RPM Happy Hour – Menu, Times & Specials 2026
Celebrity restaurants rarely hand out discounts, which makes RPM happy hour worth a look. The modern Italian spot from Bill and Giuliana Rancic runs weekday deals at the bar. Small plates start at $8, with discounted cocktails and wine by the glass. The Chicago window runs 4 to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, with an earlier 3 PM start on Friday. This guide covers the full bar menu with 2026 prices, real hours, and what varies by location.
RPM Happy Hour
RPM keeps happy hour tight and bar-only. The Chicago River North spot runs the classic weekday window with an early Friday start. Smart casual dress applies.
What Time Is RPM Happy Hour?
RPM Happy Hour runs 4 to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, with a 3 PM Friday start in Chicago. These are typical reported schedules, so confirm locally before you go.
| Location | Happy Hour (reported) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL (River North) | 4-6 PM Mon-Thu, 3-6 PM Fri | Bar only, smart casual dress |
| Washington, DC | Daily window (reported) | Confirm with the restaurant |
Bar seats are typically first come, first served. OpenTable lists the Chicago happy hour as bookable for groups, so reserve ahead for parties to be safe.
RPM Happy Hour Menu 2026
The RPM Happy Hour menu trades the full steakhouse price tag for bar-friendly portions. Small plates start at $8, and the drink list gets real discounts. Your exact lineup follows your location’s bar card.
Small Plates (from $8, reported)
| Small Plate | Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Whipped Ricotta with Honey | from $8 |
| Truffle Garlic Bread | from $8 |
| Arancini | from $8 |
| Crab Bruschetta | $10 |
| Lobster Caprese | $14 |
Drinks (reported)
| Drink | Happy Hour Price |
|---|---|
| Signature Cocktails | discounted, $12 |
| Wine by the Glass | discounted, $10 |
| Italian Spritzes | discounted |
| Draft and Bottled Beer | discounted |
Price note: typical reported ranges, not fixed prices. RPM does not publish a national happy hour menu, so each location sets its own lineup. Ask your bartender for the current card.
The Bar Playbook: How to Order
A full dinner at RPM runs $31 to $50 per person before drinks. The 2026 bar window is the smartest way to taste the same kitchen for less. Four moves get the most from it:
- Sit at the bar. Happy hour prices apply at the bar only. The bartenders know the discounted pours better than anyone.
- Order the whipped ricotta ($8). The signature starter for a reason. No other $8 plate delivers this much of the RPM experience.
- Try the wine by the glass ($10). RPM’s wine program runs deep. A discounted glass here beats a full-price pour almost anywhere else.
- Go Friday at 3 PM. The earlier Friday start means first pick of bar seats. By 5 PM the bar fills with the after-work crowd.
How to Find Your RPM Italian
Confirming your local restaurant takes two minutes:
- Open the official RPM Italian Chicago page or the RPM Italian DC page. Check hours and directions.
- Call the restaurant to confirm the happy hour window and bar availability.
- Ask about valet parking. The Chicago River North location offers valet service.
FAQs
What time is RPM happy hour?
RPM Happy Hour typically runs 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. On Friday, the Chicago bar starts earlier at 3:00 PM. Confirm with your location before you go.
Which RPM locations have happy hour?
The Chicago River North location runs the weekday bar happy hour. The Washington, DC location reports its own version. Check the restaurant’s page or call ahead before you go.
What food is on the bar menu at RPM?
Small plates start at $8 and include signatures like whipped ricotta with honey, truffle garlic bread, arancini, crab bruschetta, and lobster caprese. The exact lineup varies by location.
Are the happy hour deals available at a table?
Happy hour pricing applies at the bar only. Dining room tables pay regular menu prices. Ask the host whether your seat falls inside the happy hour zone.
Does RPM Italian have happy hour on weekends?
Happy hour is typically weekdays only at the Chicago location. Weekends pay regular prices in the bar and dining room. The DC location reports a daily window, so confirm locally.
What is the best deal at the RPM bar?
The $8 small plates carry the deepest discount. Signatures like whipped ricotta with honey and truffle garlic bread taste like the main dining room at roughly half the price.
Do you need a reservation for happy hour?
Bar seats are typically first come, first served. OpenTable lists the Chicago happy hour as bookable for groups of 1 to 14, so reserve ahead for parties to be safe.
More Happy Hour Guides
Compare these upscale deals with more afternoon specials.
