Halloween is a time for spooky revelry, pumpkin-flavored everything, fun-sized candy, and hokey costumes. But since we’re all adults, it’s also about booze. And dancing. And frivolity. And food that didn’t come out of the grocery store candy aisle. Celebrate accordingly at one of these Chicago restaurants or bars this Halloween:
Haymarket Pub & Brewery: With “spooky” lunch fare, treats, crafts, games, and classic Halloween movies on deck, Haymarket Pub & Brewery is the place to be this Halloween season. The brewpub is hosting a special pre-Halloween event on October 26 with fun for the whole fam. Costumes are encouraged for the soiree, which runs from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. In addition to an adults’ buffet, there’s also a designated spread for kids, plus a piñata that gets smashed at 1:00 p.m. Be there. To snag a seat and ensure a goody bag, RSVP to 312-638-0700 or janna@haymarketbrewing.com.
Underground: Embracing its inner sideshow/freakshow, Underground hosts “Sideshow Wunderground” on Halloween from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m., a night of guaranteed revelry and holiday antics. Along with a special DJ set by The Jane Doze, expect all sorts of carnival-esque experiences. For table reservations, email host@theundergroundchicago.com.
Billy Sunday: I can’t think of a more perfect Halloween libation this year than the Ichabod Cranium at Billy Sunday. This communal, group-sized drink is literally served in a flaming pumpkin. Get it? Just like the flaming pumpkin the Headless Horseman mercilessly hurled at Ichabod Crane! It’s filled with bourbon ice, Applejack-cider fizz, and vermouth di Torino.
West Town Bakery & Diner: If you’re looking to stock up on unique sweets that go beyond mini candy bars and pumpkin-shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, head to West Town Bakery & Diner. Here you’ll find a dazzling assortment of pumpkin doughnuts, Halloween sugar cookies, and special cupcakes like Dirt and Worms (devil’s food cake filled with vegan chocolate mousse, topped with chocolate frosting, cookie crumbs, and gummi worms), Monsters Under Your Bed (apple cake filled with cider caramel, topped with purple vanilla frosting and marzipan eyeballs), and Witches Brew (chocolate stout cake with chocolate chunks and vanilla frosting).
Rockit Burger Bar: Ahoy matey! Pirates are taking over Rockit Burger Bar this Halloween. But instead of slitting everyone’s throat to pillage a ship, they come with good intent to liquor everyone up and have a good time. For $40, guests can partake in a boisterous spread of cocktails, beer, and an all-you-can-eat buffet from 9:00 p.m. until midnight. Get your tickets
here.
Roka Akor: Another apt potable this season is The Witching Hour at Roka Akor. Fusing Asian ingredients with spooky sentiments, this cocktail contains sweet potato shochu, Roundhouse Pumpkin King Cardinal, lemon juice, Chinese five-spice bitters, and egg whites. Sounds like something the cast of
Hocus Pocus would brew up.
County Barbeque: Since Halloween is too fun and tasty to confine to one day, County Barbeque is extending the merriment over the course of a few days. From October 30 through November 2, the restaurant will transform their patio into a pumpkin patch filled with pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, and a fire pit for s’mores-roasting. Inside, they’ll have specials on bourbon flights, Evil Twin Hipster Ale, and Schlitz.
