We can finally say hello to summer as Memorial Day rolls in this weekend. Pay homage to our military by checking out the Chicago Memorial Day Parade downtown, and then take advantage of these specials on everything from frozen cocktails to buckets of beer to rooftop parties.
Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon. Beyoncé is in town for the weekend, and that means one thing at Belly Up—a Beyoncé Boozy Lemonade cocktail. In honor of Bey’s performance at Soldier Field, the $10 cocktail will feature house-made lemonade, Aylesbury Duck vodka and Jumex peach nectar. (Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon, 1132 S Wabash, Fri–Sun 11am–10pm.)
Castaways Bar & Grill. The Chicago beaches are officially open this weekend, and we know you've been waiting for the lively parties at Castaways to start up again. This Memorial Day weekend, the ship-shaped space will feature live entertainment from DJ Jem, plus food and frozen cocktails. (Castaways Bar & Grill, 1603 N Lake Shore Drive, Daily 11am–11pm.)
Dark Horse Tap & Grille. Settle in the back beer garden with $4 Old Style tallboy cans and maybe a few $5 Fireball shots. Guests can watch the Cubs vs. Dodgers game in the afternoon while snacking on Goose Island Blue Line beer–battered green beans. (Dark Horse Tap & Grille, 3443 N Sheffield Ave, Mon 2pm–2am.)
Fremont. Get a little funky fresh at the '70s pool party Freezemont Summer Kick-off, happening all weekend long. The River North bar will unveil its new frozen cocktails, reminiscent of the mini push pops you might recall from childhood. Signature flavors include lemon with gin sorbet and blackberry with Campari sorbet. (Fremont, 15 W Illinois St, Thurs–Fri 4pm–2am, Sat 10am–3am, Sun 10am–8pm.)
G&O. For some, Memorial Day wouldn’t be complete without some kind of grilled, smoked or roasted meat. For just $18, guests at G&O can enjoy an all-you-can eat pig roast with braised collard greens, mac and cheese, and coleslaw—all of which incorporate flavors from 4 Hands Brewing. (G&O, 459 N Ogden Ave, Sat 3pm.)
Houndstooth Saloon. Start off your holiday weekend drinking at this Wrigleyville bar, opening early at 2pm. Sip on Houndstooth Hunch Punch with moonshine and pineapple juice or grab a $15 bucket of Corona out on the massive patio. (Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N Clark St, Mon 2pm–2am.)
KICK. This weekend the spicy, heat-loving restaurant takes it down a notch with a patriotic brunch. Guests can indulge in red velvet, blueberry and buttermilk pancakes for $10 and other dishes like green chile pork chilaquiles or Cap’n Crunch batter challah French toast. Sip on the special Stars and Stripes daiquiri cocktail crafted with Denizen white rum, lime and served with a patriotic sugar rim. (KICK, 1943 W Byron St, Mon 11am–3pm.)
Stretch Bar and Grill. In recognition of the military holiday, Stretch Bar & Grill will offer 25 percent off and a free drink koozie to all veterans. Since the Cubs are playing the Dodgers, the bar will also offer game day specials like $15 Rolling Rock buckets, $5 shots, and The Rizzo chicken parmesan for $12. (The Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N Clark St, Mon 2pm–2am.)