Introduction to Affordable Cocktails
Chicagoans may be mortified but not surprised by the cost of a cocktail these days. It’s not uncommon to spend upwards of $15 on a drink containing three fingers of hooch. That’s not to diminish the artistry of drink-making, only to say it’s an increasingly expensive social hobby — one with financial effects that may last longer than the hangover.
The Birth of Cheap Chicago Cocktails
With that in mind, a Lincoln Square woman has stepped up to create an online database of $8-and-under cocktail deals across the city. Lauren Keene, 28, recently put together a “Cheap Chicago Cocktails” spreadsheet and shared it on Reddit, much to the gratitude of local drinkers. “Soooo you just randomly felt like blessing us all?” wrote one user. Quite frankly, yes, Keene told Block Club. “So, obviously the economy is not doing great,” Keene said. “Most people are trying to save money or look for a deal when they can. … After I spent so much time on it, I was just like, ‘Well, it seems kind of lame to gatekeep this, I might as well just share it.’”
The List of Affordable Drinks
The list contains over 100 neighborhood spots arranged alphabetically that offer affordable drink specials, complete with applicable hours, details on patio availability, links to menus and more.
Examples of Affordable Establishments
Sovereign Liquors, 6202 N. Broadway, in Edgewater, pours $5 well cocktails all day, every day. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Keeping Tabs
Keene, a Milwaukee native who moved to Chicago two years ago, said she was inspired to make the list as someone who likes to go out regularly with her two best gals for dancing, drinks and girl time. The trio found they were spending hundreds of dollars every weekend, which wasn’t sustainable, Keene said. “We’ve noticed sometimes … after a night out, it’s like, oh my God, we just spent like, $100 on drinks that we just cannot afford,” Keene said. “I have a job, but obviously spending $100 per night, Friday, Saturday, on just cocktails is insane.”
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