We're patiently waiting for happy hour to become legal in Chicago, but in the meantime, even though most cocktails seem to run $10 to $14 these days, you can still find some affordable cocktails. These aren't watery well drinks either—these are craft cocktails, served at some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, all $7 or less.
Henry's Swing Club: Henry's offers five $6 draft cocktails, including Swingin' Doors with bourbon, raspberry, grapefruit and ginger.
Osteria Langhe: While the Italian restaurant's cocktails are normally $9, they're half price every Monday, which means $4.50 negronis, daiquiris and other cocktails.
Parson's Chicken & Fish: The Bitter/Sour, made with Very Old Barton Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar and Angostura bitters, is $7 and a nice patio sipper.
Southport & Irving: The Lakeview spot holds Speakeasy Fridays, with jazz and $6 cocktail specials, including an Old Overholt old fashioned, a Champagne cocktail and a sloe gin fizz.
Tippling Hall: Get a double buzz from the Ronzio, made with Stumptown coffee, espresso liqueur, grappa, cream, fennel and anise, for just $7.
The Whistler: The Logan Square bar always has a $6 cocktail on offer. Right now, it's the Whiskey & Wine, made with Evan Williams Bourbon, malbec-syrah, sage, blackberry, lime, orange and black walnut bitters.