Monarch & Lion
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Wings in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Monarch & Lion
7.7
Monarch & Lion is a Streeterville British pub with Indian influences where daily happy hour brings $2 chicken wings alongside pies, curries, and cocktails. It’s quieter than the big sports bars, making it a good call when you want flavored wings in a sit-down setting with proper glassware and table service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Chicken Wings (Charcoal Smoked Buffalo), Lamb Keema Pie, Chili Cheese Naan
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A design-forward British pub where daily happy hour wings come in global flavors.
Who should go: Wing fans wanting a quieter pub with cocktails over pitchers.
When to visit: Daily 3–5 p.m. window for $2 wings and easier seating.
What to order: Charcoal Smoked Buffalo wings, Tandoori Masala wings, Lamb Keema Pie.
Insider tip: Pair wings with Chili Cheese Naan and sit near the bar for faster HH pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Streeterville is garage-heavy — paid garage parking nearby is the most reliable; limited metered street parking and no typical valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room leans slightly polished in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate — bar buzz near the front, but you can usually hold a conversation at a table.
Weekend wait: Short wait to 20 minutes for small parties; larger groups may wait longer during peak happy hour cross-over.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; seating is typically available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pub and Indian-influenced dishes (curries, snacks, sides) are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be made vegan with modifications; ask staff to confirm sauces and breads.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some wings and mains can be prepared gluten-aware, but there is no dedicated GF fryer or separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s quieter than most sports bars, has comfortable tables and cocktails, and works well for a casual but conversation-friendly first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common, especially outside peak happy hour; arriving early in the 3–5 p.m. window improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids and early meals; evenings lean more adult pub-centric and may feel less suited to very young children.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, sit-down wing sessions with cocktails, globally influenced flavors, and a more polished pub environment than typical sports bars.
Skip if: You want big-screen sports energy, late-night party crowds, or jumbo-platter bar food over smaller, flavor-focused wings.