Not all of us view drinking as an evening-only activity. We’re willing to bet most of you have put a hand to a furrowed brow and uttered “I need a drink” before 5 p.m. There’s a quick fix for when you got that day-drink daydream look in your eye, and we aren’t talking desk whiskey (though that’s not a bad idea, either). Whether it’s a leisurely Saturday afternoon or 2 p.m. on a work-mode Wednesday, these bars and lounges have the sips, views and chill-time vibes for a little afternoon delight.
Hopewell Brewing Co.
2760 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-698-6178
Clean, easy-drinking beer is this new Logan Square brewery’s jam. Pair that with an open and airy space, whitewashed walls, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Milwaukee Avenue and simple beer hall-style community seating, and your weekend day-drinking plans are set. The taproom doesn’t stay open late, so it’s pretty much begging you to drop in while the sun’s still out. 4-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon–midnight Saturday and noon–9 p.m. Sunday.
Band of Bohemia
4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. 773-271-4710
There’s no place better fit for an early brew on a leisurely Saturday morning. Alinea vets and Band of Bohemia co-founders Michael Carroll and Craig Sindelar both have restaurant experience abroad, and the pair’s knowledge of European flavors translates well at the self-proclaimed “culinary brewhouse” in Ravenswood. Picture sipping exotic brews, such as grilled apple tarragon and roasted beet thyme ales, while energetic classical guitar tunes fill the restaurant. Lofty ceilings, exposed brick, cushy button-backed chairs and lush indoor foliage are all part of the charm. The only thing missing is a light breeze and charcuterie-stuffed baguette—but wait, you can get that last part here too. By dinnertime, it’s a bustling environment, but this relaxing day-drinking dream will transport you to a European bistro faster than you can say “croissant.” The brewhouse opened last fall for morning coffee service and evening dinner but recently started daytime beer service on weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
3 Greens Market
354 W. Hubbard St. 312-888-9195
Composed of several Brendan Sodikoff darlings, this genius market-meets-coffeehouse allows Small Cheval burgers, Dillman’s pastrami, Doughnut Vault treats and Bavette’s baked goods to live under one roof alongside an element that’s new to the restaurateur’s typically indulgent realm: a fresh salad bar. Take a seat on an overstuffed leather couch or set up a workstation at a communal table in the cozy coffee lounge. More like a retro basement with low-hanging tin ceilings, antique cold boxes-turned-TV stands and a peculiar selection of coffee-table books, this River North spot that opened last month is the perfect place to bust out some overdue email responses whilst sipping a scotch and honey boozy steamer ($7). When that’s done, head back to the bar for a tiki-inspired cocktail and a go at the putting green. 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Dove’s Luncheonette
1545 N. Damen Ave. 773-645-4060
Faithful brunchers love this sun-drenched Wicker Park diner for its hearty portions and prime people-watching views. But one look at the cocktail menu and it’s easy to see why the line stretches out the door on Saturdays and Sundays. Traditionalists will gravitate toward Dove’s Bloody Maria ($10) made with tequila, house mix, smoked black pepper, fresh lime, hellfire bitters and a side of Pacifico. If there are multiple mouths to booze, a pitcher of Cantarito ($33) blends tequila, orange and grapefruit juice, salt and Mexican Squirt for an easy, shareable afternoon sip. If you’re thinking “been there, done that,” you’ll want to venture back for brand-new menu items such as the fried oyster omelette ($14) and charred calamari ($9). 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Nana
3267 S. Halsted St. 312-929-2486
Up and at ’em boozers can start as early as 9 a.m. on the weekends at this Bridgeport favorite. The charming family-owned restaurant is warm and bright with pristine white frame-moulded walls that meet exposed brick and tastefully patterned sheer curtains that would make your mother clutch her pearls. Along with wine and craft beer, the Latin American-influenced restaurant offers a handful of creative cocktails, such as the Pretty in Pink ($10) with dark rum, pomegranate liqueur, rose syrup, tangerine and lime juice and egg white. It’s sweet, floral and exactly how you might imagine the color pink tasting. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Little Bad Wolf
1541 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 773-942-6399
Day-drinking and tacos go together like peanut butter and … everything. This cozy Andersonville bar nails the pairing with Instagram-worthy cocktails, drafts and wines by the glass plus a smattering of flavorful tacos and baos that are also available with lettuce wrappers. Grab a seat at the bar to zone out and watch the expert staff mix your drink or saddle up at a communal table and meet a new friend. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.
Map Room
1949 N. Hoyne Ave. 773-252-7636
This neighborhood watering hole is one of the city’s veteran beer bars, serving Bucktown for more than 20 years. The travel-themed spot has a hefty draft and bottle selection of beers from around the world. With dark wood, maps and bookshelves full of travel guides and decades of National Geographics, it feels like your grandpa’s study without the fresh pipe tobacco smell. The natural light from front windows that fold open on nice days creates an easygoing vibe that pairs well with an easy-drinking daytime brew. Pouring begins at 11 a.m. daily. Coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches are available starting at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Latinicity
108 N. State St. 312-795-4444
Back in November, the buzz around this Latin American food court inside Block 37 was endless, but the bar was vastly underrated. Located in the dining area, the gorgeous space is open and bright, with hanging plants, colorful murals and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on sparkling skyscrapers. In case “food court” is a turnoff, treat it like a trendy quick-service dining spot with booze, which is really the star here. Pop in when your next Loop shopping trip calls for a Jarritos paloma ($11) or refreshing passion fruit pisco sour ($12). Or for you business folk, there’s plenty of wine and cerveza to spice up your lunch break. 11 a.m. every day.
Cindy’s
12 S. Michigan Ave. 312-792-3502
Perched on the 13th floor of the flawless Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is the quintessential day-drinking haunt and foolproof pick for entertaining out-of-town visitors. Allow us to count the ways: insane views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, pristine cocktails from the mind of Violet Hour alumna Nandini Khaund, family-style food and beach-house vibes. Whether you’re staycationing on a weekday or brunching on Sunday, the cocktail menu is sure to draw you in with curious ingredients and fresh garnishes. Consider We’ll Always Have Paris ($16) with gin, Cocchi Americano, fresh strawberry, housemade pistachio milk, date syrup, cardamom, lemon juice and rose petals. Do we have your attention? Good. You’ll want to get there early to nab a seat or make a reservation online, by phone or by email (cindysinfo@chicagoathletichotel.com). 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Sunday. Brunch is served 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Additional reporting by Eat & Drink editor Morgan Olsen.
@OhItsHeather & @redeyeeatdrink on Twitter | Instagram
Want to learn how to brew beer or make an excellent cocktail? Click here for classes in Chicago.
