Sure, some people might think that Chicago is only known for deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. However, that’s not the case because Chicago also offers some of the best seafood around, from fresh sushi to briny oysters. And since we like to save money, we’ve compiled a list of the best oyster happy hour deals in Chicago to indulge in.
1. Yours Truly, Oyster Bar
We will start with a list of a place known explicitly for its oysters—Yours, Truly. This American oyster bar in Chicago serves delicious food, martinis, and oysters. In addition to their tasty menu featuring house wings and tacos, the best part is their oyster happy hour, where they serve $1 oysters. Yes, you heard that right!
When: Monday–Friday
Time: 2–7 PM
2. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House
Hugo’s Frog Bar isn’t for everyday dining, or is it? The upscale seafood restaurant is notably located in the Gold Coast’s Viagra Triangle (you can use your imagination), and it’s famous for its crab cakes, steaks, frog legs, and, of course, oysters. While dining here can be quite expensive, they offer happy hour specials every Sunday to Thursday, with half-priced oysters and half-priced bottles of wine, allowing you to indulge on a budget.
When: Sunday–Thursday
Time: 3–6 PM
3. The Press Room
The Press Room is a cozy wine bar located in the basement of a century-old building. This establishment offers a vintage ambiance and serves classic new American cuisine. While you can visit any day of the week, their Oyster Happy Hour is not to be missed. You can enjoy $2 raw oysters and $8 cocktails during this time.
When: Tuesday–Thursday
Time: 4–6 pm
4. Swift & Sons Tavern
If you enjoy dining at Swift & Sons Steakhouse in the Fulton Market, you should check out Swift & Sons Tavern in Wrigleyville. This casual seafood companion offers a neighborhood tavern concept and serves popular American dishes such as po’boys, steak sandwiches, and oysters on the half-shell. Plus, during happy hour, you can enjoy oysters for just $1.50 each, which is a fabulous deal.
When: Monday–Friday
Time: 4:30–6 pm
5. Briny Swine Smokehouse and Oyster Bar
Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar is a delightful seaside restaurant that honors two beloved South Carolina culinary traditions: pig pickin’ and oyster roasts. It’s a must-visit for anyone who enjoys laid-back dining and scrumptious food. Every Tuesday, they offer a rotating selection of East and West Coast oysters for $1 each. You can pair them with half-off bottles of bubbly.
When: Tuesday
Time: 4–10 pm
6. Americano
Americano is a new restaurant in Lincoln Park that offers an upscale dining experience with a global cuisine flair. The restaurant features beautiful views of Lincoln Park and a vibrant, greenery-filled interior, creating an outdoor-like ambiance. Moreover, Americano offers an Oyster happy hour with specials, including $2 oysters, $5 oyster shooters, and specially priced drinks.
When: Tuesday–Friday
Time: 4–6 pm
7. Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
Caviar and oysters? How can we say no? Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is a chic Eastern European spot that offers a selection of opulent dishes, including Crispy Duck Confit Leg, various types of caviar, and a No Regrets Burger topped with gold leaf. However, we’re especially drawn to their oyster happy hour, which features $2 oysters. The team also pays homage to Chicago with giardiniera mignonette, adding a playful twist.
When: Everyday
Time: 4–6 pm
8. Lure Fishbar
If you love seafood, you’ve likely heard of Lure Fishbar. This restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh fish and a raw bar with a rotating oyster selection, as well as top-notch sushi. They also have an Oyster happy hour special that includes Blue Point oysters: half a dozen for $12 and a dozen for $24, served with classic cocktail sauce and mignonette.
When: Tuesday–Saturday
Time: 4–6 pm
9. Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor, a highly popular London restaurant, has recently opened in a restored historic three-story building in River North. The sensational steakhouse offers a lavish Oyster happy hour menu with five varieties of $2 oysters, including fried, bone marrow-topped, and more.
When: Monday–Friday
Time: 5–7 pm