Even if you’re not the flag waving type, the Fourth of July is still a day off work, and the Windy City deserves to break for a day. We’ve rounded up several holiday parties throughout the city if you and yours don’t feel like hitting the backyard.
aliveOne
2683 N. Halsted St., 773-348-9800
Look alive after your barbecue and head to aliveOne for drink deals starting at 8 p.m. The special includes signature cocktails at half-off, as well as drafts of Half Acre brews for $5 each.
Beatrix
Various locations
If festive baked goods are your thing, then Beatrix has your back with “Fireworks and Flag” cookies for $4.95.
The Bristol
2152 N. Damen Ave., 773-862-5555
With the Fourth of July falling on hump-day this year, The Bristol decided to just celebrate all week instead of on a single, ill-timed date — be aware, the restaurant is actually closed on the holiday proper. For the rest of the week, though, from July 1 through 6, Bristol will be serving up a special summer menu featuring east coast oysters, baby back ribs and a watermelon salad. Liquid support will be provided by Half Acre, which is taking over six draft handles for the holiday. Proceeds from festive menu will benefit the Mental Health Association of Greater Chicago.
Bub City
435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4200
Put a little honky and a little tonky in your Fourth of July at Bub City. The barbecue spot will feature live music, per usual, as well as some food and drink offers: all-you-can-eat fried chicken for $15.95 and $5 margaritas and back porch teas.
Castaways
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive, 773-281-1200
If you prefer your Fourth of July fun closer to the water, North Avenue beach’s Castaways has DJs spinning from 1 to 7 p.m. on the holiday to get the party moving. Plus, the bar will offer a themed red-white-and-blue cocktail: Castaway’s signature Miami Vice — a frozen mix of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri — topped with blue curacao. The cocktail is $10, available from June 30 through July 4.
Dark Horse Tap & Grille
3443 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-248-4400
The Wrigleyville spot will celebrate this American holiday with the timeless beer-and-brat combo — courtesy of Goose Island and Paulina Meat Market, respectively — for $10. Additional specials for the holiday proper include $4 Old Style tallboys, $6 Budweiser and Bud Light tallboys, $5 shots of Fireball and $20 buckets of Corona and Corona Light.
Easy Bar
1944 W. Division St., 773-227-4644
More Top Picks Best Wine Chiller Sticks
When you’re done with the swimming pool for the day, drop by Easy Bar for free pool (as in billiards) all evening, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Libation options include $6 signature cocktails and select craft cans for $4.
Estelle’s
2013 W. North Ave., 773-782-0450
You can snarf a nighttime bite at Estelle’s, where grilled cheese will go for $6 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Chase it down with a signature cocktails for half-price.
Joy District
112 W. Hubbard St., 312-955-0339
On the Fourth, the downtown party spot will offer concurrent specials for the holiday. Upstairs on Joy District’s rooftop, guests can find special $5 hot dogs with all the fixings, plus a selection of summer cocktails for $14 each. Downstairs, at Parlay at Joy District, a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour offers a variety of food and drink specials, including $7 shots of 1942, 50-percent off signature cocktails, $20 buckets of domestic brews and $25 buckets of Corona, as well as mini double stack burger sliders for $19 and the Parlay burger for $18. Each deal is exclusive to that area of the restaurant.
The Moonlighter
3204 W. Armitage Ave., 773-360-8896
Things are kicking off early at The Moonlighter, which will open at 11 a.m. on the Fourth and remain open until 2 a.m. Moonlighter has paired with Revolution Brewing to offer the brewery’s Freedom of Speach sour on tap, and everyone who purchases that beer will be entered into a raffle to win tickets to see the White Sox play the Cardinals on July 10. On the spirit side, Moonlighter will also have a special watermelon cocktail for the holiday, composed of Letherbee Gin, watermelon, strawberries and lemon for $10. All sales proceeds on the holiday will be donated to Howard Brown Health, a health and social services provider for the LGBTQ community.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437
Navy Pier is, quite literally, Chicago’s most popular destination for the Fourth of July. While the nenowned AON fireworks don’t begin until 9:30 p.m., the Pier opens at 10 a.m. on the holiday, and the venue typically reaches capacity during the daytime and has to close the gates. So, if you’re determined to get in, you should arrive a little early. Along with the usual activities available at Navy Pier, there will be concerts from The Prissillas and Marina City to celebrate.
The Owl
2521 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-235-5300
One of the only 4 a.m. bars along its northern stretch of Milwaukee Avenue, The Owl will be open late to keep the Fourth of July party going. The dance bar will pour up $5 beer specials all night, including Hopewell First Lager cans.
Publican Anker
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-904-1121
The seafood-inclined sibling of Publican will extend its happy hour for the holiday, serving up drink specials from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Publican Anker’s happy hour deals come sized for the crew, with a dozen oysters and a bottle of wine for $40 or a half-dozen oysters and a carafe of wine for $20. Plus, the restaurant will be grilling hot dogs outside, if you’re looking for a more traditional backyard-style option.
Remedy
1910 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-698-7715
Another 4 a.m. option, Remedy will stay open late on the holiday after opening at 10 p.m. To celebrate the occasion, the bar will offer a classic handshake deal: a bottle of Miller High Life and a shot of Evan Williams for $10.
[email protected] | @lucheezy