Happy Hour River North: Best Evening Deals in Chicago
If you’re in Chicago and craving drinks with a side of savings, happy hour River North is where you want to be. River North is a lively neighborhood filled with trendy bars, cozy lounges, and upscale restaurants. Whether you want cocktails, wine, or delicious snacks, there’s something for everyone. Much like the famous STK Happy Hour NYC, River North delivers on value, style, and flavor.
River North is famous for its nightlife and dining culture. With businesses offering deals almost every day, it’s no surprise locals and tourists flock here after work. River North runs in the early evening, usually between 3 PM and 6 PM, depending on the spot. This window of time is perfect for catching up with friends, going on casual dates, or winding down after a long day.
What is Happy Hour River North?
River North Happy Hour refers to the time of day when bars and restaurants in Chicago’s River North neighborhood offer special deals on drinks and appetizers. Usually happening between 3 PM and 6 PM on weekdays, it’s a popular time for locals and visitors to unwind after work. Known for its trendy spots and stylish lounges, River North turns happy hour into a fun and affordable experience with discounted cocktails, wine, beer, and small bites in a vibrant urban setting.
What Makes Happy Hour in River North Special?
River North isn’t just another neighborhood—it’s the center of Chicago’s social scene. Restaurants here compete to offer the best happy hour deals. You’ll find stylish bars with craft cocktails, modern sushi joints with sake flights, and steakhouses with high-end wine pairings. This is what makes River North Happy Hour truly exciting.
Why People Love Happy Hour River North
One key reason why River North happy hour stands out is its balance between cost and quality. You aren’t sacrificing taste just to save money. You get premium drinks and delicious food, often at half the normal price. For residents, this means you can go out often without spending a fortune.
Visitors to Chicago also find this area very accessible. It’s close to major hotels and tourist spots. That makes it easy for travelers to stop by and enjoy happy hour before continuing their evening.
Let’s look at a quick comparison between River North happy hour and another popular spot:
| City | Known For | Drink Prices | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| River North, Chicago | Cocktails, views, and sushi deals | $5–$10 | Trendy and diverse |
| Islands Happy Hour | Relaxed beach-style setting | $4–$8 | Casual and tropical |
While Islands Happy Hour is great for that laid-back feel, River North Happy Hour brings energy, variety, and elegance.
Fries with Garlic Aioli
These crispy, golden fries are served hot and fresh, paired with creamy garlic aioli or classic ketchup. They make for the perfect starter to munch on while sipping your favorite happy hour drink.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Crispy, golden fries served with garlic aioli or ketchup |
| Flavor Notes | Savory, crunchy, and satisfying |
| Price | $6 |
Corn & Cheddar Fritters
Served with a zesty lemon-garlic aioli, these fritters are crunchy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. The combination of corn and sharp cheddar brings a comforting flavor with every bite.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Deep-fried fritters with sharp cheddar and sweet corn |
| Flavor Notes | Cheesy, tangy with a hint of lemon-garlic aioli |
| Price | $8 |
Al Pastor Chickpea Tacos
Packed with smoky chickpeas marinated in sweet pineapple and spices, these tacos offer a bold, plant-based twist. They’re topped with fresh cilantro and salsa for a refreshing finish.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Chickpeas marinated in smoky pineapple seasoning, topped with salsa & herbs |
| Flavor Notes | Bold, fresh, plant-based, slightly sweet and spicy |
| Price | $9 |
Mini American Burger
This half-sized classic burger features a juicy patty, melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles. A drizzle of house-made sauce ties everything together in a bite that’s small but satisfying.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Half-sized burger with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce |
| Flavor Notes | Juicy, savory, with classic American taste |
| Price | $7 |
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Fries get a gourmet upgrade with a dusting of parmesan cheese and aromatic truffle oil. Served with garlic aioli, they’re rich, indulgent, and perfect for pairing with cocktails.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Fries tossed in truffle oil and parmesan, served with garlic aioli |
