LIA Tavern

LIA Tavern first caught my attention after launching its popular $30 Girl Dinner special, available Tuesday through Thursday. As someone who is always looking for the best happy hour deals in Chicago, I knew I had to check it out. After spending a Thursday evening at LIA Tavern, I can confidently say this deal is one of the best values I’ve found for a girls’ night out, offering multiple courses, great cocktails, and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere.

To start, I ordered an Aperol Spritz, which was light, refreshing, and exactly what I wanted for a happy hour. LIA Tavern’s cocktail menu was one of the highlights of the evening, featuring a variety of creative drinks that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s Italian-inspired menu.

The first course of the Girl Dinner included a Caesar Salad and Truffle Fries. The Caesar salad was crisp, fresh, and well-balanced, while the truffle fries were perfectly seasoned and ideal for sharing. Together, they made a great start to the meal.

For the main course, guests can choose between Lemon Cacio e Pepe, Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, or Prosciutto Pizza. Since we couldn’t decide, we opted to share both pasta dishes. The Lemon Cacio e Pepe offered a bright twist on the classic Roman pasta, with a subtle citrus flavor that elevated the dish.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying another cocktail. I ordered the Gin Pickletini, and as someone who will always choose a pickle martini when it’s on the menu, this one did not disappoint. It was perfectly balanced, briny, and easily one of my favorite cocktails of the night.

LIA Tavern’s $30 Girl Dinner is one of the best happy hour values in Chicago. Between the multiple courses, generous portions, and standout cocktail program, the experience feels far more expensive than its price point. The Aperol Spritz, Gin Pickletini, and house-made pasta dishes made this a memorable girls’ night spot, and it’s easy to see why the special has become so popular.

LIA Tavern: 11 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL