Best Happy Hour Spots in Chicago

“Honestly, this place is amazing. We got the queen tea service with both savories and sweets for $69 and it was stellar.”

“The food was delicious. Reminded me of the traditional dishes my grandma used to cook.”

“Honestly had the most amazing experience. I went in on a whim with my bestie.”

“Everything was absolute perfection. Service was amazing, food was amazing, the whole vibe was amazing!”

“Service was amazing - friendly and attentive - you can tell they're trying to impress.”

“The owner and servers are very attentive and the atmosphere of my meal was cozy and comfortable.”

“The scallop lychee pear aguachile was maybe the best thing I’ve eaten all year, and the beef cheek birria was rich and satisfying.”

“The sweet plantain and chorizo tacos are hands down the best dish I’ve had in Chicago, seriously unforgettable.”

“David was absolutely phenomenal!! He answered all of our questions and explained each of the dishes that we picked.”

“The tasting menu moved seamlessly from delicate seafood courses to a rich wagyu beef plate, each dish layered with detail but never heavy.”

“Hidden from the bustling streets of West Loop exists one of Chicago's finest culinary experiences, where glowing warmth and hospitality saturate the entire space with nothing short of magic.”

“I've been to Oriole 6 times, and for almost 4 years it held the #1 restaurant spot for me in Chicago, with its unpretentious, fine dining experience.”

“The Chaufa was tangy and filling, and the ice cream was a perfect ending - so smooth!”

“This is hands down our favorite restaurant in Chicago, and we eat everywhere, all the time.”

“Loved the tasting menu here. Amazing value for your money with quality seafood.”

“The total for the three sampler appetizers came out to $18 which is cheaper than the truffle mozzarella sticks - amazing deal!”

“Allie was the most incredible server I've ever had, …”

“We were able to find some very reasonable street parking super close to the restaurant, which was a huge plus.”

“The Peking duck was so amazing. I will never go back to Chicago and not go back to this restaurant.”

“Sam was a lovely server. Pear cake was so refined and delicious. Obviously the duck and the amazing burger. Wonderful holiday dinner.”

“Combined with the tucked away location and cozy outdoor patio makes this place easily one of the best I've been to in the city.”

“Our server was so friendly and attentive and our cocktails and food were delicious.”

“My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary so we made a reservation night and the atmosphere was cozy and lively.”

“It didn't occur to me on this visit, but I had tried to go in the past (weekend walk-in) and they were completely booked.”

“My 1 year old daughter has a mustard allergy and the whole staff was amazing at knowing what rubs and dishes contained mustard!”

“The jalapenos poppers and sides of coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad and tater tot casserole.”

“The bar had a great selection of local draft beers on top.”

“It’s a bit pricey, but the food is delicious and the puffs! You worth trying the mixed vegetable puff!”

“The table was ready with a reserved sign, and the manager—Bobby, I believe—was more than accommodating when I told him we would actually be nine.”

“The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, perfect for both casual visits and special occasions.”

“Ashley was amazing! She was friendly, patient, and super attentive the whole time.”

“Atmosphere is lively without being chaotic. Neon glow, modern flair, a crowd that actually seems excited to be alive and eating meat.”

“The meats arrive marbled like they were sculpted by some beef-obsessed deity.”

“Took forever to get the additional bread”

“Gems of West Side Chicago”

“Making sure there is no cross contamination”

“We held a brunch event at Augie's for our daughters baptism and it was fantastic.”

“Augies is a great neighborhood tavern with a great beer list and amazing cocktails.”

“Hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in the Chicagoland area.”

“Phillip, our server, was attentive and really seemed to care that we had a wonderful time.”

“The Chicken Piccata and the Arancini were truly the best we have ever had.”

“Party hearty vehicles on Michigan Avenue with full bass will drown out all conversation, and there's no way to defend against 🤣”

“Ramen broth was the best I've ever had”

“Chicken was so rubbery I had to Google”

“Calming music made it all the better”

“This is my go to breakfast spot in Chicago. It has amazing food, it’s all so fresh and perfect every time.”

