Loading up your social calendar doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. Check out these new bars and restaurants while cashing in on their nightly deals.
Allen’s–The New American Cafe
The former Harvest on Huron recently reinvented itself as an affordable neighborhood cafe. From 5-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, the bar offers $1 martinis, $2 cosmos and a menu of discounted appetizers, including skewered tempura shrimp, duck quesadillas and mini-cheeseburgers ($2-$4). Anyone who buys a cocktail is entered into a raffle to win dinner for two (three courses, along with one cocktail per person). 217 W. Huron St. 312-587-9600.
Celtic Crown
Pints of Guinness for $2.50 is a deal on its own, but tack on a half slab of ribs for $4.95 and you’ve got a tasty (and deliciously messy) dinner for less than $10. This Thursday-night deal at Celtic Crown, a new pub in Lincoln Square, is just one of a week’s worth of dinner and drink deals. 4301 N. Western Ave. 773-588-1110.
SOPO
This hot Southport Avenue spot offers great deals all week, but the Tuesday night lineup stands out. Stop in for $3.50 grilled panini sandwiches, $2.50 Guinness pints and $3 chocolate martinis. 3418 N. Southport Ave. 773-348-0100.
Handlebar
This funky, mostly vegetarian restaurant is cheap all the time: Entrees such as blackened catfish and the barbecued seitan sandwich are under $10. Making a good thing even better: $3 pints of Guinness on Sundays and $1.50 PBRs on Mondays. 2311 W. North Ave. 773-384-9546.
Glory
Thanks to this New England-themed eatery, anyone can afford a lobster dinner. In response to news of climbing unemployment, Glory launched its Greenspan Special last month. For $15 you get a cup of clam “chowda,” a lobster roll–lobster salad on a baguette–and fries. It’s available from 5-7 p.m. every day except Tuesday, when the restaurant is closed. 1952 N. Damen Ave. 773-235-7400.
