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Affordable beers in Chicago

A cold beer after a long day feels better when it doesn't cost a fortune.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Tamu Sushi image 1
Tamu Sushi image 2
Tamu Sushi image 3
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Sushi restaurant

Minimalist decor and a hand roll bar create a calm, inviting atmosphere amid a busy area. The space includes a private omakase room with attentive service, offering a focused dining experience. Guests enjoy a laid-back vibe with fresh sushi and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.

Omakase offers a more affordable alternative to traditional opulent sushi spots. Pricing stays relatively affordable without cutting corners.

Japanese beer options include a rice lager and the YoHo Umami IPA. Cocktails and sake like Joto Daiginjo complement the beer selection well.

People are saying

"The Omakase here is delicious, with high-quality fish."

"The omakase here is so delicious and opulent for an affordable price."

"The beer here is high quality and fabulous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the omakase table, which seats only 8 people.

2

The omakase menu is available during both lunch and dinner.

3

Happy Hour runs from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM with $5 hand rolls for dine-in.

02
Woodlawn Tap image 1

Old school dive bar with a slightly updated vibe offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere and intimate space. Jazz and blues performances on Sundays add to the wholesome, lively energy. Cash-only policy and student clientele shape the experience near campus.

Food and drinks stay inexpensive thanks to a cash only policy. The menu offers affordable and tasty options throughout.

Offers a variety of reasonably priced beers with a good selection including options like Bells Amber Ale. Beers are served very fresh and cold.

People are saying

"This neighborhood bar is a timeless, friendly staple."

"I loved the good beer selection and fresh taste."

"I found the food and drinks here to be affordable and tasty."

Good to know

1

Woodlawn Tap is a cash-only bar, so bring cash for your visit.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially on weekends with a college crowd.

3

Live music events occur on certain nights, adding to the bar's vibe.

03
PrimeTime Bar & Grill image 1

Sports bar with plenty of TVs showing all games creates a lively atmosphere for watching sports. Smashburgers and local beers stand out as popular choices. Casino game machines and darts add casual entertainment alongside the energetic vibe.

Smash burgers come at affordable prices. Food and beers stay budget-friendly with a staff focused on keeping the experience fun and affordable.

Craft beers come from local Chicago breweries and feature prominently on tap. The beer list pairs well with menu items named after top Chicago athletes, fitting the sports bar vibe.

People are saying

"The smash burgers here have a phenomenal crust and wonderful flavor."

"They have a great beer selection with local brews."

"The smash burgers are amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, perfect for budget-conscious diners.

2

Trivia night occurs weekly, providing a fun activity for guests.

3

Chicago game day deals offer discounts during local sports events.

04
Bonus Round Game Cafe image 1

Board game cafe with extensive game collection and gaming-themed decor offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere where people gather to play and chat without loud music. Space feels intimate but comfortable, encouraging focus and conversation. Friendly energy comes from passionate players enjoying games and casual food and drinks.

Food and drinks come at affordable prices here. A $10 food minimum applies, which affects overall affordability.

An excellent beer list focuses mainly on IPAs, with no basic lagers or other styles. Craft beers stand out, and root beer floats are also available.

People are saying

"The staff here are so helpful with Board Games, explaining rules and suggesting favorites."

"The beer selection here is fantastic and the staff are great."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and high demand.

2

There is a $10 food minimum per person in addition to the game fee.

3

The game fee is $8 per person to access the game library.

05
City Pool Hall & Sports Bar image 1

Pool hall offers 12 well-maintained tables including 9-foot tables in a laid back, friendly atmosphere with fantastic music. Space feels old school Chicago billiards with a no frills environment and a backyard smoking area. It gets crowded but maintains a hometown vibe with a mix of quiet and lively energy.

Beers come at affordable prices here. The overall cost stays very affordable throughout.

Beers come cold and cheap, priced around $4-$5. The selection is good and offers affordable options for both drinks and food.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty damn good."

"The beer here is so affordable."

"The beer here is affordable, with daily drink specials."

Good to know

1

Pool tables cost $14 per hour for one person, $18 for two, and $21 for three or more.

2

Expect to wait for a table on busy nights, especially league nights.

3

Parking includes metered and free spaces, with about 20 spots available in front.

