DrinkWell

"The North Loop favorite serves up inventive seasonal cocktails from owner Jessica Sanders and her stellar team. It’s pretty much guaranteed the menu mentions ingredients you haven’t heard of, but don’t worry — the friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to explain. Drinks range from the highly creative (like the Shred of Evidence, a cosmopolitan made with aperitivo, dill, and bitter marigold liqueur) to approachable classics, with lots of nonalcoholic options on each end. There is also a hearty food menu, with dishes like a burger or a cheese board, which are available to-go, as are cocktails. Get there early to secure a place in the often-crowded pub or have a drink outside on the patio." - Erin Russell

"The North Loop gastrobar’s happy hour menu includes $9 cocktails, $3 off wine glasses, 25 percent off wine bottles, $5 draft beers, dollar-off beer cans, and $2 off snacks and appetizers. It runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Darcie Duttweiler

"Drink.Well is located just far enough away from Downtown that you'll never have to worry about parking, with a menu of excellent cocktails and light bites that feel especially well-suited for sharing. The space is small and intimate, but not so tight that it feels claustrophobic. It's also located on a street full of thrift and vintage shops to peruse later, if you happen to schedule an early date. " - chelsea bucklew, nicolai mccrary

"Specialty cocktails and small to large bites are on the menu at this swanky North Loop gastropub, open from 4 to 11 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services." - Polly Anna Rocha, Darcie Duttweiler

"The North Loop bar’s Derby Day party is one of the city’s best. There will be hot browns, pimento cheese, bourbon and Champagne juleps, and Kentucky bucks. It runs from 3 to 7 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury