi & Serrano Chili, and Crunchy Tuna Rolls at Hub 51 // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: It can get crowded between 3-6 p.m. so I suggest making a reservation.
{Location}
Hub 51
River North || 51 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 828-0051
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
4. Hubbard Inn
Hubbard Inn has one of my favorite raw bars in the city. Available Tuesday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it is very fresh and high quality.
Oysters at Hubbard Inn // Photo: @topchicagoeats
For $1 and $2 each, you can choose any combination of the following from Hubbard Inn’s raw bar: shrimp, king crab legs, scallops, shucked clams, and oysters on the half shell. They also have $8 specialty cocktails and $4 local beers varying depending on the day of the week. My favorite happy hour special is the scallop crudo because it is marinated in olive oil, jalapeño, and scallions for the perfect flavor.
Scallop Crudo at Hubbard Inn // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: While the happy hour specials are great, you should also try their amazing oysters Rockefeller.
{Location}
Hubbard Inn
River North || 110 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 222-1331
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
3. Roka Akor
Roka Akor has a wide selection of happy hour options available Monday-Friday from 5-6 p.m. They offer $5 and $6 small plates when you sit in the lounge or patio.
For $5, you can choose from grilled shishito peppers, wagyu beef and kimchi dumplings, crispy fried squid, and chicken skewers. For $6, you can choose from lobster and shrimp dumplings, prime beef skewers, spicy fried tofu, hamachi serrano roll, vegetable tempura roll, and a signature tataki trio with butterfish, tuna, and yellowtail. You can also choose from $5 glasses of select wine, sake, and cocktails.
Signature Tataki Trio: Butterfish, Tuna, and Yellowtail at Roka Akor // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: You can also get $1 oysters on Tuesdays.
{Location}
Roka Akor
River North || 456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 477-7652
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36) Lunch
$$$ ($36-$65) Dinner
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
2. más
This is the perfect option for when you are in the mood for delicious tacos and margaritas. On Mondays through Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. you can get $5 margaritas and 2 tacos for $5. There are also other $4 and $5 drink specials Monday-Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. margaritas are $7, Mezcal cocktails are $5, and you can still get 2 tacos for $5. The tacos are made to order with fresh ingredients. There are a lot of options so you can mix and match.
Pancita and Calabacitas en Chorizo Tacos at más // Photo: @topchicagoeats
Also, not to be missed are the donuts. They are Mexican style donuts covered in brown sugar and served with mascarpone rum chocolate, cajeta, and a berry sauce. They are not too sweet and are made-to-order.
Mexican Style Donuts at más // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: There are also a few vegetarian tacos to choose from.
{Location}
más
West Loop || 800 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-1995
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
1. Dolce Italian
Dolce Italian has one of my favorite happy hours in the city. It is located on the first floor of the Godfrey Hotel. They offer an “8 until 8” menu. You can choose from several small plates, pizza, and pasta all for $8 each until 8 p.m. There are also $8 select cocktails and wine. What I like the most about this happy hour is that you can get a full size pizza for $8, that truly calls for a happy hour!
Margherita Pizza at Dolce Italian // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: If you decide to order a pizza, ask for their “Stella” preparation of it. This is their style of pizza that has a ricotta stuffed crust!
{Location}
Dolce Italian
River North || 127 W Huron, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 754-0700
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36) Lunch
$$$ ($36-$65) Dinner
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
Don’t take my word on it… check out these spots for yourself!
Comment with your favorite happy hour spots below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