| Flavor Notes | Rich, aromatic, and indulgent |
| Price | \$9 |
Opening Closing and Delivery Timing
Here’s a refined table detailing the opening, happy hour, and delivery timings for several popular River North Happy Hour venues:
| Venue | Opening – Closing | Happy Hour | Delivery / To‑Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gus’ Sip & Dip | Opens 4 PM; Closes midnight (1 AM Fri–Sat) | Weekdays 4–5 PM | No delivery; dine-in only |
| Sushi‑san | Regular service hours vary (typically 3–11 PM) | Mon–Thu 4–6 PM; Fri–Sun 3–5 PM | No delivery during happy hour |
| River North Bistro | Daily 7 AM – 10 PM (Sun–Thu), till 11 PM (Fri–Sat) | Daily 4–6 PM | To‑go orders allowed outside happy hour |
| Bodega Taqueria y Tequila | Bar: Mon–Wed 11 AM–11 PM, Thu–Sat till 2 AM; Sun till 11 PM | Mon–Fri 4–7 PM | Delivery available via online order |
| Bar Goa | Standard dinner hours (check weekly) | Mon–Fri 5–6 PM; Sat–Sun 3–5 PM | Dine-in only |
| Gilt Bar | Standard restaurant hours | Daily 4–5 PM | Dine-in only during happy hour |
Planning Your Visit to Happy Hour River North
If you’re planning to hop from one place to another, aim for weekdays. Mondays and Thursdays usually have better deals. Fridays are more crowded, but you’ll still find seats if you go early. Saturdays and Sundays have limited hours, so check online menus before heading out.
Most places don’t require reservations during happy hour river north, but calling ahead is smart if you’re going with a group. Wear casual-to-smart outfits—this area has a polished but relaxed dress code. You don’t need to dress fancy, but avoid coming in workout gear or flip-flops.
Location
Here’s a list of popular locations and streets where River North Happy Hour is most active in Chicago:
Main Streets for Happy Hour in River North:
- Hubbard Street – Known for bars, lounges, and lively evening scenes
- Kinzie Street – Home to upscale restaurants and craft cocktail bars
- Clark Street – Offers casual pubs and stylish hangout spots
- Wells Street – Mix of gastropubs and wine bars
- Orleans Street – Close to riverwalk views and modern lounges
- Franklin Street – Trendy locations with happy hour specials
- State Street (Near River) – Easy access to happy hour from downtown hotels
Landmark Intersections & Nearby Areas:
- Hubbard & State Street – Central to River North nightlife
- LaSalle & Kinzie Street – High-end restaurants with weekday happy hours
- North of the Chicago River – The neighborhood’s heart, packed with options
- Near the Merchandise Mart – Walkable to bars and happy hour spots
Nearest Transit Stops:
- Grand (Red Line) – A short walk to Hubbard and Clark Street
- Merchandise Mart (Brown/Purple Line) – Access to western River North
- Chicago Avenue (Red Line) – Northern border of the neighborhood
Whether you’re strolling down Hubbard or dining along Kinzie, River North Happy Hour is all around you in this compact and exciting downtown area.
Owners
Here’s a list of owners of River North Happy Hour venues with a 3-word description for each:
- Lettuce Entertain You – Innovative dining group
- Rohini Dey – Women-led hospitality
- Barstool Sports – Sports-themed bar
- Marriott Hotels – Global hotel chain
- DineAmic Hospitality – Trendy Chicago brand
- What If Syndicate – Upscale restaurant group
- Hogsalt Hospitality – Creative food concepts
- Four Corners Tavern Group – Lively social venues
- Vandelay Hospitality – Modern American cuisine
- Boka Restaurant Group – Award-winning restaurants
Customer Reviews
Here are some recent customer reviews for popular River North venues:
- “Our waitress was very attentive… food was very flavorful and filling. … Sooooo amazing absolutely recommended.
- “Both the salsa flight, and the guacamole flight were super fresh and flavorful.… Our server was super attentive…”
- “When I tell yaw this is my new favorite spot… the food so far has been so dang delicious… super pretty… highly recommend.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Chicago local or just passing through, happy hour River North is a must-try. The food is flavorful, the drinks are strong, and the prices are surprisingly fair. You’ll find everything from sushi and sliders to wine and whiskey, all served with style.
It’s the perfect mix of savings and sophistication. From beautiful riverfront views to modern lounges, River North is where happy hour becomes more than just a time slot—it becomes an experience.
