Best Happy Hour in Chicago

The food is frequently described as delicious, fresh, and well-prepared, with particular recognition for sushi, ramen, and appetizers like the Cherry Blossom. Some dishes, however, have been noted as bland or not meeting expectations.

“The fish was so fresh and buttery”

Service is generally positive, with many diners noting attentive and friendly staff. However, there are occasional complaints about slow service, inattentiveness, and one instance of rudeness.

“Servers were attentive, atmosphere”

The atmosphere is well-regarded as nice, chill, cool, and calming, with some diners highlighting good views and a lively bar area.

“Atmosphere was great.”

While many find the value good, especially for lunch specials, some recent signs suggest price increases and reduced portion sizes, leading to concerns about value.

“Now cost more and you’re getting way less”

The sushi is generally known for being fresh, creative, and delicious, with a particular strength in its extensive vegan options. Some diners find the sushi average or the portions small for the price.

“Fresh food, good service”

Service is frequently described as great, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, though a few instances of slow or inattentive service were noted.

“GreatService”

The atmosphere is consistently described as great, vibrant, cool, and well-decorated, making it suitable for various occasions.

“Nice decor”

While happy hour deals are popular and offer good value, some diners found individual sushi pieces to be overpriced or portions small.

“Felt a little bit rich”

Tacos are generally described as flavorful and delicious, with specific recognition for crispy shrimp, fish, and carne asada. However, some diners found the tacos bland, dry, or lacking seasoning, with inconsistent tortilla quality.

“The tacos were really delicious!”

Service is a mixed bag, with some staff noted as friendly and attentive, while others are described as impatient, unhelpful, or having poor attitudes. The QR code ordering system is a frequent point of contention.

“The staff were nice”

The restaurant is well-regarded for its stylish, warm, and well-decorated interior, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

“The interior is really pretty and well done.”

Many diners find the tacos and portions to be overpriced for the quality and quantity received, with some noting small portions and high soda prices.

“Overpriced, bland and forgetful.”

The food offerings are generally well-received, with specific mentions of gumbo, carne asada fries, Chicago hot dogs, and Philly cheesesteaks being particularly celebrated.

“Philly cheesesteak is absolutely incredible”

Service is consistently highlighted as excellent, with numerous staff members, particularly bartenders like Mel and Mikaela, well-regarded for their friendliness, attentiveness, and skill.

“Staff, especially Mel, was friendly, attentive”

The atmosphere is frequently described as electric, vibrant, welcoming, and fun, with a strong emphasis on a baseball theme and lively entertainment like dueling pianos and DJs.

“Atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming”

The establishment is noted for its reasonable prices, especially for beer, making it a good value proposition in the Wrigleyville area.

“Prices were so reasonable”

The restaurant excels in its curated selection of cheeses, offering a wide variety of unique and delicious options, often paired thoughtfully with accompaniments and wines.

“Outstanding cheeses and accompaniments.”

Staff are consistently described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about cheese, providing first-rate recommendations and engaging educational experiences.

“Staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.”

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, quaint, inviting, and elegant, making it suitable for dates, small gatherings, and educational events.

“Cute atmosphere.”

While some items like cheese boards can be pricey, many diners find the portions generous and the overall experience worth the cost, especially for the quality and unique offerings.

“The $75/person 2025 winter cheese tasting menu was surprisingly filling”

The food is well-regarded for its delicious flavors, particularly the tacos and creative cocktails. Fresh ingredients are noted, though one diner found the salsa lacked spice.

“Tacos were so flavorful”

Service is frequently highlighted as remarkably friendly, attentive, and welcoming, making diners feel at home.

“Our server, Miguel, was attentive”

The cantina offers a pleasant atmosphere, with decor described as beautiful and tasteful, creating a calm and fun environment.

“Feel like you've stepped away”

The restaurant is considered a good value, with affordable prices and a selection of offerings.

“For an affordable price”

The food is well-regarded for its authentic German flavors, with many dishes like goulash soup, schnitzel, and pork shank highlighted as excellent. Ingredients are noted as fresh, and portion sizes are generally considered generous.

“Food was phenomenal!”

Service is a mixed bag, with many diners reporting friendly and attentive staff, while a notable few experienced rudeness and unhelpfulness, particularly from bartenders and waitstaff.

“Waitress was rude and unpleasant”

The atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, authentic, and reminiscent of a traditional German lodge or bar, contributing to a warm and inviting experience.

“Vibe feels like a lodge”

Pricing is considered reasonable, especially given the large portion sizes and the quality of the authentic German cuisine.

“Prices are outstanding for this day and age”

The food is well-regarded for being delicious, fresh, and well-prepared, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

“Everything was first-rate.”

Service is frequently described as top-tier, top-notch, and friendly, with specific staff members often receiving commendations.

“Service was also flawless!”

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as cozy, chic, modern, and inviting, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience.

“The atmosphere was amazing.”

The restaurant is noted for offering good value, with reasonable prices and satisfying portion sizes, especially for happy hour.

“Draws that fine line between price and value.”

Well-regarded for fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine with homemade tortillas, bold flavors, and high-quality ingredients. Standouts include tacos, enchiladas, birria, and guacamole.

“Fresh, bold flavors that hit every time”

Predominantly outstanding service with attentive, friendly, knowledgeable staff. One substantiated rude incident involving a manager who yelled at waiting guests. Most diners report fast service and staff going above-and-beyond.

“Staff clearly cares and shows through every sip”

Charming, cozy, modern-casual ambiance with first-rate music selection (not too loud). Described as cute, charming, inviting favorite. Decor and atmosphere well-regarded.

“Transported to a charming Mexican village”

Strong value perception. Happy hour known for deals ($15 for tacos, beer, shot). Portions generous (dishes described as meals-for-two). Prices reasonable for quality, though one diner found it slightly overpriced.

“Everything is so good it's hard to choose”

Tapas and cocktails well-regarded, especially sangria, empanadas, and flatbreads. One older complaint compared food to 'high school cafeteria' tapas; one recent diner wished food was better despite great drinks. Overall strong execution with fresh ingredients.

“The food is focused on delivering quality flavor”

Mostly outstanding: attentive servers, knowledgeable bartenders, friendly staff named repeatedly (Lauren, Iwona, Robert). Two old incidents of poor service (2 years ago: rude server; 8 years ago: 20-min wait, ignored by staff). Recent reviews consistently positive.

“Our server was so pleasant and knowledgeable”

Consistently described as cozy, welcoming, romantic, and 'like walking into a friend's home.' Low lighting, energetic atmosphere with good music volume. Outdoor patio celebrated. One dated comment found atmosphere 'a bit off' but appreciated quiet.

“Walking in to Azucar felt like walking in to a friend's home”

Tapas pricing perceived as fair-to-good value. One 2-year-old comment noted portions 'a bit high' but acknowledged tapas format. Recent diners highlight great prices and generous happy hour ($5 sangrias). One dated complaint about overpriced food (8 years ago).

“Especially the prices! It's a must stop”