“Lots of dietary options (GF, Veg, VG), the servers are all very kind, and the food is delicious!”

“The food was incredible. The menu was pretty uniqur- Mexican inspired diner food.”

“Our server was beyond nice (Reservation was under Bryan Loren @ 8pm hopefully you can find her and let her know she’s amazing), the environment was fun and relaxed,”

“Chloe was fantastic!! She was very knowledgeable about the menu as well as the wine options.”

“The food was so good!! I highly recommend the burrata lasagna! It comes with this meat ragu that was so delightful and it was phenomenal comfort food!”

“The chicken dish was honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I recommend to anyone I meet looking for good food in Chicago!”

“Jonathan our server really made our night and was probably one of the best servers we have ever had. Very attentive and friendly and helped us choose what to order.”

“The staff were super friendly and welcoming 😊. Highly recommend the Yaya's Pasta 🍝—so delicious!”

“Every single bite was superb. Tuna tartar was soft and creamy. Bone marrow was rich and the salad offered a nice contrast.”

“Our food was delicious and our server was top notch. I highly recommend the Roasted Bone Marrow smear, Spanish Octopus, Pork Belly and Broccoli.”

“Stopped in for a quick dinner at the bar on a work trip - excellent food, outstanding service, and a cool vibe.”

“Our server Alyssa was probably the best any of us at our table have ever experienced - unbelievably knowledgeable, helpful, and thorough.”

“Delicious brunch experience. Lamb kati roll and ras malai tres leches were phenomenal.”

“Eddie was not only funny, but very personable. He took us on a tour of the menu and provided excellent recommendations for us.”

“The sushi and presentation were fantastic. The fish quality was great, and everything was very tasty :)”

“We were warmly greeted by the owner and chef who customized some of the best sushi rolls!”

“New name but same owners of former S@kura. Still family run with delicious handmade in-house sushi.”

“Beautiful decor and design—both inside and out. A great rooftop for a fun happy hour or weekly evening cocktail.”

“Lovely quiet place with small plates and wonderful little cocktails- our server was very gracious and attentive.”

“The manager personally checked in to make sure everything was perfect, which I really appreciated.”

“My partner got the four cheese ravioli and house salad. She noted the salad was well-organized, not drowned in dressing, and had perfect cuts.”

“Our waiter, El, was excellent — friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down.”

“On top of that, the manager Roberto was fantastic. You can tell he truly cares about both the guests and the staff.”

“The abbreviated tasting menu is the best deal in town, where you get caviar, foie gras and wagyu beef for an excellent price.”

“Service is outstanding from the moment guests step through the door until the moment they leave—attentive, warm, and perfectly paced, making the entire experience feel seamless.”

“While the tasting menu was wonderful (and I deeply appreciated them making it vegetarian for me)”

“This is probably my favorite Chinese restaurant in Lincoln Park, and I’ve been to a lot of Chinese restaurants because chinese food is my go-to food.”

“The food was incredible. The portion sizes are big and should definitely be shared.”

“Highly recommend this place if you’re in Lincoln Park and craving Chinese takeout!”

“Everything was fantastic.Definitely a new go-to spot”

“If your not nosy like me you can pass by and not even notice the store front”

“Waited +30min for water, waitress & menus”

“Top tier service from all the waitstaff (they all work together to bring you the best service possible)”

“And one of the louder dining environments in Chicago (even after they added sound paneling to the ceilings since opening earlier this year).”

“The food is more Asian fusion. Love the wide range of variety you can choose and the price point is not that high.”

“My wife had the chilaquiles, and would recommend them for those that don’t eat beef.”

“Every time It's cooked perfectly and it's always juicy, egg cooked perfect every time.”

“This place is well worth the wait with cozy diner vibes, decadent food, and delicious drinks.”