06
Ekiben Japanese Kitchen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy interior with wooden detailing and Japanese street food classics creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Calm, tasteful vibe features relaxed music and subtle decor, making it ideal for casual dining. Offers affordable prices with unique dishes like spicy tuna onigiri and Dragon Prime roll.

Lunch specials offer affordable prices with generous portions. Dishes are consistently fresh and flavorful without stretching the budget.

Only Sapporo beer is available here. Happy hour offers $5 beers, often paired with Takoyaki and Bento boxes.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is so fresh it melts in your mouth."

"The onigiri here are delicious and large."

"They offered $5 beers during happy hour."

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $10 and includes an appetizer, drink, and main dish.

2

Happy hour offers $5 beers, making it a great time to visit.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

07
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Prices stay affordable for sandwiches, salads, and Italian dishes. Portions offer lots of food without high costs.

One of the few spots serving Ichnusa beer imported from Sardinia pairs well with pizza. The selection includes Chicago craft beers like cold 312 wheat ale, all offered at competitive prices.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"I found the food and drinks to be super affordable."

"You can get Ichnusa beer, imported from Sardinia."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

08
The Hi-Lo image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers spacious patio with fireplace and dog-friendly indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays chill and warm, with high-end craft cocktails and occasional street food vendors. Crowd enjoys relaxed vibes, especially around the covered outdoor bar area.

Affordable domestic beers and an $8 beer and shot special stand out here. Prices stay affordable even for craft cocktails.

Affordable domestic beers and an $8 beer and shot special stand out. Staff serve beer promptly but shots may require a wait during busy times.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the really tasty cocktails, from light and refreshing to flavorful."

"I found the cocktails here to be affordable and really tasty."

"I loved the fairly priced beers and tasty cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm, but expect crowds during this time.

2

Reservations are recommended for events to ensure space availability.

3

The Hi-Lo allows outside food to be brought in.

09
Beck's Chicago image 1
Bar & grill

Cozy bar with an old bar vibe and plenty of seating, featuring multiple TVs for sports viewing and a nice outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays chill with a college bar energy, attracting a local crowd looking for a relaxed night out.

Offers a wide variety of food and drink options at affordable prices. The food is not pricey and fits well within a budget.

Prices stand out as incredibly low across beers and cocktails. A good beer selection includes tall buffalo-garlic beers. Bartenders offer great recommendations.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are super friendly and make great drinks."

"The beer selection here is surprisingly diverse and flavorful."

"The food and drink options here are pretty affordable."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7:30pm.

2

Parking is easy to find right in front on Monday nights.

3

They offer a wide variety of food and drink options at affordable prices.

10
Harry Potter Shop Chicago image 1

Store resembles Diagon Alley with meticulously crafted decor and immersive Harry Potter themes. Atmosphere feels magical and lively, filled with fans enjoying themed music, moving parts, and photo spots. Includes largest Butterbeer Bar in the US with seating, adding a unique cafe experience.

Prices stay really affordable for an iconic Harry Potter shop. Plenty of gift items like posters and key chains come at low costs.

Butter beer comes in non-alcoholic draft form and glass bottles. Draft tastes like cream soda and is served in reusable cups at the cafe area.

People are saying

"It's a fun stop for any Harry Potter fan; the details are amazing."

"I found the hot butter beer very tasty."

"It's affordable and feels like walking into the Harry Potter movies."

Good to know

1

If you plan to go on a weekend, be prepared for a wait of about 20 to 30 minutes.

2

The store was not accessible or disability-friendly.

3

The weekend line stretches down the entire block.

11
Max's Place image 1

Neighborhood dive bar with affordable drinks, dog-friendly patio, and LGBTQ+ welcoming vibe. Music plays from a jukebox and sound system, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Regulars chat easily, making it a friendly local hangout.

Offers a bar with really affordable drinks that suit those looking for budget-friendly options. The place maintains good vibes alongside its affordable prices.

A large beer selection and a full bar stand out here. It serves well for an afternoon beer.

People are saying

"You can get a great selection of cold beers here."

"It's a classic dive bar with a very queer-friendly vibe."

"The drinks here are amazing and really affordable."

Good to know

1

Max's Place is LGBTQ+ friendly and owned.

2

The bar has the cheapest drink prices around town.

3

Credit cards are accepted, making payment easy.

12
Pizza Lobo Logan Square image 1

Outdoor seating includes a heated patio with fire pits and a gravel floor, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Music plays loudly, adding energy but making conversation difficult. The space welcomes groups, kids, and dogs, blending modern and retro design elements.

