If you are searching for Avec happy hour, you may be comparing two Chicago locations: Avec West Loop and Avec River North. Both restaurants serve inventive small and large plates with Mediterranean inspiration, but their happy-hour times are different.
Avec West Loop is the original location at 615 W. Randolph Street. Avec River North is at 141 W. Erie Street. The official website describes Avec as a wine-focused Chicago restaurant with Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics and inspiration from the sunny wine regions of southern Europe.
Quick answer: which Avec happy hour is right for you?
Avec West Loop: Monday–Friday, 3:30–5 p.m. The location also lists weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays all day.
Avec River North: Monday–Friday, 5–6 p.m. The official happy-hour menu lists pizzas at $13, a bartender’s choice cocktail at $10, selected wines at $10, and non-alcoholic drinks at $6.
| Location | Happy hour | Brunch | Address |
| Avec West Loop | Monday–Friday, 3:30–5 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 615 W. Randolph, Chicago |
| Avec River North | Monday–Friday, 5–6 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 141 W. Erie Street, Chicago |
| Bar Avec | Currently closed for the season | Separate rooftop operation | 640 N. LaSalle Drive, 8th floor |
Avec West Loop happy hour
Avec West Loop is the original Avec location. It has been a Chicago favorite for years and began as a wine bar before growing into a full restaurant with inventive plates, pizza, wine, cocktails, lunch, dinner, and brunch.
The West Loop happy-hour window is Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This is a short early-evening window, so arrive on time if you want the offer.
West Loop also lists half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays all day. That promotion is separate from happy hour and can be a better choice if your group wants to share a bottle over a longer meal.
West Loop hours
The official West Loop page lists lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner runs Sunday through Thursday from 3:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 3:30 to 11 p.m. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
| Service | West Loop hours |
| Lunch | Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Happy hour | Monday–Friday, 3:30–5 p.m. |
| Dinner, Sunday–Thursday | 3:30–10 p.m. |
| Dinner, Friday–Saturday | 3:30–11 p.m. |
| Weekend brunch | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Wine promotion | Half-price bottles on Tuesdays, all day |
Avec River North happy hour
Avec River North brings Avec’s rustic Mediterranean-inspired style to the River North neighborhood. It is at 141 W. Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654.
River North happy hour is Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. The one-hour period is later than West Loop’s and may work better if you want a pre-dinner drink after work.
The official happy-hour menu lists two pizzas at $13: spinach and guanciale pizza, and maitake mushroom pizza. It also lists a bartender’s choice cocktail at $10, selected red, white, and sparkling wines at $10, and non-alcoholic rosemary limonata and hibiscus fizz at $6.
The happy-hour menu says the offer is available at the bar and patio only. That is important for guests who want a full dining-room table or a large group reservation.
Avec menu highlights include small plates, hearth-baked pizza, seasonal vegetables, hummus, olives, and wine-friendly dishes.
River North hours
The official River North page lists lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.; dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Brunch is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
| Service | River North hours |
| Lunch | Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Happy hour | Monday–Friday, 5–6 p.m. |
| Dinner, Sunday | 5–9 p.m. |
| Dinner, Monday–Thursday | 5–10 p.m. |
| Dinner, Friday–Saturday | 5–11 p.m. |
| Weekend brunch | Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. |
Avec happy-hour menu and prices
The official happy-hour menu is especially clear for River North. It lists a $13 spinach and guanciale pizza with buffalo mozzarella, Parmesan, and salted pepperberries. The $13 maitake mushroom pizza includes smoked tomato sauce, sweet aji chili, and dill.
For drinks, a bartender’s choice cocktail is listed at $10. Red, white, and sparkling wines are listed at $10 under the sommelier’s selection. Rosemary limonata and hibiscus fizz are listed at $6 as non-alcoholic options.
Regular menu versus happy-hour value
| Item or category | Regular menu example | Happy-hour price | Best use |
| Spinach and guanciale pizza | $26 on the River North menu | $13 | Strongest food-value example |
| Maitake mushroom pizza | $26 on the River North menu | $13 | Vegetarian-friendly shareable |
| Bartender’s choice cocktail | Regular menu varies | $10 | Try something selected by the bar |
| Red, white, or sparkling wine | Regular menu varies | $10 | Easy pre-dinner drink |
| Rosemary limonata | Regular menu varies | $6 | Non-alcoholic option |
| Hibiscus fizz | Regular menu varies | $6 | Non-alcoholic option |
| Small plates | Regular menu varies | Check current list | Share with drinks |
| Large plates | Regular menu varies | Usually regular menu | Better for a full dinner |
The official River North menu lists the two pizzas at $26 on its regular menu, making the $13 happy-hour price a clear comparison. Menu prices can change, so confirm before publishing or ordering.
Avec restaurant menu
The Avec restaurant menu focuses on small plates, pizza and focaccia, large plates, handmade pasta, salads, desserts, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
River North menu examples include house-marinated olives at $9, cheese plate at $18, endive and apple salad at $20, chickpea hummus at $26, chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates at $22, deluxe focaccia at $24, spinach and guanciale pizza at $26, and maitake or seasonal pizzas priced around $26.
