By Natalie Kuchik

If you want a deal on merchandise, head to the stores on Black Friday. But if you want a deal on drinks, head to a bar on Black Wednesday. The day before Thanksgiving is now known as Black Wednesday or Blackout Wednesday, and bars all across Chicago have drink specials to accommodate friends and family members looking to cut loose the night before Turkey Day. These are the best bars to grab a drink for Black Wednesday in Chicago.

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O’Donovan’s Pub & Restaurant
2100 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 478-2100
www.odonovansbar.com

On Black Wednesday, this Chicago bar has a special on Wild Turkey bourbon cocktails and Wild Turkey shots. If beer is more your style, there is almost always a drink special on domestic beer. O’Donovan’s has indoor and outdoor seating, plus there is a private room for those looking to throw a party for the Thanksgiving eve. This Chicago bar has been around for over 100 years and it is located off the Irving Park Brown Line.

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Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort
2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-3661
www.unclefatty.com

Located in Lakeview, Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort is one of the best bars to hang out at on Black Wednesday because it offers an all-you-can-drink special for $30. The special includes both beer and liquor and the all-you-can-drink deal lasts four hours. On Black Wednesday, Uncle Fatty’s is known for having either a live DJ or a live cover band, which is perfect for those looking to dance away their holiday stress. Located off the Diversey Brown Line, there is never a cover to enter this tropical-themed Chicago bar.

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Kirkwood Bar & Grill
2934 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60689
(773) 770-0700
www.kirkwoodbar.com

This Chicago bar is the perfect place to hang out on Black Wednesday for those looking to indulge in some festive drinks. For the holidays, Kirkwood creates pumpkin pie bombs and snow droughts. Located in Lakeview, this bar is upscale, yet casual and has a main room, back room and a huge outdoor beer garden to accommodate large crowds. There is also a full food menu for those looking to eat and drink.

(Credit: Archie’s facebook)

Archie’s Iowa & Rockwell Tavern
2600 W. Iowa St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-2626
www.facebook.com/ArchiesBar

If searching for one of the best casual bars for a Black Wednesday celebration, then check out Archie’s Iowa & Rockwell Tavern. Located in Humboldt Park, this bar has been a staple in Chicago since 1943. Every Black Wednesday, the bar has an annual Drunksgiving Eve party which is chock-full of drink specials including boozed-up hot cider drinks. While taking advantage of the drink specials, your group can play a round of pool, play a board game or play Jenga.

(Credit: timothyotooles.com)

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub
622 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 642-0700
www.timothyotooles.com

Every Black Wednesday, Timothy O’Toole’s has an annual Turkey Testicle Festival. If you have a gift of being able to eat anything, than you may win a frozen turkey. At the bar, there is a contest to see who can eat fried turkey balls the fastest, and the winner gets a Thanksgiving turkey. If an eating contest is not your thing, you can still enjoy half-priced Guinness “Black List” drinks which consist of Guinness mixed with such beers as Blue Moon, Sam Adams Boston Lager and Magic Hat. Located off the Red Line Grand stop, this casual Chicago sports bar has 48 beers on tap, a full food menu and is a great place to hang out in both big or small groups.

Natalie Kuchik is a longtime freelance writer living in Chicago. She enjoys interviewing bands, reviewing concerts, and writing about all things entertainment related. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.