Keeping your spending in check can have the unfortunate side effect of cramping your social life. Luckily, local biz owners are putting their own kind of economic stimulus plan in place. It’s a little concept called “free stuff.” Here’s where to score free food, drinks and even a free ride.
DRINK
Witt’s 2913 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-528-7032
What: Sip well drinks and domestic draft beers during the one-hour hosted bar at this cozy Lakeview hang. Catch the game du jour inside or claim a spot on the all-season patio.
When: 9-10 p.m. Fridays. No cover. R.S.V.P. required: becca@wittschicago.com
Risque Cafe 3419 N. Clark St. 773-525-7711
What: Pair up with a buddy and order buy-one-get-one-free well drinks ($5.50) at this Wrigleyville eatery. Hungry? Southern-style specials include five barbecue sliders for $5 and an $8 fried chicken dinner.
When: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays
Goodbar 2512 N. Halsted St. 773-296-9700
What: Double your fun at this corner bar with buy-one-get-one-free shots. All brands are included ($5-$8), so whether you’re in the market for budget-friendly or top-shelf, you can still treat a friend (or knock back two yourself).
When: 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesdays
Blu Coral 1265 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-252-2020
What: Score a free champagne toast and $10 gift certificate with your dinner purchase at this swanky Wicker Park sushi spot during their monthly customer appreciation night.
When: 5-11 p.m., every second Tuesday of the month
EAT
Mahoney’s
551 N. Ogden Ave. 312-733-2121
What: There’s no purchase required to indulge in the free tater tot bar stocked with toppings such as cheese sauce, chili and bacon bits. Fill up your plate and nosh while local talent takes the stage for open mic night (8 p.m.). Want to get onstage yourself? Build up some courage with $2 cans of PBR.
When: 4-10 p.m. Tuesdays
The Coach House
950 W. Wolfram St. 773-665-5660
What:Grab your pals and munch on free pizza, flip a coin for a half-price drink (tails wins) and compete in a free trivia contest. The winning team (two to eight people) takes home $100.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays
Cleos
1935 W. Chicago Ave. 312-243-5600; 2048 W. Armitage Ave. 773-227-6700
What: Quell late-night munchies with the free appetizer bar at this Ukrainian Village mainstay or its Bucktown sister spot. The purchase of one soda, beer or cocktail is required for access to those quesadillas and potato skins — but hey, you’ll be thirsty anyway.
When: 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturdays
Duke of Perth
2913 N. Clark St. 773-477-1741
What: Buy one entree and get the second entree free at this Scottish pub. Favorites such as the fish and chips dinner or vegetable pot pie (both $9.50) are best devoured in front of the toasty fireplace.
When: 5-11 p.m. Mondays
RIDE
Atlantic Bar & Grill
5062 N. Lincoln Ave. Dedicated phone line: 773-899-4256
What: Want to go out but don’t have the spare cash for cab fare? Call the dedicated phone line to schedule a free ride to and from this nautically themed Irish-American bar. Boundaries stretch south to Irving, west to Kimball, north to Peterson and east to Ashland, but they’ll consider going farther if there are three or more in your party.
When: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesdays through Sundays
More freebies!
Visit our Recession Guide on metromix.com for more freebies, including 2-month-old bar Crocodile’s daily free pizza deal.
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metromix@tribune.com
