Guide: Where to Kick Back & Party for Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is Monday and that means the unofficial end to summer is almost upon us. Take advantage of the nice weather while it's still here and get outside this weekend. Numerous places across the city will offer their brunch menus, al fresco dining and even pig roasts to celebrate the workers of America. So sit back, relax and say goodbye to the dog days of summer as we move into fall.

1) Vertigo Sky Lounge
Where: 2 W. Erie
What: Celebrate a day early with a Labor Day Sunday Funday party in the sky. Take in the view and preview the new fall menu from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. alongside the house DJ. Dishes include crab cake and shrimp salad sliders, citrus salmon roll and a Hamachi Heaven roll. $12 Skyy Vodka piña coladas and Lemon Drops on Top will also be available.
Call: 312-202-6060

2) Bangers & Lace
Where: 1670 W. Division
What: What better way to end summer than with a hot dog eating contest? Participants will have five minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible and will receive a t-shirt and cold beer to wash it all down. The winner will receive two tickets to a Chicago Bears home game. The competition starts at 2 p.m. and is $25 to enter.
Call: 773-252-6499

3) Brasserie by LM
Where: 800 S. Michigan
What: Take in the view on the spacious patio overlooking the skyline. Brasserie's Croque Menu will be available as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to a la carte options, a $25 mimosa and entrée specials will also be offered.
Call: 312-431-1788

4) Frontier
Where: 1072 N. Milwaukee
What: Enjoy al fresco dining and Labor Day Weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, specials include $3 whiskey or bourbon shots, $4 select craft drafts and half off 22-ounce craft bottles.
Call: 773-772-4322

5) Epic
Where: 112 W. Hubbard
What: Celebrate the American work force with a Sunday in the Sky rooftop party from 4 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy $20 sangria pitchers, $5 Stoli blueberry lemonades and $4 Coors Light bottles. The full lounge menu will be available with selections like ahi tuna tartare, raw oysters, steamed mussels, tacos, burgers and more.
Call: 312-222-4940

6) Chicago Cut Steakhouse
Where: 300 N. LaSalle
What: Relax next to the river with a spectacular view of the city. On Sunday, guests can enjoy a traditional lobster boil consisting of one-pound lobster served with corn, baby red potatoes, mussels, clams, shrimp and chorizo sausage for $35.
Call: 312-329-1800

7) HUB 51
Where: 51 W. Hubbard
What: Start Labor Day off right with brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get your fill of $6 Bloody Marys and mimosas and chow down on huevos rancheros, French toast, breakfast nachos and much more.
Call: 312-828-0051

8) Oak Street Beach Food + Drink
Where: 1001 N. Lake Shore
What: Spend your last days of summer on the beach and say goodbye with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink pig roast. The feast features roasted pig, pulled pork sliders and sides such as corn on the cob, potato salad and watermelon salad. Wash it down with beer and cocktails while enjoying live music from Juniper Mays. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the cost is $40.
Call: 312-988-4650

9) Shaw's Crab House
Where: 21 E. Hubbard; 1900 E. Higgins, Schaumberg, IL
What: Celebrate in style with half-priced oysters all day at both locations.
Call: 312-527-2722; 847-517-2722

10) Red Door
Where: 2118 N. Damen
What: Nothing says summer like drinks, music and a hog roast. $18 gets you all-you-can-eat pork and delicious sides, with Oskar Blues providing the beer and British Knights bringing the live entertainment.
Call: 773-697-7221

11) City Winery
Where: 1200 W. Randolph
What: The first annual Bubbly Q will have live performances from three bands, authentic barbecue and glasses of bubblies. Dishes include barbecue duck on challah, barbecue turkey sliders, barbecue chicken drumsticks, traditional elotes and more. Tickets are $10 (includes entertainment and a glass of bubbly; barbecue is extra) and can be purchased online.
Call: 312-733-9463

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