May is the beginning of patio season in Chicago, when restaurants and bars blow the dust off of their sun umbrellas and set up shop both inside and outside their doors. In honor of that, here are six of Chicago’s must-partake happy hours for May—some indoors, some outdoors and some with a little of both.
Sunday-Friday: Gold Coast barbecue joint Chicago Q hosts its happy hour from 4–6:30 pm every day except Saturday, offering $2 bar bites, $4 beers, $6 wine by the glass and $8 cocktails. Bar bites include nachos, taquitos and sliders, which include your choice of sliced brisket, brisket meatball, pulled pork, pulled chicken or cheese burgers.
Saturday-Sunday: Stop by 312 Chicago for Waggin’ Weekends on the patio of this Italian restaurant in the Loop, where an in-house purchase made between 11am and 2pm will get your pup a complimentary chef-made treat off of the special doggie menu, designed by 312 Executive Chef Luca Corazzina.
Monday-Friday: If you’re looking for a carefree spot to spend an afternoon outdoors, consider the Miller Light Beer Garden at Navy Pier, opening this month and offering a different special every day of the week from 4pm to 6pm.
Monday-Friday: Getting in before 8pm makes you an early bird as far as the folks at The Owl in Logan Square are concerned. Sit down anytime between 6pm-8pm and enjoy half-off all beers and cocktails on the bar’s extensive menu.
Monday-Friday: It's hard to beat Nellcote's weekly offer of a gourmet pizza ten-inch pizza and beer, offered weekdays from 5-7pm for just $10. Choose from pies like the classic Margherita, Artichoke or Housemade Fennel Sausage—each made with flour that's milled by hand in the restaurant itself.
Thursday-Friday: Turn up the dial with music from your favorite bands and artists at Beauty Bar's weekly themed happy hours. This month, the soundtrack will include Gorillaz (May 12), LCD Soundsystem (May 19) and Amy Winehouse (May 26).
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