It may not be five o'clock, but it is National Happy Hour Day! For all of our mixologists, sommeliers, and those who imbibe in general, we encourage you to celebrate with a toast by heading to one of the drinking destinations on our list of best local Chicago cocktail lounges and bars. 

Want to bring happy hour inside? We have gathered together some of the trendiest home bar and bar cart inspiration, plus some design tips and tricks to give you plenty of ideas when revamping your at-home drinking experience. Read on for the full Happy Hour Day guide, and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration! Cheers.

Chicago Cocktail Bars

— The Violet Hour

Wicker Park, Chicago

The Violet Hour serves artisanal cocktails in the heart of Wicker Park. Rooted in pre-prohibition style libations, the James Beard Award-winning bar program features a seasonally rotating cocktail list, as well as an extensive selection of approachable and sought-after spirits.

— Z Bar Chicago

Streeterville, Chicago

Featuring iconic views of the city, this rooftop terrace is an ideal perch to experience Chicago’s wonders. Z Bar embodies the jet-setter’s search for surprise, adventure and a taste of luxury. From Asia, to Europe, to the Americas, worldly flavors are crafted to pair beautifully with the carefully curated cocktail menu, unique fine wines and beers.

— The Aviary

West Loop, Chicago

If there are three words that perfectly frame the atmosphere, aesthetic and culture of The Aviary, it’s creativity, innovation and modernity. Utilizing infusion flasks, rotary evaporators and blast chillers, these are cocktails with a fine-dining approach. All the ingredients are meticulously sourced and married together to create some of the world’s most intricate and revolutionary cocktails.

— Cindy’s Rooftop

Loop, Chicago

The jewel in the crown of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's Rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace offers panoramic views of sparkling lake Michigan and beyond. With seasonal freshness reflected in food & drink, this Chicago restaurant serves locally-sourced, New American cuisine within the relaxed ambience of a great lakes beach house.

— Three Dots and a Dash

River North, Chicago

This hidden tropical bar and craft cocktail destination named one of The World’s 50 Best Bars by Drinks International. Their team sources and creates the best possible cocktails using the freshest exotic fruits and spices, the finest rums and distilled spirits, and juices and elixirs that are cold-pressed and concocted in house every day.

— Vu Skyward

South Loop, Chicago

Vu skyward is a 13,000 square foot concept located 22 stories high next door to McCormick Place. Here, you can enjoy an ingredient and locally driven beverage program, top notch noshing and unparalleled views of the lake and downtown within a modern designed space.

— The Whistler

Logan Square, Chicago

The Whistler is a bar, gallery, record label, and venue that hosts live music and DJs seven nights a week. Their award‑winning cocktail program features an always‑changing menu of classics, contemporary favorites, and Whistler originals. Their stage hosts an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, electronic, country, and soul, along with film screenings, readings, and other artistic endeavors.

— Kumiko Bar

West Loop, Chicago

Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar where food and drink are treated with equal reverence. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Kumiko boasts incredible cocktails and spirits with exquisite food to pair. Whether you come to savor some of Japan’s finest saké or walk in for a lovely dinner with friends, Kumiko welcomes you with warmth and gratitude.

The Perfect Home Bar

Materials —

Striking and luxurious finishes reign supreme in the trendiest home bars: classic marble, modern lacquer, and vintage wood grain each bring a unique look and feel to your bar’s style.

Backsplashes —

Frame your barware, ingredients, and spirits with a bold patterned tile backsplash, a minimalist mirrored background, or a unique wallpaper.

Storage —

Built-in storage gives your bar a cozy, recessed feel and remains the most space efficient bar design. Glass shelves display your spirits elegantly without taking up too much space or blocking light to your bar. For the sommelier, custom shelving that is designed for wine bottles can be a dramatic way to show off your collection.

Lighting —

Recessed lighting gives your bar a dreamy, perfectly lit look, whereas a bold statement pendant can give your bar area a more moody and dramatic feel. For any type of bar, shelf lighting can also be an elegant way to add more light to your space.

The Perfect Bar Cart

Unique Carts —

Mid-century bar carts still reign supreme in the interior design space, but luxe newcomers such as bar carts made out of lucite or antique bar carts that call back to 19th century design are also becoming popular.

Mixing & Serving —

In selecting your barware, drink ware, and serving dishes, look for materials that will contrast nicely with your cart. Natural wood serving trays or bowls, colored statement glassware, and brass barware are classic choices to add pops of interest to your cart.

Decor —

Florals are an undisputed classic that can add height and color to any bar cart. For a more understated decoration, try a stack of cocktail recipe books. Cocktail ingredients themselves can also be used as a colorful accent, such as a bowl of garnish fruits.

Want more inspiration for when cocktail hour strikes? Check out our curated Pinterest board below and be sure to follow us for more trends.