Happy Hour River North Food, Drinks, and Great Vibes
River North is one of the most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in Chicago, known for its trendy bars and restaurants. One of the best experiences for both locals and tourists is enjoying happy hour River North. With amazing deals on drinks, food, and small bites, it’s easy to find a place that fits your mood and budget.
Many people love the early evening charm of River North. The streets fill with laughter, music, and the scent of delicious food. River North happy hour is more than a meal—it’s a lifestyle, a way to relax after work or start your night out with friends. It offers good value, great taste, and a buzzing social atmosphere.
If you’re someone who enjoys affordable cocktails, delicious appetizers, and chic surroundings, then River North happy hour is for you. Whether you’re a fan of sushi, barbecue, or craft beer, this neighborhood has something special.
For those who also love to explore different city hotspots, don’t miss our El Camino Happy Hour: Guide to Delicious Food & Drinks, which covers more great options outside of Chicago.
Who Owns the Restaurants in River North’s Happy Hour Scene?
Many of the restaurants that offer happy hour River North deals are run by major hospitality groups or local Chicago chefs. For example:
- Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) owns popular spots like Sushi‑San and Bub City. LEYE is a well-known Chicago-based group.
- Sunda New Asian, owned by Billy Dec and Rockit Ranch Productions, offers upscale Asian-fusion dishes.
- Storyville, a New Orleans-inspired bar, is owned by Billy Riddle and has a unique vibe with a hidden speakeasy.
- Bar Goa is led by Chef Sujan Sarkar, known for Indian coastal cuisine mixed with a modern twist.
Each of these spots adds its own flavor and personality to the River North happy hour experience. The people behind the food are just as exciting as the dishes themselves.
Where Can You Enjoy Happy Hour in River North?
Though River North is a Chicago neighborhood, many chains and restaurant groups have locations across the USA. Here’s where you can find some related spots outside of Chicago:
| Restaurant | Other US Locations | City Examples |
|---|---|---|
| STK Steakhouse | Nationwide | NYC, Miami, Los Angeles |
| Bub City | Chicago-only (local favorite) | Chicago |
| Sunda | Chicago, Nashville | River North, The Gulch (TN) |
| Sushi‑San | Chicago (multiple areas) | River North, Lincoln Park |
| Bar Goa | Unique to Chicago | River North |
| Storyville | Unique to Chicago | River North |
While most places in River North happy hour are local favorites, brands like STK have expanded their reach across cities.
What Do People Say About Happy Hour River North?
Reviews from real diners give us a look at what people love about happy hour River North. Here’s a summary of top-rated venues based on Google:
| Restaurant | Google Rating | Reviewer Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi‑San | 4.6 | “Amazing sushi and fun vibes during happy hour!” |
| Sunda | 4.5 | “Best sushi handrolls and $6 drinks. Love it here.” |
| Bub City | 4.3 | “Great BBQ and affordable drinks. Lively crowd!” |
| Storyville | 4.4 | “Beautiful decor and romantic speakeasy. $5 drinks wow!” |
| Bar Goa | 4.5 | “Unique Indian snacks and cool cocktails. Great deals!” |
People praise the taste, price, and atmosphere of these happy hours. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, sliders, or spice, you’ll find a favorite.
Happy Hour River North Menus (Full Dishes with Prices)
Let’s look at the actual happy hour River North menus so you know what to expect. These menus come directly from the restaurants and may vary slightly by season.