“Christopher stands out as an excellent employee. His motivation, energy, and dedication to outstanding service set a high standard that others could follow.”

“My husband got the Coq au Vin, which was amazing.”

“I haven’t been to the Gage, or Chicago, for over a decade. I was extremely happy to see it hasn’t lost its touch.”

“Growing up in Chicago this was always a favorite, I’ve gone back as an adult and its just not the same”

“The owner has been an established jeff pk business. He alwsys makes sure that you receive the best service and food.”

“Beat ribs in Chicago. Great Service too. Radio dj Nick DiGilio always said they're the best in the area.”

“The food and Demera margarita were delicious, the environment was quiet, and the service speedy and friendly.”

“The vegan cheesecake* with vegan shai ice cream was literally the best thing I’ve had in the past 12mo!”

“Maybe the wall seating on the corner of the wall is the Bermuda Triangle of service? Might be worth a management glance.”

“Incredibly sweet and welcoming. The grill smelled amazing”

“Simple but outstanding. Great vibe”

“Old school vibe. The bar tender was incredibly sweet”

“Jennifer was our server and she was amazing. She was very attentive and very friendly.”

“Carnitas skillet is my favorite hearty brunch choice, while cookie butter banana waffles are my go to for sweet and decadent.”

“The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.”

“One of the best tacos I've ever had”

“Sydney was hands down the best service”

“Colorful and lively decor and vibe”

“Our server, Martin, was amazing and so personable—he even shared his story about moving from Mexico and the authentic cuisine the restaurant offers.”

“The staff was super friendly and accommodating to my vegetarian and my mother-in-law's vegan dietary restrictions, with a couple black-bean entree options plus a delicious Portobello epanada.”

“It was the perfect level of loud in there, it felt lively and busy but not crowded and overstimulating.”

“I ordered the veggie salmon and it was perfect all the seasons was well blended in the veggie salad”

“I order from Brown Bag Seafood Company frequently and the food is always fresh, delicious, and consistently excellent.”

“The salmon bowl with whole grains, veggies, and sesame sriracha was outstanding—perfectly marinated salmon and well-grilled vegetables.”

“Our server (Kat) was amazing: knowledgeable and passionate about what they were serving.”

“Highly recommend this restaurant for a date night or if you want to treat your family/guests on any special occasion.”

“The servers were great, friendly and attentive; and the atmosphere, décor, and overall vibe are all excellent.”

“I had the mushroom po boy— my friend said that her burger was one of the best she’d ever had.”

“My group arrived during Happy Hour and took advantage of the great deals they had going.”

“Our waitress Peyton did a great job, she was constantly asking did we need anything.”

“The food is rather inconsistent. It’s usually tasty but a couple of times, the usually delicious Korean chicken wings and sliders were overcooked and …”

“Kennedi was the best server ever! She made this dinner even more special for my mother, sister and I.”

“The food was really good. One thing that I was disappointed was that I had to send my chicken back because it wasn't cooked well.”

“Figure we spent $125 for 4 plain bowls of pasta. It was delicious but no bread no Parm and water seemed like a precious commodity.”

“The food was great! Truffle gnocchi is so yummy and we had the best server!”

“Our server, Bradley B. Gave excellent recommendations & was kind and attentive.”

“While the food was amazing, I expect more from this type of restaurant. Definitely not worth the price.”

“I am admittedly a picky eater, but I do try every dish on a tasting menu because I am normally taken on a wonderful journey with these type of dishes.”

“Sat at the bar as a last minute single person reservation and had the opportunity to get to know Marco”

“I give this place a 10 out of 10!!! Food was absolutely delicious 😋 The service was BEYOND my expectations.”

“Ordered some burgers on a date. They were amazing but left me wanting more for what I paid.”

“The ambiance is cozy and colorful, with a vibe that’s both relaxed and energizing — perfect for a casual brunch or catching up with friends over coffee.”

