Lake View, Chicago, bursts with vibrant energy, and its happy hour scene is no exception. From cozy pubs to upscale lounges, there's a perfect spot for every taste and budget. This comprehensive guide dives into the top 28 happy hour destinations in Lake View, offering details to help you find your ideal after-work hangout. We've categorized them for your convenience, highlighting the unique offerings of each.
Dive Bars & Casual Spots: Happy Hour Done Right
These spots offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day. Expect classic cocktails, affordable drinks, and maybe even some bar snacks.
1. The Violet Hour: While not strictly a cheap happy hour, The Violet Hour offers a sophisticated cocktail experience with discounted drinks during specific hours. Their craft cocktails are legendary.
2. Simon's Tavern: A Lake View institution, Simon's boasts a lively atmosphere and a solid selection of beers on tap, often with happy hour specials. It's a great place to meet locals.
3. The Cubby Bear: Famous for its live music and laid-back vibe, The Cubby Bear has a happy hour that's as fun as the rest of the experience. Check their website for daily specials.
4. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: A historic jazz club, The Green Mill offers a unique happy hour experience with live music and classic cocktails. While not the cheapest, the ambiance is unbeatable.
5. Big Star: This popular taco joint is known for its delicious food and extensive tequila selection. Their happy hour features discounted tacos and margaritas.
Upscale Happy Hours: Impress Your Clients or Celebrate a Special Occasion
For a more sophisticated experience, these Lake View establishments offer a refined atmosphere and premium drinks.
6. RPM Italian: Enjoy Italian-inspired cocktails and small plates at a discounted price during their happy hour. The ambiance is chic and modern.
7. Sunda: This Asian-fusion restaurant boasts a stylish atmosphere and delicious cocktails. Their happy hour features discounted sushi and drinks.
8. Estereo: This Latin American restaurant offers vibrant cocktails and delicious small plates in a stylish setting. Their happy hour is perfect for a group gathering.
9. The Progress: This upscale restaurant offers a happy hour with discounted cocktails and small plates. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated.
Unique Happy Hour Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary
These spots offer something truly unique, from themed nights to specific happy hour offerings that stand out from the crowd.
10. Hopleaf Bar: Known for its extensive beer selection, Hopleaf offers a happy hour with discounted beers and snacks. It's a perfect spot for beer lovers.
11. The Winchester: This gastropub combines great food and drinks with a cozy atmosphere. Their happy hour features discounted drinks and small plates.
12. Celeste: Enjoy stunning city views alongside their happy hour offerings. Check their website for specific details as offerings can change seasonally.
13. The Pony Inn: A neighborhood gem, The Pony Inn offers a cozy and friendly happy hour, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
14. Bad Apple: This popular spot features unique cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Their happy hour can get crowded, so arrive early.
15. My Pi Pizzeria: Known for their amazing pizza, My Pi also offers a happy hour with discounted drinks and pizza slices.
16. Smoke Daddy: If you love BBQ, Smoke Daddy's happy hour is a must-try. They offer discounted BBQ appetizers and drinks.
Happy Hour with a View: Elevate Your Evening
These establishments offer happy hour alongside stunning views of the city.
17. ROOF on theWit: While not technically in Lake View (slightly south in the Loop), its proximity and stunning views make it worth mentioning for those willing to venture a bit. Their rooftop happy hour is a popular choice.
Happy Hour for Foodies: Delicious Bites & Drinks
These locations pair excellent food and drink specials during happy hour, making for a delightful experience.
18. Dusek's Board & Beer: A great combination of gastropub and board game cafe, Dusek's offers a unique happy hour experience.
19. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: Known for their fantastic tapas, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! offers happy hour specials on their Spanish cuisine and drinks.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
These are some lesser-known but equally fantastic happy hour locations in Lake View.
20. The Long Room: A cozy Irish pub with a friendly atmosphere and happy hour specials.
21. Soho House Chicago (Member's Club): If you're a member, Soho House provides a luxurious happy hour experience.
22. Southport Grocery: A well-known grocery store with a surprisingly good happy hour.
23. Goose Island Brewhouse: Sample various brews and enjoy their happy hour specials.
24. Kingston Mines: Another legendary blues club, Kingston Mines offers a unique happy hour experience with live music.
25. Double Door: Known for hosting various musical acts, Double Door also offers a great happy hour.
Happy Hour for Specific Tastes: Niche Experiences
These places cater to specific palates, offering unique happy hour experiences tailored to particular preferences.
26. The Violet Hour (again, but emphasizing cocktails): For those seeking an exceptional cocktail experience, The Violet Hour shines.
27. Piece Brewery & Pizzeria (for pizza and craft beer): A good combination of Chicago-style pizza and local craft beer, Piece Brewery & Pizzeria offers a fun happy hour.
28. North Pond (for fine dining, but with a potential happy hour): While a high-end restaurant, North Pond may have limited happy hour offerings - it's worth checking their website.
Note: Happy hour times and specials are subject to change. Always check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm details before your visit. Enjoy your Lake View happy hour exploration!