Sushi‑San Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asahi Draft Beer | $5 | Light, crisp Japanese beer |
| Sake (House Pour) | $6 | Warm or chilled |
| Salmon Nigiri | $6 | Fresh and tender |
| Spicy Tuna Roll | $10 | Includes crunchy toppings |
| San Special Cocktail | $10 | Rotates weekly |
Sunda New Asian Happy Hour Menu
| Dish/Drink | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi Handrolls | $6 | Tuna, salmon, veggie options |
| Lychee Martini | $8 | Fruity and smooth |
| Garlic Edamame | $6 | Tossed with chili and garlic |
| Chardonnay (House) | $6 | Light and crisp |
| Sapporo Beer | $6 | Classic Japanese lager |
Bub City Happy Hour Menu
| Drink | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High Noon (Cans) | $5 | Various fruity flavors |
| Easy Peasy Cocktail | $6 | Vodka, lemonade, mint |
| Bucket (5 Beers) | $25 | Great for groups |
| BBQ Sliders (2 pcs) | $7 | Pulled pork or brisket |
| Buffalo Wings (6 pcs) | $8 | Classic with ranch or blue cheese |
Storyville Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Mojito or Margarita | $5 | Available only on Mondays |
| Crawfish Beignets | $6 | Southern-style flavor |
| Voodoo Fries | $6 | Spicy with Creole sauce |
| Storyville Punch | $7 | Rum-based house special |
| House Wine | $6 | Red or white available |
Bar Goa Happy Hour Menu
| Item | Price | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Chicken Croquettes | $8 | Creamy filling with crispy crust |
| Whiskey Sour | $10 | Indian-spiced version |
| Tapioca Fritters | $4 | Vegetarian delight |
| Goa Gimlet | $10 | Twist on a classic |
| Kingfisher Beer | $6 | Indian lager |
Opening and Closing Hours for Happy Hour Spots
Each restaurant has slightly different hours, but here’s a general guide:
| Restaurant | Happy Hour Time | Regular Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi‑San | Mon–Thu 4–6 PM; Fri–Sun 3–5 PM | 11 AM–10 PM daily |
| Sunda | Mon–Fri 4–6 PM | 4 PM–11 PM (Fri/Sat till 12 AM) |
| Bub City | Mon–Fri 4–6 PM | 11 AM–2 AM (Weekends till 3 AM) |
| Storyville | Daily 4–6 PM | 4 PM–12 AM |
| Bar Goa | Mon–Fri 5–6 PM; Weekends 3–5 PM | 4 PM–11 PM |
These hours are perfect for an after-work drink or early dinner with friends.
Delivery Timing and Takeout Options
Most happy hour River North deals are for dine-in only, but many restaurants offer food and drink for delivery or takeout outside of happy hour times.
| Restaurant | Delivery Platforms | Delivery Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi‑San | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunda | Uber Eats, Caviar | 4 PM–10 PM |
| Bub City | Grubhub, DoorDash | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Storyville | In-house pickup | 4 PM–11 PM |
| Bar Goa | ToastTab, Uber Eats | 5 PM–10 PM |
Note: Happy hour pricing usually does not apply to online orders. Always confirm with the venue before placing an order.
Seasonal Happy Hour Specials You Shouldn’t Miss
Chicago’s weather changes with the seasons, and so do the deals. Many restaurants update their happy hour River North menus in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
In summer, expect rosé specials, outdoor grilling, and margarita flights. Bars like Sunda and Bar Goa roll out tropical cocktails and frozen drinks for patio season.
During winter, places like Storyville bring in hot toddies, mulled wine, and bourbon-based specials. Bub City focuses on warm BBQ sliders, chili bowls, and spiked hot chocolate.
Some restaurants even offer holiday happy hours tied to New Year’s Eve, Halloween, or St. Patrick’s Day.
This variety makes River North happy hour feel fresh and exciting throughout the year. If you’re visiting New York soon, check out our article STK Happy Hour NYC: Everything You Need to Know in 2025.
Why River North Is the King of Happy Hour in Chicago
River North is not just another Chicago neighborhood. It’s a hub for food, cocktails, nightlife, and urban vibes. What makes happy hour River North stand out is the perfect combination of style and substance.
The area has dozens of restaurants and bars packed into a few walkable blocks. After work, it fills up with professionals, tourists, and locals heading to patios, rooftops, and speakeasies. You can sit at the bar, enjoy discounted small plates, and sip on creative cocktails as the city buzzes around you.
Most bars have both indoor and outdoor spaces, which means you can enjoy happy hour year-round—whether you’re escaping the winter cold or soaking in the summer sun.
Final Thoughts
Happy hour River North brings together the best of drinks, food, and fun in the heart of Chicago. From sushi rolls to BBQ sliders, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual meetup or an upscale experience, River North delivers.
These happy hour menus reflect the vibe, creativity, and affordability that keep people coming back. With strong reviews, diverse cuisines, and exciting atmospheres, happy hour River is a top pick for locals and tourists alike.
Next time you’re heading out, check the times, grab a table early, and enjoy the flavor and fun of happy hour this!