“The pistachio ravioli in saffron orange butter sauce was delicious and I had to keep myself from licking the plate.”

“The ambiance is wonderful and the beautiful setting helped to make our date night in the city very special.”

“The waiter actively ignored my fiance a couple times to the point we were all laughing as it felt very intentional.”

“We went for Christmas Eve dinner with family and had an outstanding experience.”

“The best ribeye in the world so far! Highly recommended!”

“Our waiter Abraham had very little interest in us and only checked in to take away dishes.”

“I come to Chicago for work once a quarter and I know I can depend on excellent service every single time.”

“The staff, from the chef to the wait staff are all friendly and very attentive.”

“The place was packed but they seated us at the bar within 10 minutes.”

“Our server Alexandria gave excellent suggestions on what to order and try.”

“The layout is perfect for capturing wild dance-floor shots, intimate couple moments, and all the shenanigans in between.”

“It’s definitely lively, not for a quiet dinner, but perfect for a celebration or night out.”

“This place was great! We hosted a small wedding lunch here and it was perfect.”

“The ambiance was fantastic, making it an ideal setting for a romantic date night.”

“Located in the heart of River North. They have a patio with heat warmers for the colder fall weather.”

“Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.”

“The staff is lovely! There is very limited seating, however if you go at the right time, you should be able to find a spot.”

“In the heart of the De Paul campus and with a name like "The Crust", you know what it is all about.”

“Always excellent service by Shoaib Arshad and the entire team at Gaylor.”

“It’s been some time since we’ve been here, but every time we went the food was amazing.”

“The owner was very friendly as well, and came to our table to check everything was okay!”

“The food was absolutely fantastic! The service was great and so accommodating to our gluten free needs.”

“Food was wonderful!! Little loud of an environment and busy but great restaurant overall!”

“Really nice Italian restaurant with fancy romantic vibes. Perfect for date night.”

“The Cubs decor is fantastic and we love that it's right down the street from our place.”

“I had a veggie burger and it was one of the best.”

“I spoke to the owner to let him know what a great place this is, he is a super nice guy, very warm and welcoming!”

“Francesco was our amazing waiter. When he found out we had lived in Italy, we had great conversations!”

“Sofi is that perfect mix of cozy and upscale—ideal for a date night or just treating yourself.”

“What a fabulous meal, al fresco, in Chicago. Wonderfully attentive staff, full of conversation, and terrific high-end Italian cuisine to boot.”

“The homemade pasta alone is worth the visit—perfect texture, rich flavor, and clearly made with care.”

“Excellent service and good! Had the meatballs, cacio e Pepe, and Prosecco and pepperoni pizza special.”

“Easy to get to, ample parking, great atmosphere, and the food was incredible.”

“Incredible gluten free pasta! Came here for New Year’s Eve and the service and food were phenomenal.”

“The owner is so kind and genuinely passionate about making sure every guest has a wonderful experience.”

“I would recommend for dates, family dinners and birthdays - the whole restaurant joined in singing happy birthday.”

“The Masabacha Hummus and Bubbe’s Brisket Hummus were out of this world, paired perfectly with their warm, pillowy pita that’s perfect for dipping.”

“We were extremely impressed with the music mix and the volume that a single Sonos speaker was able to provide that cut through the din.”

“Our server was attentive and checked out our table many times throughout the night.”

“Absolutely loved the Chef’s Journey tasting menu! Chef Remy blends Lebanese flavors with subtle Western touches beautifully.”

“I hosted a private event here and it exceeded expectations. Chef Ryan and his team were amazing to work with; every detail was so incredibly thoughtful.”

“The lamb was $72 for two small lamb chops. Delicious but the price was a bit outrageous”

“Good music, phenomenal food (tortillas made in house + GREAT tacos de pastor), and great service !!!!”

“The food is always amazing at Bárbaro! The birria tacos are excellent - but I’ve also had the quesadillas, tacos al pastor, and sopes - and everything has been perfect.”

