I have found the BEST Happy Hour in Chicago: La Grand Boucherie
- Shannon Heaton
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Chicago is a city that knows how to have a good time, and happy hour is no exception. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find the perfect spot. But after some extensive research (aka, trying out a lot of bars...), I think I've found the best happy hour in Chicago: La Grand Boucherie in River North.

Atmosphere:
La Grand Boucherie is a French restaurant that exudes old-world charm. The space is beautifully decorated across two stories with dark wood, lofty ceilings, vintage posters, and has a lively bar area in the center of the restaurant. It's the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy a conversation without having to shout, bustling with those there for pre-dinner cocktails, or settling in to enjoy a meal and some people watching across the floor. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, making it perfect for a date night or a casual get-together with friends.
Delicious Drinks:
No happy hour is complete without delicious drinks, and La Grand Boucherie doesn't disappoint. They have a wide selection of French wines, interesting cocktails, and beers on tap. During happy hour, they offer discounted prices on select drinks, including a carefully curated selection of French sparkling, rose, white and red wines, so you always know you'll get something great! I highly recommend their French Manhattan or Mocha espresso martini cocktail for an $11 treat that won't disappoint!
Enough Room at the Bar:
One of the biggest problems with happy hour is that it can be impossible to find a spot at the bar. But at La Grand Boucherie, the bar is large enough that there's plenty of room to find a spot to enjoy your drinks. The bar is long and spacious, so you won't have to worry about bumping elbows with your neighbors. Turnover is fast, so if you need to hover for a few minutes, it's worth it.
Deals on Food:
In addition to drink specials, La Grand Boucherie also offers deals on food during happy hour. Their happy hour menu features a variety of small plates, including oysters, cheese boards, escargot, and pate - all the French delights you could hope for. The food is just as delicious as the drinks, and it's the perfect way to tide you over until dinner, but if you do want an actual meal, the Boucherie Burger is on the happy hour menu and it is one of the best burgers I've had. It's also big enough to share if you are after a smaller dinner.
Happy hour at La Grand Boucherie is from 2 pm to 7 pm everyday!!! This is by far the longest happy hour I've come across, but who am I to complain!?
Here are some other things I love about La Grand Boucherie:
The service is excellent. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, and they're always happy to make recommendations.
The restaurant is located in the heart of River North, making it very accessible, and close to many other restaurants if this is your 1st stop.
La Grand Boucherie is open late, so if you miss happy hour, the bar is still a beautiful place for a drink at anytime.
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