You deserve a break. Thankfully, Labor Day is coming up on Sept. 4, which means a weekend full of barbecue, beer and taking advantage of the remaining days of summer. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best Labor Day specials and happenings around Chicago.
Bernie’s Lunch and Supper
660 N. Orleans St. 312-624-9892
Bernie’s, a Mediterranean hot-spot in River North, will offer an off-menu special for dinner on Labor Day. Added menu items include a house-smoked bratwurst with mustard, giardiniera and a Publican Quality Bread sourdough baguette ($16), wood-roasted corn with hot honey sauce, peanuts, cojita and lime ($9) and bourbon punch ($10). Make sure to arrive early for a spot on Bernie’s rooftop.
Frontier
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-772-4322
Frontier in Noble Square will celebrate Labor Day a day early Sunday, Sept. 3 with a barbecue party from 3 to 6 p.m. The restaurant, known for its cajun creations and whole-animal service, will serve a smoked pig in the form of build-your-own pulled pork sandwiches with sides of coleslaw, baked beans and house-made potato salad. Tickets are $19 per person and must be purchased in advance at thefrontierchicago.com.
Lottie’s Pub
1925 W. Cortland St. 773-489-0738
Lottie’s will celebrate the holiday with an “Afternoon Delight” happy hour from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 4. Drink specials include $2 mimosas and $4 bloody marys. IBrunch will be available until 2 p.m.—as if you needed another reason to sleep in on Monday.
Alive One
2683 N. Halsted St. 773-348-9800
Put your game face on for Alive One’s Labor Day trivia night. Music-themed trivia will begin at 8 p.m. with prizes for top team winners. Shoot free pool all evening as you sip on Old Style draft with a shot of Old Grand-Dad whiskey for $7.
Commonwealth Tavern
2000 W. Roscoe St. 773-697-7965
Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village will kick off the long weekend on Saturday, Sept. 2 by broadcasting the Notre Dame football season opener vs. the Temple University Owls at 2:30 p.m. Specials will include $5 22-ounce Miller Lite stadium cups, $5 Guinness, $5 Jameson shots, $4 Fireball shots and $10 “Fighting Irish” nachos.
Easy Bar
1944 W. Division St. 773-227-4644
Easy Bar will offer specials from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the holiday. Enjoy the final days of summer weather on the dog-friendly patio with half-off margaritas, $2 PBR and Tecate with a Jimador tequila shot for $6.
Hakka Bakka Kati Rolls
1251 W. Fullerton Ave. 872-802-3968
Hakka Bakka wil dish up up free masala fries with cilantro aioli (and a drink) with a burger or sandwich purchase on Labor Day. Sandwich and burger options include a lamb shammi burger ($8), a chicken tikka sandwich ($6) or a veggie masala tikki burger ($6).
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Bistronomic
840 N. Wabash Ave. 312-944-8400
Bistronomic in Gold Coast will offer a three-couse prix fixe menu for $39 on Labor Day. Selections include handmade Yukon gold gnocchi with roasted mushrooms, chicken confit, truffle oil and port wine sauce ($13.95) and an heirloom tomato salad with lump crab meat, avocado, granny smith apple, brioche croutons and a citrus vinaigrette ($15.95).
Rush Bar and Lounge
540 N. Michigan Ave. 312-836-6334
Rush Bar, located in the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, will pour a “summer end” cocktail made with muddled watermelon, vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda spritz on Labor Day for $10.
Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar
3358 N. Paulina St. 773-248-5222
With drink specials going all weekend, you’re gonna need some really good hangover food Monday. Frasca Pizzeria will be open for brunch at 10 a.m. on Labor Day and will serve up dishes like breakfast pizza with over easy eggs, sausage, bacon and cheese ($14) and a BLT with cheese ($9).
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