Whether you’re on a budget or just like a cheap thrill, these $1 specials will keep your bottom line in check — without getting in the way of your nightlife. What are you waiting for? Get out those Washingtons and start spending!
Spend it at: Berlin (954 W. Belmont Ave. 773-348-4975)
What your dollar buys: Looking for some cheap late-night libations? Lakeview’s long-running dance club features $1 PBR and well drinks on Tuesdays. You’ll throw down a $5 cover to get in the door, but that’s a small price to pay for a night of $1 drinks, DJs and dancing.
Spend it at: Big Chicks
(5024 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-728-5511)
What it buys: Kick off the week with a “buck burger” at this Uptown spot. Starting at 5 p.m. every Monday, Big Chicks serves quarter-pound burgers with fries or salad for just $1. (Dine-in customers only; one-drink minimum.)
Spend it at:
Hops & Barley
(4359 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-286-7415)
What it buys: Need another Monday $1 burger special? Sink your teeth into this: Hops & Barley in Portage Park also turns out quarter pounders with fries for a buck on Mondays.
Spend it at:
Stocks & Blondes
(40 N. Wells St. 312-372-3725) What it buys: Your dollar gets you a 16-ounce PBR, Miller High Life or Old Style on Mondays and Tuesdays at this after-work fave. Just steps from the Washington/Wells “L” station, this Loop spot makes a convenient and cheap happy-hour stop.
Spend it at:
Ola’s Liquors
(947 N. Damen Ave. 773-384-7250)
What it buys: Dollar shots? All day, everyday? Yes, every single day you can down $1 shots of any well liquor at this charming Ukrainian Village dive from open to close (that’s 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.). Although, if you’re doing shots at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday, you’ve probably got more to worry about than saving a few bucks.
Spend it at: Hydrate
(3458 N. Halsted St. 773-975-9244)
What it buys: Nightclubs are notorious for pricey cocktails, but Mondays at this Boystown staple are a different story. All house vodka, tequila, rum, gin and whiskey cocktails are just a buck. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there is no cover until 10 p.m. ($5 cover after 10 p.m).
Spend it at:
La Taberna Tapatia
(3358 N. Ashland Ave.
773-248-5475)
What it buys: This Lakeview hang, the late-night sister spot to Mexican fave El Tapatio, whips up $1 gringas (a variety of quesadilla) on Tuesdays and $1 empanadas on Wednesdays. You’ll need a few of either to fill you up, but what they lack in size they make up for in spicy, cheesy goodness.
Spend it at: Cans Bar & Canteen
(1640 N. Damen Ave. 773- 227-2277)
What it buys: Trade real dollars for silver-dollar pancakes at this Bucktown bar. That’s right: Flapjacks are just $1 each during Saturday brunch (10 a.m.-3 p.m.).
Spend it at: Matilda
(3101 N. Sheffield Ave.
773-883-4400)
What it buys: A single gets you a sizzling tilapia taco on Tuesdays at this Lakeview spot. Tilapia tacos are served a la carte Tuesdays only; a tilapia taco entree served nightly includes four tacos plus chips and salsa ($10).
Spend it at:
Couch Bar and Grill
(2344 W. Grand Ave. 312-942-9030)
What it buys: Weekend drink specials are few and far between, but this West Town spot pours $1 Miller Lite drafts on Saturdays. The bar also hosts karaoke on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Dollar beers and karaoke on the weekend? Now that’s something to sing about.
