Black Friday Bargains in Chicago Restaurants

Thanksgiving is coming up fast, in case you needed a reminder to feel stressed/excited. And with it comes Black Friday, everyone's favorite excuse to go ballistic. The official start of the holiday shopping season is marred with frantic crowds and mob-like frenzies, so in order to prepare yourself for battle you'll need to fuel up at a good restaurant. Fortunately, a number of Chicagoland restaurants are preparing promos to help you beat the hordes. Here are several can't-miss dining deals to partake in this year.

 

GreenRiver: Mere steps from the Magnificent Mile, GreenRiver is a convenient stopover on Black Friday in the midst of your downtown shopping melee. Aptly, the restaurant is taking advantage of the frenzy and making things a little less hectic with a special Black Friday promo running from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. During this time, diners can enjoy complimentary shopping bag check service, $4 draft beers, $10 cocktails, and specially priced bites. Additionally, valet parking is discounted to $8 for two hours between 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p;.m., or $11 for four hours after 5:00 p.m. 

Big Jones: Up in Andersonville, Big Jones is using the shopping opportunity to celebrate local small businesses, billing it "Small Business Friday," rather than Black Friday. Well done. In honor of the day, the restaurant is tacking on an extra bonus $10 gift certificate for every $50 purchased. The deal runs from November 27 through December 26.

Bohemian House: In the midst of your River North shopping frenzy, hop over to Bohemian House for a much needed pause in the action. All lunch guests on November 27 can partake in $1 beer with the purchase of a lunch entree. Dining options are quite enriching too, making for the perfect fuel for Black Friday mania. Get hungry for the likes of roasted squash salad, chicken liver on rye, and the BoHo burger made with Emmentaler cheese, sauerkraut, fried egg, horseradish cream, and housemade potato bun. 

STK: For a steakhouse steal this Black Friday, look no further than newly opened STK. The restaurant is offering gift card deals for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday ('cause that's a thing too). On Friday, for every $50 spent on STK gift card, those purchasing the cards get an extra $25 in dining dollars towards the restaurant. And on Monday, the deal is even juicier. For every $50 spent on gift cards, gifters receive an extra $50 in dining dollars. Gift cards must be purchased in the restaurant, and can be used at all STK locations. 

Honey Butter Fried Chicken: At Avondale's famed fried chicken haunt, Black Friday is Black Fryday. The second annual holiday affair is a one-day-only showcase for the restaurant's crinkle-cut fries, an apt pairing alongside that fried chicken. The fries can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, like candied jalapeño mayo, honey buffalo sauce, herby ranch, and more. Fries are on deck from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. November 27 only. 

Commonwealth Tavern: Start the holiday bargains early with a special Black Wednesday promo at Commonwealth Tavern in Roscoe Village. Guests who stop by can receive $5 seasonal draft beers and 50% off appetizers from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Dishes up for grabs include soft pretzels, queso fundido, and chicken wings. 

Adamus: At the Silversmith Hotel in the Loop, Adamus is getting in on the Black Friday festivities with a little bargain of its own. Holiday shoppers and diners can enjoy 20% off their bill during lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 

- Matt Kirouac