Slices cost about $5 each, making pizza very affordable. Drinks also come at low prices and taste good.

A broad drink list includes cheap beer, good taps, and boozy slushies. Specials like beer and shot for $6 stand out. The IPA and other beers pair well with pizza.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was great, especially the crust."

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

"The pizza here is delicious and super affordable."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they offer $1 wings.

2

Trivia night happens on Wednesdays with a fun atmosphere.

3

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

13
Zero Degree Karaoke Bar & Club image 1

Karaoke bar with modern private rooms featuring top-notch sound systems and extensive song selections, including YouTube access. Lighting and audio create a lively, vibrant atmosphere that suits both singing and dancing. Space accommodates large groups comfortably, blending a relaxed vibe with energetic club elements.

Rooms stand out for being very attractive and more affordable than other Chinatown options. Food, drinks, and karaoke all offer great value without high prices.

Beer costs stay low, with prices around $5.50 and buckets of light beer for $60. An extra tip fee applies when ordering individual beers at the bar.

People are saying

"I considered this one of the best karaoke spots I've been to."

"The drinks and rooms here are great and affordable."

"I found the beer deals here were the best."

Good to know

1

The private karaoke rooms have a 2-hour minimum booking requirement.

2

Most days, you can walk in and get a room without a reservation.

3

It's recommended to reserve ahead of time for larger parties.

14
Burton Place image 1
Bar & grill

Dive-bar style space offers crowded seating, pool tables, and a jukebox for entertainment. Atmosphere stays laid-back and bumpin' with music and activity, attracting groups and sports fans. Kitchen stays open late, serving bar food favorites like ribs and Buffalo chicken tenders.

Affordable drinks and tasty food make this spot easy on the wallet. Both food and drinks stay consistently budget-friendly.

Rotating taps offer a good selection of beers and ciders, including local craft beer. Prices stay reasonable, and some tap beers have unusual flavors like ketchup.

People are saying

"Mario made me a virgin mojito and talked wrestling."

"I found a good beer selection with something new to try."

"The drinks and food here are surprisingly affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday with discounted drinks.

2

The kitchen stays open late for food after midnight.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

15
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Offers an elaborate vegan menu alongside traditional dishes and excellent margaritas with diverse flavors. Small space includes TVs for games, creating a dynamic yet relaxed vibe.

Food offers delicious flavors at affordable prices. Mexican dishes here are less authentic but remain inexpensive compared to other regions.

Cold beer comes in a variety of options. Shots are also available alongside the beer selection.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and sophisticated."

"The food here is delicious and affordable."

"They had cold beer and a good variety."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect a 75-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

16
Snickers Bar & Grill image 1

Dive bar with a wraparound bar, seven TVs, and an internet jukebox creates a lively, classic pub vibe. Front room buzzes with sports energy and regulars chatting, while back booths offer a cozier, relaxed setting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with unpretentious laughter and casual dining.

Food and drinks come at affordable prices, with full meals and drinks costing under twenty dollars. The bar offers inexpensive drinks and keeps an authentic, no-frills vibe.

A large selection of international bottled beers is available, served cold as expected. Drinks include cheap beers with generous pours and a unique $3 mystery shot, making it easy to relax and enjoy.

People are saying

"This bar is a gritty, local hangout with a nostalgic vibe."

"I found the drinks to be affordable, with generous pours."

"The beer selection here is great."

Good to know

1

The drink prices at Snickers Bar & Grill are reasonable for downtown Chicago.

2

They accept both credit card and cash payments.

3

The parking lot is small and often full, making parking challenging.

17
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago image 1

Historic building blends modern amenities with charming style and comfortable rooms featuring exceptional views. Atmosphere stays fun and welcoming with a calm, chill vibe throughout. Complimentary treats and a friendly bar add to the inviting experience.

Rooms stay clean and rates remain affordable and competitive compared to others nearby.

Guests receive a signature pineapple beer as a welcome drink. The Atwood bar offers a free wine or beer with stays.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is great for walking everywhere."

"The staff here treated me like family, making my stay special."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a burger and beer or soda for $10 from 4-6 pm.

2

Every afternoon, enjoy a cookie hour with complimentary beverages.

3

Valet parking is expensive and can be problematic during busy events.

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