Where do you turn for some free bar grub when complimentary peanuts or popcorn just aren’t cutting it? These spots offer a spread of delectable bites for you to dig in–all free of charge.
Big Chicks
As you might gather from the name of this friendly, energetic bar, the Sunday night buffet is not for the timid eater. During winter months, the chef whips up fried chicken and mashed potatoes, gyros or juicy Italian beef. During the summer, there’s grilled burgers and brats. 4-6 p.m. 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-728-5511.
Cork and Kerry
This neighborhood bar knows you work hard for the money. As a reward, there’s free pizza and wings at 5 p.m. every Friday. “We wanted to take care of the neighborhood crowd,” owner Mike Fitzpatrick explains, “especially the [nearby] schoolteachers who need to wind down after the week.” 10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675.
The Buzz
Hopping over hump day will be no problem if you check out this clubby spot on Wednesday nights. Depending on the week, the buffet offers pasta, satay, chicken, salads or pizza. Fill up with food from 5 to 6 p.m. and then burn it off on the dance floor to salsa and merengue music–right after you’ve nabbed some free dance lessons from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 308 W. Erie St. 312-475-9800.
Artist’s Lounge
Partaking in this buffet is more like joining a family for dinner, since many of the dishes are provided by the lounge regulars. It’s become tradition for patrons to gather ’round the table every Tuesday and dig into the spread of Southern-style food. The dishes change weekly, but often include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rice and beans and sometimes even homemade lasagna or barbecue rib tips. 4-6 p.m. 249 E. 87th St. 773-734-0491.
Cleo’s
When the postdrinking munchies cry out, Cleo’s responds at just the right time. An appetizer buffet is laid out every Saturday night, with offerings changing weekly. You’re likely to find everything from quesadillas to pizza to cheesy potato skins to chicken wings. 11 p.m.-1 a.m. 1935 W. Chicago Ave. 312-243-5600.
California Clipper
Bingo and free slices of pizza draw an easygoing crowd to this 1940s-style cocktail lounge on the last Monday of every month. Everyone’s a winner here: If you don’t snag a bingo prize (plastic figurines, joke buttons, tiny flipbooks), you’re sure to go home with a full belly. 9 p.m.-midnight. 1002 N. California Ave. 773-384-2547.
Clybar
Sausage, cheese and pepperoni pizza are the choice eats here on Fridays, when all slices are free from 5 to 8 p.m. Also, stop by during football season, when burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and chips are offered every Monday night along with the game. 2417 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-388-1877.
Happy Pulaski Day!
In honor of all things Polish on this holiday, all Fluky’s locations are offering a free polish sausage with all the trimmings. You just have prove that your first, middle or last name ends with the letters “ski.” 520 N. Michigan Ave.; 6821 N. Western Ave.
