Best Happy Hour Restaurants in River North (60654)
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ema
High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
Notable Picks
#1
Ema
8.9
Ema is Lettuce Entertain You’s bright River North Mediterranean room, built around Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter California-style mezze, hummus, and kebabs in the lobby of the Hyatt Place. High-volume, multi-platform reviews and a steady local following make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots for shareable small plates and vegetable-forward spreads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Hummus with Lamb Ragu, House-Made Stracciatella with Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Lamb Kefta Kebabs
What makes it special: High-volume Mediterranean mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson with consistently strong execution.
#2
Gilt Bar
8.8
Gilt Bar is a dimly lit River North staple for rich New American plates, classic cocktails, and a buzzy, date-friendly room. Locals use it for steak, pasta, and bone marrow nights that feel celebratory without slipping into formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted bone marrow, Truffle pasta, Butterscotch bread pudding
What makes it special: A moody, candlelit tavern where cocktails and comfort-minded New American plates share equal billing.
Sushi-san runs a loud, high-energy sushi bar where happy hour brings discounted maki, snacks, and drinks before the late-night rush. Regulars use it to pre-game downtown with strong Japanese-leaning cocktails, upbeat hip-hop, and reliable rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Maki, Wagyu Steak Skewers, Crunchy Avocado Maki
What makes it special: Hip-hop-fueled sushi bar with discounted rolls and drinks at happy hour.
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
The Hampton Social leans into coastal-inspired brunch with lobster rolls, seafood plates, and frosé in a bright, nautical dining room. It’s a default choice for celebratory brunches where the brief is upbeat music, big format cocktails, and plenty of photo-friendly moments.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maine or Manhattan-style Lobster Roll, Avocado Toast with egg, Crab Cake Benedict or similar seafood benedict
What makes it special: Beach-club-style brunch where rosé, lobster rolls, and a bright room drive the experience.
#5
Storyville
8.2
Storyville channels a New Orleans lounge with French Quarter cocktails, Cajun plates, and a moody, multi-room layout that turns happy hour into a proper hang. River North regulars use it for discounted drinks, beignets, and shrimp-and-grits before live music and later-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic New Orleans Beignets, Blackened Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster French Toast or Chicken & Waffles
What makes it special: Cajun-Creole brunch with beignets, bottomless mimosas, and a nightlife-adjacent atmosphere.
8.0
Gus’ Sip & Dip is a Lettuce Entertain You tavern focused on reasonably priced cocktails and hearty dipped sandwiches just off Hubbard’s main drag. Named one of Bon Appétit’s notable new bars, it works as a value-minded way to do River North cocktails and a proper sandwich without committing to a full, expensive dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Beef Dip Sandwich, Crab Rangoon Dip, Roasted Chicken Dip Sandwich
What makes it special: Cocktail-focused tavern where clever dips and sandwiches anchor an affordable night out.
Worthy Picks
#7
No Vacancy
7.7
No Vacancy is a sleek, sports-forward bar where the NV Burger, fried chicken sandwiches, and wraps all land with generous portions of curly russet fries. Open late with plenty of screens, it’s a modern hangout for game nights when you want bar food that treats fries as a core feature, not an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
NV Burger with curly fries, Side Chick fried chicken sandwich with curly fries, Loaded curly fries with sauce
What makes it special: A new-school sports bar where curly fries anchor burgers, wraps, and late-night snacking.