Happy hour specials rule here: $2.50 draft beers and $3 Moscow Mules every Friday. Inside, the bar and restaurant is covered in exposed brick, and outdoors is a roomy patio with lots of foliage and enough space for a private party. WGN rated Zella one of Chicago’s top 10 patios — don’t go another summer without visiting.
Lincoln Park, Old Town Outdoor Drinks, Happy Hours and Entertainment!
Outdoor bars in Lincoln Park and Old Town are a great way to enjoy the warm weather. But who has the best happy hour? The best drinks? The best views? We're here to help you figure that out. The area mixes entertainment with a sprawling urban park and historic touches like brick alleyways and vintage buildings. Whether you want to laugh at Second City or enjoy shopping, restaurants and nightlife, it’s in Lincoln Park and Old Town.
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Homeslice
Homeslice has a woodsy vibe and an extensive pizza menu. Take your drinks outside to the kitschy beer garden, where you can lounge in cozy booths or sit inside a chopped open and remodeled Airstream trailer. And don’t worry — if you forgot your trucker hat at home, you can buy one at the bar.
938 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-789-4600
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Benchmark
Every year for the Kentucky Derby, Benchmark offers a special on mint juleps and a fun spot to watch the race. On every other day, huge burgers show up alongside drinks served in unique ways — think a margarita with a full bottle of Corona placed in its center or a cocktail in a copper mug.
1510 N. Wells St., Chicago, Illinois 60610
312-649-9640
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iO Theater
Formerly known as the ImprovOlympic Theater, this 1981-founded venue is a North Side go-to for long-form improvisational performances and classes. It's also a prime hangout spot. Patrons tap into $3 draft beer and $5 food specials during Thursday and Friday happy hours and can relax in to the theater’s two full bars, beer garden or restaurant.
1501 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago, Illinois 60642
312-929-2401
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Pat's Pizza and Ristorante
Stop into this family-owned neighborhood staple to taste what’s been voted the No. 1 thin crust pizza in Chicago. Better yet, savor your slice with a bottle of wine (half off on Mondays) or a domestic pour ($2.50 on Thursdays). Summertime drink specials won’t disappoint — especially if you dine outside!
2679 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-248-0168
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The Sedgwick Stop
Located on a tree-lined street in Old Town, The Sedgwick Stop is the perfect place to grab a bite on your way home from North Avenue Beach. The menu is made fresh from scratch daily and the restaurant has an extensive wine list, whiskey collection and 14 taps of rotating craft beer. Stop by for happy hour from 4- 6 p.m. and enjoy your drink on the sun-drenched patio.
1612 N Sedgwick St., Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-265-1907
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The J. Parker
Cheeky cocktails punctuate a full wine, spirits and beer list at this rooftop spot, with names like Oh! You Pretty Things and Suffragette City. Try the house-made charcuterie or hand-cut fries from the bar’s compact but varied menu. There’s also a retractable roof, perfect for Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
1816 N. Clark St., 16th floor, Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-254-4747
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Joe’s Bar
Watch games at this sports bar or listen to local and national music acts. Concerts happen almost every night in 20,000 square feet of space devoted to booze and bands. There’s five private party rooms, 120 plasma big screens and projectors, 14 satellites and Trackside Chicago, an attached off-track betting area for the Arlington Park horse races.
940 W. Weed St., Chicago, Illinois 60642
312-337-3486