“I can ask no more of this favorite. The staff clearly cares and it shows through every sip and bite.”

“The food we got here was delicious! A bit on the pricier side, but so worth it!”

“My son always lives the mac n cheese, and loved the goat cheese dip also.”

“They told us they didn’t have gluten free bread even though we had been the week before and did.”

“We came once before for v-day and were pretty disappointed. Today we loved everything - the barramundi, crab pasta, prawns, Brussels, iberico pork… all great.”

“The ambience gives amazing "date spot" vibes, but I went alone and did not feel out of place!”

“The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, the kind of place that makes you want to linger over another glass of wine and order “just one more thing.””

“We took our seven-year-old bowling for the first time and all had a wonderful experience! Very family friendly and spotlessly clean.”

“Adriana the best bartender and server she really made us feel comfortable and welcome here at Kings.”

“The food was delicious—yummy appetizers and a variety of hearty options that kept everyone satisfied throughout the event.”

“The decor is gorgeous! Sitting in the sunroom along the river was picture perfect but know there is an intense draft.”

“We showed up 15 minutes before our reservation time/opening time and were able to sit at a wonderful table outside.”

“While the meal was fresh and flavorful, I recommend skipping dessert which was more artificial/perfumy.”

“The food could not have been fresher, seriously do they have a garden outback that they went straight to table.”

“Great family owned local spot in the Jeff Park/gladstone park neighborhood of chicago- really tasty entrees, j enjoyed my enchiladas trio.”

“I've been here a few times and so far has tasted the Burrito dinner, combination plate, and The Lamb Chops.”

“This place has an excellent vibe. Bright and airy especially on sunny afternoons! Make a reservation for lunch or dinner.”

“The manager was also amazing and attentive. The whole team really worked in concert to create something wonderful!!!”

“$20 unlimited pizza, pasta and salad: a dream come true. The truffle pizza was delicious, the crust was thin yet fluffy and crispy.”

“Our server, Marisol, was incredible. She was kind, attentive, and truly focused on making sure we had a great experience.”

“The vibe is intimate and welcoming, perfect for a laid back evening. The pasta was rich and comforting.”

“I thought the ricotta dumplings were delicious, but rich. I’d recommend sharing those with the table rather than having it as the main.”

“Our server Kristina T awesome. So pleasant and informative. She made the visit really amazing”

“The manager said they were backed up with to-go orders which I understand but 3 hours is still way too long.”

“She offered us some GF choices like the grilled shrimp, grilled chicken, vegetable wedges, and froyo for desert.”

“The Al Pastor could very well be the best in the city.”

“Now I'm a regular and the quality is always excellent. Never disappointed.”

“First thing you notice from this unassuming corner shop in the Little Village neighborhood, is that upon entering, the limited seating was rather fully occupied.”

“The roasted chicken, fried pork belly, soup of the day, and kids’ pasta were all excellent.”

“Such a beautiful restaurant with lots of natural light and a view of the river.”

“Amra, my waitress was amazing! She brings such a joy to her job”

“The chicken had a perfect char that locked in the juices and gave it a deep, smoky flavor.”

“The burger is worth the hype, little more pink on the meat would have been welcomed but didn’t take away from the flavor.”

“They say that the bar revolves (I presume its the carousel at the circular bar area) but it wasnt in motion.”

“The atmosphere was great, nice vibes, the drinks were flowing and the server Andrea was AMAZING!!!”

“It was really loud there for no particular reason and at one point someone raised the volume higher of the music.”

“The manager, Ashly, offered us food and drink packages, and we decided to go with one of the drink packages.”

“The Boucherie French 45 is incredible. I love browned butter fat washed vodka and it paired perfectly with the tart raspberry and pineapple.”

“We had a romantic dinner, and everything was perfect. The cozy, elegant atmosphere and truly excellent service.”

“I had the duck cassoulet which was perfect, the beans were nice and soft, the duck was cooked perfectly (nailed the crispy skin).”