Large plates can include coal-roasted cabbage, pork shoulder, whole roasted branzino, berbere-spiced half chicken, and a dry-aged bone-in ribeye. Handmade pasta options include tagliatelle, ravioli, orecchiette, and lamb neck lumache.
The menu also lists cocktails such as Ibisco d’Amorita, Lust for Life, Side to Side, and I Want to Be Sedated at $16 in the River North menu example. Non-alcoholic drinks include hibiscus fizz and rosemary limonata at $8 on the regular menu.
Avec is built around wine, seasonal cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and food designed for sharing.
Avec brunch
Both West Loop and River North list weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The River North brunch menu includes bread with avocado at $14, pita chip fatteh at $16, spiced tomato shakshuka at $22, sausage cocotte at $26, roasted summer squash and spinach cocotte at $22, smothered lamb and cheese melt at $20, and green garbanzo tabbouleh at $20.
Brunch cocktails include mimosas at $13, with a bottomless option available with a food purchase for $30, according to the current menu. A Bloody Mary is also listed.
Brunch is a better fit than happy hour if you want a longer meal, eggs, vegetables, shakshuka, shared plates, and daytime cocktails. Happy hour is better for a quick drink and smaller food order.
Bar Avec: is it the same as Avec?
Bar Avec is a separate rooftop bar associated with the Avec River North operation. The official page lists Bar Avec at 640 N. LaSalle Drive, 8th floor, Chicago, Illinois 60654. The current official page says it is closed for the season.
That means people searching for Bar Avec happy hour or Bar Avec reservations should check the current operating status before planning a rooftop visit. Do not assume that Avec River North’s 5–6 p.m. happy hour automatically applies to Bar Avec.
Bar Avec is not the same address as Avec West Loop or Avec River North. It is a separate rooftop experience with its own seasonal schedule.
Avec reservations
The Avec website includes reservation forms for West Loop and River North. Choose the location, number of people, date, and time before submitting.
Reservations are useful for weekend brunch, large parties, celebrations, and dinner. For River North happy hour, remember that the current menu says the offer is available at the bar and patio only. A reservation may not guarantee a happy-hour seat unless the restaurant confirms it.
Read More About Other Restaurants
Is Avec a good drink spot?
Avec is a strong choice if you want wine, cocktails, Mediterranean-inspired food, hearth-baked pizza, and a warm Chicago setting. It is better for a food-and-drink visit than for a quick beer-only stop.
West Loop is best for an earlier happy hour, Tuesday wine bottles, lunch, and weekend brunch. River North is better if you want a later 5–6 p.m. drink window, a central neighborhood location, or a pre-dinner stop.
If you are searching for drink spots near me, drink near me, drink places, or happy hour near me, use the exact neighborhood. West Loop and River North have different schedules.
Quick visit checklist
Choose West Loop or River North before making a reservation. Check the exact happy-hour time. Ask whether seating is limited to the bar or patio. Compare the $13 happy-hour pizzas with regular menu pricing. Check the brunch hours. Confirm Bar Avec is open if you want the rooftop. Ask about allergies and the hospitality supplement shown on the menu.
FAQs
Does Avec have happy hour?
Yes. West Loop lists Monday–Friday, 3:30–5 p.m. River North lists Monday–Friday, 5–6 p.m. River North’s official menu says the offer is available at the bar and patio only.
What time is Avec West Loop happy hour?
Avec West Loop happy hour is listed Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
What time is Avec River North happy hour?
Avec River North happy hour is listed Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m.
What is on the Avec happy-hour menu?
The current River North menu lists spinach and guanciale pizza for $13, maitake mushroom pizza for $13, a bartender’s choice cocktail for $10, selected wines for $10, and non-alcoholic drinks for $6.
Is Avec happy hour available in the dining room?
The River North happy-hour menu says it is available at the bar and patio only. Confirm the seating rule at the location you plan to visit.
Where is Avec West Loop?
Avec West Loop is at 615 W. Randolph, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Where is Avec River North?
Avec River North is at 141 W. Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654.
Does Avec have brunch?
Yes. West Loop and River North list weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Does Avec have lunch?
Yes. West Loop and River North list lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Is Bar Avec the same as Avec River North?
Bar Avec is a separate rooftop operation associated with the River North area. It is at 640 N. LaSalle Drive, 8th floor, and the official page currently says it is closed for the season.
Can I make Avec reservations?
Yes. The official website provides reservation forms for the Avec locations. Choose the correct neighborhood and date.
Does Avec serve pizza?
Yes. Avec menus include pizzas such as spinach and guanciale, maitake mushroom, seasonal pizzas, and other focaccia or hearth-baked items.
What kind of food does Avec serve?
Avec serves inventive small and large plates, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, pizza, focaccia, handmade pasta, salads, desserts, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Does Avec have non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes. The happy-hour menu lists rosemary limonata and hibiscus fizz at $6, while regular menu examples list non-alcoholic drinks at $8 or $9.
What are the best Avec photos to use in a blog?
Use current images of the West Loop dining room, River North patio, pizza, small plates, wine, cocktails, brunch, and seasonal dishes. Avoid using old rooftop photos to suggest that Bar Avec is currently open.