Affordable cocktails are getting harder to find. Start with these 11 Chicago bars and restaurants.

Chicago Tribune / by Eva Remijan-Toba / July 6, 2026

When did a basic cocktail become a $17 commitment? While menu prices continue to climb, a handful of Chicago bars and restaurants are still serving mixed drinks at prices that feel refreshingly reasonable. Whether you’re looking for a $7 margarita, a $10 negroni or a budget-friendly martini, these spots keep costs in check without sacrificing quality. And the deals aren’t confined to a short happy hour — they’re on the all-day regular menu. The list includes neighborhood dives, historic taverns, family-friendly pubs and even one of North America’s most celebrated cocktail bars — all with drinks priced well below what has become the city’s new normal. Read More Here.