“The mushroom burger was delicious and I was happy to have a substantial vegan gluten free option.”

“Absolutely WONDERFUL experience at The Vig West Loop. Simply gorgeous room and decor, excellent location in the West Loop that had VERY easy street parking for guests.”

“Chef Eddie went out of his way to bring us an amazing brunch tasting.”

“I just had a gluten free Detroit style pizza and had to come here to tell everyone that this is the best gluten free pizza I ever had.”

“One of the best vegan pizzas in Chicago. I recommend the vegan Regina with vegan sausage added.”

“Paulie Gee's hosted my wedding, and they did a fantastic job!”

“The atmosphere is so laid back and the music was at a volume where you could actually hear the other person.”

“Thattu brands itself as an upscale place but you have to order off a QR code, and you don’t have an assigned server.”

“The owner took it to another level. He was arrogant, dismissive, and honestly, seemed like he couldn’t care less about the customers.”

“Sat at the bar because we got lucky despite failing to make reservations. It’s a small place so it’s probably best to plan ahead.”

“We had an amazing date night at Anelya with multiple courses, delightful dishes, and great drinks.”

“Sit @ bar to eat & drink! Mishka the most amazing bartender!”

“The Korean Fried Chicken was incredible! The skin was really crispy with very tender meat.”

“Korean music is not something I take issue. But 9-5 K-pop on a loop with english subtitles is painful and uncessary”

“The place was busy and there seemed to be only one server and one cook, but the wait for food wasn’t bad at all.”

“Service was understandably not the best - it seemed like the restaurant was understaffed with only one server for the whole restaurant, but the food …”

“Our staff Summer was excellent! She took care of all our needs and gave outstanding recommendations.”

“The food wasn’t quite right during my visit, the rice split into two chunks when I picked it up and struggled to hold together.”

“The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great — but the real highlight? The staff!”

“She had the vegetarian omelette that had a ragout that was fantastic.”

“Update: I got contacted by Shannon, the marketing manager, who worked swiftly to get this issued corrected.”

“It’s tucked into a quiet pocket of the West Loop, close to downtown, hotels, and amazing photo spots.”

“The food was very good. Service was excellent. 4 stars on food because given the price and reputation I think it was fair to expect better than "very good" food.”

“The food at Elske was outstanding — creative, well-balanced, and beautifully presented.”

“Our server Catalina was a true professional and made the experience simply amazing.”

“The ambiance is laid-back with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for a casual night out”

“Huge portions, prices affordable, drinks were good, family friendly environment and nice music, my family had a great experience eating here”

“I can’t compare it to other Italian beefs in the area, but what I had at Portillo's was delicious.”

“This was a must-go location for my children wishing to experience Portillo chocolate cake shake, which they loved.”

“The chopped salad was very good and the best offering of what we had.”

“While the food and wine were delicious and the service was good, we were extremely disappointed by what followed.”

“The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, a perfect backdrop for what turned out to be a memorable evening.”

“We joined friends for a very special Christmas Dinner together and left wondering how so many people gave this "Michelin Starred" Restaurant a strong review.”

“The French fries were outstanding, though the burger patty was a bit under-seasoned.”

“They were also showing a rerun of an AFC divisional game on NFL Network, while the Big Ten Championship was happening?”

“The ambiance and atmosphere is great. Very elegant and great for a fancy dinner out.”

“The food is fantastic! And the service is stellar. One of my favorite places to enjoy tacos!”

“My wife loved both her fish taco and toasted veggie burrito.”

“The owner was standing right there and did nothing, so I guess that sets the tone for the staff.”

“Our server, Blake, was very attentive and kind. He always aimed to make it right and did his best to make sure we were happy.”

“The food here is surprisingly good for a hotel restaurant? We went back twice on our trip because the salmon was that delicious!”

“The atmosphere is lively and atmospheric, perfect for an evening with friends or a romantic date.”